Early Release
Disclaimer: Early release articles are not considered as final versions. Any changes will be reflected in the online version in the month the article is officially released.
Volume 31, Number 3—March 2025
Synopses
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Corynebacterium diphtheriae Infections, South Africa, 2015–2023
We reviewed Corynebacterium spp. infection cases reported in South Africa during 2015–2023. We analyzed 84 isolates from 83 patients with C. diphtheriae, as well as 1 C. belfantii and 3 C. ulcerans isolates. Among C. diphtheriae cases, we observed respiratory diphtheria (26/83 patients [31%]), endocarditis (14/83 [17%]), cutaneous diphtheria (22/83 [27%]), nonspecific respiratory illnesses (5/83 [6%]), and asymptomatic carriage (16/83 [19%]). The median patient age was 19 (range 0–88) years. Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccination was incomplete for 26% (5/19) or unknown for 68% (13/19) of children 0–9 years of age. C. diphtheriae was intermediately resistant to penicillin (82/84 [98%] isolates; MIC90 0.5 μg/mL) but susceptible to erythromycin (83/84 [99%] isolates; MIC90 0.25 μg/mL). Eighteen unique sequence types were identified, corroborating C. diphtheriae heterogeneity. Toxin-producing strains were detected among cutaneous and respiratory diphtheria cases, indicating all forms of disease require monitoring and prompt public health action to curb transmission.
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Candida auris Outbreak and Epidemiologic Response in Burn Intensive Care Unit, Illinois, United States, 2021–2023
Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen associated with outbreaks in healthcare settings. We report a multiyear outbreak of C. auris in a burn intensive care unit in Illinois, USA, during 2021–2023. We identified 28 C. auris cases in the unit over a 2-year period, despite outbreak response and multimodal mitigation measures. Of the 28 case-patients, 15 (53.6%) were considered colonized and 13 (46.4%) had clinical infections. Phylogenetic analysis of whole-genome sequences revealed 4 distinct clusters of closely related (0–6 SNP differences) genomes containing 3–6 cases. Clusters generally contained temporally related isolates from patients with epidemiologic links; this finding suggests that multiple introductions and within-unit spread over a limited time were responsible for the outbreak, rather than transmission from a long-term source (e.g., persistent environmental contamination or staff carriage). Here, integrated traditional and genomic epidemiology supported C. auris outbreak investigation and response and informed targeted interventions.
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Genetic Diversity and Geographic Spread of Henipaviruses
Henipaviruses, such as Hendra and Nipah viruses, are major zoonotic pathogens that cause encephalitis and respiratory infections in humans and animals. The recent emergence of Langya virus in China highlights the need to understand henipavirus host diversity and geographic spread to prevent future outbreaks. Our analysis of the National Center for Biotechnology Information Virus and VIRION databases revealed ≈1,117 henipavirus sequences and 142 complete genomes. Bats (64.7%) and shrews (11.7%) dominated the host species record, and the genera Pteropus and Crocidura contained key henipavirus hosts in Asia, Australia, and Africa. Henipaviruses found in the Eidolon bat genus exhibited the highest within-host genetic distance. Phylogenetic analysis revealed batborne and rodent- or shrew-derived henipaviruses diverged ≈11,000 years ago and the first known lineage originating in Eidolon genus bats ≈9,900 years ago. Pathogenic henipaviruses diverged from their ancestors 2,800–1,200 years ago. Including atypical hosts and regions in future investigations is necessary to control future outbreaks.
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Epidemiology of Buruli Ulcer in Victoria, Australia, 2017–2022
Buruli ulcer (BU) is a rare, neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans that can lead to severe skin ulcers. To determine the epidemiology of BU in Victoria, Australia, during 2017–2022 we analyzed surveillance data. A total of 1,751 cases of BU were notified; 968 (55%) patients were male and 781 (45%) female (2 were missing sex data), and 984 (56%) resided in established BU-endemic areas, although an increasing number were in new BU-endemic areas. Most cases (83%, 1,301) were classified as category I. Multivariate modeling demonstrated that factors for severe BU included being male, being older, and living in a new BU-endemic or non–BU-endemic area. A relatively shorter interval between first visit to a clinician and receipt of diagnosis was protective against severe disease. The expansion of BU-endemic areas throughout Victoria remains a public health concern and calls for targeted action, particularly for patients and clinicians in new BU-endemic areas.
Research
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Mycobacterium nebraskense Isolated from Patients in Connecticut and Oregon, USA
Mycobacterium nebraskense infection is rarely encountered; only 7 human cases have been reported worldwide since the initial report of 5 cases in Nebraska, USA, in 2004. We report 9 patients from Connecticut and 2 from Oregon, USA, who had M. nebraskense isolated from respiratory secretions; 7 patients met the American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease. In 4 cases, the organism was isolated 1 time and caused brief or no symptoms. Most cases in Connecticut were reported after 2017. Antimicrobial drug susceptibility testing of 6 isolates showed clarithromycin susceptibility. In 2 cases, infection was refractory to treatment. The 9 Connecticut patients lived in 8 different towns; thus, a common water supply did not explain the high frequency of M. nebraskense isolation. M. nebraskense is a clinically significant cause of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease in Connecticut; continued surveillance will be needed to determine its frequency and optimum treatment.
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Genomic Characterization of Circulating Dengue Virus, Ethiopia, 2022–2023
In Ethiopia, dengue virus (DENV) infections have been reported in several regions; however, little is known about the genetic diversity of circulating viruses. We conducted clinical surveillance of DENV during the 2023 nationwide outbreak in Ethiopia. We enrolled patients at 3 sentinel hospital sites. Using reverse transcription PCR, we screened serum samples for 3 arboviruses and then serotyped and whole-genome sequenced DENV-positive samples. We detected DENV-1 and DENV-3 serotypes. Phylogenetic analysis identified 1 transmission cluster for DENV-1 (genotype III major lineage A) and 2 clusters for DENV-3 (genotype III major lineage B). The first DENV-3 cluster was closely related to an isolate from a 2023 dengue outbreak in Italy; the second cluster was related to isolates from India. Co-circulation of DENV-1 and DENV-3 in Ethiopia highlights the potential for severe dengue. Intensified surveillance and coordinated public health responses are needed to address the threat of severe dengue outbreaks.
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High Prevalence of atpE Mutations in Bedaquiline-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates, Russia
Bedaquiline is a cornerstone drug for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis. We analyzed 11 isolates from 9 patients who were treated with a bedaquiline-based regimen and remained culture-positive long after treatment start. In 4 of 8 resistant isolates, we found substitutions in AtpE, which encodes subunit c of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis ATP synthase and is rarely identified in clinical isolates. We found Ile66Met and Glu61Asp substitutions in 2 cases each. Additional mutations in mmpL5, mmpL4, and atpB genes could affect the susceptibility to bedaquiline. MmpL5(Asn772Thr) emerged during bedaquiline treatment, whereas AtpB(Val165Leu) was found in 1 case simultaneously with the loss-of-function mmpR5 mutation in a susceptible strain. The loss-of-function mutation in the mmpL4 efflux gene was identified in the mixed state, pointing to ongoing selection in a bedaquiline-resistant isolate. Another case of the emergence of the mmpL4 mutation, accompanied by a proportional increase in bedaquiline MIC, was identified by retrospective analysis of genomes from bedaquiline-resistant isolates.
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Effect of Prior Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus Infection on Pathogenesis and Transmission of Human Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus in Ferret Model
Reports of human infections with an influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus associated with outbreaks in dairy cows in the United States underscore the need to assess the potential cross-protection conferred by existing influenza immunity. We serologically evaluated ferrets previously infected with an influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus for cross-reactive antibodies and then challenged 3 months later with either highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b or low pathogenicity H7N9 virus. Our results showed that prior influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection more effectively reduced the replication and transmission of the H5N1 virus than did the H7N9 virus, a finding supported by the presence of group 1 hemagglutinin stalk and N1 neuraminidase antibodies in preimmune ferrets. Our findings suggest that prior influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection may confer some level of protection against influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4.b virus.
- Efficacy and Safety of 4-Month Rifapentine-Based Tuberculosis Treatments in Persons with Diabetes
- Impact, Costs, and Cost-Effectiveness of Tuberculosis Outbreak Investigations, United States
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Influenza A(H5N1) Immune Response among Ferrets with Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Immunity
The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in dairy cattle herds across the United States in 2024 caused several human infections. Understanding the risk for spillover infections into humans is crucial for protecting public health. We investigated whether immunity from influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 (pH1N1) virus would provide protection from death and severe clinical disease among ferrets intranasally infected with H5N1 virus from dairy cows from the 2024 outbreak. We observed differential tissue tropism among pH1N1-immune ferrets. pH1N1-immune ferrets also had little H5N1 viral dissemination to organs outside the respiratory tract and much less H5N1 virus in nasal secretions and the respiratory tract than naive ferrets. In addition, ferrets with pH1N1 immunity produced antibodies that cross-reacted with H5N1 neuraminidase protein. Taken together, our results suggest that humans with immunity to human seasonal influenza viruses may experience milder disease from the 2024 influenza A(H5N1) virus strain.
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Postelimination Cluster of Lymphatic Filariasis, Futuna, 2024
After detection of 2 clinical lymphatic filariasis (LF) cases in a postelimination context in 2023 on the island of Futuna (Wallis and Futuna archipelago), the Wallis and Futuna Health Agency conducted a LF prevalence survey in Futuna in May 2024. This cross-sectional study, carried out among schoolchildren <18 years of age, identified 5 children with antigenemia, indicating an estimated antigenemia prevalence in Futuna children nearing 2%. The study also confirmed a spatial cluster of cases in the village of Taoa, where the child antigenemia prevalence reached 7.5% (95% CI 2.1%–18.2%), and demonstrated a link between infection and traditional housing. We observed microfilariae in contact cases during secondary investigations. These findings suggest resurgence of LF in a postelimination context, in which the expected child antigenemia prevalence should not exceed 1%. This situation should prompt a new mass drug administration campaign using triple therapy and the reinforcement of epidemiologic and entomologic surveillance.
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A 28-Year Multicenter Cohort Study of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lymphadenitis in Children, Spain
We describe the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis cases detailed in a 28-year (1996–2023) multicenter cohort from Spain. The case numbers remained stable during the initial prospective phase (2013–2020), but a sharp decline was observed during 2021–2022. Disease onset occurred during spring or June in 45.9% of cases. Mycobacterium avium complex (43.1%) and M. lentiflavum (39.9%) were the most common species detected. M. lentiflavum affected mostly younger children from central Spain. The most common treatment strategy was complete surgical resection with (n = 80) or without (n = 88) antimicrobial drug treatment, followed by antimicrobial drugs alone (n = 76). Facial palsy developed in 10.4% of surgical cases. Adverse events because of antimicrobial drugs were uncommon. New fistula formation during follow-up occurred more in children managed with observation alone than in those treated with antimicrobial drugs alone (relative risk 2.7 [95% CI 1.3–5.3]; p = 0.014).
- 2023 Diphtheria Outbreak among Persons Experiencing Homelessness Linked to 2022 Diphtheria Outbreak, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Dispatches
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Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections among Children after COVID-19 Pandemic, Ohio, USA
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections decreased in Ohio, USA, during the COVID-19 pandemic but reemerged in 2023; >2,000 cases were reported during September 2023–September 2024. Of 995 M. pneumoniae–positive samples, 24 (2.4%) had mutations for macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (MRMp). MRMp rates are low but increasing. MRMp surveillance is crucial for monitoring antimicrobial resistance.
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Cefotaxime-Resistant Neisseria meningitidis Sequence Type 4821 Causing Fulminant Meningitis
We explored the role of commensal Neisseria in the emergence of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant N. meningitidis. Cefotaxime resistance–conferring penA795 was prevalent among commensal Neisseria isolates in Shanghai, China, and was acquired by a serogroup C quinolone-resistant sequence type 4821 N. meningitidis, Nm507, causing fulminant meningitis in an unvaccinated 2-year-old child.
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Meningococcal Sepsis in Patient with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria during Pegcetacoplan Therapy
Complement C5 inhibitors bring an increased risk for Neisseria infections. A novel complement C3 inhibitor, pegcetacoplan, was recently approved to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, a condition commonly treated with complement C5 inhibitors. We present a case of meningococcal sepsis in a pegcetacoplan-treated patient with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
- Donor-Derived Ehrlichiosis Caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis from Living Donor Kidney Transplant
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Simultaneous Detection of Sarcocystis hominis, S. heydorni, and S. sigmoideus in Human Intestinal Sarcocystosis, France, 2021–2024
To elucidate the epidemiology of Sarcocystis spp. parasites in human intestinal infections, we used high-throughput sequencing to investigate human intestinal sarcocystosis cases identified by microscopy in France during 2021–2024. Our results indicate that humans are a definitive host of S. sigmoideus parasites and that occurrence of multiple species in 1 patient is common.
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Haemophilus influenzae Type b Meningitis in Infants, New York, New York, USA, 2022–2023
Two unvaccinated infants residing in the same borough of New York, New York, USA, had Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis develop 1 year apart. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the isolates shared a previously undescribed multilocus sequence type and were more closely related to each other than to other sequenced strains.
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Mycobacterium ulcerans in Possum Feces before Emergence in Humans, Australia
We describe emergence of Buruli ulcer in urban Geelong, Victoria, Australia, and examine timing and proximity of human cases to detection of Mycobacterium ulcerans DNA in possum feces. M. ulcerans–positive feces preceded human cases by up to 39 months, constituting an early warning of impending risk for Buruli ulcer.
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Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Enterobacterales in Municipal Wastewater Collections, Switzerland, 2019–2023
We quantified presumptive extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Serratia, and Citrobacter group colonies from wastewater in Basel, Switzerland, across 3 years to represent before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Wastewater surveillance might be a noninvasive, sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective instrument for early detection and monitoring local epidemiology.
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National Active Case-Finding Program for Tuberculosis in Prisons, Peru, 2024
During January–September 2024, a national active case-finding program in Peru’s prisons screened >38,000 persons for tuberculosis (TB) using chest radiography with automated interpretation and rapid molecular tests. The program found high percentages of TB, rifampin-resistant TB, and asymptomatic infections, demonstrating the urgent need for systematic screening among incarcerated populations.
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Outbreak Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis with Unusual Combination of Resistance Mutations, Northern Argentina, 2006–2022
To reconstruct transmission chains of the multidrug-resistant tuberculosis Ch strain, which harbors a unique combination of resistance mutations, we analyzed genomes of 25 isolates from 12 patients with diagnosis during 2006–2022 in Chaco Province, Argentina. Amplification of resistance, high mortality rates, and indications of a wider outbreak raise concerns for surveillance programs.
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Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens Respiratory Infection in Immunocompetent Man
Tsukamurella spp. are an infrequent and underdiagnosed cause of bacterial respiratory infection, usually occurring in patients with structural lung disease or immune compromise. We describe T. tyrosinosolvens respiratory infection in a patient in Australia without structural lung disease or known immune deficiency. The patient was successfully treated with oral ciprofloxacin and clarithromycin.
Research Letters
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Neurosarcocystosis in Patient with HIV-Induced Immunodeficiency
Sarcocystis is a genus of protozoan parasites that can infect various vertebrates. In humans, Sarcocystis infection usually is asymptomatic but might manifest as a mild gastroenteritis or extraintestinal myositis. We report a case of human central nervous system infection in Norway caused by S. nesbitti parasites.
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Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, Kharkiv, Ukraine, 2019–2023
Rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified by the World Health Organization as a pathogen of public health critical importance. During 2014–2023, an increase in fluoroquinolone resistance in rifampin-resistant M. tuberculosis from Kharkiv, Ukraine, was observed. Efforts to mitigate factors contributing to resistance should be prioritized to prevent further escalation of that threat.
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Community-Acquired Pneumonia Caused by Avian Chlamydia abortus, the Netherlands
We report avian Chlamydia abortus pneumonia in an immunocompetent elderly patient in the Netherlands after environmental exposure to wild aquatic birds, including seabirds. New molecular surveillance studies are needed in wild and captive birds, as well as increased awareness to establish occurrence, clinical manifestations, and geographic distribution of this rare zoonotic disease.
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Evaluation of High-Dose Isoniazid in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment
High-dose isoniazid is recommended to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB). Among 958 MDR TB isolates identified in France during 2008–2022, 93.1% exhibited high-level isoniazid resistance, and molecular testing showed limited diagnostic accuracy in predicting resistance. Clinicians should reconsider using high-dose isoniazid in MDR TB treatment because of suboptimal effect and toxicity concerns.
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Lack of Competence of US Mosquito Species for Circulating Oropouche Virus
Given recent outbreaks of Oropouche virus in Latin America and >100 confirmed travel-associated cases in the United States, we evaluated the competence of US vectors, including Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex pipiens, and Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquitoes. Results with historic and recent isolates suggest transmission potential for those species is low.
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Annual Hospitalizations for COVID-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, United States, 2023–2024
Projections for the US 2023–24 respiratory virus season indicated a 31% decrease to a 55% increase in hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and COVID-19 compared with 2022–23, depending on circulating variants and vaccination uptake. The projections captured the tripledemic peak but missed the multiwave seasonality of COVID-19.
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Urban Coatis (Nasua nasua) Exposure to Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae
We detected neutralizing antibodies, viral RNA, and sialic acid receptors for Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae in urban coatis (Nasua nasua) in Brazil, suggesting exposure and susceptibility. We used hemagglutination inhibition, reverse transcription qualitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry for detection. Increased epidemiologic wildlife surveillance would improve influenza A emergency event response.
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Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a Community Hospital, Luanda, Angola
In a longitudinal study in a first-level hospital in Luanda, Angola, we found rifampin-resistant and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in 38 (8%, 95% CI 5.7–10.8) of 474 patients with no previous history of TB. Of note, 2 patients (0.4%, 95% CI 0.1–1.5) demonstrated pre–extensively drug-resistant TB.
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Identification of 2 Novel Species, Mycobacterium novusgordonae and M. shingordonae
We identified 2 novel species, Mycobacterium novusgordonae and M. shingordonae, from sputum specimens of pulmonary disease patients in Japan. Genetic and biochemical analyses revealed a close relationship with M. paragordonae. One M. shingordonae case-patient experienced severe progressive infection, highlighting the variation in pathogenicity of the M. gordonae clade species.
Another Dimension
Etymologia
Online Report
Volume 31, Number 4—April 2025
Synopses
- Maternal and Fetal Implications of Oropouche Fever, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, 2024
- Erythema Migrans Skin Lesions Less Frequent in Lyme Reinfections, Europe
- Alistipes Bacteremia in Older Patients with Digestive and Cancer Comorbidities, Japan, 2016–2024
Research
- Foodborne Illness Acquired in the United States—Major Pathogens, 2019
- A Population-Based Matched Cohort Study of Healthcare Costs Attributable to COVID-19 in Ontario, Canada
- Detection and Decontamination of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions during Venison Processing
- Epidemiology of Tularemia among Humans and Animals, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, 2012–2022
- Neutralizing Antibodies against California Serogroup Orthobunyaviruses in Human Serum Samples, Montana, USA
- Prevalence of Herpes B Virus in Wild Long-Tailed Macaques, Thailand, 2018–2024
- Predictive Model for Estimating Annual Ebolavirus Spillover Potential
- Oz Virus Infection in Six Animal Species, Including Macaques, Bears, and Companion Animals, Japan
- Carbapenem-Resistant, Virulence Plasmid–Harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae, United States
- Antiviral Susceptibility of Clade 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4b H5N1 Viruses from Humans, 2023–2024
Dispatches
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome after Ixodes scapularis Tick Bite, Maine, USA, 2014–2023
- Onset of Alpha-Gal Syndrome after Tick Bite, Washington, USA
- Reemergence of Brucella abortus, Israel, 2021
- Bartonella Quintana Endocarditis and Pauci-Immune Glomerulonephritis in A Patient
- Dynamics of Bagaza, West Nile, and Usutu Viruses Revealed by Surveillance in Red-Legged Partridges, Portugal, 2018–2022
- Exposure of Wild Mammals Inhabiting Alaska to Influenza A(H5N1) Virus
- Yaws Circulating in Nonhuman Primates, Uganda and Rwanda
Research Letters
- Nipah Virus Detection in Pteropus hypomelanus Bats in Central Java, Indonesia
- Rabbit Hepatitis E Virus, Ukraine, 2024
- HAdV-B55 Infection in Patient without Recent Travel History, France
- Local Circulation of Sindbis Virus in Wild Birds and Horses, the Netherlands, 2021–2022
- Increased Recognition of Human Anaplasmosis, Ontario, Canada, 2021
- Emerging Trends in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, Japan
- Spread of Dual-Resistant Mycoplasma genitalium Clone among Men, France, 2021–2022
- Co-circulation of Two Oropouche Virus Lineages during Most Recent Outbreak, Amazon Region of Peru, 2023–2024
Volume 31, Supplement—April 2025
Supplement
- SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance from Community-Distributed Rapid Antigen Tests, Wisconsin, USA
- Strategies and Opportunities to Improve Community Health through Advanced Molecular Detection and Genomic Surveillance of Infectious Diseases
The requested issue is not available.