Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates
Published on: February 17, 2023
Intra-Omicron Reinfection with JN.1.16 and NB.1.8.1 in a Preterm Infant: First NB.1.8.1 Detection in Tunisia-A Case
Zaineb Hamzaoui1, Sana Ferjani1,2, Ameni Sallemi3
1Research Laboratory "Antimicrobial Resistance" LR99ES09, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1007, Tunisia.
Abstract:
Highly mutated Omicron sub-lineages JN.1 and NB.1.8.1 harbor extensive spike changes, but their impact in preterm infants is poorly documented. We report a preterm male infant with three hospitalizations in seven weeks: severe SARS-CoV-2 ARDS at 40 days of life (DOL 40) requiring ventilation caused by JN.1.16, HCoV-OC43 infection at DOL 65, and a mild SARS-CoV-2 reinfection at DOL 87 due to NB.1.8.1, the first detection of this variant in Tunisia. Spike analysis showed a shared JN.1 backbone but distinct N-terminal and receptor-binding domain changes, supporting intra-Omicron reinfection driven by antigenic divergence and immature immunity and underscoring the value of pediatric genomic surveillance, including phylogenetic placement of case genomes within local Omicron diversity.
Insights
Highly mutated Omicron sub-lineages JN.1 and NB.1.8.1 pose risks to preterm infants. This case highlights severe SARS-CoV-2 ARDS and reinfection, emphasizing the need for pediatric genomic surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Genomics
Background:
- Highly mutated Omicron sub-lineages like JN.1 and NB.1.8.1 have extensive spike protein changes.
- The impact of these variants on vulnerable preterm infants is not well understood.
Related Concept Videos
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Arboviral Encephalitis
Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...

