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Australian Group on Antimicrobial Resistance surveillance outcome programs - bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Australian children and adolescents 2022 - 2023

Between January 2022 and December 2023, there were 1,827 bloodstream infection (BSI) isolates in 1,745 children and adolescents reported to the Australian Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (AGAR) surveillance outcome programs, with 40% of episodes in children aged < 12 months. 

From random care to randomized clinical trials of patients with invasive streptococcal infections—research prioritisation and areas of equipoise

Life-threatening invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) are unpredictable, frequently fatal, and are increasing in incidence globally. In the absence of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical management for these conditions varies. Understanding current management approaches and areas of clinical equipoise will inform planning of feasible high-impact RCTs.

Subcutaneous Infusion of Benzathine Penicillin G Is Acceptable and Preferred Over Intramuscular Injections for Syphilis in Western Australian Sexual Health Clinic Attendees

Controlling the syphilis epidemic in Australia is a public health priority. Regular intramuscular (IM) injections of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) are the current standard of care for late latent syphilis in Australia; however, repeated IM BPG injections are painful, and treatment completion rates are low. Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated the tolerability and safety of high-dose subcutaneous infusions of BPG (SCIP), where the total treatment dose can be delivered at a single visit. Here we describe the experiences and preferences of attendees of Western Australian sexual health clinics in the Perth metropolitan region who have syphilis and were treated with SCIP.

Determinants of secondary prophylaxis for childhood rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia: A qualitative study of children and caregivers

Rheumatic heart disease remains a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, particularly among children. Monthly intramuscular benzathine penicillin G is the cornerstone of secondary prophylaxis, yet adherence and delivery are suboptimal. This study explores the lived experiences of children and adolescents with RHD, capturing their direct voices and those of their caregivers to understand determinants of secondary prophylaxis uptake.

Berrembi Jarragboo-Boorroo Wajawoorroo Men'Gawoom Gijam (Gija Healthy Skin Story): Two-Way Learning for Healthy Skin

Remote-living Aboriginal children in Australia contend with higher rates of skin infections than non-Indigenous children. This work was embedded within a stepped-wedge, cluster randomised controlled trial aiming to halve the rate of skin infections in remote Kimberley communities. It outlines and reflects upon the co-development of a health promotion resource in partnership with the East Kimberley community of Warmun, whilst understanding community perceptions of its impact.

A whole of country analysis of antimicrobial stewardship resources, activities and barriers for children in Australian hospitals pre- and post COVID-19

We aimed to assess and identify any gaps in antimicrobial stewardship resources and activities for all hospitalised children in Australia pre- and post- the COVID-19 pandemic

Trends in incident acute rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease in Indigenous youth in Western Australia: a retrospective cohort study

To determine age-specific and age-standardised incidence trends of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) or rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among Indigenous Western Australians aged less than 35 years of age.

Is Systemic Dissemination of BCG Following Neonatal Vaccination Required for Protection Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and is a leading cause of death. BCG is the only licensed TB vaccine. Preclinical studies have shown that in adults, intravenous administration of BCG improves protection against TB. We hypothesize that intradermal administration of BCG to the human newborn leads to low-grade BCG bacteremia and that this systemic dissemination improves protection against Mtb infection. This hypothesis is based on supporting observations including animal and human studies. It is a testable hypothesis and offers to deliver immediately actionable insight to advance the global efforts against TB.

Unpacking the “black box” of safe respiratory physiotherapy interventions delivered in the home for children with cerebral palsy and medical complexity

Describe the physiotherapy interventions provided to children with cerebral palsy at risk of respiratory illness and determine criteria for safe in-home treatment.

The effect of comprehensive geriatric assessment on treatment decisions, supportive care received, and postoperative outcomes in older adults with cancer undergoing surgery

Surgery is an essential part of cancer treatment, particularly for localised solid tumours. Geriatric assessments (GA) with tailored interventions or comprehensive GA (CGA) can identify frailty factors and needs of older adults with cancer, assisting treatment decisions and care strategies to reduce postoperative complications. This systematic review summarises the effects of GA/CGA compared to usual care for older adults with cancer intended for surgery: their impact on treatment decisions, supportive care interventions, postoperative complications, survival, and health-related quality of life.