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Evaluation of Different Machine Learning Approaches to Predict Antigenic Distance Among Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) Strains.
No full textNewcastle disease virus (NDV) continues to present a significant challenge for vaccination due to its rapid evolution and the emergence of new variants. Although molecular and sequence data are now quickly and inexpensively produced, genetic distance rarely serves as a good proxy for cross-protection, while experimental studies to assess antigenic differences are time consuming and resource intensive. In response to these challenges, this study explores and compares several machine learning (ML) methods to predict the antigenic distance between NDV strains as determined by hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) assays. By analyzing F and HN gene sequences alongside corresponding amino acid features, we developed predictive models aimed at estimating antigenic distances. Among the models evaluated, the random forest (RF) approach outperformed traditional linear models, achieving a predictive accuracy with an R value of 0.723 compared to only 0.051 for linear models based on genetic distance alone. This significant improvement demonstrates the usefulness of applying flexible ML approaches as a rapid and reliable tool for vaccine selection, minimizing the need for labor-intensive experimental trials. Moreover, the flexibility of this ML framework holds promise for application to other infectious diseases in both animals and humans, particularly in scenarios where rapid response and ethical constraints limit conventional experimental approaches.</p
Surveillance épidémiologique de Cryptosporidium en Belgique, 2019-2024
No full text
Le nombre de cas de Cryptosporidium rapporté en Belgique a diminué entre 2019 et 2020, il était également faible en 2021, puis il a fortement augmenté en 2022 et en 2023, dépassant les niveaux prépandémie. Une diminution a ensuite été observée en 2024.
Entre 2019 et 2024, comme les années précédentes, les groupes d’âge les plus touchés étaient les enfants de moins de 10 ans.
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Respi-Radar: a tool to monitor respiratory infections, Belgium, winter season 2023/24.
No full textFollowing the experience gained during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belgian Risk Assessment Group (RAG) developed the Respi-Radar in the summer of 2023 to assess the epidemiological situation of respiratory infections and inform public health preparedness and response in Belgium. The Respi-Radar consists of four risk levels (green, yellow, orange and red), which indicate the extent of viral circulation and/or pressure on the healthcare system. Based on these risk levels, authorities can apply adequate measures depending on the epidemiological trends. The Respi-Radar uses six indicators from the influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection sentinel surveillances in nursing homes, primary and secondary healthcare and wastewater surveillance. Additional information such as data from the national reference laboratory is also used to assess the epidemiological situation. Using the Respi-Radar tool, the RAG regularly evaluated the epidemiological situation of respiratory infections between September 2023 and March 2024. The Respi-Radar tool was useful for following epidemiological trends and effectively communicate the epidemiological situation of respiratory infections. Linking specific measures to each risk level was less straightforward. The experience gained using the Respi-Radar tool was key in determining an appropriate approach to assess and manage the epidemiological situation for future respiratory seasons.</p
SARMs, Metabolic Modulators and Growth Hormone Secretagogues in Suspected Illegal Medicines, Bought as Sport Performance Enhancers: A Retro‐ and Prospective Study Within the GEONABSTRACT
No full textAlthough the abuse of muscle-building compounds in elite sports is already known for a long time, these products have become more popular in recreational sport over the past years. Although anabolic steroids are still the most popular ones in this context, the use of other molecules with anabolic properties is on the rise. Three categories of such products are the selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), the metabolic modulators and the growth hormone secretagogues (GHS). Based on this trend and the outcomes of a previous market surveillance study in the domain of illegal products (MSSIP), the Falsified Medicines Working Group of the General European Official Medicines Control Laboratories (OMCL) Network (GEON) decided to conduct an MSSIP with focus on SARMs, metabolic modulators and GHS over a period of 5 years. In total 324 samples and 354 results, reported by 14 laboratories in 13 countries, members of the GEON, were taken into account, for which the majority of the samples originated from illegal distribution. Sixty-five percent of the seized products were represented as medicine, though 24% as dietary supplements, which is of concern because here the (recreational) sporter is not aware he is taking an (unapproved) pharmaceutical. Eighteen different molecules, within the scope of the study, were reported with as top 5: ibutamoren, ligandrol, ostarine, cardarine and andarine. From the limited quantitative data reported,it can be assumed that the majority of the samples contain active doses and some are even overdosed, so health risks for the consumers cannot be neglected.</p
4CMenB vaccine coverage of invasive serogroup B meningococci collected in Belgium between 2016 and 2022
No full textNeisseria meningitidis infections can cause life-threatening meningitis and septicemia. In Europe, serogroup B (MenB) is the leading cause of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), particularly in young children. Genomic surveillance of circulating MenB strains through whole genome sequencing (WGS) provides a powerful tool to assess the potential impact of vaccination strategies, including the 4CMenB vaccine, which is available for infants from 2 months of age. Here, we present a retrospective WGS based analysis of clinical MenB IMD cases (n = 311) recovered in Belgium from 2016 to 2022 by the Belgian National Reference Center. High-quality WGS data were obtained for 281 of these strains, demonstrating high genetic diversity of the antigen targets included in the 4-component meningococcal serogroup B vaccine 4CMenB (fHbp, PorA, NHBA and NadA) and at the 4CMenB Antigen Sequence Types (BAST) level. Novel antigen combinations, not yet assigned a BAST ID, were detected in 23.5% of isolates. Vaccine coverage was predicted using the Genetic Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (gMATS) and the Meningococcal Deduced Vaccine Antigen Reactivity (MenDeVAR) index. Of the 281 strains, 79.5% (lower limit–upper limit: 68.0–91.5%) were predicted to be covered by the vaccine by gMATS, and 80.7% (lower limit–upper limit: 66.5–95.4%) by MenDeVAR. No evidence of variation in vaccine coverage was found throughout the study period nor between different age groups, demonstrating the broad applicability of 4CMenB. This study highlights the benefits of a pathogen surveillance program and the need for experimental characterization of continuously evolving antigenic subvariants of Neisseria meningitidis.</p
