Child Melioidosis Deaths Caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei–Contaminated Borehole Water, Vietnam, 2019

Within 8 months, 3 children from 1 family in northern Vietnam died from melioidosis. Burkholderia pseudomallei of the same sequence type, 541, was isolated from clinical samples, borehole water, and garden and rice field soil. Boreholes should be properly constructed and maintained to avoid B. pseudomallei contamination

Vortex phase diagram and transition in (Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10-δ)1-x(SnO2)x superconductors

The superconducting vortex phase diagram of (Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10-δ)1-x(SnO2)x ceramics, where x  = 0, 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008, and 0.010, was investigated using resistivity measurement under magnetic fields. If the value of the offset critical temperature (Tc,offset) monotonously decreased on the SnO2-added samples, then the mean-field critical temperature (Tmf) would slightly improve on the x  = 0.002 sample. The excess conductivity of all samples was analyzed based on the Aslamazov–Larkin and Lawrence–Doniach models. The c-axis coherence length at 0 K (ξc(0)) and the interlayer coupling strength were optimized on the x  = 0.002 sample. The activation energy (U0) calculated using the Arrhenius model was also increased, and the maximum for the x  = 0.002 sample was reached. The upper critical field (Bc2) deduced using the Werthamer–Helfand–Hohenberg model was also enhanced for the x  = 0.002 sample. The small bundle field (Bsb), large bundle field (Blb), irreversibility field (Birr), and Bc2 were combined for the vortex phase (B-T) diagram of the x  = 0.000 and x  = 0.002 samples. All pinning regimes of the x  = 0.002 sample were extended, clearly revealing the improvements in the flux pinning properties in that sample

High prevalence of colonisation with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae among patients admitted to Vietnamese hospitals : Risk factors and burden of disease

Background Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is an increasing problem worldwide, but particularly problematic in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) due to limitations of resources for surveillance of CRE and infection prevention and control (IPC). Methods A point prevalence survey (PPS) with screening for colonisation with CRE was conducted on 2233 patients admitted to neonatal, paediatric and adult care at 12 Vietnamese hospitals located in northern, central and southern Vietnam during 2017 and 2018. CRE colonisation was determined by culturing of faecal specimens on selective agar for CRE. Risk factors for CRE colonisation were evaluated. A CRE admission and discharge screening sub-study was conducted among one of the most vulnerable patient groups; infants treated at an 80-bed Neonatal ICU from March throughout June 2017 to assess CRE acquisition, hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and treatment outcome. Results A total of 1165 (52%) patients were colonised with CRE, most commonly Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=805), Escherichia coli (n=682) and Enterobacter spp. (n=61). Duration of hospital stay, HAI and treatment with a carbapenem were independent risk factors for CRE colonisation. The PPS showed that the prevalence of CRE colonisation increased on average 4.2 % per day and mean CRE colonisation rates increased from 13% on the day of admission to 89% at day 15 of hospital stay. At the NICU CRE colonisation increased from 32% at admission to 87% at discharge, mortality was significantly associated (OR 5•5, P &lt; 0•01) with CRE colonisation and HAI on admission. Conclusion These data indicate that there is an epidemic spread of CRE in Vietnamese hospitals with rapid transmission to hospitalised patients.Funding agencies: Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden; Linkoping University, County of Ostergotland, Sweden; Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education, STINT, Stockholm, Sweden; European Union, Marie Slodowska Curie Grants; ReAct, Up</p