Testing for respiratory pathogens using comprehensive multiplex molecular panels has become a valuable diagnostic tool to assist in early identification of causative organisms. Appropriate use supports timely and directed antimicrobial therapy, especially for...
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases declared the start of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season in week 7 (week ending 20 February) and the positivity rate has continued to increase through March and April.Circulation of adenovirus, parainfluenza...
Enteric fever includes typhoid fever (an infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi) and paratyphoid fever (infections caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotypes Paratyphi A, B or rarely, C) Paratyphoid fever isclinically indistinguishable...
Primary aldosteronism (PA), also known as Conn's syndrome, is common and has a significantly higher cardiovascular risk profile than sex-, age-, and BP-matched patients with essential hypertension. PA is now considered a major public health issue, which requires a...
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory specimens is an essential tool in screening and diagnosing COVID-191. Clinical virology laboratories often make use of a diverse repertoire of testing platforms with varying...
Gout is a common clinical disease and, furthermore, it is readily treatable and managed by the long-term use of urate lowering medication. Gout, the clinical syndrome, needs to be distinguished from hyperuricaemia which refers to the increased levels of serum urate. ...
On 26 November 2021 the WHO designated the new SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.529, now named Omicron, a variant of concern. Much is still unknown about Omicron and it is expected that the variant’s real world impact will become clearer over the next weeks. What is Omicron?...
COVID-19 and ARDS In individuals with co-morbidities, defective immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 may allow unrestricted viral replication which elicits hyperinflammation and severe complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).COVID-19 resulting in...
In recent years, liquid biopsies have emerged as a promising tool in the fields of molecular oncology and precision medicine. Liquid biopsy methodology typically analyses genomic DNA isolated from circulating tumour cells (CTCs) or circulating cell-free tumour DNA...
Due to a rapid increase in serious infections related to especially carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales, the clinical use of the polymyxin antibiotics colistin (polymyxin E), and polymyxin B has recently resurged as salvage therapy for otherwise untreatable...