A genetic locus in Elizabethkingia anophelis associated with elevated vancomycin resistance and multiple antibiotic reduced susceptibility
Johnson WL , Gupta SK , Maharjan S , Morgenstein RM , Nicholson AC , McQuiston JR , Gustafson JE . Antibiotics (Basel) 2024 13 (1) The Gram-negative Elizabethkingia express multiple antibiotic resistance and cause severe opportunistic infections. Vancomycin is commonly used to treat Gram-positive infections and has also been used to treat Elizabethkingia infections, even though Gram-negative organisms possess a vancomycin permeability barrier. Elizabethkingia anophelis appeared relatively vancomycin-susceptible and challenge with this drug led to morphological changes indicating cell lysis. In stark contrast, vancomycin growth challenge revealed that E. anophelis populations refractory to vancomycin emerged. In addition, E. anophelis vancomycin-selected mutants arose at high frequencies and demonstrated elevated vancomycin resistance and reduced susceptibility to other antimicrobials. All mutants possessed a SNP in a gene (vsr1 = vancomycin-susceptibility regulator 1) encoding a PadR family transcriptional regulator located in the putative operon vsr1-ORF551, which is conserved in other Elizabethkingia spp as well. This is the first report linking a padR homologue (vsr1) to antimicrobial resistance in a Gram-negative organism. We provide evidence to support that vsr1 acts as a negative regulator of vsr1-ORF551 and that vsr1-ORF551 upregulation is observed in vancomycin-selected mutants. Vancomycin-selected mutants also demonstrated reduced cell length indicating that cell wall synthesis is affected. ORF551 is a membrane-spanning protein with a small phage shock protein conserved domain. We hypothesize that since vancomycin-resistance is a function of membrane permeability in Gram-negative organisms, it is likely that the antimicrobial resistance mechanism in the vancomycin-selected mutants involves altered drug permeability. |
Genomic description of acquired fluconazole- and echinocandin-resistance in patients with serial Candida glabrata isolates
Misas E , Seagle E , Jenkins EN , Rajeev M , Hurst S , Nunnally NS , Bentz ML , Lyman MM , Berkow E , Harrison LH , Schaffner W , Markus TM , Pierce R , Farley MM , Chow NA , Lockhart SR , Litvintseva AP . J Clin Microbiol 2024 e0114023 Candida glabrata is one of the most common causes of systemic candidiasis, often resistant to antifungal medications. To describe the genomic context of emerging resistance, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 82 serially collected isolates from 33 patients from population-based candidemia surveillance in the United States. We used whole-genome sequencing to determine the genetic relationships between isolates obtained from the same patient. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that isolates from 29 patients were clustered by patient. The median SNPs between isolates from the same patient was 30 (range: 7-96 SNPs), while unrelated strains infected four patients. Twenty-one isolates were resistant to echinocandins, and 24 were resistant to fluconazole. All echinocandin-resistant isolates carried a mutation either in the FKS1 or FKS2 HS1 region. Of the 24 fluconazole-resistant isolates, 17 (71%) had non-synonymous polymorphisms in the PDR1 gene, which were absent in susceptible isolates. In 11 patients, a genetically related resistant isolate was collected after recovering susceptible isolates, indicating in vivo acquisition of resistance. These findings allowed us to estimate the intra-host diversity of C. glabrata and propose an upper boundary of 96 SNPs for defining genetically related isolates, which can be used to assess donor-to-host transmission, nosocomial transmission, or acquired resistance.IMPORTANCEIn our study, mutations associated to azole resistance and echinocandin resistance were detected in Candida glabrata isolates using a whole-genome sequence. C. glabrata is the second most common cause of candidemia in the United States, which rapidly acquires resistance to antifungals, in vitro and in vivo. |
Finding Candida auris in public metagenomic repositories
Mario-Vasquez JE , Bagal UR , Lowe E , Morgulis A , Phan J , Sexton DJ , Shiryev S , Slatkevičius R , Welsh R , Litvintseva AP , Blumberg M , Agarwala R , Chow NA . PLoS One 2024 19 (1) e0291406 Candida auris is a newly emerged multidrug-resistant fungus capable of causing invasive infections with high mortality. Despite intense efforts to understand how this pathogen rapidly emerged and spread worldwide, its environmental reservoirs are poorly understood. Here, we present a collaborative effort between the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Center for Biotechnology Information, and GridRepublic (a volunteer computing platform) to identify C. auris sequences in publicly available metagenomic datasets. We developed the MetaNISH pipeline that uses SRPRISM to align sequences to a set of reference genomes and computes a score for each reference genome. We used MetaNISH to scan ~300,000 SRA metagenomic runs from 2010 onwards and identified five datasets containing C. auris reads. Finally, GridRepublic has implemented a prospective C. auris molecular monitoring system using MetaNISH and volunteer computing. |
Quickstats: Percentage* of adults aged ≥18 years with diagnosed diabetes,(†) by urbanization level(§) and age group - National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2022(¶)
Kramarow EA , Elgaddal N . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024 73 (2) 49 In 2022, 9.6% of adults aged ≥18 years had diagnosed diabetes, with the percentage lower among adults living in metropolitan areas (9.2%) compared with adults in nonmetropolitan areas (11.8%). The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was lower in metropolitan areas only among those aged 35–49 years (5.3% versus 7.7%) and aged 50–64 years (13.3% versus 16.3%). The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased with age overall, from 1.3% among adults aged 18–34 years to 20.1% among adults aged ≥65 years, and in both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. |
Factors associated with having both male and female recent sexual partnerships among men who have sex with men in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Davis M , Musuka G , Mapingure MP , Hakim A , Parmley LE , Mugurungi O , Chingombe I , Miller SS , Rogers JH , Lamb MR , Samba C , Harris TG . AIDS Behav 2024 To better understand male and female sexual partnerships among men who have sex with men (MSM), we used data from a 2019 biobehavioral survey among MSM in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to conduct bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression to determine whether sociodemographic characteristics and HIV-related factors were associated with having both male and female sexual partnerships within the last 6 months. Of included MSM (N = 1143), 31% reported both male and female partnerships in the last 6 months. Being married/cohabiting (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 8.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.92-14.95) or separated/divorced/widowed (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.24-3.08) vs. being single, and hazardous alcohol consumption (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.19-2.09) were associated with higher odds of having both male and female recent partnerships. Being aged 35 + vs. 18-24 (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.31-0.81), condomless receptive anal intercourse at last sex with the main male partner (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.26-0.74), and positive HIV status (aOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.31-0.67) were associated with lower odds of recent male and female partnerships. MSM in Harare who reported harassment/abuse (aOR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.72-5.79) had higher odds of both male and female partnerships than MSM in Bulawayo reporting harassment/abuse. The prevalence of both male and female recent partnerships (31%) was lower among MSM in this survey than in other biobehavioral surveys of MSM in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings suggest that MSM with recent male and female partnerships compared to MSM with only male recent partners have lower odds of positive HIV status and participate in behaviors that lower HIV risk; however, the direction of these relationships cannot be determined due to the cross-sectional nature of the data. The findings also suggest a possible connection between experiences of stigma of MSM behavior and not having both male and female partnerships that warrants further exploration. Accessible, stigma-free HIV testing and education programming that considers the potential overlap between the MSM and general populations via both male and female partnerships and the associated behaviors could be a key component of HIV elimination in Zimbabwe. |
Quantified impacts of non-pharmaceutical interventions on influenza circulation during the COVID-19 pandemic in 13 African countries, 2020-2022
Gharpure R , Olsen SJ , Davis WW . Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024 18 (1) e13241 Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) for SARS-CoV-2 disrupted circulation of influenza. We used data from 13 African countries and generalized linear models to identify associations between levels of NPIs, using the Oxford Stringency Index, and seasonal influenza activity, using parameters derived from 2020-2022 seasonal influenza surveillance. We found that for each step increase in school closings, the average percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza across the influenza season dropped by 20% (95% CI: 1-38%); no other NPI was significant. These findings may inform interventions to slow influenza circulation in pandemics and possibly during seasonal epidemics. |
Prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections in the setting of a generalized HIV epidemic-a population-based study, western Kenya
Awuoche HC , Joseph RH , Magut F , Khagayi S , Odongo FS , Otieno M , Appolonia A , Odoyo-June E , Kwaro DO . Int J STD AIDS 2024 9564624241226487 BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause adverse health outcomes, including increasing HIV acquisition/transmission risk. We analyzed data from an HIV biomarker and behavioral survey to estimate STI prevalence, and explore associated factors in the setting of a generalized HIV epidemic in Siaya County, western Kenya. METHODS: Data were collected in March-September 2022 through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires; records from 9643 sexually active participants aged 13+ years were included in the analysis. We calculated weighted self-reported STI prevalence, by sex, age, and HIV status and explored associated factors using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Median age was 37 years and 59.9% were female; HIV prevalence was 18.0%. Overall STI prevalence was 1.8%; 1.5-fold higher among males vs. females, and 2.6-fold higher among participants living with HIV vs. those without. HIV status and multiple sexual partners were independently associated with STI in both sexes. Mind-altering substance use and being circumcised were associated with STI among males. CONCLUSIONS: This study estimates STI prevalence in the setting of high HIV prevalence. Findings underscore the importance of: effective STI screening in HIV clinics and HIV testing and counseling in STI clinics; screening and counseling on substance use, and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis; and intensive sexual health counseling in male circumcision programmes. |
Pathology and monkeypox virus localization in tissues from immunocompromised patients with severe or fatal mpox
Ritter JM , Martines RB , Bhatnagar J , Rao AK , Villalba JA , Silva-Flannery L , Lee E , Bullock HA , Hutson CL , Cederroth T , Harris CK , Hord K , Xu Y , Brown CA , Guccione JP , Miller M , Paddock CD , Reagan-Steiner S . J Infect Dis 2024 BACKGROUND: Pathology and monkeypox virus (MPXV) tissue tropism in severe and fatal human mpox is not thoroughly described but can help elucidate the disease pathogenesis and the role of coinfections in immunocompromised patients. METHODS: We analyzed biopsy and autopsy tissues from 22 patients with severe or fatal outcomes to characterize pathology and viral antigen and DNA distribution in tissues by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Tissue-based testing for coinfections was also performed. RESULTS: Mucocutaneous lesions showed necrotizing and proliferative epithelial changes. Deceased patients with autopsy tissues evaluated had digestive tract lesions, and half had systemic tissue necrosis with thrombotic vasculopathy in lymphoid tissues, lung, or other solid organs. Half also had bronchopneumonia, and one-third had acute lung injury. All cases had MPXV antigen and DNA detected in tissues. Coinfections were identified in 5/16 (31%) biopsy and 4/6 (67%) autopsy cases. DISCUSSION: Severe mpox in immunocompromised patients is characterized by extensive viral infection of tissues and viremic dissemination that can progress despite available therapeutics. Digestive tract and lung involvement are common and associated with prominent histopathological and clinical manifestations. Coinfections may complicate mpox diagnosis and treatment. Significant viral DNA (likely correlating to infectious virus) in tissues necessitates enhanced biosafety measures in healthcare and autopsy settings. |
End-of-life care planning and bereavement practices among adult day services centers, 2018
Lendon JP , Caffrey C , Lau DT . Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024 41 (3) 262-269 Introduction: This study describes the end-of-life (EOL) care planning and bereavement practices among adult day services centers (ADSC) when an ADSC participant is dying or has died. Methods: Data are from the 2018 National Study of Long-term Care Providers' biennial survey of ADSCs. Respondents were asked about the following 4 practices: 1) honoring the deceased in some public way in this center; 2) offering bereavement services to staff and participants; 3) documenting in the care plan what is important to the individual at the end of life (EOL), such as the presence of family or religious or cultural practices; and 4) discussing spiritual needs at care planning conferences. ADSC characteristics included US Census region, metropolitan statistical area status, Medicaid authorization, electronic health records (EHR) use, for-profit status, employment of aides, services provision, and model type. Results: About 50% to 30% of ADSCs offered the EOL care planning or bereavement services. Honoring the deceased was the most common practice (53%), followed by bereavement services (37%), discussing spiritual needs (29%), and documenting what is important at EOL (28%). Fewer ADSCs in the West had EOL practices relative to the other regions. The EOL planning and bereavement practices were offered more often in ADSCs that used EHRs, accepted Medicaid, employed an aide, provided nursing, hospice, and palliative care services, and were categorized as medical models, compared with ADSCs without these characteristics. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of understanding how ADSCs provide EOL and bereavement care to participants who are near EOL. |
The role of funded partnerships in working towards decreasing COVID-19 vaccination disparities, United States, March 2021-December 2022
Fiebelkorn AP , Adelsberg S , Anthony R , Ashenafi S , Asif AF , Azzarelli M , Bailey T , Boddie TT , Boyer AP , Bungum NW , Burstin H , Burton JL , Casey DM , Chaumont Menendez C , Courtot B , Cronin K , Dowdell C , Downey LH , Fields M , Fitzsimmons T , Frank A , Gustafson E , Gutierrez-Nkomo M , Harris BL , Hill J , Holmes K , Huerta Migus L , Jacob Kuttothara J , Johns N , Johnson J , Kelsey A , Kingangi L , Landrum CM , Lee JT , Martinez PD , Medina Martínez G , Nicholls R , Nilson JR , Ohiaeri N , Pegram L , Perkins C , Piasecki AM , Pindyck T , Price S , Rodgers MS , Roney H , Schultz EM , Sobczyk E , Thierry JM , Toledo C , Weiss NE , Wiatr-Rodriguez A , Williams L , Yang C , Yao A , Zajac J . Vaccine 2024 During the COVID-19 vaccination rollout from March 2021- December 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded 110 primary and 1051 subrecipient partners at the national, state, local, and community-based level to improve COVID-19 vaccination access, confidence, demand, delivery, and equity in the United States. The partners implemented evidence-based strategies among racial and ethnic minority populations, rural populations, older adults, people with disabilities, people with chronic illness, people experiencing homelessness, and other groups disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. CDC also expanded existing partnerships with healthcare professional societies and other core public health partners, as well as developed innovative partnerships with organizations new to vaccination, including museums and libraries. Partners brought COVID-19 vaccine education into farm fields, local fairs, churches, community centers, barber and beauty shops, and, when possible, partnered with local healthcare providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Inclusive, hyper-localized outreach through partnerships with community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, vaccination providers, and local health departments was critical to increasing COVID-19 vaccine access and building a broad network of trusted messengers that promoted vaccine confidence. Data from monthly and quarterly REDCap reports and monthly partner calls showed that through these partnerships, more than 295,000 community-level spokespersons were trained as trusted messengers and more than 2.1 million COVID-19 vaccinations were administered at new or existing vaccination sites. More than 535,035 healthcare personnel were reached through outreach strategies. Quality improvement interventions were implemented in healthcare systems, long-term care settings, and community health centers resulting in changes to the clinical workflow to incorporate COVID-19 vaccine assessments, recommendations, and administration or referrals into routine office visits. Funded partners' activities improved COVID-19 vaccine access and addressed community concerns among racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as among people with barriers to vaccination due to chronic illness or disability, older age, lower income, or other factors. |
Perceptions toward Ebola vaccination and correlates of vaccine uptake among high-risk community members in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Perera SM , Garbern SC , Mbong EN , Fleming MK , Muhayangabo RF , Ombeni AB , Kulkarni S , Tchoualeu DD , Kallay R , Song E , Powell J , Gainey M , Glenn B , Mutumwa RM , Mustafa SHB , Earle-Richardson G , Fukunaga R , Abad N , Soke GN , Prybylski D , Fitter DL , Levine AC , Doshi RH . PLOS Glob Public Health 2024 4 (1) e0002566 The tenth Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak (2018-2020, North Kivu, Ituri, South Kivu) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was the second-largest EVD outbreak in history. During this outbreak, Ebola vaccination was an integral part of the EVD response. We evaluated community perceptions toward Ebola vaccination and identified correlates of Ebola vaccine uptake among high-risk community members in North Kivu, DRC. In March 2021, a cross-sectional survey among adults was implemented in three health zones. We employed a sampling approach mimicking ring vaccination, targeting EVD survivors, their household members, and their neighbors. Outbreak experiences and perceptions toward the Ebola vaccine were assessed, and modified Poisson regression was used to identify correlates of Ebola vaccine uptake among those offered vaccination. Among the 631 individuals surveyed, most (90.2%) reported a high perceived risk of EVD and 71.6% believed that the vaccine could reduce EVD severity; however, 63.7% believed the vaccine had serious side effects. Among the 474 individuals who had been offered vaccination, 397 (83.8%) received the vaccine, 180 (45.3%) of those vaccinated received the vaccine after two or more offers. Correlates positively associated with vaccine uptake included having heard positive information about the vaccine (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06-1.60), the belief that the vaccine could prevent EVD (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09-1.39), and reporting that religion influenced all decisions (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.25). Ebola vaccine uptake was high in this population, although mixed attitudes and vaccine delays were common. Communicating positive vaccine information, emphasizing the efficacy of the Ebola vaccine, and engaging religious leaders to promote vaccination may aid in increasing Ebola vaccine uptake during future outbreaks. |
Naegleria fowleri detected in Grand Teton National Park Hot Springs
Barnhart EP , Kinsey SM , Wright PR , Caldwell SL , Hill V , Kahler A , Mattioli M , Cornman RS , Iwanowicz D , Eddy Z , Halonen S , Mueller R , Peyton BM , Puzon GJ . ACS ES and T Water 2023 The free-living thermophilic amoeba Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri) causes the highly fatal disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The environmental conditions that are favorable to the growth and proliferation of N. fowleri are not well-defined, especially in northern regions of the United States. In this study, we used culture-based methods and multiple molecular approaches to detect and analyzeN. fowleri and other Naegleria spp. in water, sediment, and biofilm samples from five hot spring sites in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, U.S.A. These results provide the first detections of N. fowleri in Grand Teton National Park and provide new insights into the distribution of pathogenic N. fowleri and other nonpathogenic Naegleria spp. in natural thermal water systems in northern latitudes. © 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. |
Toxicological effects of inhaled crude oil vapor
Fedan JS , Thompson JA , Sager TM , Roberts JR , Joseph P , Krajnak K , Kan H , Sriram K , Weatherly LM , Anderson SE . Curr Environ Health Rep 2024 PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to assess the toxicological consequences of crude oil vapor (COV) exposure in the workplace through evaluation of the most current epidemiologic and laboratory-based studies in the literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Crude oil is a naturally occuring mixture of hydrocarbon deposits, inorganic and organic chemical compounds. Workers engaged in upstream processes of oil extraction are exposed to a number of risks and hazards, including getting crude oil on their skin or inhaling crude oil vapor. There have been several reports of workers who died as a result of inhalation of high levels of COV released upon opening thief hatches atop oil storage tanks. Although many investigations into the toxicity of specific hydrocarbons following inhalation during downstream oil processing have been conducted, there is a paucity of information on the potential toxicity of COV exposure itself. This review assesses current knowledge of the toxicological consequences of exposures to COV in the workplace. |
Compare the marginal effects for environmental exposure and biomonitoring data with repeated measurements and values below the limit of detection
Chen IC , Bertke SJ , Estill CF . J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2024 BACKGROUND: Environmental exposure and biomonitoring data with repeated measurements from environmental and occupational studies are commonly right-skewed and in the presence of limits of detection (LOD). However, existing model has not been discussed for small-sample properties and highly skewed data with non-detects and repeated measurements. OBJECTIVE: Marginal modeling provides an alternative to analyzing longitudinal and cluster data, in which the parameter interpretations are with respect to marginal or population-averaged means. METHODS: We outlined the theories of three marginal models, i.e., generalized estimating equations (GEE), quadratic inference functions (QIF), and generalized method of moments (GMM). With these approaches, we proposed to incorporate the fill-in methods, including single and multiple value imputation techniques, such that any measurements less than the limit of detection are assigned values. RESULTS: We demonstrated that the GEE method works well in terms of estimating the regression parameters in small sample sizes, while the QIF and GMM outperform in large-sample settings, as parameter estimates are consistent and have relatively smaller mean squared error. No specific fill-in method can be deemed superior as each has its own merits. IMPACT: Marginal modeling is firstly employed to analyze repeated measures data with non-detects, in which only the mean structure needs to be correctly provided to obtain consistent parameter estimates. After replacing non-detects through substitution methods and utilizing small-sample bias corrections, in a simulation study we found that the estimating approaches used in the marginal models have corresponding advantages under a wide range of sample sizes. We also applied the models to longitudinal and cluster working examples. |
Pseudomonas infection outbreak associated with a hotel swimming pool - Maine, March 2023
Lamere L , Smith E , Grieser H , Arduino M , Hlavsa MC , Combes S . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024 73 (2) 32-36 Treated recreational water venues (e.g., pools and hot tubs) located at hotels represent one third of sources of reported treated recreational water-associated outbreaks; when these outbreaks are caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, they predominantly occur during January-April. On March 8, 2023, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) initiated an investigation in response to reports of illness among persons who had used a swimming pool at hotel A during March 4-5. A questionnaire was distributed to guests who were at hotel A during March 1-7. Among 35 guests who responded, 23 (66%) developed ear pain, rash, or pain or swelling in feet or hands within days of using the pool during March 4-5. P. aeruginosa, a chlorine-susceptible bacterium, was identified in cultures obtained from skin lesions of three patients; a difference of two single nucleotide polymorphisms was found between isolates from two patients' specimens, suggesting a common exposure. Hotel A management voluntarily closed the pool, and Maine CDC's Health Inspection Program identified multiple violations, including having no disinfectant feeder system, all of which had been identified during a previous inspection. Because chlorine had been added to the pool water after the pool was voluntary closed, environmental samples were not collected. The pool remained closed until violations were addressed. Health departments can play an important role in reducing the risk for outbreaks associated with hotel pools and hot tubs. This reduction in risk can be achieved by collaborating with operators to ensure compliance with public health codes, including maintaining chlorine concentration and otherwise vigilantly managing the pool, and by disseminating prevention messages to pool and hot tub users. |
From GeoSentinel data to epidemiological insights: a multidisciplinary effort towards artificial intelligence-supported detection of infectious disease outbreaks
Heidema S , Stoepker IV , Flaherty G , Angelo KM , Post RAJ , Miller C , Libman M , Hamer DH , van den Heuvel ER , Huits R . J Travel Med 2024 The growing complexity of GeoSentinel surveillance data creates opportunities for novel data | science-based outbreak detection methods. Challenges may be overcome by effective | multidisciplinary collaboration. The early signals generated by outbreak detection methods using | GeoSentinel data may influence policymaking, shape public health responses, and contribute to | global disease control strategies |
Detecting Mpox cases through wastewater surveillance - United States, August 2022-May 2023
Adams C , Kirby AE , Bias M , Riser A , Wong KK , Mercante JW , Reese H . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024 73 (2) 37-43 In October 2022, CDC's National Wastewater Surveillance System began routine testing of U.S. wastewater for Monkeypox virus. Wastewater surveillance sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for Monkeypox virus were evaluated by comparing wastewater detections (Monkeypox virus detected versus not detected) to numbers of persons with mpox in a county who were shedding virus. Case ascertainment was assumed to be complete, and persons with mpox were assumed to shed virus for 25 days after symptom onset. A total of 281 cases and 3,492 wastewater samples from 89 sites in 26 counties were included in the analysis. Wastewater surveillance in a single week, from samples representing thousands to millions of persons, had a sensitivity of 32% for detecting one or more persons shedding Monkeypox virus, 49% for detecting five or more persons shedding virus, and 77% for detecting 15 or more persons shedding virus. Weekly PPV and NPV for detecting persons shedding Monkeypox virus in a county were 62% and 80%, respectively. An absence of detections in counties with wastewater surveillance signified a high probability that a large number of cases were not present. Results can help to guide the public health response to Monkeypox virus wastewater detections. A single, isolated detection likely warrants a limited public health response. An absence of detections, in combination with no reported cases, can give public health officials greater confidence that no cases are present. Wastewater surveillance can serve as a useful complement to case surveillance for guiding the public health response to an mpox outbreak. |
Lessons learned from implementation of Mpox surveillance during an outbreak response in Tennessee, 2022
Thomas CM , Shaffner J , Johnson R , Wiedeman C , Fill MA , Jones TF , Schaffner W , Dunn JR . Public Health Rep 2024 333549231223710 OBJECTIVES: Mpox surveillance was integral during the 2022 outbreak response. We evaluated implementation of mpox surveillance in Tennessee during an outbreak response and made recommendations for surveillance during emerging infectious disease outbreaks. METHODS: To understand surveillance implementation, system processes, and areas for improvement, we conducted 8 semistructured focus groups and 7 interviews with 36 health care, laboratory, and health department representatives during September 9-20, 2022. We categorized and analyzed session transcription and notes. We analyzed completeness and timeliness of surveillance data, including 349 orthopoxvirus-positive laboratory reports from commercial, public health, and health system laboratories during July 1-August 31, 2022. RESULTS: Participants described an evolving system and noted that existing informatics platforms inefficiently supported iterations of reporting requirements. Clear communication, standardization of terminology, and shared, adaptable, and user-friendly informatics platforms were prioritized for future emerging infectious disease surveillance systems. Laboratory-reported epidemiologic information was often incomplete; only 55% (191 of 349) of reports included patient address and telephone number. The median time from symptom onset to specimen collection was 5 days (IQR, 3-6 d), from specimen collection to laboratory reporting was 3 days (IQR, 1-4 d), from laboratory reporting to patient interview was 1 day (IQR, 1-3 d), and from symptom onset to patient interview was 9 days (IQR, 7-12 d). CONCLUSIONS: Future emerging infectious disease responses would benefit from standardized surveillance approaches that facilitate rapid implementation. Closer collaboration among informatics, laboratory, and clinical partners across jurisdictions and agencies in determining system priorities and designing workflow processes could improve flexibility of the surveillance platform and completeness and timeliness of laboratory reporting. Improved timeliness will facilitate public health response and intervention, thereby mitigating morbidity. |
Multistate nontyphoidal Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli outbreaks linked to international travel - United States, 2017-2020
Habrun CA , Birhane MG , François Watkins LK , Benedict K , Bottichio L , Nemechek K , Tolar B , Schroeder MN , Chen JC , Caidi H , Robyn M , Nichols M . Epidemiol Infect 2024 1-33 Enteric bacterial infections are common among people who travel internationally. During 2017– | 23 2020, CDC investigated 41 multistate outbreaks of nontyphoidal Salmonella and Shiga toxin24 producing Escherichia coli (STEC) linked to international travel. Resistance to one or more | 25 antimicrobial agents was detected in at least 10% of isolates in 16 of 30 (53%) nontyphoidal | 26 Salmonella outbreaks and 8 of 11 (73%) STEC outbreaks evaluated by the National | 27 Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. At least 10% of the isolates in 14 nontyphoidal | 28 Salmonella outbreaks conferred resistance to one or more of the clinically significant | 29 antimicrobials used in human medicine. This report describes the epidemiology and | 30 antimicrobial resistance patterns of these travel-associated multistate outbreaks. Investigating | 31 illnesses among returned travelers and collaboration with international partners could result in | 32 implementation of public health interventions to improve hygiene practices and food safety | 33 standards, and to prevent illness and spread of multidrug resistant organisms domestically and | 34 internationally |
Focus groups exploring U.S. adults' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to irradiation as a food safety intervention, 2021
Ablan M , Low SheauFong , Marshall KE , Devchand R , Koehler L , Hume H , Robyn M . Food Prot Trends 2023 43 (6) 448-456 Food irradiation has been studied comprehensively and has been determined to be a safe and effective process for improving food safety. Despite this potential public health impact and current use in developed countries, the technology is not commonly used in the United States, with consumer acceptance often cited as a barrier. Given changes in consumer food-purchasing trends, advancements in irradiation technology, and an increase in multistate foodborne outbreaks, it is an opportune time to revisit consumer acceptance and factors that influence the purchase of irradiated food. We conducted seven focus groups to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding irradiation as a food safety intervention. Meetings were virtual, lasted 90 min, and were held March 15-18, 2021. Participants were stratified into three groups using quota sampling: adults aged 18-64 years, parents of children aged 0-4 years, and adults aged 65 years and older. Consistent with past research, consumers were unaware of what food irradiation is. Facilitators for purchasing irradiated foods included protection from foodborne illness, reduced risk from certain foods, and support from public health agencies. Barriers included lack of knowledge, safety concerns, price, packaging, and a distrust of food technology. The results from these focus groups can inform public messaging and foodborne illness prevention strategies. |
Sexual behavior and sexual decision-making among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men during the COVID-19 pandemic: Observations from a rapid ethnographic assessment in Marion County, Indiana, October-November 2021
Loosier PS , Ogale YP , Smith RC , Kachur R , Nicolae L , Heumann C . Arch Sex Behav 2024 From 2020 to 2021, Marion County, Indiana, USA, saw an increase in early syphilis diagnoses, primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This rapid ethnographic assessment combines survey data from GBMSM with data from key informant interviews with multiple groups of stakeholders, including GBMSM, to describe how COVID-19 impacted sexual behaviors, sexual decision-making, and access to sexually transmitted disease (STD) services among GBMSM in Marion County, Indiana. A total of 62 virtual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 72 key respondents including health department staff, medical providers, community-based organization staff, and GBMSM were conducted from October 14 to November 22, 2021. Modifications to partner-seeking and sexual behaviors attributable to the pandemic were associated with the way in which individuals reacted to the pandemic in general. Some GBMSM adopted mitigation strategies to avoid COVID-19 when meeting sex partners, such as creating a "sex pod." Effects on mental health included increased loneliness, heightened anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness regarding the perceived inevitability of acquiring COVID-19. For some, the latter prompted decreased engagement in preventive measures when engaging in sexual activity. The pandemic decreased access to STD services and significantly curtailed public health outreach efforts, which may have limited access to needed STD treatment and care. Efforts focusing on ongoing public health concerns during extreme health events like COVID-19 may want to consider the many ways these events affect ancillary behaviors, such sexual decision-making and sexual behaviors. The role of mental health is key; messaging and guidance may benefit from a trauma-informed approach. |
A qualitative assessment of cleaning and hand hygiene practices at shelters serving people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic, Atlanta, GA - May-June, 2020
Besrat BN , Mosites E , Montgomery MP , Garcia-Williams AG , Trautner E , Clarke KEN , Marshall B , Vassell C , Rutt C , Jones SL . BMC Public Health 2024 24 (1) 247 BACKGROUND: Cleaning practices and hand hygiene are important behaviors to prevent and control the spread of infectious disease, especially in congregate settings. This project explored hygiene- and cleaning-related experiences in shelters serving people experiencing homelessness (PEH) during May-June 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted qualitative, in-depth interviews by phone with 22 staff from six shelters in Atlanta, Georgia. The interview guide included questions about cleaning routines, cleaning barriers and facilitators, cleaning promotion, hand hygiene promotion, and hand hygiene barriers and facilitators. We analyzed interview transcripts using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Multiple individuals, such as shelter individuals (clients), volunteers, and staff, played a role in shelter cleaning. Staff reported engaging in frequent hand hygiene and cleaning practices. Barriers to cleaning included staffing shortages and access to cleaning supplies. Staff reported barriers (e.g., differing perceptions of cleanliness) for clients who were often involved in cleaning activities. Barriers to hand hygiene included limited time to wash hands, forgetting, and inconvenient handwashing facilities. Specific guidance about when and how to clean, and what supplies to use, were requested. CONCLUSION: During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, shelters serving PEH in the Atlanta-metro area needed resources and support to ensure sufficient staffing and supplies for cleaning activities. As part of future pandemic planning and outbreak prevention efforts, shelters serving PEH could benefit from specific guidance and training materials on cleaning and hand hygiene practices. |
Strengthening COVID-19 vaccine confidence & demand during the US COVID-19 emergency response
Abad N , Bonner KE , Kolis J , Brookmeyer KA , Voegeli C , Lee JT , Singleton JA , Quartarone R , Black C , Yee D , Ramakrishnan A , Rodriguez L , Clay K , Hummer S , Holmes K , Manns BJ , Donovan J , Humbert-Rico T , Flores SA , Griswold S , Meyer S , Cohn A . Vaccine 2024 In October 2020, the CDC's Vaccinate with Confidence strategy specific to COVID-19 vaccines rollout was published. Adapted from an existing vaccine confidence framework for childhood immunization, the Vaccinate with Confidence strategy for COVID-19 aimed to improve vaccine confidence, demand, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in the US. The objectives for COVID-19 were to 1. build trust, 2. empower healthcare personnel, and 3. engage communities and individuals. This strategy was implemented through a dedicated unit, the Vaccine Confidence and Demand (VCD) team, which collected behavioral insights; developed and disseminated toolkits and best practices in collaboration with partners; and collaborated with health departments and community-based organizations to engage communities and individuals in behavioral interventions to strengthen vaccine demand and increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The VCD team collected and used social and behavioral data through establishing the Insights Unit, implementing rapid community assessments, and conducting national surveys. To strengthen capacity at state and local levels, the VCD utilized "Bootcamps," a rapid training of trainers on vaccine confidence and demand, "Confidence Consults", where local leaders could request tailored advice to address local vaccine confidence challenges from subject matter experts, and utilized surge staffing to embed "Vaccine Demand Strategists" in state and local public health agencies. In addition, collaborations with Prevention Research Centers, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the American Psychological Association furthered work in behavioral science, community engagement, and health equity. The VCD team operationalized CDC's COVID-19 Vaccine with Confidence strategy through behavioral insights, capacity building opportunities, and collaborations to improve COVID-19 vaccine confidence, demand, and uptake in the US. The inclusion of applied behavioral science approaches were a critical component of the COVID-19 vaccination program and provides lessons learned for how behavioral science can be integrated in future emergency responses. |
An evaluation of messages to promote parental intent to vaccinate children aged <12 years against COVID-19
Chan IL , Schwarz K , Weinstein N , Mansergh G , Nahhas RW , Gelaude D , Alexander R , Rodriguez L , Strauss W , Repetski T , Sullivan N , Long E , Evener SL , Garbarino A , Kollar LMM . Public Health Rep 2024 333549231218725 OBJECTIVES: Effective health communication can increase intent to vaccinate. We compared 8 messages that may influence parents' intent to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey of adults in the United States administered online in August 2021, 1837 parents and legal guardians were exposed to 8 messages (individual choice, gain/practical benefits, nonexpert, health care provider recommendation, altruism/community good, safety/effectiveness, safety, and effectiveness) to determine message reception and influence on intent to vaccinate their children. Parents responded to 10 questions using a Likert scale. We computed odds ratios (ORs) for each message, with an OR >1.0 indicating greater observed odds of participant agreement with the follow-up statement as compared with a reference message. We compared outcomes individually across messages with ordinal logistic regression fit using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: The individual choice message had the highest odds of agreement for understanding intent (OR = 2.10; 95% CI, 1.94-2.27), followed by the health care provider recommendation message (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.46-1.71). The individual choice message had the highest odds of memorability, relatability, and trustworthiness. The altruism/community good message was at or near second best. The altruism/community good message had the highest or near-highest odds of increasing parents' intent to vaccinate their children, asking friends and family for their thoughts, and searching for additional information. The message that most motivated parents to vaccinate their children depended on parental intent to vaccinate prior to being exposed to the tested messages. CONCLUSIONS: Messages with themes of individual choice, health care provider recommendation, and altruism/community good may be used in future message campaigns. Further research is needed to refine message concepts related to altruism/community good. |
Racial and ethnic differences in hypertension-related telehealth and in-person outpatient visits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among Medicaid Beneficiaries
Lee JS , Bhatt A , Pollack LM , Jackson SL , Omeaku N , Lowe Beasley K , Wilson C , Luo F , Roy K . Telemed J E Health 2024 Background: Little is known about the trends and costs of hypertension management through telehealth among individuals enrolled in Medicaid. Methods: Using MarketScan(®) Medicaid database, we examined outpatient visits among people with hypertension aged 18-64 years. We presented the numbers of hypertension-related telehealth and in-person outpatient visits per 100 individuals and the proportion of hypertension-related telehealth outpatient visits to total outpatient visits by month, overall, and by race and ethnicity. For the cost analysis, we presented total and patient out-of-pocket (OOP) costs per visit for telehealth and in-person visits in 2021. Results: Of the 229,562 individuals, 114,445 (49.9%) were non-Hispanic White, 80,692 (35.2%) were non-Hispanic Black, 3,924 (1.71%) were Hispanic. From February to April 2020, the number of hypertension-related telehealth outpatient visits per 100 persons increased from 0.01 to 6.13, the number of hypertension-related in-person visits decreased from 61.88 to 52.63, and the proportion of hypertension-related telehealth outpatient visits increased from 0.01% to 10.44%. During that same time, the proportion increased from 0.02% to 13.9% for non-Hispanic White adults, from 0.00% to 7.58% for non-Hispanic Black adults, and from 0.12% to 19.82% for Hispanic adults. The average total and patient OOP costs per visit in 2021 were $83.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.66-85.05) and $0.55 (95% CI, 0.42-0.68) for telehealth and $264.48 (95% CI, 258.87-269.51) and $0.72 (95% CI, 0.65-0.79) for in-person visits, respectively. Conclusions: Hypertension management via telehealth increased among Medicaid recipients regardless of race and ethnicity, during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings may inform telehealth policymakers and health care practitioners. |
Mass drug administration: Contextual factor considerations
Schneider ZD , Busbee AL , Boily MC , Shah MP , Hwang J , Lindblade KA , Gutman JR . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024 In designing mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns, it is imperative to consider contextual factors that affect uptake of the intervention, including acceptability, cost, feasibility, and health system considerations, to ensure optimal coverage. We reviewed the literature on contextual factors influencing MDA delivery to provide programs with information to design a successful campaign. From 1,044 articles screened, 37 included contextual factors relevant to participants' values and preferences, drivers of MDA acceptability, health equity concerns, financial and economic aspects, and feasibility barriers; 13 included relevant modeling data. Key findings were abstracted by two reviewers and summarized. No studies directly assessed values or direct health equity concerns with respect to MDA, which represents an evidence gap as unequal distributions of effects and factors that impact participant acceptability and program feasibility must be considered to ensure equitable access. Participant acceptability was the most widely surveyed factor, appearing in 28 of 37 studies; perceived adverse events were a frequently noted cause of nonparticipation, mentioned in 15 studies. Feasibility considerations included when, where, and how drugs will be delivered and how to address pregnant women, as these can all have substantial implications for participation. Mass drug administration costs (∼$1.04 to $19.40 per person per round) are driven primarily by drug prices, but the delivery mechanism can have varying costs as well, and integration with other interventions may provide cost savings. Both programmatic goals and sociopolitical and economic contexts must be carefully considered before embarking on an MDA program to ensure programmatic success. |
Hospital-based norovirus surveillance in children <5 years of age from 2017 to 2019 in India
Giri S , Chhabra P , Kulkarni R , Reju S , Sabapathy SK , Selvarajan S , Varghese T , Kalaivanan M , Dorairaj P , Kalrao V , Mankar S , Sangamnerkar M , Chethrapilly Purushothaman GK , Srikanth P , Kang G , Vinjé J . J Med Virol 2024 96 (1) e29384 After the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine into the Universal Immunization Program in India in 2016, relatively few studies have assessed the prevalence and epidemiological patterns of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among hospitalized children ≤5 years of age. We used a uniform protocol to recruit children with AGE as well as standardized testing and typing protocols. Stool specimens from children with AGE younger than 5 years of age admitted to six hospitals in three cities in India were collected from January 2017 through December 2019. Norovirus was detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) followed by typing positive specimens by conventional RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Norovirus was detected in 322 (14.8%) of 2182 specimens with the highest rate in 2018 (17.6%, 146/829), followed by 2019 (14.4%, 122/849) and 2017 (10.7%, 54/504). Rotavirus vaccine status was known for 91.6% of the children of which 70.4% were vaccinated and 29.6% not. Norovirus positivity in rotavirus-vaccinated children was 16.3% and 12% in unvaccinated children. GII.4 Sydney[P16] (39.3%), GII.4 Sydney[P31] (18.7%), GII.2[P16] (10%), GI.3[P13] (6.8%), GII.3[P16] (5.9%), and GII.13[P16] (5%) accounted for 85.8% (188/219) of the typed strains. Our data highlight the importance of norovirus in Indian children hospitalized with AGE. |
Tolerability, safety, and immunogenicity of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 in children aged 6 weeks to 59 months in an outbreak response campaign in The Gambia: an observational cohort study
Bashorun AO , Kotei L , Jawla O , Jallow AF , Saidy AJ , Kinteh MA , Kujabi A , Jobarteh T , Kanu FJ , Donkor SA , Ezeani E , Fofana S , Njie M , Ceesay L , Jafri B , Williams A , Jeffries D , Kotanmi B , Mainou BA , Ooko M , Clarke E . Lancet Infect Dis 2024 BACKGROUND: Novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) has been used to interrupt circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 outbreaks following its WHO emergency use listing. This study reports data on the safety and immunogenicity of nOPV2 over two rounds of a campaign in The Gambia. METHODS: This observational cohort study collected baseline symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea, irritability, reduced feeding, and reduced activity) and axillary temperature from children aged 6 weeks to 59 months in The Gambia before a series of two rounds of a nOPV2 campaign that took place on Nov 20-26, 2021, and March 19-22, 2022. Serum and stool samples were collected from a subset of the participants. The same symptoms were re-assessed during the week following each dose of nOPV2. Stool samples were collected on days 7 and 28, and serum was collected on day 28 following each dose. Adverse events, including adverse events of special interest, were documented for 28 days after each campaign round. Serum neutralising antibodies were measured by microneutralisation assay, and stool poliovirus excretion was measured by real-time RT-PCR. FINDINGS: Of the 5635 children eligible for the study, 5504 (97·7%) received at least one dose of nOPV2. There was no increase in axillary temperature or in any of the baseline symptoms following either rounds of the campaigns. There were no adverse events of special interest and no other safety signals of concern. Poliovirus type 2 seroconversion rates were 70% (95% CI 62 to 78; 87 of 124 children) following one dose of nOPV2 and 91% (85 to 95; 113 of 124 children) following two doses. Poliovirus excretion on day 7 was lower after the second round (162 of 459 samples; 35·3%, 95% CI 31·1 to 39·8) than after the first round (292 of 658 samples; 44·4%, 40·6 to 48·2) of the campaign (difference -9·1%; 95% CI -14·8 to -3·3), showing the induction of mucosal immunity. INTERPRETATION: In a campaign in west Africa, nOPV2 was well tolerated and safe. High rates of seroconversion and evidence of mucosal immunity support the licensure and WHO prequalification of this vaccine. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. |
Boot camp translation using community-engaged messaging for adolescent vaccination: A cluster-randomized trial
Cataldi JR , Suresh K , Brewer SE , Perreira C , Nederveld A , Skenadore A , Furniss A , Williams C , Severson R , Dempsey AF , O'Leary ST . Vaccine 2024 BACKGROUND: Routine vaccination coverage for adolescents living in the rural US is lower than adolescents living in urban areas. We sought to measure the effect of Boot Camp Translation (BCT), a community-based participatory intervention, on rural adolescent vaccination coverage. METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled trial was performed September 2018-November 2021 involving 16 rural Colorado counties. Intervention county community members engaged in BCT to develop interventions to improve adolescent vaccination locally. Adolescent vaccination coverage was measured using the Colorado Immunization Information System. RESULTS: For 11-12-year-olds, HPV initiation, HPV up-to-date, MenACWY, and Tdap vaccination coverage was lower post- versus pre-intervention in the control and intervention groups. For 11-12-year-olds in the intervention group, there was no significant difference post- versus pre-intervention in the odds of HPV vaccine initiation (adjusted ratio of odds ratios [aROR] = 0.93, 95 %: 0.85-1.02, p = 0.10) or up-to-date HPV vaccination (aROR: 1.10, 95 % CI: 0.98-1.23, p = 0.11) compared with the control group. Among 11-12-year-olds, the decrease in the proportion vaccinated with MenACWY and Tdap in the intervention group was significantly greater than the control group. Among 13-17-year-olds, there were significant increases in HPV initiation, HPV up-to-date, MenACWY, and Tdap vaccination coverage from pre- to post-intervention for both groups, with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: 11-12-year-old vaccination coverage decreased slightly from pre- to post-intervention while 13-17-year-old vaccination coverage increased. We saw no effect from the BCT intervention. Our findings about the effectiveness of BCT for improving vaccine uptake may not be generalizable because the study coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03955757. |
Lessons learned: COVID-19 vaccinations and people with disabilities
Rattay K , Thierry JM , Yeargin-Allsopp M , Griffin-Blake S , Rice CE , Chatham-Stephens K , Remley K . Vaccine 2024 This manuscript is being submitted as a Commentary; Abstract not applicable. |
Adults' exposure to adverse childhood experiences in the United States nationwide and in each state: modeled estimates from 2019-2020
Aslam MV , Peterson C , Swedo E , Niolon PH , Bacon S , Florence C . Inj Prev 2024 BACKGROUND: Although preventable, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can result in lifelong health harms. Current surveillance data on adults' exposure to ACEs are either unavailable or incomplete for many U.S. states. METHODS: Current estimates of the proportion of U.S. adults with past ACEs exposures were obtained by analysing individual-level data from 2019 to 2020 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System-annual nationally representative survey of noninstitutionalized adults aged 18+years. Standardised questions measuring ACEs exposures (presence of household member with mental illness, substance abuse, or incarceration; parental separation; witnessing intimate partner violence; experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood) were categorised into 0, 1, 2-3, or 4+ACEs and reported by sociodemographic group in each state. Missing ACEs responses (state did not offer ACEs questions or offered to only some respondents; respondent skipped questions) were modelled through multilevel mixed-effects logistic (MMEL) and jackknifed MMEL regressions. RESULTS: In 2019-2020, an estimated 62.8% of U.S. adults had past exposure to 1+ACEs (range: 54.9% in Connecticut; 72.5% in Maine), including 22.4% of adults who were exposed to 4+ACEs (range: 11.9% in Connecticut; 32.8% in Nevada). At the national and state levels, exposure to 4+ACEs was highest among adults aged 18-34 years, those who did not graduate from high school, or adults who did not have a healthcare provider. Racial/ethnic distribution of adults exposed to 4+ACEs varied by age and state. CONCLUSIONS: ACEs are common but not equally distributed. ACEs exposures estimated by state and sociodemographic group can help decisionmakers focus public health interventions on populations disproportionately impacted in their area. |
Exploring associations between viral titer measurements and disease outcomes in ferrets inoculated with 125 contemporary influenza A viruses
Kieran TJ , Sun X , Maines TR , Beauchemin CAA , Belser JA . J Virol 2024 e0166123 As use of the ferret model to study influenza A virus (IAV) pathogenicity increases, periodic assessment of data generated in this model is warranted, to identify features associated with virus replication throughout the respiratory tract and to refine future analyses. However, protocol-specific differences present between independent laboratories limit easy aggregation of virological data. We compiled viral titer and clinical data from >1,000 ferrets inoculated with 125 contemporary IAV under a consistent experimental protocol (including high- and low-pathogenicity avian, swine-origin, and human viruses, spanning H1, H2, H3, H5, H7, and H9 subtypes) and examined which meaningful and statistically supported associations were present among numerous quantitative measurements. Viral titers correlated positively between ferret nasal turbinate tissue, lung tissue, and nasal wash specimens, though the strength of the associations varied, notably regarding the particular nasal wash summary measure employed and properties of the virus itself. Use of correlation coefficients and mediation analyses further supported the interconnectedness of viral titer measurements taken at different sites throughout the respiratory tract. IAV possessing mammalian host adaptation markers in the HA and PB2 exhibited more rapid growth in the ferret upper respiratory tract early after infection, supported by quantities derived from infectious titer data to capture infection progression, compared with viruses bearing hallmarks of avian IAV. Collectively, this work identifies summary metrics most closely linked with virological and phenotypic outcomes in ferrets, supporting continued refinement of data analyzed from in vivo experimentation, notably from studies conducted to evaluate the public health risk posed by novel and emerging IAV.IMPORTANCEFerrets are frequently employed to study the pandemic potential of novel and emerging influenza A viruses. However, systematic retrospective analyses of data generated from these experiments are rarely performed, limiting our ability to identify trends in this data and explore how analyses can be refined. Using logarithmic viral titer and clinical data aggregated from one research group over 20 years, we assessed which meaningful and statistically supported associations were present among numerous quantitative measurements obtained from influenza A virus (IAV)-infected ferrets, including those capturing viral titers, infection progression, and disease severity. We identified numerous linear correlations between parameters assessing virus replication at discrete sites in vivo, including parameters capturing infection progression not frequently employed in the field, and sought to investigate the interconnected nature of these associations. This work supports continued refinement of data analyzed from in vivo experimentation, notably from studies which evaluate the public health risk posed by IAV. |
Inclusion of deuterated glycopeptides provides increased sequence coverage in hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein
Haynes CA , Keppel TR , Mekonnen B , Osman SH , Zhou Y , Woolfitt AR , Baudys J , Barr JR , Wang D . Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2024 38 (5) Rationale: Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) can provide precise analysis of a protein's conformational dynamics across varied states, such as heat-denatured versus native protein structures, localizing regions that are specifically affected by such conditional changes. Maximizing protein sequence coverage provides high confidence that regions of interest were located by HDX-MS, but one challenge for complete sequence coverage is N-glycosylation sites. The deuteration of peptides post-translationally modified by asparagine-bound glycans (glycopeptides) has not always been identified in previous reports of HDX-MS analyses, causing significant sequence coverage gaps in heavily glycosylated proteins and uncertainty in structural dynamics in many regions throughout a glycoprotein. Methods: We detected deuterated glycopeptides with a Tribrid Orbitrap Eclipse mass spectrometer performing data-dependent acquisition. An MS scan was used to identify precursor ions; if high-energy collision-induced dissociation MS/MS of the precursor indicated oxonium ions diagnostic for complex glycans, then electron transfer low-energy collision-induced dissociation MS/MS scans of the precursor identified the modified asparagine residue and the glycan's mass. As in traditional HDX-MS, the identified glycopeptides were then analyzed at the MS level in samples labeled with D2O. Results: We report HDX-MS analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein ectodomain in its trimeric prefusion form, which has 22 predicted N-glycosylation sites per monomer, with and without heat treatment. We identified glycopeptides and calculated their average isotopic mass shifts from deuteration. Inclusion of the deuterated glycopeptides increased sequence coverage of spike ectodomain from 76% to 84%, demonstrated that glycopeptides had been deuterated, and improved confidence in results localizing structural rearrangements. Conclusion: Inclusion of deuterated glycopeptides improves the analysis of the conformational dynamics of glycoproteins such as viral surface antigens and cellular receptors. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. |
Trends in otitis media ambulatory visits in American Indian and Alaska native children during the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine period and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Bressler SS , Bruden D , Hammitt LL , Chukwuma U , Fischer M , Singleton R . Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024 Otitis media-associated outpatient visits among American Indians/Alaska Natives children aged <5 years decreased by 52% (100 to 48 per 100 children per year) from 2003 to 2019. Otitis media visits decreased by another 50% from 2019 to 2020, but rebounded between 2020 and 2021 back to a rate similar to 2019. |
Geospatial analysis of Plasmodium falciparum serological indicators: school versus community sampling in a low-transmission malaria setting
Jaramillo-Underwood A , Herman C , Jean SE , Nace D , Elder ES , Robinson K , Knipes A , Worrell CM , Fox LM , Desir L , Fayette C , Javel A , Monestime F , Mace KE , Udhayakumar V , Won KY , Chang MA , Lemoine JF , Rogier E . BMC Med 2024 22 (1) 31 BACKGROUND: Due to low numbers of active infections and persons presenting to health facilities for malaria treatment, case-based surveillance is inefficient for understanding the remaining disease burden in low malaria transmission settings. Serological data through the detection of IgG antibodies from previous malaria parasite exposure can fill this gap by providing a nuanced picture of where sustained transmission remains. Study enrollment at sites of gathering provides a potential approach to spatially estimate malaria exposure and could preclude the need for more intensive community-based sampling. METHODS: This study compared spatial estimates of malaria exposure from cross-sectional school- and community-based sampling in Haiti. A total of 52,405 blood samples were collected from 2012 to 2017. Multiplex bead assays (MBAs) tested IgG against P. falciparum liver stage antigen-1 (LSA-1), apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1), and merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1). Predictive geospatial models of seropositivity adjusted for environmental covariates, and results were compared using correlations by coordinate points and communes across Haiti. RESULTS: Consistent directional associations were observed between seroprevalence and environmental covariates for elevation (negative), air temperature (negative), and travel time to urban centers (positive). Spearman's rank correlation for predicted seroprevalence at coordinate points was lowest for LSA-1 (ρ = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.09-0.11), but improved for AMA1 (ρ = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.35-0.37) and MSP1 (ρ = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.47-0.49). CONCLUSIONS: In settings approaching P. falciparum elimination, case-based prevalence data does not provide a resolution of ongoing malaria transmission in the population. Immunogenic antigen targets (e.g., AMA1, MSP1) that give higher population rates of seropositivity provide moderate correlation to gold standard community sampling designs and are a feasible approach to discern foci of residual P. falciparum transmission in an area. |
Malaria species prevalence among asymptomatic individuals in four regions of Mainland Tanzania
Popkin Hall ZR , Seth MD , Madebe RA , Budodo R , Bakari C , Francis F , Pereus D , Giesbrecht DJ , Mandara CI , Mbwambo D , Aaron S , Lusasi A , Lazaro S , Bailey JA , Juliano JJ , Gutman JR , Ishengoma DS . medRxiv 2023 Recent studies point to the need to incorporate non-falciparum species detection into malaria surveillance activities in sub-Saharan Africa, where 95% of malaria cases occur. Although Plasmodium falciparum infection is typically more severe, diagnosis, treatment, and control for P. malariae, P. ovale spp., and P. vivax may be more challenging. The prevalence of these species throughout sub-Saharan Africa is poorly defined. Tanzania has geographically heterogeneous transmission levels but an overall high malaria burden. In order to estimate the prevalence of malaria species in Mainland Tanzania, 1,428 samples were randomly selected from 6,005 asymptomatic isolates collected in cross-sectional community surveys across four regions and analyzed via qPCR to detect each Plasmodium species. P. falciparum was most prevalent, with P. malariae and P. ovale spp. detected at lower prevalence (<5%) in all four regions. P. vivax was not detected. Malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania will need to account for these non-falciparum species. |
Identifying leadership practices to support the uptake of reusable elastomeric half mask respirators in health delivery settings
Haas EJ , Furek A , Greenawald LA . Healthc Manage Forum 2024 8404704241226698 An increase in reusable elastomeric half mask respirators among healthcare personnel has been documented during pandemic emergencies; however, research has not detailed leadership practices to support their use. Forty-three organizations implemented EHMRs received from the United States federal government which prompted interviews with 73 individuals who managed respirator distribution and fit testing between October 2021 and November 2022. Interview data was qualitatively analyzed. Themes around organizational culture and leadership practices emerged when discussing how elastomeric half mask respirators were integrated into health delivery settings including communication and outreach methods to aid worker support. Example included on-line and hands-on training, peer support, leadership support, and a culture that supports respirator use. To support a shift to reusable respiratory protection being procured and implemented, organizational- and individual-level perspectives are needed. Employee engagement, respirator champions, and updated verbal and written communication mechanisms are important takeaways for leaders to consider during any routine or emergency scenario. |
Supporting National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) in development of evidence-based vaccine recommendations and NITAG assessments - New tools and approaches
Hadler SC , Shefer AM , Cavallaro KF , Ebama M , Tencza C , Kennedy ED , Ndiaye S , Shah A , Torre L , Bresee JS . Vaccine 2024 Increasing opportunities for prevention of infectious diseases by new, effective vaccines and the expansion of global immunization programs across the life course highlight the importance and value of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) by National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Task Force for Global Health (TFGH) have developed and made available new tools to support NITAGs in EIDM. These include a toolkit for conducting facilitated training of NITAGs, Secretariats, or work groups on the use of the Evidence to Recommendations (EtR) approach to advise Ministries of Health (MoH) on specific vaccine policies, and an eLearning module on the EtR approach for NITAG members, Secretariat and others. The CDC and TFGH have also supported final development and implementation of the NITAG Maturity Assessment Tool (NMAT) for assessing maturity of NITAG capabilities in seven functional domains. The EtR toolkit and eLearning have been widely promoted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Headquarters and Regional Offices through workshops engaging over 30 countries to date, and the NMAT assessment tool used in most countries in 3 WHO regions (Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, African). Important lessons have been learned regarding planning and conducting trainings for multiple countries and additional ways to support countries in applying the EtR approach to complete vaccine recommendations. Priorities for future work include the need to evaluate the impact of EtR training and NMAT assessments, working with partners to expand and adapt these tools for wider use, synergizing with other approaches for NITAG strengthening, and developing the best approaches to empower NITAGs to use the EtR approach. |
Iatrogenic and demographic determinants of the national plural birth increase
Adashi EY , Penzias AS , Gruppuso PA , Kulkarni AD , Zhang Y , Kissin DM , Gutman R . Fertil Steril 2024 OBJECTIVE: To study the contribution of ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and unassisted conception to the increase in national plural births in the U.S., a significant contributor to adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. DESIGN: National and IVF-assisted plural birth data were derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Vital Statistics System (1967-2021, after introduction of Clomiphene Citrate in the U.S.) and the National Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance System (1997-2021), respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In addition to IVF-assisted plural births, the contributions of unassisted conception to plural births among women aged <35 and ≥35 years were estimated using plural birth rates from 1949-1966, and a Bayesian logistic model with race and age as independent variables. The contribution of ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation was estimated as the difference between national plural births and IVF-assisted and unassisted counterparts. RESULTS: From 1967-2021, the national twin birth rate increased 1.7-fold to a 2014 high (33.9/1000 live births), then declined to 31.2/1000 live births; the triplet and higher-order birth rate increased 6.7-fold to a 1998 high (1.9/1000 live births), then declined to 0.8/1000 live births. In 2021, the contribution of unassisted conception among women <35 to the national plural births was 56.1%, followed by ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation (19.5%), unassisted conception among women ≥35 (16.8%) and IVF (7.6%). During 2009-2021, the contribution of ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation has remained stable, the contribution of unassisted conception among women <35 and women ≥35 has increased, and the contribution of IVF has decreased. CONCLUSION: Ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation are leading iatrogenic contributors to plural births. They are, therefore, targets for intervention to reduce the adverse maternal and infant health outcomes associated with plural births. Maternal age ≥35 is a significant contributor to the national plural birth increase. |
Estimating the effects of hypothetical alcohol minimum unit pricing policies on alcohol use and deaths: A state example
Bertin L , Leung G , Bohm MK , LeClercq J , Skillen EL , Esser MB . J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2024 85 (1) 120-132 OBJECTIVE: Alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP) policies establish a floor price beneath which alcohol cannot be sold. The potential effectiveness of MUP policies for reducing alcohol-attributable deaths in the United States has not been quantitatively assessed. Therefore, this study estimated the effects of two hypothetical distilled spirits MUP policies on alcohol sales, consumption, and alcohol-attributable deaths in one state. METHOD: The International Model of Alcohol Harms and Policies tool was used to estimate the effects of two hypothetical MUP per standard drink policies (40-cent and 45-cent) pertaining to distilled spirits products at off-premises alcohol outlets in Michigan during 2020. Prevalence estimates on drinking patterns among Michigan adults were calculated by sex and age group. Prices per standard drink and sales of 9,747 spirits products were analyzed using National Alcohol Beverage Control Association data. Analyses accounted for other alcoholic beverage type sales using cross-price elasticities. RESULTS: Increasing the MUP of the 3.5% of spirits with the lowest prices per standard drink to 40 cents could reduce total alcohol per capita consumption in Michigan by 2.6% and prevent 232 (5.3%) alcohol-attributable deaths annually. A 45-cent MUP would affect 8.0% of the spirits and reduce total alcohol per capita consumption by 3.9%, preventing 354 (8.1%) deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Modestly increasing the prices of the lowest-priced spirits with an MUP policy in a single state could save hundreds of lives annually. This suggests that alcohol MUP policies could be an effective strategy for improving public health in the United States, consistent with the World Health Organization's recommendation. |
Cannabis use among students in grades 8, 10, and 12, by sex - King County, Washington, 2008-2021
Esie P , Ta M . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024 73 (2) 27-31 Cannabis use during adolescence is associated with poor outcomes, including cognitive impairment, cannabis use disorder, and impaired driving. To guide prevention and use reduction strategies, Public Health - Seattle & King County described recent trends in cannabis use by sex among King County, Washington students in grades 8, 10, and 12 and examined trends in sex-based differences. Data collected during seven 2008-2021 survey periods by the Healthy Youth Survey (administered by the Washington State Department of Health) and restricted to King County students in grades 8, 10, and 12 (range = 33,439-39,391 students per cycle) were analyzed. Prevalence estimates were generated and sex-based prevalence differences (PDs) in current use (≥1 day during the previous 30 days) and frequent use (≥6 days during the previous 30 days) were assessed. PD models used weighted generalized linear regression with an interaction between sex and survey year. During 2008-2021, cannabis use declined among both male and female students. During 2008-2014, cannabis use was higher among male students than among female students (e.g., PD in 2008 = 4.8%) and not significantly different during 2014-2016; however, in 2021, current-use prevalence was lower among male students than among female students for the first time (PD = -1.3%). Frequent-use prevalence was similar among males and females. By grade levels, the highest prevalence of both current and frequent cannabis use was observed among 12th grade students, followed by 10th and 8th graders. Sex-specific differences by grade mirrored overall patterns. Developing tailored interventions that consider potential differences in risk and protective factors by sex or gender identity could promote equity in youth (grades 8, 10, and 12) cannabis use reduction measures. |
Gender differences in use of cigarette and non-cigarette tobacco products among adolescents aged 13-15 years in 20 African countries
Agaku IT , Sulentic R , Dragicevic A , Njie G , Jones CK , Odani S , Tsafa T , Gwar J , Vardavas CI , Ayo-Yusuf O . Tob Induc Dis 2024 22 INTRODUCTION: Examining gender differences in youth tobacco use is important as it aligns tobacco control within the context of broader human development goals seeking to eliminate gender inequalities. In this study, we examined gender differences in adolescent use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, shisha, and e-cigarettes in Africa. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. Our analytical sample comprised 56442 adolescents aged 13-15 years from 20 African countries. Weighted, country-specific prevalence estimates were computed overall and by gender. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) were calculated in a multivariable Poisson regression model to examine whether correlates of tobacco use differed between boys and girls. RESULTS: Ever cigarette smoking prevalence was significantly higher among boys than girls in 16 of the 20 countries, but a significantly higher percentage of girls reported earlier age of cigarette smoking initiation than boys within pooled analysis. Some of the largest gender differences in current cigarette smoking were seen in Algeria (12.2% vs 0.8%, boys and girls, respectively), Mauritius (21.2% vs 6.6%), and Madagascar (15.0% vs 4.1%). Current use of e-cigarettes, shisha, and smokeless tobacco was generally comparable between boys and girls where data existed. Among girls, higher levels of reported exposure to tobacco advertisement were positively associated with shisha smoking whereas perceived tobacco harm was inversely associated with current cigarette and shisha smoking. Among boys, perceived social acceptability of smoking at parties was associated with an increased likelihood of cigarette smoking (APR=2.27; 95% Cl: 1.20-4.30). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cigarette smoking among boys was higher than that of girls in many countries. However, girls who smoke tend to start at an earlier age than boys. Differential gender patterns of cigarette and non-cigarette tobacco product use among youth may have implications for future disease burden. As the tobacco control landscape evolves, tobacco prevention efforts should focus on all tobacco products, not just cigarettes. |
Lactic acid salts of nicotine potentiate the transfer of toxic metals into electronic cigarette aerosols
Pappas RS , Gray N , Halstead M , Watson CH . Toxics 2024 12 (1) The designs and liquid formulations of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) devices continue to rapidly evolve. Thus, it is important to monitor and characterize ENDS aerosols for changes in toxic constituents. Many ENDS liquid formulations now include the addition of organic acids in a 1 to 1 molar ratio with nicotine. Metal concentrations in aerosols produced by ENDS devices with different nicotine salt formulations were analyzed. Aerosols from devices containing lactic acid had higher nickel, zinc, copper, and chromium concentrations than aerosols produced by devices containing benzoic acid or levulinic acid. Our scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray analytical findings showed that the metals determined in the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analytical results were consistent with the metal compositions of the ENDS device components that were exposed to the liquids and that nickel is a major constituent in many ENDS internal components. As a result of the exposure of the nickel-containing components to the ENDS liquids, resulting aerosol nickel concentrations per puff were higher from devices that contained lactic acid in comparison to devices with benzoic or levulinic acid. The aerosol nickel concentrations in 10 puffs from ENDS-containing lactic acid were, in some cases, hundreds of times higher than cigarette mainstream smoke nickel deliveries. Thus, the design of an ENDS device in terms of both physical construction components and the liquid chemical formulations could directly impact potential exposures to toxic constituents such as metals. |
Peripheral immune responses to filoviruses in a reservoir versus spillover hosts reveal transcriptional correlates of disease
Guito JC , Arnold CE , Schuh AJ , Amman BR , Sealy TK , Spengler JR , Harmon JR , Coleman-McCray JD , Sanchez-Lockhart M , Palacios GF , Towner JS , Prescott JB . Front Immunol 2023 14 1306501 Several filoviruses, including Marburg virus (MARV), cause severe disease in humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs). However, the Egyptian rousette bat (ERB, Rousettus aegyptiacus), the only known MARV reservoir, shows no overt illness upon natural or experimental infection, which, like other bat hosts of zoonoses, is due to well-adapted, likely species-specific immune features. Despite advances in understanding reservoir immune responses to filoviruses, ERB peripheral blood responses to MARV and how they compare to those of diseased filovirus-infected spillover hosts remain ill-defined. We thus conducted a longitudinal analysis of ERB blood gene responses during acute MARV infection. These data were then contrasted with a compilation of published primate blood response studies to elucidate gene correlates of filovirus protection versus disease. Our work expands on previous findings in MARV-infected ERBs by supporting both host resistance and disease tolerance mechanisms, offers insight into the peripheral immunocellular repertoire during infection, and provides the most direct known cross-examination between reservoir and spillover hosts of the most prevalently-regulated response genes, pathways and activities associated with differences in filovirus pathogenesis and pathogenicity. |
Outbreak of anthrax in livestock with human occupational exposures - Minnesota, 2023
Schenk KE , Cornille K , Cater J , Vieira AR , Holzbauer S , Bye M , Scheftel J . J Agromedicine 2024 1-4 In July 2023, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) was notified of possible occupational exposures to anthrax during an outbreak in animals. In consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MDH epidemiologists created a questionnaire that assessed exposure risks and helped determine individual illness monitoring and antibiotic post-exposure prophylaxis needs. This investigation and the resources developed for it could be useful in future scenarios where there are occupational exposures to naturally occurring anthrax. |
Use of advanced diagnostics for timely identification of travel-associated leptospira santarosai infection in four adolescents through plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing with the Karius Test
Nguyen-Tran H , Erdem G , Laufer PM , Patterson L , Ahmed AA , Bower WA , Galloway R , Saporta-Keating S . Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024 BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic infection worldwide. Diagnosis of leptospirosis is challenging given its nonspecific clinical symptoms that overlap with other acute febrile illnesses and limitations with conventional diagnostic testing. Alternative advanced diagnostics, such as microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA), are increasingly being used to aid in the diagnosis of infections and can be applied to pathogens with public health importance such as Leptospira, a nationally notifiable disease. METHODS: The Karius Test uses plasma mcfDNA sequencing to detect and quantify DNA-based pathogens. This test offered through the Karius lab detected 4 cases of Leptospira santarosai during a 5-month period across the United States in 2021 and were clinically reviewed. RESULTS: In our case series, 4 adolescents with recent travel to Central America (Costa Rica, n = 3 and Belize, n = 1) from April to August 2021 were diagnosed with leptospirosis. While a large workup was performed in all cases, mcfDNA testing was the first test to detect L. santarosai as the microbiological diagnosis in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the Karius Test enabled rapid, noninvasive diagnosis of leptospirosis allowing for targeted therapy. Use of mcfDNA can be utilized for diagnosis of pathogens where conventional testing is challenging or limited. This in turn can enable quick diagnosis for targeted treatment and potentially aid in supporting case definitions of reportable diseases of public health concern. |
An evaluation of the ecological niche of Orf virus (Poxviridae): Challenges of distinguishing broad niches from no niches
Nair RR , Nakazawa Y , Peterson AT . PLoS One 2024 19 (1) e0293312 Contagious ecthyma is a skin disease, caused by Orf virus, creating great economic threats to livestock farming worldwide. Zoonotic potential of this disease has gained recent attention owing to the re-emergence of disease in several parts of the world. Increased public health concern emphasizes the need for a predictive understanding of the geographic distributional potential of Orf virus. Here, we mapped the current distribution using occurrence records, and estimated the ecological niche in both geographical and environmental spaces. Twenty modeling experiments, resulting from two- and three-partition models, were performed to choose the candidate models that best represent the geographic distributional potential of Orf virus. For all of our models, it was possible to reject the null hypothesis of predictive performance no better than random expectations. However, statistical significance must be accompanied by sufficiently good predictive performance if a model is to be useful. In our case, omission of known distribution of the virus was noticed in all Maxent models, indicating inferior quality of our models. This conclusion was further confirmed by the independent final evaluation, using occurrence records sourced from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International. Minimum volume ellipsoid (MVE) models indicated the broad range of environmental conditions under which Orf virus infections are found. The excluded climatic conditions from MVEs could not be considered as unsuitable owing to the broad distribution of Orf virus. These results suggest two possibilities: that the niche models fail to identify niche limits that constrain the virus, or that the virus has no detectable niche, as it can be found throughout the geographic distributions of its hosts. This potential limitation of component-based pathogen-only ENMs is discussed in detail. |
Novel species of Triatoma (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) identified in a case of vectorial transmission of Chagas disease in northern Belize
Gunter SM , Nelson A , Kneubehl AR , Justi SA , Manzanero R , Zielinski-Gutierrez E , Herrera C , Thompson J , Mandage R , Desale H , Maliga A , Bautista K , Ronca SE , Morey F , Fuentes RC , Lopez B , Dumonteil E , Morazan GH , Murray KO . Sci Rep 2024 14 (1) 1412 Chagas disease is a leading cause of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in endemic regions of Central and South America. In Belize, Triatoma dimidiata sensu lato has been identified as the predominate taxon but vectorial transmission of Chagas disease is considered to be rare in the country. We recently identified an acute case of vector-borne Chagas disease in the northern region of Belize. Here we present a subsequent investigation of triatomines collected around the case-patient's home. We identified yet undescribed species, closely related to Triatoma huehuetenanguensis vector by molecular systematics methods occurring in the peridomestic environment. The identification of a T. cruzi-positive, novel species of Triatoma in Belize indicates an increased risk of transmission to humans in the region and warrants expanded surveillance and further investigation. |
Content Index (Achived Edition)
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Stewardship
- Chronic Diseases and Conditions
- Communicable Diseases
- Community Health Services
- Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Services
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology and Surveillance
- Food Safety
- Health Behavior and Risk
- Health Communication and Education
- Health Equity and Health Disparities
- Immunity and Immunization
- Injury and Violence
- Laboratory Sciences
- Maternal and Child Health
- Parasitic Diseases
- Public Health Leadership and Management
- Reproductive Health
- Substance Use and Abuse
- Zoonotic and Vectorborne Diseases
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