ABSTRACT Background H5Nx goose/Guangdong (Gs/GD) lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses pose a significant public health threat due to their global spread, mutation accumulation, and expanding host range. The descendant clade 2.3.4.4b has been causing widespread infections in birds and increasing spillover events in mammals. Methods This report documents the first fatal case of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b infection in a domestic cat in Italy, detected in early January 2025. The cat (CAT 1) resided on a backyard poultry farm experiencing a high pathogenicity avian influenza outbreak and succumbed rapidly following the onset of respiratory signs. A second exposed cat (CAT 2) developed clinical disease without fatal outcome. Comprehensive outbreak investigations were conducted, including pathological, serological, molecular analyses, and genomic characterization. Results Pathological examination of CAT 1 revealed acute necrotizing bronchointerstitial pneumonia, non‐suppurative meningoencephalitis, and disseminated foci of hepatic necrosis. Interestingly, the PB2‐E627K mutation associated with mammalian virus adaptation was observed in the feline viral isolate compared to avian isolates. Such polymerase complex mutations are key determinants of host range and increase pathogenicity in mammals. CAT 2 from the same farm tested negative for AIV genome detection but subsequently seroconverted for antibodies against NPA, H5, and N1. Conclusion Sharing these findings is crucial for surveillance aimed at enabling early identification of increased risks to human and animal health, preventing cross‐species viral transmission and mitigating the risk of potential spillover events.
G. D’Annunzio, Ana Moreno, Giovanni Tosi et al.· Influenza and Other Respirat...· 0 citations
OBJECTIVES
This study aims at estimating uptake of risk-based recommended adult vaccinations among major chronic-condition subgroups in Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) and at quantifying sociodemographic and territorial determinants of vaccine uptake.
METHODS
Retrospective, population-based record-linkage study including all residents aged ≥18 years registered on December 31, 2023 (N = 3 793 475). Chronic conditions (nonmutually exclusive: diabetes, cardiopathies, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], chronic kidney disease, cancer, and anatomical asplenia) were identified through multisource algorithms applied to regional administrative databases (2020-2024). Vaccination histories were retrieved from the Regional Vaccination Registry-Real Time (2000-2024); uptake was defined as ≥1 recorded dose. Uptake was modeled via subgroup-specific multivariable logistic regression (sex, age group, citizenship, Local Health Authority).
RESULTS
Pneumococcal uptake ranged from 28.4% in cancer to 40.7% in COPD and was markedly higher in anatomical asplenia (85.1%). Composite uptake mirrored these patterns (32.6% cancer; 42.0% COPD; 85.5% asplenia). Uptake of other risk-indicated vaccines was low in large subgroups, whereas asplenia showed high meningococcal uptake (MenACWY 67.5%; MenB 65.8%). In multivariable models, Italian citizenship was consistently associated with statistically significant higher odds of composite uptake (OR 1.348-2.527), and male sex increased odds in all subgroups (P < .001) except for asplenia. Age effects were substantial but condition specific. Residual territorial heterogeneity persisted after adjustment.
CONCLUSIONS
Algorithm-based identification of chronic-disease populations linked to immunization registries enables scalable, risk-stratified monitoring applicable to any chronic-condition subgroup definable through administrative codes. This approach detects strong equity gradients and persistent between-Local-Health-Authority variation, supporting regression-based indicators for subregional benchmarking and targeted strengthening of integrated multivaccine delivery pathways.
Gabriella Frasca, Daniela Fortuna, C. Cintori et al.· Value in Health Regional Iss...· 0 citations
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