PubMed · 11615308
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A Karenberg, M Lippert. 1995. [Not Available].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11615308/
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AIM: To describe in detail changes in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in the Czech Republic during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Another objective is molecular analysis of S. pneumoniae isolates of serotypes 3 and 19A recovered in the Czech Republic between 2018 and 2024. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease and S. pneumoniae serotypes were obtained from the invasive pneumococcal disease surveillance program in the Czech Republic. S. pneumoniae isolates of serotypes 3 (63) and 19A (66) from 2018-2024 were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) to characterize the GPSCs (Global Pneumococcal Sequence Clusters) and STs (sequence types) and place them in a global context. RESULTS: Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant decline was observed in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in the Czech Republic. Following the pandemic, the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease rose again to significantly higher levels than before the pandemic. Compared to the 2018–2019 period, the incidence of certain serotypes increased in 2023–2024, including vaccine serotypes 3, 4, 14, and 15B, while the incidence of serotypes 8, 12F, and 15A, among others, decreased. Whole genome sequencing analysis demonstrated the dominance of GPSC12 ST-180 among serotype 3 isolates throughout the study period. Among serotype 19A isolates, GPSC4 prevailed, particularly ST-416. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how rapidly the epidemiological situation of invasive pneumococcal disease can change and that continuous, systematic surveillance of invasive pneumococcal disease is necessary. The best prevention against invasive pneumococcal disease is vaccination, primarily with higher valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.
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INTRODUCTION: The Czech thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) quality assurance network was established in 1997. Its aim is to pursue a regular independent quality audit in Czech radiotherapy centres and to support state supervision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The audit is realised via mailed TL dosimetry. The TLD system consists of encapsulated LiF:Mg,Ti powder (type MT-N) read with Harshaw manual reader model 4000. Basic mode of the TLD audit covers measurements under reference conditions, specifically beam calibration checks for all clinically used photon and electron beams. Advanced mode consists of measurements under both reference and non-reference conditions using a solid multipurpose phantom ('Leuven phantom') for photon beams. The radiotherapy centres are instructed to deliver to the TLD on central beam axis absorbed dose of 2 Gy calculated with their treatment planning system for a particular treatment set-up. The TLD measured doses are compared with the calculated ones. Deviations of +/-3% are considered acceptable for both basic and advanced mode of the audit. RESULTS: There are 34 radiotherapy centres in the Czech Republic. They undergo the basic mode of the TLD audit regularly every 2 years. If a centre shows a deviation outside the acceptance level, it is audited more often. Presently, most of the checked beams comply with the acceptance level. The advanced TLD audit has been implemented as a pilot study for the present. The results were mostly within the acceptance limit for the measurements on-axis, whereas for off-axis points they fell beyond the limit more frequently, especially for set-ups with inhomogeneities, oblique incidence and wedges. CONCLUSIONS: The results prove the importance of the national TLD quality assurance network. It has contributed to the improvement of clinical dosimetry in the Czech Republic. In addition, it helps the regulatory authority to monitor effectively and regularly radiotherapy centres.