Laboratory diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

The first laboratory confirmed case of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Australia was in Victoria on 25 January 2020 in a man returning from Wuhan city, Hubei province, the People's Republic of China. This was followed by three cases in New South Wales the following day. The Australian Government activated the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus on 27 February 2020 in anticipation of a pandemic. Subsequently, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern followed by a pandemic on 30 January 2020 and 11 March 2020, respectively. Laboratory testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, is key in identifying infected persons to guide timely public health actions of contact tracing and patient isolation to limit transmission of infection. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current laboratory diagnostic methods for SARS-CoV-2, including nucleic acid testing, serology, rapid antigen detection and antibody tests, virus isolation and whole genome sequencing. The relative advantages and disadvantages of the different diagnostic tests are presented, as well as their value in different clinical, infection control and public health contexts. We also describe the challenges in the provision of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics in Australia, a country with a relatively low COVID-19 incidence in the first pandemic wave but in which prevalence could rapidly change.

Breastfeeding trends, influences, and perceptions among Italian women: a qualitative study

Purpose: Breastfeeding behaviours are routinely assessed in worldwide capacities, and the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region has the lowest rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Rates in Italy are not well documented but suggest breastfeeding rates are rising since the early 2000s. Professional recommendations suggest exclusive breastfeeding should persist until the infant is at least six to twelve months of age. However, barriers to adhering to this recommendation exist, often resulting in a lack of initiation or premature cessation of breastfeeding behaviours. This study explored women's perceptions, attitudes, and experiences with breastfeeding living in Florence, Italy. Methods: Participants were 44 reproductive-aged (M = 31.7 ± 6.14; Range = 19 to 45 years) women currently utilizing the Italian healthcare system. All participants completed an in-depth, individual interview between June and August 2017 on topics related to reproductive health, including breastfeeding. Results: Resulting themes relate to breastfeeding trends and influences, the role of identity and empowered choice, as well as perspectives on public breastfeeding. Conclusions: Findings provide practical recommendations for future exploration and social marketing campaign application related to breastfeeding decision-making empowerment. Results can also be used for between-country comparison of breastfeeding behaviours and attitudes.

'It's just a very personal thing': contraceptive influences and decision making among women living in Italy

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess contraceptive knowledge, perceptions and experiences among reproductive-aged women in Italy. Methods: As part of a larger mixed-methods study, researchers conducted 46 interviews (June-July 2017) with English-speaking women aged 18-45 living in or near Florence, Italy, who were using the Italian health care system. Researchers used grounded theory to explore women's contraceptive decision making and use. HyperRESEARCH software was used to aid data organisation and analysis. Researchers used a comparative method to contextualise data and identify emergent themes. Results: Participants illuminated knowledge gaps and misinformation about the efficacy and long-term health effects of hormonal contraceptive methods. Family, friends and health care providers influenced their contraceptive choices. Local family planning clinics (consultori) were cited as primary sources of contraceptive information, resources and access. Conclusion: Misinformation may contribute to the underuse of effective hormonal contraception in Italy. The study findings can inform practical recommendations to improve the dissemination of contraceptive information. Improved messaging strategies could address contraceptive concerns (e.g., hormonal effects) and knowledge gaps, which may improve hormonal contraceptive uptake.