BACKGROUND HIV screening strategies in alternative settings, such as emergency departments (EDs), aim to increase diagnosis of occult infections and achieve 95–95–95 targets for 2030. AIM To assess the effectiveness of an opt-in HIV screening strategy in EDs based on six clinical scenarios from a 2020 Spanish consensus document, while examining patient characteristics and linkage to-care. METHODS This descriptive, multicentre, retrospective study analysed epidemiological, clinical, and linkage-to-care data of individuals aged ≥ 18 years newly diagnosed with HIV between July 2021 and March 2024 in 17 EDs covering 73% of the population in Catalonia, Spain. RESULTS From 23,105 HIV serologies performed, there were 172 new diagnoses (positivity rate: 0.7%). Of these, 88.4% (152/172) were assigned male at birth, had a median age of 39 years (IQR: 30–50), and 47.9% (81/169) were Spanish. Sexual transmission was reported in 75.6% (130/172) of cases, with 55.5% (81/146) heterosexual. Fiebig stage data, available in 78.5% (135/172) of cases, showed 57.8% (78/135) had acute infection. Advanced HIV was found in 24.2% (30/124). Diagnoses related to the six clinical scenarios accounted for 54.6% (94/172) of cases. For all new diagnoses, 82.0% (137/167) were linked to specialised healthcare and started antiretroviral treatment within 9 days (IQR: 4–17), with no significant differences regarding urban/rural hospital coverage areas. CONCLUSION An opt-in HIV screening strategy in the ED is feasible and effective, especially in detecting highly transmissible patients with acute infection. However, one in five newly diagnosed individuals remained untreated, highlighting the need for improved linkage to care.

BACKGROUND Candidozyma auris has emerged globally as a major threat to public health due to its outbreak causing capacity and antifungal resistance. Outbreaks have proven difficult to control despite enhanced infection prevention measures. Thus, national surveillance is warranted. AIM We aim to characterise the epidemiology of C. auris cases in Czechia between 2022 and 2024 to investigate whether autochthonous spread is occurring and asses antifungal resistance. METHODS High-resolution genotyping was performed to assess genetic relatedness between isolates. Microbroth dilution was performed on all isolates and underlying mechanisms resistance were inspected with whole genome sequencing. RESULTS Eight cases from seven different hospitals were reported, mainly collected from non-sterile sites, in addition to the first documented prosthetic joint infection by C. auris. Only two patients reported travel history. Three clades were found, with the first report of Clade IV in Europe. For one patient, initial isolates were pan-susceptible but after short exposure to fluconazole became resistant with a novel mechanism. CONCLUSION C. auris reported in Czechia in patients without travel history suggests autochthonous spread. Three clades were present, often with unknown route of introduction. Development of fluconazole resistance upon brief exposure highlights the ability of C. auris to rapidly evolve.

BACKGROUND Candidozyma auris has emerged globally as a major threat to public health due to its outbreak causing capacity and antifungal resistance. Outbreaks have proven difficult to control despite enhanced infection prevention measures. Thus, national surveillance is warranted. AIM We aim to characterise the epidemiology of C. auris cases in Czechia between 2022 and 2024 to investigate whether autochthonous spread is occurring and asses antifungal resistance. METHODS High-resolution genotyping was performed to assess genetic relatedness between isolates. Microbroth dilution was performed on all isolates and underlying mechanisms resistance were inspected with whole genome sequencing. RESULTS Eight cases from seven different hospitals were reported, mainly collected from non-sterile sites, in addition to the first documented prosthetic joint infection by C. auris. Only two patients reported travel history. Three clades were found, with the first report of Clade IV in Europe. For one patient, initial isolates were pan-susceptible but after short exposure to fluconazole became resistant with a novel mechanism. CONCLUSION C. auris reported in Czechia in patients without travel history suggests autochthonous spread. Three clades were present, often with unknown route of introduction. Development of fluconazole resistance upon brief exposure highlights the ability of C. auris to rapidly evolve.

Respiratory syncytial virus can cause severe illness especially in young infants. A new study published in Eurosurveillance shows that immunisation of children after birth reduced the risk of hospital...

Key facts on RSV symptoms, complications, risk factors, how it spreads, prevention, vaccination and treatment.

ECDC has issued a rapid scientific advice on effective ways to mitigate the impact of RSV disease in infants through immunisation interventions.