National Institute for Public Health and the Environment

Linking nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal microbiota to immune responses during influenza-like illness in an aging population

Older adults are vulnerable to influenza-like illness (ILI). To study how infection shapes the respiratory microbiota, we profiled nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) communities alongside local immune mediators in adults aged 60–88, comparing asymptomatic, ILI, and recove...

District-level analysis of temperature-related excess mortality in the Netherlands

Background: While most epidemiological studies have assessed temperature–mortality associations at broad geographical scales, recent research highlights that temperature-related mortality risks are spatially heterogeneous due to local differences in exposure, vulnerability, and a...

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are associated with distinct clinical phenotypes two years after SARS-CoV-2 infection: A data-driven approach

It is important to determine whether the persistent cognitive and fatigue complaints, as part of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), are associated with underlying patterns and specific symptoms clusters. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate symptom clus...

A multiregional serosurvey of RNA virus-reactive antibodies in bats and rodents reveals the enzootic presence of flavi- and paramyxoviruses in African Pteropodidae

Bats and rodents have been identified as reservoir hosts of diverse RNA viruses that pose potential risks to humans. However, overall virus prevalence in wildlife and underlying factors determining the zoonotic potential of reservoir-borne viruses remain poorly characterized. Vir...

Density-dependent aggregation underlies spatial self-organization in coastal dunes

Across coastal ecosystems, habitat-forming organisms interact with wind and water to generate biogeomorphic feedbacks that produce spatially patterned landscapes. Such spatial patterns can emerge through different self-organizing mechanisms, with contrasting implications for ecos...

ExonViz: Transcript visualization made easy

ExonViz is a simple tool to draw transcripts that include coding and non-coding regions. All exons are to scale and the reading frames of the exons are visible. Single or multiple variants along the transcript can be drawn and will automatically be shown in the correct location.

Discussing menopausal symptoms at work and associations with taboo, symptom severity, and need for recovery after work

Objective: Although the impact of menopausal symptoms at work is increasingly recognized, it remains unclear to what extent and with whom menopausal symptoms that limit work functioning are discussed. We examined this and explored associations with taboo, symptom severity, and ne...

Niche-specific immune and microbial signatures across the healthy upper respiratory tract mucosa

Host-microbe interactions in the upper respiratory tract (URT) niches that form the first line of defense against respiratory infections are incompletely understood. We profiled immune and microbial features using minimally invasive samples from 44 healthy adults (20–65 years), i...

SARS-CoV-2 and RSV external quality assessment on molecular detection and variant typing in European expert laboratories in 2025

ABSTRACT We herein report on the fourth SARS-CoV-2 wet-lab external quality assessment (EQA) and the second organized by the AURORAE consortium to assess the diagnostic capabilities of European expert public health laboratories. Diagnostic capabilities were investigated regarding...

Occupational nanoparticle exposure and its effects on pulmonary health, cardiovascular health, and systemic biomarkers: a scoping review

Abstract Background Occupational exposure to nanoparticles occurs across diverse industrial sectors. Preclinical studies indicate that such exposures may pose health risks. However, characterization of these risks in real-world occupational-environments remains limited. Objective...

Enumeration Method for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Water with High Bacterial Background Flora

Reliable detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in water is essential for public health water quality assessments, yet culture-based methods remain challenged by high background flora. This study compared the performance of mPA-C agar and the commercial RAPID’ P. aeruginosa (RA...

The Key Factor Toxicity: development and application of a toxic pressure characterization tool for surface and drinking water

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to ensure a status with sufficient good-quality water to sustain ecosystems and drinking water production. Water quality is, however, affected by complex mixtures of polluting substances, whose combined effects are poorly captured...

Longitudinal analysis of the B-cell receptor repertoire across 30 years of ageing

Abstract Background The gradual decline in the functionality of the immune system during aging is commonly referred to as immunosenescence. This study aims to investigate changes in the B-cell receptor immunoglobulin heavy chain (BCR IGH) gene repertoire during natural aging and...

The effect of proximity of COVID-19 test facilities on test uptake: two quasi-experimental trials

Access to testing sites is a critical component in reducing the spread of a virus during infectious disease outbreaks. For example, distance to the testing site has been mentioned as an important self-reported barrier for test uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its impo...

Overview of the re‐evaluation of trace elements as nutritional feed additives in the European Union : characterization, safety, and efficacy

The re-evaluation of feed additives in the European Union was outlined in the Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. The primary objectives were to ensure safety and verify efficacy, as well as to update authorizations and phase out unsafe additives or those in which the industry expresse...

Trends and patterns of varicella zoster virus infection in Kilifi: A population-based serosurvey

Abstract There is limited epidemiologic data on varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections from low- and middle-income countries including Kenya. We aimed to describe the seroepidemiology of VZV in Kilifi, Kenya, where varicella vaccine is not included in the national infant immuniz...

Exploring the impact of event-related and personal vulnerability characteristics on mental health after pandemic-related trauma exposure

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic heightened exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs), such as severe illness or the loss of a loved one. Its prolonged nature may have influenced how mental health symptoms evolved.Objective: This study examined changes in posttraumatic str...