The Increase in Invasive Bacterial Infections With Respiratory Transmission in Germany, 2022/2023.

BACKGROUND: In late 2022, health care institutions in Germany reported an unusual number of severe, invasive bacterial infections in association with a high incidence of viral respiratory infections. METHODS: We analyzed routine data on invasive infections due to Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes (2017-2023) from a voluntary, laboratory-based surveillance system involving continuously participating facilities providing diagnostic routine data that cover approximately one-third of the German population. RESULTS: In the first quarter (Q1) of 2023, the number of invasive S. pyogenes isolates rose by 142% (n = 837 vs. mean Q1/2017-2019 = 346, 95% CI [258; 434]), while the number of H. influenzae isolates rose by 90% (n = 209 in Q1/2023 vs. mean Q1/2017-2019 = 110, 95% CI [79; 142]), compared to pre-pandemic seasonal peak values. The number of invasive S. pneumoniae isolates was high in two quarters (n = 1732 in Q4/2022 und Q1/2023). Adults aged 55 and older and children younger than 5 years were most affected by invasive H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, and S. pyogenes infections. N. meningitidis was most commonly found in children under age 5. CONCLUSION: The reason for the marked rise in invasive bacterial infections may be an increased circulation of respiratory pathogens and elevated susceptibility in the population after relaxation of the measures taken to prevent COVID-19 infection. Coinfections with respiratory viruses may have reinforced this effect. We recommend continuous surveillance, preventive measures such as raising awareness about invasive bacterial diseases, and vaccination as recommended by the German Standing Committee on Vaccinations (STIKO).

Repetitive Cancer Training for Community Healthcare Workers: an Effective Method to Strengthen Knowledge and Impact on the Communities: Results from a Pilot Training at Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania.

Cancer is a growing burden in Tanzania with high mortality rates. Low level of cancer awareness in the population and health workforce is one of the reasons. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a cancer awareness training for community-level healthcare providers in Kilimanjaro Region. Main research interest was to assess the effects of the training on cancer knowledge of the healthcare workers and its application into practice. Community health workers (CHWs) (n = 25) and dispensary healthcare workers (DHCWs) (n = 16) attended cancer awareness trainings. Three training days over a 3-month period were provided for each group. Pre- and post-training assessments of the cancer knowledge were conducted on each training day. Application of the knowledge into practice was assessed at follow-up and complemented with qualitative data. Analysis of the questionnaires was provided by descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed by semantic thematic analysis. Both groups showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge after the three training days: CHWs + 10% (CI 95% = 2-18%, p = 0.015) and DHCWs 24.4% (CI 95% = 13-36%, p = 0.002). The community-level healthcare providers also started to apply the new cancer knowledge into practice and reported to feel more confident in cancer control. The pilot cancer awareness training was effective in increasing cancer knowledge and its application. It strengthened their confidence in care delivery and referral practices as well as education of the population. This concept of cancer awareness training might be also applicable to other countries in SSA.