Tracking psychosocial health in adults with epilepsy-estimates from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey
Kobau R , Cui W , Kadima N , Zack MM , Sajatovic M , Kaiboriboon K , Jobst B . Epilepsy Behav 2014 41c 66-73 OBJECTIVE: This study provides population-based estimates of psychosocial health among U.S. adults with epilepsy from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. METHODS: Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the prevalence of the following measures of psychosocial health among adults with epilepsy and those without epilepsy: 1) the Kessler-6 scale of serious psychological distress; 2) cognitive limitation, the duration and the extent of impairments associated with psychological problems, and work limitation; 3) social participation; and 4) the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Global Health Scale. RESULTS: Compared with adults without epilepsy, adults with epilepsy, especially those with active epilepsy, reported significantly worse psychological health, more cognitive impairment, difficulty in participating in some social activities, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL). CONCLUSIONS: These disparities in psychosocial health in U.S. adults with epilepsy serve as baseline national estimates of their HRQOL, consistent with Healthy People 2020 national objectives on HRQOL. |
Measuring chronic liver disease mortality using an expanded cause of death definition and medical records in Connecticut, 2004
Ly KN , Speers S , Klevens RM , Barry V , Vogt TM . Hepatol Res 2014 45 (9) 960-968 AIM: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a leading cause of death and is defined based on a specific set of underlying cause-of-death codes on death certificates. This conventional approach to measuring CLD mortality underestimates the true mortality burden because it does not consider certain CLD conditions like viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We measured how much the conventional CLD mortality case definition will underestimate CLD mortality and described the distribution of CLD etiologies in Connecticut. METHODS: We used 2004 Connecticut death certificates to estimate CLD mortality two ways. One way used the conventional definition and the other used an expanded definition that included more conditions suggestive of CLD. We compared the number of deaths identified using this expanded definition to the number identified using the conventional definition. Medical records were reviewed to confirm CLD deaths. RESULTS: Connecticut had 29,314 registered deaths in 2004. Of these, 282 (1.0%) were CLD deaths identified by the conventional CLD definition while 616 (2.1%) were CLD deaths defined by the expanded definition. Medical record review confirmed that most deaths identified by the expanded definition were CLD-related (550 of 616); this suggested a 15.8 deaths/100,000 population mortality rate. Among deaths for which hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and alcoholic liver disease were identified during medical record review, only 8.6%, 45.4%, and 36.5%, respectively, had that specific cause-of-death code cited on the death certificate. CONCLUSION: An expanded CLD mortality case definition that incorporates multiple causes of death and additional CLD-related conditions will better estimate CLD mortality. |
Alcohol control efforts in comprehensive cancer control plans and alcohol use among adults in the USA
Henley SJ , Kanny D , Roland KB , Grossman M , Peaker B , Liu Y , Gapstur SM , White MC , Plescia M . Alcohol Alcohol 2014 49 (6) 661-7 AIMS: To understand how US cancer control plans address alcohol use, an important but frequently overlooked cancer risk factor, and how many US adults are at risk. METHODS: We reviewed alcohol control efforts in 69 comprehensive cancer control plans in US states, tribes and jurisdictions. Using the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we assessed the prevalence of current alcohol use among US adults and the proportion of these drinkers who exceeded guidelines for moderate drinking. RESULTS: Most comprehensive cancer control plans acknowledged alcohol use as a cancer risk factor but fewer than half included a goal, objective or strategy to address alcohol use. More than half of US adults reported current alcohol use in 2011, and two of three drinkers exceeded moderate drinking guidelines at least once in the past month. Many states that did not address alcohol use in comprehensive cancer control plans also had a high proportion of adults at risk. CONCLUSION: Alcohol use is a common cancer risk factor in the USA, but alcohol control strategies are not commonly included in comprehensive cancer control plans. Supporting the implementation of evidence-based strategies to prevent the excessive use of alcohol is one tool the cancer control community can use to reduce the risk of cancer. |
Associations between antioxidants and all-cause mortality among US adults with obstructive lung function
Ford ES , Li C , Cunningham TJ , Croft JB . Br J Nutr 2014 112 (10) 1-12 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterised by oxidative stress, but little is known about the associations between antioxidant status and all-cause mortality in adults with this disease. The objective of the present study was to examine the prospective associations between concentrations of alpha- and beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, Se, vitamin C and alpha-tocopherol and all-cause mortality among US adults with obstructive lung function. Data collected from 1492 adults aged 20-79 years with obstructive lung function in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-94) were used. Through 2006, 629 deaths were identified during a median follow-up period of 14 years. After adjustment for demographic variables, the concentrations of the following antioxidants modelled as continuous variables were found to be inversely associated with all-cause mortality among adults with obstructive lung function: alpha-carotene (P= 0.037); beta-carotene (P= 0.022); cryptoxanthin (P= 0.022); lutein/zeaxanthin (P= 0.004); total carotenoids (P= 0.001); vitamin C (P< 0.001). In maximally adjusted models, only the concentrations of lycopene (P= 0.013) and vitamin C (P= 0.046) were found to be significantly and inversely associated with all-cause mortality. No effect modification by sex was detected, but the association between lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations and all-cause mortality varied by smoking status (P interaction= 0.048). The concentrations of lycopene and vitamin C were inversely associated with all-cause mortality in this cohort of adults with obstructive lung function. |
Common pathways toward informing policy and environmental strategies to promote health: a study of CDC's Prevention Research Centers
Neri EM , Stringer KJ , Spadaro AJ , Ballman MR , Grunbaum JA . Health Promot Pract 2014 16 (2) 218-26 This study examined the roles academic researchers can play to inform policy and environmental strategies that promote health and prevent disease. Prevention Research Centers (PRCs) engage in academic-community partnerships to conduct applied public health research. Interviews were used to collect data on the roles played by 32 PRCs to inform policy and environmental strategies that were implemented between September 2009 and September 2010. Descriptive statistics were calculated in SAS 9.2. A difference in roles played was observed depending on whether strategies were policy or environmental. Of the policy initiatives, the most common roles were education, research, and partnership. In contrast, the most prevalent roles the PRCs played in environmental approaches were research and providing health promotion resources. Academic research centers play various roles to help inform policy and environmental strategies. |
Phylogeny of imported and reestablished wild polioviruses in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo from 2006 to 2011.
Gumede N , Jorba J , Deshpande J , Pallansch M , Yogolelo R , Muyembe-Tamfum JJ , Kew O , Venter M , Burns CC . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S361-7 BACKGROUND: The last case of polio associated with wild poliovirus (WPV) indigenous to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was reported in 2001, marking a major milestone toward polio eradication in Africa. However, during 2006-2011, outbreaks associated with WPV type 1 (WPV1) were widespread in the DRC, with >250 reported cases. METHODS: WPV1 isolates obtained from patients with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) were compared by nucleotide sequencing of the VP1 capsid region (906 nucleotides). VP1 sequence relationships among isolates from the DRC and other countries were visualized in phylogenetic trees, and isolates representing distinct lineage groups were mapped. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis indicated that WPV1 was imported twice in 2004-2005 and once in approximately 2006 from Uttar Pradesh, India (a major reservoir of endemicity for WPV1 and WPV3 until 2010-2011), into Angola. WPV1 from the first importation spread to the DRC in 2006, sparking a series of outbreaks that continued into 2011. WPV1 from the second importation was widely disseminated in the DRC and spread to the Congo in 2010-2011. VP1 sequence relationships revealed frequent transmission of WPV1 across the borders of Angola, the DRC, and the Congo. Long branches on the phylogenetic tree signaled prolonged gaps in AFP surveillance and a likely underreporting of polio cases. CONCLUSIONS: The reestablishment of widespread and protracted WPV1 transmission in the DRC and Angola following long-range importations highlights the continuing risks of WPV spread until global eradication is achieved, and it further underscores the need for all countries to maintain high levels of poliovirus vaccine coverage and sensitive surveillance to protect their polio-free status. |
Improving pandemic influenza risk assessment.
Russell CA , Kasson PM , Donis RO , Riley S , Dunbar J , Rambaut A , Asher J , Burke S , Davis CT , Garten RJ , Gnanakaran S , Hay SI , Herfst S , Lewis NS , Lloyd-Smith JO , Macken CA , Maurer-Stroh S , Neuhaus E , Parrish CR , Pepin KM , Shepard SS , Smith DL , Suarez DL , Trock SC , Widdowson MA , George DB , Lipsitch M , Bloom JD . Elife 2014 3 e03883 Assessing the pandemic risk posed by specific non-human influenza A viruses is an important goal in public health research. As influenza virus genome sequencing becomes cheaper, faster, and more readily available, the ability to predict pandemic potential from sequence data could transform pandemic influenza risk assessment capabilities. However, the complexities of the relationships between virus genotype and phenotype make such predictions extremely difficult. The integration of experimental work, computational tool development, and analysis of evolutionary pathways, together with refinements to influenza surveillance, has the potential to transform our ability to assess the risks posed to humans by non-human influenza viruses and lead to improved pandemic preparedness and response. |
Historical and current perspectives on Clostridium botulinum diversity.
Smith TJ , Hill KK , Raphael BH . Res Microbiol 2014 166 (4) 290-302 For nearly one hundred years, researchers have attempted to categorize botulinum neurotoxin-producing clostridia and the toxins that they produce according to biochemical characterizations, serological comparisons, and genetic analyses. Throughout this period the bacteria and their toxins have defied such attempts at categorization. Below is a description of both historic and current C. botulinum strain and neurotoxin information that illustrates how each new finding has significantly added to the knowledge of the botulinum neurotoxin-containing clostridia and their diversity. |
Environmental surveillance for polioviruses in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Asghar H , Diop OM , Weldegebriel G , Malik F , Shetty S , El Bassioni L , Akande AO , Al Maamoun E , Zaidi S , Adeniji AJ , Burns CC , Deshpande J , Oberste MS , Lowther SA . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S294-303 This article summarizes the status of environmental surveillance (ES) used by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, provides the rationale for ES, gives examples of ES methods and findings, and summarizes how these data are used to achieve poliovirus eradication. ES complements clinical acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance for possible polio cases. ES detects poliovirus circulation in environmental sewage and is used to monitor transmission in communities. If detected, the genetic sequences of polioviruses isolated from ES are compared with those of isolates from clinical cases to evaluate the relationships among viruses. To evaluate poliovirus transmission, ES programs must be developed in a manner that is sensitive, with sufficiently frequent sampling, appropriate isolation methods, and specifically targeted sampling sites in locations at highest risk for poliovirus transmission. After poliovirus ceased to be detected in human cases, ES documented the absence of endemic WPV transmission and detected imported WPV. ES provides valuable information, particularly in high-density populations where AFP surveillance is of poor quality, persistent virus circulation is suspected, or frequent virus reintroduction is perceived. Given the benefits of ES, GPEI plans to continue and expand ES as part of its strategic plan and as a supplement to AFP surveillance. |
Simulation exercises to strengthen polio outbreak preparedness: experience of the World Health Organization European region
Moulsdale HJ , Khetsuriani N , Deshevoi S , Butler R , Simpson J , Salisbury D . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S208-15 BACKGROUND: Poliovirus importations and related outbreaks continue to occur in polio-free countries, including those in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region. National preparedness plans for responding to poliovirus introduction are insufficient in many countries of the European Region. We describe a series of polio outbreak simulation exercises that were implemented to formally test polio outbreak preparedness plans in the European Region. METHODS: We designed and implemented the exercises, reviewed the results, made recommendations, and assessed the role of outbreak simulation exercises in maintaining regional polio-free status. In addition, we performed a comprehensive review of the national plans of all WHO Member States in the European Region. RESULTS: Three exercises, delivered during 2011-2013 (for the Balkans, United Kingdom, and the Caucasus and Ukraine), revealed that participating countries were generally prepared for poliovirus introduction, but the level of preparedness needed improvement. The areas in particular need of strengthening were national preparedness plans, initial response, plans for securing vaccine supply, and communications. CONCLUSIONS: Polio outbreak simulation exercises can be valuable tools to help maintain polio-free status and should be extended to other high-risk countries and subnational areas in the European Region and elsewhere. |
Single-agent tenofovir versus combination emtricitabine plus tenofovir for pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-1 acquisition: an update of data from a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial
Baeten JM , Donnell D , Mugo NR , Ndase P , Thomas KK , Campbell JD , Wangisi J , Tappero JW , Bukusi EA , Cohen CR , Katabira E , Ronald A , Tumwesigye E , Were E , Fife KH , Kiarie J , Farquhar C , John-Stewart G , Kidoguchi L , Coombs RW , Hendrix C , Marzinke MA , Frenkel L , Haberer JE , Bangsberg D , Celum C . Lancet Infect Dis 2014 14 (11) 1055-1064 BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), with daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in combination with emtricitabine, has been shown to be efficacious for HIV-1 prevention. Although the use of more than one antiretroviral agent is essential for effective HIV-1 treatment, more than one agent might not be required for effective prophylaxis. We assessed the efficacy of single-agent tenofovir disoproxil fumarate relative to combination emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate as PrEP. METHODS: We did a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled three-group phase 3 trial of daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate PrEP in HIV-1 uninfected individuals in heterosexual HIV-1 serodiscordant couples from Kenya and Uganda. After an interim review, the trial's placebo group was discontinued and thereafter the active groups were continued, and participants initially randomly assigned to placebo were offered rerandomisation in a 1:1 ratio to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate as PrEP. The primary endpoints were HIV-1 seroconversion and safety. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00557245. FINDINGS: 4410 (99.6%) of 4427 couples received tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and were followed up for HIV-1 acquisition. Of 52 incident HIV-1 infections, 31 occurred in individuals assigned tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (incidence 0.71 cases per 100 person-years) and 21 were in those assigned emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (0.48 cases per 100 person-years); HIV-1 incidence in the placebo group until discontinuation was two cases per 100 person-years. HIV-1 prevention efficacy with emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was not significantly different from that of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate alone (hazard ratio [HR] 0.67, 95% CI 0.39-1.17; p=0.16). Detection of tenofovir in plasma samples, compared with no detection and as measured in seroconverters and a subset of non-seroconverters, was associated with an 85% relative risk reduction in HIV-1 acquisition for the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group (HR 0.15, 95% CI 0.06-0.37; p<0.0001) and 93% for the emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group (0.07, 0.02-0.23; p<0.0001). No significant differences were noted in the frequency of deaths, serious adverse events, or serum creatinine and phosphorus abnormalities between the two groups. INTERPRETATION: These results do not rule out the potential for a slight difference in HIV-1 protection with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate compared with emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, but show that once-daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate regimens both provide high protection against HIV-1 acquisition in heterosexual men and women. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and US National Institutes of Health. |
Surveillance and preparedness for Ebola virus disease - New York City, 2014
Benowitz I , Ackelsberg J , Balter SE , Baumgartner JC , Dentinger C , Fine AD , Harper SA , Jones LE , Laraque F , Lee EH , Merizalde G , Quinn C , Slavinski S , Winters AI , Weiss D , Yacisin KA , Varma JK , Layton MC . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014 63 (41) 934-6 In July 2014, as the Ebola virus disease (Ebola) epidemic expanded in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, an air traveler brought Ebola to Nigeria and two American health care workers in West Africa were diagnosed with Ebola and later medically evacuated to a U.S. hospital. New York City (NYC) is a frequent port of entry for travelers from West Africa, a home to communities of West African immigrants who travel back to their home countries, and a home to health care workers who travel to West Africa to treat Ebola patients. Ongoing transmission of Ebolavirus in West Africa could result in an infected person arriving in NYC. The announcement on September 30 of an Ebola case diagnosed in Texas in a person who had recently arrived from an Ebola-affected country further reinforced the need in NYC for local preparedness for Ebola. |
A world without polio
Cochi SL , Jafari HS , Armstrong GL , Sutter RW , Linkins RW , Pallansch MA , Kew O , Aylward RB . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S1-4 When this journal last published a special supplement on polio nearly 18 years ago, we lived in a world that was still deeply entangled with this devastating virus [1]. All 3 poliovirus serotypes were still circulating on four continents. Some of the world’s largest countries remained mired in the disease, some with thousands of cases each year. Most tellingly, a number of polio-infected countries, particularly in Africa, had not even introduced core eradication strategies, such as polio national immunization days (NIDs). Both financial and human resources were stretched; worldwide, <250 people were employed full time in a program whose success would eventually require, at its peak, reaching and vaccinating >600 million children multiple times per year. | Despite these realities, optimism and enthusiasm were running high in 1997. Nelson Mandela himself had, just the previous year, launched the continent-wide Polio-Free Africa initiative accompanied by a Kick Polio Out of Africa social mobilization campaign. The massive Operation MECACAR was rapidly clearing virus from the 18 participating countries, spanning 2 continents and coordinating and collaborating through shared poliovirus surveillance, cross-border planning, and synchronized NIDs across the Middle East, Caucasus, Central Asian Republics, and Russian Federation. And in most of the world where the 4 core eradication strategies had been introduced, the number of both cases of polio-paralyzed children and polio-infected countries were falling rapidly (Figure 1). The sense that, with further program expansion, eradication might soon be inevitable was reinforced in 1999 by the eradication of the type 2 wild poliovirus serotype globally; that the last type 2 case was reported from Aligarh, India, suggested that eradication of the other serotypes would follow quickly, both in that country and globally. By 2000, 3 of the 6 regions of the World Health Organization (WHO) had seen their last indigenous poliovirus and were either already certified as polio free or soon would be. Although it was apparent that the original goal of completing wild poliovirus eradication globally by 2000 would be missed, the then Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan, convened a special Polio Eradication Summit in September of that year to ensure that the program remained on track for its secondary target of certification of global eradication in 2005. By 2001, polio had been reduced to 475 cases in 10 polio-endemic countries, compared with 350 000 cases in 125 polio-endemic countries in 1988. |
Longitudinal analysis of HIV-1-specific antibody responses
Curtis KA , Kennedy MS , Owen SM . AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2014 30 (11) 1099-105 Laboratory assays for determining recent HIV-1 infection are of great public health importance for aiding in the estimation of HIV incidence. Concerns have been raised about the potential for misclassification with serology-based assays due to fluctuations in the antibody response, particularly following progression to AIDS. We characterized longitudinal antibody responses to HIV using a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) sampled for up to 17 years, in which 57% of the 65 study subjects included in the current analyses progressed to AIDS during the study period. Envelope-specific total IgG antibody levels, avidity, and p24-specific IgG3 levels were evaluated using a multiplexed Bio-Plex assay. For the majority of the analytes, no significant difference in IgG reactivity was observed between AIDS and non-AIDS specimens. Although a slight decline in gp120 reactivity was noted with decreasing CD4+ T cell count, the drop in assay values was relatively minimal and would likely not lead to an increase in the misclassification rate of the assay. A peak in HIV-1 p24 IgG3 levels was observed during early infection, as confirmed by testing 1,216 specimens from 342 recent seroconverters with the Bio-Plex assay. As expected, IgG3 reactivity declined with disease progression and decreasing CD4+ T cell count in the MSM cohort; however, 37% of the study subjects exhibited relatively high IgG3 levels late in the course of infection. |
Maintaining polio-free certification in the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region for over a decade
Adams A , Boualam L , Diorditsa S , Gregory C , Jee Y , Mendoza-Aldana J , Roesel S . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S259-67 On 29 October 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication in the Western Pacific certified the WHO Western Pacific Region as free of indigenous wild poliovirus. This status has been maintained to date: wild poliovirus importations into Singapore (in 2006) and Australia (in 2007) did not lead to secondary cases, and an outbreak in China (in 2011) was rapidly controlled. Circulation of vaccine derived polioviruses in Cambodia, China and the Philippines was quickly interrupted. A robust acute flaccid paralysis surveillance system, including a multitiered polio laboratory network, has been maintained, forming the platform for integrating measles, neonatal tetanus, and other vaccine-preventable disease surveillance and their respective control goals. While polio elimination remains one of the most important achievements in public health in the Western Pacific Region, extended delays in global eradication have, however, led to shifting and competing public health priorities among member states and partners and have made the region increasingly vulnerable. |
Notes from the field: increase in gonorrhea cases in counties associated with American Indian reservations - Montana, January 2012-August 2014
Nett RJ , Choi P , Murolo C , Murphy JS . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014 63 (41) 937 In May 2012, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services noted that 23 cases of gonorrhea were reported in Roosevelt County during October 2011-March 2012, compared with only three cases during January-September 2011. An analysis of surveillance data for Roosevelt County and the six other Montana counties most closely associated with American Indian (AI) reservations showed that, during 2000-2011, the annual incidence rates in the seven counties ranged from 9-43 cases per 100,000, compared with 4-19 cases per 100,000 for all the remaining 49 Montana counties, and 98-129 cases per 100,000 for the United States. Since May 2012, the rates have continued to increase in the seven counties. The 2012 and 2013 incidence rates in counties associated with AI reservations were 74 and 131 cases per 100,000, respectively, compared with four and 10 cases per 100,000 in the remaining counties, and 108 cases per 100,000 in the United States during 2012. This increase in gonorrhea incidence in counties associated with AI reservations began in 2012. During January 2012-August 2014, of the 553 gonorrhea cases reported in Montana, 315 (57%) had a race classification of AI/Alaska Native (AN). In comparison, 6.5% of Montana's population is classified as AI/AN. Cases were concentrated in few of Montana's 56 counties; 327 (59%) occurred among residents of seven counties associated with AI reservations that are the home of just 9.8% of Montana's population. Among all reported Montana cases, the median patient age was 24 years (range = 12-70 years), and 258 (47%) occurred among males. Gonorrhea incidence in Montana counties associated with AI reservations is now comparable to U.S. incidence rates. |
Outbreak of type 1 wild poliovirus infection in adults, Namibia, 2006
Yusuf N , de Wee R , Foster N , Watkins MA , Tiruneh D , Chauvin C , Bossarte R , Mandlhate C , Jack A , Gumede N , Mawela A , Burns CC , Pallansch MA , Allies T , Rainey J , Mataruse N , Nshimirimana D . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S353-60 A paralytic poliomyelitis outbreak occurred in Namibia in 2006, almost exclusively among adults. Nineteen cases were virologically confirmed as due to wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), and 26 were classified as polio compatible. Eleven deaths occurred among confirmed and compatible cases (24%). Of the confirmed cases, 97% were aged 15-45 years, 89% were male, and 71% lived in settlement areas in Windhoek. The virus was genetically related to a virus detected in 2005 in Angola, which had been imported earlier from India. The outbreak is likely due to immunity gaps among adults who were inadequately vaccinated during childhood. This outbreak underscores the ongoing risks posed by poliovirus importations, the importance of maintaining strong acute flaccid paralysis surveillance even in adults, and the need to maintain high population immunity to avoid polio outbreaks in the preeradication period and outbreaks due to vaccine-derived polioviruses in the posteradication era. |
Outbreaks of paralytic poliomyelitis during 1996-2012: the changing epidemiology of a disease in the final stages of eradication
Mach O , Tangermann RH , Wassilak SG , Singh S , Sutter RW . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S275-82 BACKGROUND: Despite substantial progress toward eradication of poliomyelitis, the risk of poliomyelitis outbreaks resulting from virus importations into polio-free areas persists. We reviewed the changing epidemiology of outbreaks in the final stages of the eradication initiative. METHODS: Available literature on outbreaks of poliomyelitis caused by wild polioviruses between 1996 and 2012 was reviewed. RESULTS: During this period, there were 22 outbreaks involving 39 countries. Outbreaks ranged in size from 1 to 1335 cases. These outbreaks caused 4571 cases, representing 21% of all cases reported during this period. Five outbreaks involved multiple countries. In 76% of outbreaks (16/21) with a known age distribution, cases concentrated among children aged <5 years; in 19% (4/21), most cases were among adolescents and adults. The outbreaks among adolescents and adults were associated with higher case-fatality ratios, ranging from 12% in Albania in 1994 to 41% in the Republic of Congo in 2010. The majority of outbreaks were controlled within 6 months with oral poliovirus vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Importations resulting in epidemic transmission of wild poliovirus caused thousands of cases of paralysis often in countries where poliomyelitis had not occurred for many years. The changing epidemiology, with cases and higher case-fatality ratios among adults, increased the severity of these outbreaks. |
PCR-based national bacterial meningitis surveillance in Turkey years 2006 to 2009
Toprak D , Soysal A , Torunoglu MA , Turgut M , Turkoglu S , Pimenta FC , Carvalho MG , Wang X , Mayer L , Altnkanat G , Söyletir G , Mete B , Bakr M . Pediatr Infect Dis J 2014 33 (10) 1087-1089 Polymerase chain reaction-based surveillance for bacterial meningitis including 841 children revealed 246 with bacterial DNA in cerebrospinal fluid samples of which 53% were Streptococcus pneumoniae, 19% Neisseria meningitidis, and 16% Haemophilus influenzae type b. The most common S. pneumoniae serotypes/serogroups were 1, 19F, 6A/6B, 23F, 5, 14, 18 and 19A. Among 47 meningococci, 86% were serogroup B, 6% serogroup C, 3% serogroup A, 3% serogroup X and 3% serogroup W. |
Polio eradication in the World Health Organization African region, 2008-2012
Kretsinger K , Gasasira A , Poy A , Porter KA , Everts J , Salla M , Brown KH , Wassilak SG , Nshimirimana D . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S23-39 A renewed commitment at the regional and the global levels led to substantial progress in the fight for polio eradication in the African Region (AFR) of the World Health Organization (WHO) during 2008-2012. In 2008, there were 912 reported cases of wild poliovirus (WPV) infection in 12 countries in the region. This number had been reduced to 128 cases in 3 countries in 2012, of which 122 were in Nigeria, the only remaining country with endemic circulation of WPV in AFR. During 2008-2012, circulation apparently ceased in the 3 AFR countries with reestablished WPV transmission-Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Chad. Outbreaks in West Africa continued to occur in 2008-2010 but were more rapidly contained, with fewer cases than during earlier years. This progress has been attributed to better implementation of core strategies, increased accountability, and implementation of innovative approaches. During this period, routine coverage with 3 doses of oral polio vaccine in AFR, as measured by WHO-United Nations Children's Fund estimates, increased slightly, from 72% to 74%. Despite this progress, challenges persist in AFR, and 2013 was marked by new setbacks and importations. High population immunity and strong surveillance are essential to sustain progress and assure that AFR reaches its goal of eradicating WPV. |
Polio eradication initiative in Afghanistan, 1997-2013
Simpson DM , Sadr-Azodi N , Mashal T , Sabawoon W , Pardis A , Quddus A , Garrigos C , Guirguis S , Zahoor Zaidi SS , Shaukat S , Sharif S , Asghar H , Hadler SC . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S162-72 BACKGROUND: This article reviews the epidemiology of polio, acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance, and the implementation of supplemental immunization activities (SIAs) in Afghanistan from 1997 thru 2013. METHODS: Published reports and unpublished national data on polio cases, AFP surveillance, and SIAs were analyzed. Recommendations from independent advisory groups and Afghan government informed the conclusions. RESULTS: From 1997 thru 2013, the annual number of confirmed polio cases fluctuated from a low of 4 in 2004 to a high of 80 in 2011. Wild poliovirus types 2 and 3 were last reported in 1997 and 2010, respectively. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 emerged in 2009. AFP surveillance quality in children aged <15 years improved over time, achieving rates >8 per 100 000 population. Since 2001, at least 6 SIAs have been conducted annually. CONCLUSIONS: Afghanistan has made progress moving closer to eliminating polio. The program struggles to reach all children because of management and accountability problems in the field, inaccessible populations, and inadequate social mobilization. Consequently, too many children are missed during SIAs. Afghanistan adopted a national emergency action plan in 2012 to address these issues, but national elimination will require consistent and complete implementation of proven strategies. |
Polio outbreak investigation and response in Somalia, 2013
Kamadjeu R , Mahamud A , Webeck J , Baranyikwa MT , Chatterjee A , Bile YN , Birungi J , Mbaeyi C , Mulugeta A . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S181-6 BACKGROUND: For >2 decades, conflicts and recurrent natural disasters have maintained Somalia in a chronic humanitarian crisis. For nearly 5 years, 1 million children <10 years have not had access to lifesaving health services, including vaccination, resulting in the accumulation by 2012 of the largest geographically concentrated cohort of unvaccinated children in the world. This article reviews the epidemiology, risk, and program response to what is now known as the 2013 wild poliovirus (WPV) outbreak in Somalia and highlights the challenges that the program will face in making Somalia free of polio once again. METHODS: A case of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) was defined as a child <15 years of age with sudden onset of fever and paralysis. Polio cases were defined as AFP cases with stool specimens positive for WPV. RESULTS: From 9 May to 31 December 2013, 189 cases of WPV type 1 (WPV1) were reported from 46 districts of Somalia; 42% were from Banadir region (Mogadishu), 60% were males, and 93% were <5 years of age. All Somalian polio cases belonged to cluster N5A, which is known to have been circulating in northern Nigeria since 2011. In response to the outbreak, 8 supplementary immunization activities were conducted with oral polio vaccine (OPV; trivalent OPV was used initially, followed subsequently by bivalent OPV) targeting various age groups, including children aged <5 years, children aged <10 years, and individuals of any age. CONCLUSIONS: The current polio outbreak erupted after a polio-free period of >6 years (the last case was reported in March 2007). Somalia interrupted indigenous WPV transmission in 2002, was removed from the list of polio-endemic countries a year later, and has since demonstrated its ability to control polio outbreaks resulting from importation. This outbreak reiterates that the threat of large polio outbreaks resulting from WPV importation will remain constant unless polio transmission is interrupted in the remaining polio-endemic countries. |
Prevalence of asymptomatic poliovirus infection in older children and adults in northern India: analysis of contact and enhanced community surveillance, 2009
Mach O , Verma H , Khandait DW , Sutter RW , O'Connor PM , Pallansch MA , Cochi SL , Linkins RW , Chu SY , Wolff C , Jafari HS . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S252-8 BACKGROUND: In 2009, enhanced poliovirus surveillance was established in polio-endemic areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India, to assess poliovirus infection in older individuals. METHODS: In Uttar Pradesh, stool specimens from asymptomatic household and neighborhood contacts of patients with laboratory-confirmed polio were tested for polioviruses. In Bihar, in community-based surveillance, children and adults from 250 randomly selected households in the Kosi River area provided stool and pharyngeal swab samples that were tested for polioviruses. A descriptive analysis of surveillance data was performed. RESULTS: In Uttar Pradesh, 89 of 1842 healthy contacts of case patients with polio (4.8%) were shedding wild poliovirus (WPV); 54 of 85 (63.5%) were ≥5 years of age. Shedding was significantly higher in index households than in neighborhood households (P < .05). In Bihar, 11 of 451 healthy persons (2.4%) were shedding WPV in their stool; 6 of 11 (54.5%) were ≥5 years of age. Mean viral titer was similar in older and younger children. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of persons ≥5 years of age were asymptomatically shedding polioviruses. These findings provide indirect evidence that older individuals could have contributed to community transmission of WPV in India. Polio vaccination campaigns generally target children <5 years of age. Expanding this target age group in polio-endemic areas could accelerate polio eradication. |
Progress and peril: poliomyelitis eradication efforts in Pakistan, 1994-2013
Alexander JP Jr , Zubair M , Khan M , Abid N , Durry E . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S152-61 Pakistan is one of 3 countries where transmission of indigenous wild poliovirus (WPV) has never been interrupted. Numbers of confirmed polio cases have declined by >90% from preeradication levels, although outbreaks occurred during 2008-2013. During 2012 and 2013, 58 and 93 WPV cases, respectively, were reported, almost all of which were due to WPV type 1. Of the 151 WPV cases reported during 2012-2013, 123 (81%) occurred in the conflict-affected Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and in security-compromised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. WPV type 3 was isolated from only 3 persons with polio in a single district in 2012. During August 2012-December 2013, 62 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 cases were detected, including 40 cases (65%) identified in the FATA during 2013. Approximately 350 000 children in certain districts of the FATA have not received polio vaccine during supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) conducted since mid-2012, because local authorities have banned polio vaccination. In other areas of Pakistan, SIAs have been compromised by attacks targeting polio workers, which started in mid-2012. Further efforts to reach children in conflict-affected and security-compromised areas will be necessary to prevent reintroduction of WPV into other areas of Pakistan and other parts of the world. |
Progress in the development of poliovirus antiviral agents and their essential role in reducing risks that threaten eradication
McKinlay MA , Collett MS , Hincks JR , Oberste MS , Pallansch MA , Okayasu H , Sutter RW , Modlin JF , Dowdle WR . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S447-53 Chronic prolonged excretion of vaccine-derived polioviruses by immunodeficient persons (iVDPV) presents a personal risk of poliomyelitis to the patient as well as a programmatic risk of delayed global eradication. Poliovirus antiviral drugs offer the only mitigation of these risks. Antiviral agents may also have a potential role in the management of accidental exposures and in certain outbreak scenarios. Efforts to discover and develop poliovirus antiviral agents have been ongoing in earnest since the formation in 2007 of the Poliovirus Antivirals Initiative. The most advanced antiviral, pocapavir (V-073), is a capsid inhibitor that has recently demonstrated activity in an oral poliovirus vaccine human challenge model. Additional antiviral candidates with differing mechanisms of action continue to be profiled and evaluated preclinically with the goal of having 2 antivirals available for use in combination to treat iVDPV excreters. |
Progress toward global interruption of wild poliovirus transmission, 2010-2013, and tackling the challenges to complete eradication
Wassilak SG , Oberste MS , Tangermann RH , Diop OM , Jafari HS , Armstrong GL . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S5-s15 Despite substantial progress, global polio eradication has remained elusive. Indigenous wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission in 4 endemic countries (Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan) persisted into 2010 and outbreaks from imported WPV continued. By 2013, most outbreaks in the interim were promptly controlled. The number of polio-affected districts globally has declined by 74% (from 481 in 2009 to 126 in 2013), including a 79% decrease in the number of affected districts in endemic countries (from 304 to 63). India is now polio-free. The challenges to success in the remaining polio-endemic countries include (1) threats to the security of vaccinators in each country and a ban on polio vaccination in areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan; (2) a risk of decreased government commitment; and (3) remaining surveillance gaps. Coordinated efforts under the International Health Regulations and efforts to mitigate the challenges provide a clear opportunity to soon secure global eradication. |
Progress toward polio eradication-Somalia, 1998-2013
Mbaeyi C , Kamadjeu R , Mahamud A , Webeck J , Ehrhardt D , Mulugeta A . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S173-80 Since the 1988 resolution of the World Health Assembly to eradicate polio, significant progress has been made toward achieving this goal, with the result that only Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan have never successfully interrupted endemic transmission of wild poliovirus. However, one of the greatest challenges of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has been that of maintaining the polio-free status of countries in unstable regions with weak healthcare infrastructure, a challenge exemplified by Somalia, a country in the Horn of Africa region. Somalia interrupted indigenous transmission of wild poliovirus in 2002, 4 years after the country established its national polio eradication program. But political instability and protracted armed conflict, with significant disruption of the healthcare system, have left Somalia vulnerable to 2 imported outbreaks of wild poliovirus. The first occurred during 2005-2007, resulting in >200 cases of paralytic polio, whereas the second, which began in 2013, is currently ongoing. Despite immense challenges, the country has a sensitive surveillance system that has facilitated prompt detection of outbreaks, but its weak routine immunization system means that supplementary immunization activities constitute the primary strategy for reaching children with polio vaccines. Conducting vaccination campaigns in a setting of conflict has been at times hazardous, but the country's polio program has demonstrated resilience in overcoming many obstacles to ensure that children receive lifesaving polio vaccines. Regaining and maintaining Somalia's polio-free status will depend on finding innovative and lasting solutions to the challenge of administering vaccines in a setting of ongoing conflict and instability. |
Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication in Nigeria
Ado JM , Etsano A , Shuaib F , Damisa E , Mkanda P , Gasasira A , Banda R , Korir C , Johnson T , Dieng B , Corkum M , Enemaku O , Mataruse N , Ohuabunwo C , Baig S , Galway M , Seaman V , Wiesen E , Vertefeuille J , Ogbuanu IU , Armstrong G , Mahoney FJ . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S40-9 BACKGROUND: Transmission of wild poliovirus (WPV) has never been interrupted in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Since 2003, infections with WPV of Nigerian origin have been detected in 25 polio-free countries. In 2012, the Nigerian government created an emergency operations center and implemented a national emergency action plan to eradicate polio. The 2013 revision of this plan prioritized (1) improving the quality of supplemental immunization activities (SIAs), (2) implementing strategies to reach underserved populations, (3) adopting special approaches in security-compromised areas, (4) improving outbreak response, (5) enhancing routine immunization and activities implemented between SIAs, and (6) strengthening surveillance. This report summarizes implementation of these activities during a period of unprecedented insecurity and violence, including the killing of health workers and the onset of a state of emergency in the northeast zone. METHODS: This report reviews management strategies, innovations, trends in case counts, vaccination and social mobilization activities, and surveillance and monitoring data to assess progress in polio eradication in Nigeria. RESULTS: Nigeria has made significant improvements in the management of polio eradication initiative (pei) activities with marked improvement in the quality of SIAs, as measured by lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS). Comparing results from February 2012 with results from December 2013, the proportion of local government areas (LGAs) conducting LQAS in the 11 high-risk states at the ≥90% pass/fail threshold increased from 7% to 42%, and the proportion at the 80%-89% threshold increased from 9% to 30%. During January-December 2013, 53 polio cases were reported from 26 LGAs in 9 states in Nigeria, compared with 122 cases reported from 13 states in 2012. No cases of WPV type 3 infection have been reported since November 2012. In 2013, no polio cases due to any poliovirus type were detected in the northwest sanctuaries of Nigeria. In the second half of 2013, WPV transmission was restricted to Kano, Borno, Bauchi, and Taraba states. Despite considerable progress, 24 LGAs in 2012 and 7 LGAs in 2013 reported ≥2 cases, and WPV continued to circulate in 8 LGAs that had cases in 2012. Campaign activities were negatively impacted by insecurity and violence in Borno and Kano states. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to interrupt transmission remain impeded by poor SIA implementation in localized areas, anti-polio vaccine sentiment, and limited access to vaccinate children because of insecurity. Sustained improvement in SIA quality, surveillance, and outbreak response and special strategies in security-compromised areas are needed to interrupt WPV transmission in 2014. |
Evaluation of dried blood spots collected on filter papers from three manufacturers stored at ambient temperature for application in HIV-1 drug resistance monitoring
Rottinghaus EK , Beard RS , Bile E , Modukanele M , Maruping M , Mine M , Nkengasong J , Yang C . PLoS One 2014 9 (10) e109060 As more HIV-infected people gain access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), monitoring HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) becomes essential to combat both acquired and transmitted HIVDR. Studies have demonstrated dried blood spots (DBS) are a suitable alternative in HIVDR monitoring using DBS collected on Whatman 903 (W-903). In this study, we sought to evaluate two other commercially available filter papers, Ahlstrom 226 (A-226) and Munktell TFN (M-TFN), for HIVDR genotyping following ambient temperature storage. DBS were prepared from remnant blood specimens collected from 334 ART patients and stored at ambient temperature for a median time of 30 days. HIV-1 viral load was determined using NucliSENS EasyQ(R) HIV-1 v2.0 RUO test kits prior to genotyping of the protease and reverse transcriptase regions of the HIV-1 pol gene using an in-house assay. Among the DBS tested, 26 specimens had a viral load ≥1000 copies/mL in all three types of filter paper and were included in the genotyping analysis. Genotyping efficiencies were similar between DBS collected on W-903 (92.3%), A-226 (88.5%), and M-TFN (92.3%) filter papers (P = 1.00). We identified 50 DR-associated mutations in DBS collected on W-903, 33 in DBS collected on A-226, and 48 in DBS collected on M-TFN, resulting in mutation detection sensitivities of 66.0% for A-226 and 88.0% for M-TFN when compared to W-903. Our data indicate that differences among filter papers may exist at this storage condition and warrant further studies evaluating filter paper type for HIVDR monitoring. |
Factors contributing to outbreaks of wild poliovirus type 1 infection involving persons aged ≥15 years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2010-2011, informed by a pre-outbreak poliovirus immunity assessment
Alleman MM , Wannemuehler KA , Weldon WC , Kabuayi JP , Ekofo F , Edidi S , Mulumba A , Mbule A , Ntumbannji RN , Coulibaly T , Abiola N , Mpingulu M , Sidibe K , Oberste MS . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S62-73 BACKGROUND: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) experienced atypical outbreaks of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) infection during 2010-2011 in that they affected persons aged ≥15 years in 4 (Bandundu, Bas Congo, Kasai Occidental, and Kinshasa provinces) of the 6 provinces with outbreaks. METHODS: Analyses of cases of WPV1 infection with onset during 2010-2011 by province, age, polio vaccination status, and sex were conducted. The prevalence of antibodies to poliovirus (PV) types 1, 2, and 3 was assessed in sera collected before the outbreaks from women attending antenatal clinics in 3 of the 4 above-mentioned provinces. RESULTS: Of 193 cases of WPV1 infection during 2010-2011, 32 (17%) occurred in individuals aged ≥15 years. Of these 32 cases, 31 (97%) occurred in individuals aged 16-29 years; 9 (28%) were notified in Bandundu, 17 (53%) were notified in Kinshasa, and 22 (69%) had an unknown polio vaccination status. In the seroprevalence assessment, PV type 1 and 3 seroprevalence was lower among women aged 15-29 years in Bandundu and Kinshasa, compared with those in Kasai Occidental. Seropositivity to PVs was associated with increasing age, more pregnancies, and a younger age at first pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: This spatiotemporal analysis strongly suggests that the 2010-2011 outbreaks of WPV1 infection affecting young adults were caused by a PV type 1 immunity gap in Kinshasa and Bandundu due to insufficient exposure to PV type 1 through natural infection or vaccination. Poliovirus immunity gaps in this age group likely persist in DRC. |
Global polio eradication initiative: lessons learned and legacy
Cochi SL , Freeman A , Guirguis S , Jafari H , Aylward B . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S540-6 The world is on the verge of achieving global polio eradication. During >25 years of operations, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has mobilized and trained millions of volunteers, social mobilizers, and health workers; accessed households untouched by other health initiatives; mapped and brought health interventions to chronically neglected and underserved communities; and established a standardized, real-time global surveillance and response capacity. It is important to document the lessons learned from polio eradication, especially because it is one of the largest ever global health initiatives. The health community has an obligation to ensure that these lessons and the knowledge generated are shared and contribute to real, sustained changes in our approach to global health. We have summarized what we believe are 10 leading lessons learned from the polio eradication initiative. We have the opportunity and obligation to build a better future by applying the lessons learned from GPEI and its infrastructure and unique functions to other global health priorities and initiatives. In so doing, we can extend the global public good gained by ending for all time one of the world's most devastating diseases by also ensuring that these investments provide public health dividends and benefits for years to come. |
HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus co-infection in patients in the China National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program, 2010-12: a retrospective observational cohort study
Zhang F , Zhu H , Wu Y , Dou Z , Zhang Y , Kleinman N , Bulterys M , Wu Z , Ma Y , Zhao D , Liu X , Fang H , Liu J , Cai WP , Shang H . Lancet Infect Dis 2014 14 (11) 1065-1072 BACKGROUND: Hepatitis-related liver diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among people with HIV/AIDS taking combination antiretroviral therapy. We assessed the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection on HIV outcomes in patients in China. METHODS: We did a nationwide retrospective observational cohort study with data from the China National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program from 2010-11. Patients older than 18 years starting standard antiretroviral therapy for HIV who had tested positive for HBV and HCV were followed up to Dec 31, 2012. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate survival, and logistic regression models to estimate virological failure, immunological response, and retention in care. FINDINGS: 33 861 patients with HIV met eligibility criteria. 2958 (8.7%) participants had HBV co-infection, 6149 (18.2%) had HCV co-infection, and 1114 (3.3%) had triple infection. All-cause mortality was higher in participants with triple infection (adjusted hazard ratio 1.90, 95% CI 1.53-2.37) and HCV co-infection (1.46, 1.25-1.70) than in those with HIV only, but not in those with HBV co-infection (1.06, 0.89-1.26). People with triple infection were also more likely to have virological failure (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.56) than were those with HIV only, whereas the difference was not significant for those with HBV co-infection (0.93, 0.80-1.10) or HCV co-infection (1.10, 0.97-1.26). No co-infection was significantly associated with a difference in CD4 cell count after 1 year of treatment. Loss to follow-up was more common among participants with triple infection (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16-1.62) and HCV co-infection (1.30, 1.17-1.45), but not HBV co-infection (0.93, 0.82-1.05), than among those with HIV only. INTERPRETATION: Screening for viral hepatitis is important in individuals diagnosed as HIV positive. Effective management for viral hepatitis should be integrated into HIV treatment programmes. Long-term data are needed about the effect of hepatitis co-infection on HIV disease progression. |
Improved acute flaccid paralysis surveillance performance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2010-2012
Alleman MM , Meyer SA , Mulumba A , Nyembwe M , Riziki Y , Mbule A , Mayenga M , Coulibaly T . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S50-61 BACKGROUND: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) began polio eradication activities in 1996. By 2001, DRC was no longer polio endemic. However, wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission was reestablished in 2006 continuing through 2011 (last WPV case onset 20 December 2011), and vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) outbreaks occurred during 2004-2012 (last VDPV2 case onset 4 April 2012). Gaps in acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance have been consistently documented. METHODS: AFP surveillance indicators were assessed at the national, provincial, and zone de sante (ZS) levels for 2010-2012. A spatiotemporal analysis of compatible, WPV type 1 (WPV1), and VDPV2 cases was performed. RESULTS: During 2010-2012, AFP cases were reported from all provinces but not every ZS, particularly in Equateur province and Province Orientale. A spatiotemporal relationship between compatible, WPV1, and VDPV2 cases was noted. Nonpolio AFP rates met objectives at national and provincial levels but were sub-optimal in certain ZS. National and provincial trends in timely stool collection, stool condition, adequate stool, and 60-day follow-up exams improved. CONCLUSIONS: DRC's AFP surveillance system is functional and improved during 2010-2012. Maintaining improvements and strengthening AFP case detection at the ZS level will provide further support for the apparent interruption of WPV and VDPV2 transmission. |
Individual-based modeling of potential poliovirus transmission in connected religious communities in North America with low uptake of vaccination
Kisjes KH , Duintjer Tebbens RJ , Wallace GS , Pallansch MA , Cochi SL , Wassilak SG , Thompson KM . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S424-33 BACKGROUND: Pockets of undervaccinated individuals continue to raise concerns about their potential to sustain epidemic transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases. Prior importations of live polioviruses (LPVs) into Amish communities in North America led to their recognition as a potential and identifiable linked network of undervaccinated individuals. METHODS: We developed an individual-based model to explore the potential transmission of a LPV throughout the North American Amish population. RESULTS: Our model demonstrates the expected limited impact associated with the historical importations, which occurred in isolated communities during the low season for poliovirus transmission. We show that some conditions could potentially lead to wider circulation of LPVs and cases of paralytic polio in Amish communities if an importation occurred during or after 2013. The impact will depend on the uncertain historical immunity to poliovirus infection among members of the community. CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneity in immunization coverage represents a risk factor for potential outbreaks of polio if introduction of a LPV occurs, although overall high population immunity in North America suggests that transmission would remain relatively limited. Efforts to prevent spread between Amish church districts with any feasible measures may offer the best opportunity to contain an outbreak and limit its size. |
Acceptability of home self-tests for HIV in New York City, 2006
Myers JE , Bodach S , Cutler BH , Shepard CW , Philippou C , Branson BM . Am J Public Health 2014 104 (12) e1-e3 Data from a 2006 telephone survey representative of New York City adults showed that more than half (56.2%) of those aged 18 to 64 years responded favorably to a question about acceptability of a rapid home HIV test. More than two thirds of certain subpopulations at high risk for HIV reported that they would use a rapid home HIV test, but approximately half who expressed interest had indications of financial hardship. The match of acceptability and HIV risk bodes well for self-testing utility, but cost might impede uptake. |
Challenges of maintaining polio-free status of the European region
Khetsuriani N , Pfeifer D , Deshevoi S , Gavrilin E , Shefer A , Butler R , Jankovic D , Spataru R , Emiroglu N , Martin R . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S194-207 BACKGROUND: The European region, certified as polio free in 2002, had recent wild poliovirus (WPV) introductions, resulting in a major outbreak in Central Asian countries and Russia in 2010 and in current widespread WPV type 1 circulation in Israel, which endangered the polio-free status of the region. METHODS: We assessed the data on the major determinants of poliovirus transmission risk (population immunity, surveillance, and outbreak preparedness) and reviewed current threats and measures implemented in response to recent WPV introductions. RESULTS: Despite high regional vaccination coverage and functioning surveillance, several countries in the region are at high or intermediate risk of poliovirus transmission. Coverage remains suboptimal in some countries, subnational geographic areas, and population groups, and surveillance (acute flaccid paralysis, enterovirus, and environmental) needs further strengthening. Supplementary immunization activities, which were instrumental in the rapid interruption of WPV1 circulation in 2010, should be implemented in high-risk countries to close population immunity gaps. National polio outbreak preparedness plans need strengthening. Immunization efforts to interrupt WPV transmission in Israel should continue. CONCLUSIONS: The European region has successfully maintained its polio-free status since 2002, but numerous challenges remain. Staying polio free will require continued coordinated efforts, political commitment and financial support from all countries. |
Climate change and infectious diseases in the Arctic: establishment of a circumpolar working group
Parkinson AJ , Evengard B , Semenza JC , Ogden N , Borresen ML , Berner J , Brubaker M , Sjostedt A , Evander M , Hondula DM , Menne B , Pshenichnaya N , Gounder P , Larose T , Revich B , Hueffer K , Albihn A . Int J Circumpolar Health 2014 73 25163 The Arctic, even more so than other parts of the world, has warmed substantially over the past few decades. Temperature and humidity influence the rate of development, survival and reproduction of pathogens and thus the incidence and prevalence of many infectious diseases. Higher temperatures may also allow infected host species to survive winters in larger numbers, increase the population size and expand their habitat range. The impact of these changes on human disease in the Arctic has not been fully evaluated. There is concern that climate change may shift the geographic and temporal distribution of a range of infectious diseases. Many infectious diseases are climate sensitive, where their emergence in a region is dependent on climate-related ecological changes. Most are zoonotic diseases, and can be spread between humans and animals by arthropod vectors, water, soil, wild or domestic animals. Potentially climate-sensitive zoonotic pathogens of circumpolar concern include Brucella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella spp., Clostridium botulinum, Francisella tularensis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Bacillus anthracis, Echinococcus spp., Leptospira spp., Giardia spp., Cryptosporida spp., Coxiella burnetti, rabies virus, West Nile virus, Hantaviruses, and tick-borne encephalitis viruses. |
Cluster lot quality assurance sampling: effect of increasing the number of clusters on classification precision and operational feasibility
Okayasu H , Brown AE , Nzioki MM , Gasasira AN , Takane M , Mkanda P , Wassilak SG , Sutter RW . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S341-6 BACKGROUND: To assess the quality of supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has used cluster lot quality assurance sampling (C-LQAS) methods since 2009. However, since the inception of C-LQAS, questions have been raised about the optimal balance between operational feasibility and precision of classification of lots to identify areas with low SIA quality that require corrective programmatic action. METHODS: To determine if an increased precision in classification would result in differential programmatic decision making, we conducted a pilot evaluation in 4 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria with an expanded LQAS sample size of 16 clusters (instead of the standard 6 clusters) of 10 subjects each. RESULTS: The results showed greater heterogeneity between clusters than the assumed standard deviation of 10%, ranging from 12% to 23%. Comparing the distribution of 4-outcome classifications obtained from all possible combinations of 6-cluster subsamples to the observed classification of the 16-cluster sample, we obtained an exact match in classification in 56% to 85% of instances. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the 6-cluster C-LQAS provides acceptable classification precision for programmatic action. Considering the greater resources required to implement an expanded C-LQAS, the improvement in precision was deemed insufficient to warrant the effort. |
Cluster of Ebola cases among Liberian and U.S. health care workers in an Ebola treatment unit and adjacent hospital - Liberia, 2014
Forrester JD , Hunter JC , Pillai SK , Arwady MA , Ayscue P , Matanock A , Monroe B , Schafer IJ , Nyenswah TG , De Cock KM . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014 63 (41) 925-9 The ongoing Ebola virus disease (Ebola) epidemic in West Africa, like previous Ebola outbreaks, has been characterized by amplification in health care settings and increased risk for health care workers (HCWs), who often do not have access to appropriate personal protective equipment. In many locations, Ebola treatment units (ETUs) have been established to optimize care of patients with Ebola while maintaining infection control procedures to prevent transmission of Ebola virus. These ETUs are considered essential to containment of the epidemic. In July 2014, CDC assisted the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Liberia in investigating a cluster of five Ebola cases among HCWs who became ill while working in an ETU, an adjacent general hospital, or both. No common source of exposure or chain of transmission was identified. However, multiple opportunities existed for transmission of Ebola virus to HCWs, including exposure to patients with undetected Ebola in the hospital, inadequate use of personal protective equipment during cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the hospital, and potential transmission from an ill HCW to another HCW. No evidence was found of a previously unrecognized mode of transmission. Prevention recommendations included reinforcement of existing infection control guidance for both ETUs and general medical care settings, including measures to prevent cross-transmission in co-located facilities. |
Developing an incident management system to support Ebola response - Liberia, July-August 2014
Pillai SK , Nyenswah T , Rouse E , Arwady MA , Forrester JD , Hunter JC , Matanock A , Ayscue P , Monroe B , Schafer IJ , Poblano L , Neatherlin J , Montgomery JM , De Cock KM . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014 63 (41) 930-3 The ongoing Ebola virus disease (Ebola) outbreak in West Africa is the largest and most sustained Ebola epidemic recorded, with 6,574 cases. Among the five affected countries of West Africa (Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria, and Senegal), Liberia has had the highest number cases (3,458). This epidemic has severely strained the public health and health care infrastructure of Liberia, has resulted in restrictions in civil liberties, and has disrupted international travel. As part of the initial response, the Liberian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) developed a national task force and technical expert committee to oversee the management of the Ebola-related activities. During the third week of July 2014, CDC deployed a team of epidemiologists, data management specialists, emergency management specialists, and health communicators to assist MOHSW in its response to the growing Ebola epidemic. One aspect of CDC's response was to work with MOHSW in instituting incident management system (IMS) principles to enhance the organization of the response. This report describes MOHSW's Ebola response structure as of mid-July, the plans made during the initial assessment of the response structure, the implementation of interventions aimed at improving the system, and plans for further development of the response structure for the Ebola epidemic in Liberia. |
Falsified medicines in Africa: all talk, no action
Newton PN , Tabernero P , Dwivedi P , Culzoni MJ , Monge ME , Swamidoss I , Mildenhall D , Green MD , Jähnke R , de Oliveira MDS , Simao J , White NJ , Fernández FM . Lancet Glob Health 2014 2 (9) e509-10 Poor-quality medicines and medical products, both substandard and falsified, cause avoidable morbidity, mortality, drug resistance, and loss of faith in health systems, especially in low-income and middle-income countries.1, 2, 3 We report the analysis of two falsified medicines from Angola and discuss what lessons such a discovery could hold. | The tablets were seized at Luanda docks in June, 2012, after failing Minilab testing.4, 5 The seized shipment was enormous (1·4 million packets), and hidden in loudspeakers in a container from China.4 One sample was labelled as an adult course of the vital antimalarial drug artemether-lumefantrine, and as being manufactured by “Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation”; it also bore an Affordable Medicines Facility—malaria logo (figure). Another sample was labelled as the broad-spectrum anthelmintic mebendazole, and as being manufactured by “Janssen-Cilag SpA”. |
Comparative genomic analysis of genogroup 1 (Wa-like) rotaviruses circulating in the USA, 2006-2009.
Roy S , Esona MD , Kirkness EF , Akopov A , Kyle McAllen J , Wikswo M , Cortese MM , Payne DC , Parashar U , Gentsch JR , Bowen MD . Infect Genet Evol 2014 28 513-23 Group A rotaviruses (RVA) are double stranded RNA viruses that are a significant cause of acute pediatric gastroenteritis. Beginning in 2006 and 2008, respectively, two vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq(R), have been approved for use in the USA for prevention of RVA disease. The effects of possible vaccine pressure on currently circulating strains in the USA and their genome constellations are still under investigation. In this study we report 33 complete RVA genomes (ORF regions) collected in multiple cities across USA during 2006-2009, including 8 collected from children with verified receipt of 3 doses of rotavirus vaccine. The strains included 16 G1P[8], 10 G3P[8], and 7 G9P[8]. All 33 strains had a Wa like backbone with the consensus genotype constellation of G(1/3/9)-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1. From maximum likelihood based phylogenetic analyses, we identified 3-7 allelic constellations grouped mostly by respective G types, suggesting a possible allelic segregation based on the VP7 gene of RVA primarily for the G3 and G9 strains. The vaccine failure strains showed similar grouping for all genes in G9 strains and most genes of G3 strains suggesting that these constellations were necessary to evade vaccine-derived immune protection. Substitutions in the antigenic region of VP7 and VP4 genes were also observed for the vaccine failure strains which could possibly explain how these strains escape vaccine induced immune response. This study helps elucidate how RVA strains are currently evolving in the population post vaccine introduction and supports the need for continued RVA surveillance. |
The Brighton Collaboration Viral Vector Vaccines Safety Working Group (V3SWG).
Chen RT , Carbery B , Mac L , Berns KI , Chapman L , Condit RC , Excler JL , Gurwith M , Hendry M , Khan AS , Khuri-Bulos N , Klug B , Robertson JS , Seligman SJ , Sheets R , Williamson AL . Vaccine 2014 33 (1) 73-5 Recombinant viral vectors provide an effective means for heterologous antigen expression in vivo and thus represent promising platforms for developing novel vaccines against human pathogens from Ebola to tuberculosis. An increasing number of candidate viral vector vaccines are entering human clinical trials. The Brighton Collaboration Viral Vector Vaccines Safety Working Group (V3SWG) was formed to improve our ability to anticipate potential safety issues and meaningfully assess or interpret safety data, thereby facilitating greater public acceptance when licensed. |
Detection of vaccine-derived polioviruses in Mexico using environmental surveillance.
Esteves-Jaramillo A , Estivariz CF , Penaranda S , Richardson VL , Reyna J , Coronel DL , Carrion V , Landaverde JM , Wassilak SG , Perez-Sanchez EE , Lopez-Martinez I , Burns CC , Pallansch MA . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S315-23 BACKGROUND: Early detection and control of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) emergences are essential to secure the gains of polio eradication. METHODS: Serial sewage samples were collected in 4 towns of Mexico before, throughout, and after the May 2010 oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) mass immunization campaign. Isolation and molecular analysis of polioviruses from sewage specimens monitored the duration of vaccine-related strains in the environment and emergence of vaccine-derived polioviruses in a population partially immunized with inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). RESULTS: Sabin strains were identified up to 5-8 weeks after the campaign in all towns; in Aguascalientes, 1 Sabin 3 was isolated 16 weeks after the campaign, following 7 weeks with no Sabin strains detected. In Tuxtla Gutierrez, type 2 VDPV was isolated from 4 samples collected before and during the campaign, and type 1 VDPV from 1 sample collected 19 weeks afterward. During 2009-2010, coverage in 4 OPV campaigns conducted averaged only 57% and surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) was suboptimal (AFP rate <1 per 100 000 population <15 years of age) in Tuxtla Gutierrez. CONCLUSIONS: VDPVs may emerge and spread in settings with inadequate coverage with IPV/OPV vaccination. Environmental surveillance can facilitate early detection in these settings. |
Screening for long-term poliovirus excretion among children with primary immunodeficiency disorders: preparation for the polio posteradication era in Bangladesh.
Sazzad HM , Rainey JJ , Kahn AL , Mach O , Liyanage JB , Alam AN , Kawser CA , Hossain A , Sutter R , Luby SP . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S373-9 BACKGROUND: Persons with primary immune deficiency disorders (PIDD) who receive oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) may transmit immunodeficiency-associated vaccine-derived polioviruses (iVDPVs) and cause paralytic polio. The objective of this study was to identify children with PIDD in Bangladesh, and estimate the proportion with chronic poliovirus excretion. METHODS: Patients admitted at 5 teaching hospitals were screened for PIDD according to standardized clinical case definitions. PIDD was confirmed by age-specific quantitative immunoglobulin levels. Stool specimens were collected from patients with confirmed PIDD. RESULTS: From February 2011 through January 2013, approximately 96 000 children were screened, and 53 patients were identified who met the clinical case definition for PIDD. Thirteen patients (24%) had age-specific quantitative immunoglobulins results that confirmed PIDD. Of these, 9 (69%) received OPV 3-106 months before stool specimen collection. Among 11 patients, stool specimens from 1 patient tested positive for polioviruses 34 months after OPV ingestion. However, the poliovirus isolate was not available for genetic sequencing, and a subsequent stool specimen 45 days later was negative. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of chronic poliovirus excretion among children with PIDD in Bangladesh seems to be low. The national polio eradication program should incorporate strategies for screening for poliovirus excretion among patients with PIDD. |
Switch from oral to inactivated poliovirus vaccine in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia: summary of coverage, immunity, and environmental surveillance.
Wahjuhono G , Revolusiana , Widhiastuti D , Sundoro J , Mardani T , Ratih WU , Sutomo R , Safitri I , Sampurno OD , Rana B , Roivainen M , Kahn AL , Mach O , Pallansch MA , Sutter RW . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S347-52 BACKGROUND: Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is rarely used in tropical developing countries. To generate additional scientific information, especially on the possible emergence of vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs) in an IPV-only environment, we initiated an IPV introduction project in Yogyakarta, an Indonesian province. In this report, we present the coverage, immunity, and VDPV surveillance results. METHODS: In Yogyakarta, we established environmental surveillance starting in 2004; and conducted routine immunization coverage and seroprevalence surveys before and after a September 2007 switch from oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) to IPV, using standard coverage and serosurvey methods. Rates and types of polioviruses found in sewage samples were analyzed, and all poliovirus isolates after the switch were sequenced. RESULTS: Vaccination coverage (>95%) and immunity (approximately 100%) did not change substantially before and after the IPV switch. No VDPVs were detected. Before the switch, 58% of environmental samples contained Sabin poliovirus; starting 6 weeks after the switch, Sabin polioviruses were rarely isolated, and if they were, genetic sequencing suggested recent introductions. CONCLUSIONS: This project demonstrated that under almost ideal conditions (good hygiene, maintenance of universally high IPV coverage, and corresponding high immunity against polioviruses), no emergence and circulation of VDPV could be detected in a tropical developing country setting. |
Vaccine-derived polioviruses.
Burns CC , Diop OM , Sutter RW , Kew OM . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S283-93 The attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) has many properties favoring its use in polio eradication: ease of administration, efficient induction of intestinal immunity, induction of durable humoral immunity, and low cost. Despite these advantages, OPV has the disadvantage of genetic instability, resulting in rare and sporadic cases of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) and the emergence of genetically divergent vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs). Whereas VAPP is an adverse event following exposure to OPV, VDPVs are polioviruses whose genetic properties indicate prolonged replication or transmission. Three categories of VDPVs are recognized: (1) circulating VDPVs (cVDPVs) from outbreaks in settings of low OPV coverage, (2) immunodeficiency-associated VDPVs (iVDPVs) from individuals with primary immunodeficiencies, and (3) ambiguous VDPVs (aVDPVs), which cannot be definitively assigned to either of the first 2 categories. Because most VDPVs are type 2, the World Health Organization's plans call for coordinated worldwide replacement of trivalent OPV with bivalent OPV containing poliovirus types 1 and 3. |
Strengthening the partnership between routine immunization and the global polio eradication initiative to achieve eradication and assure sustainability
Abdelwahab J , Dietz V , Eggers R , Maher C , Olaniran M , Sandhu H , Vandelaer J . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S498-503 Since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, the number of polio endemic countries has declined from 125 to 3 in 2013. Despite this remarkable achievement, ongoing circulation of wild poliovirus in polio-endemic countries and the increase in the number of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases, especially those caused by type 2, is a cause for concern. The Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018 (PEESP) was developed and includes 4 objectives: detection and interruption of poliovirus transmission, containment and certification, legacy planning, and a renewed emphasis on strengthening routine immunization (RI) programs. This is critical for the phased withdrawal of oral poliovirus vaccine, beginning with the type 2 component, and the introduction of a single dose of inactivated polio vaccine into RI programs. This objective has inspired renewed consideration of how the GPEI and RI programs can mutually benefit one another, how the infrastructure from the GPEI can be used to strengthen RI, and how a strengthened RI can facilitate polio eradication. The PEESP is the first GPEI strategic plan that places strong and clear emphasis on the necessity of improving RI to achieve and sustain global polio eradication. |
Using geographic information systems to track polio vaccination team performance: pilot project report
Gammino VM , Nuhu A , Chenoweth P , Manneh F , Young RR , Sugerman DE , Gerber S , Abanida E , Gasasira A . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S98-s101 The application of geospatial data to public health problems has expanded significantly with increased access to low-cost handheld global positioning system (GPS) receivers and free programs for geographic information systems analysis. In January 2010, we piloted the application of geospatial analysis to polio supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) in northern Nigeria. SIA teams carried GPS receivers to compare hand-drawn catchment area route maps with GPS tracks of actual vaccination teams. Team tracks overlaid on satellite imagery revealed that teams commonly missed swaths of contiguous households and indicated that geospatial data can improve microplanning and provide nearly real-time monitoring of team performance. |
Vaccination coverage among children in kindergarten - United States, 2013-14 school year
Seither R , Masalovich S , Knighton CL , Mellerson J , Singleton JA , Greby SM . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014 63 (41) 913-20 State and local vaccination requirements for school entry are implemented to maintain high vaccination coverage and protect schoolchildren from vaccine-preventable diseases. Each year, to assess state and national vaccination coverage and exemption levels among kindergartners, CDC analyzes school vaccination data collected by federally funded state, local, and territorial immunization programs. This report describes vaccination coverage in 49 states and the District of Columbia (DC) and vaccination exemption rates in 46 states and DC for children enrolled in kindergarten during the 2013-14 school year. Median vaccination coverage was 94.7% for 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine; 95.0% for varying local requirements for diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine; and 93.3% for 2 doses of varicella vaccine among those states with a 2-dose requirement. The median total exemption rate was 1.8%. High exemption levels and suboptimal vaccination coverage leave children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. Although vaccination coverage among kindergartners for the majority of reporting states was at or near the 95% national Healthy People 2020 targets for 4 doses of DTaP, 2 doses of MMR, and 2 doses of varicella vaccine, low vaccination coverage and high exemption levels can cluster within communities. Immunization programs might have access to school vaccination coverage and exemption rates at a local level for counties, school districts, or schools that can identify areas where children are more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. Health promotion efforts in these local areas can be used to help parents understand the risks for vaccine-preventable diseases and the protection that vaccinations provide to their children. |
Vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis: a review of the epidemiology and estimation of the global burden
Platt LR , Estivariz CF , Sutter RW . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S380-9 BACKGROUND: Vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) is a rare adverse event associated with oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). This review summarizes the epidemiology and provides a global burden estimate. METHODS: A literature review was conducted to abstract the epidemiology and calculate the risk of VAPP. A bootstrap method was applied to calculate global VAPP burden estimates. RESULTS: Trends in VAPP epidemiology varied by country income level. In the low-income country, the majority of cases occurred in individuals who had received >3 doses of OPV (63%), whereas in middle and high-income countries, most cases occurred in recipients after their first OPV dose or unvaccinated contacts (81%). Using all risk estimates, VAPP risk was 4.7 cases per million births (range, 2.4-9.7), leading to a global annual burden estimate of 498 cases (range, 255-1018). If the analysis is limited to estimates from countries that currently use OPV, the VAPP risk is 3.8 cases per million births (range, 2.9-4.7) and a burden of 399 cases (range, 306-490). CONCLUSIONS: Because many high-income countries have replaced OPV with inactivated poliovirus vaccine, the VAPP burden is concentrated in lower-income countries. The planned universal introduction of inactivated poliovirus vaccine is likely to substantially decrease the global VAPP burden by 80%-90%. |
Limitations of using administratively reported immunization data for monitoring routine immunization system performance in Nigeria
Dunkle SE , Wallace AS , MacNeil A , Mustafa M , Gasasira A , Ali D , Elmousaad H , Mahoney F , Sandhu HS . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S523-30 BACKGROUND: Efforts are underway to strengthen Nigeria's routine immunization system, yet measuring impact poses a challenge. We document limitations in using administrative data from 12 states in Nigeria and explore alternative approaches. METHODS: We compared state-reported coverage with the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP3) to district-reported coverage and data from coverage surveys conducted during 2006-2013. We used district-reported data during 2010-2013 to calculate the annual change in immunization coverage, the percentage of the target population that was unimmunized, and the number of vaccine doses administered. Data quality indicators were also assessed. RESULTS: State-reported DTP3 coverage was 66%-102% in 2010, 49%-98% in 2011, 38%-84% in 2012, and 75%-123% in 2013 and was a median 46%-114% greater than survey coverage during 2006-2013. The mean local government area (LGA)-reported coverage varied substantially (standard deviation range, 10%-33% across years). For 2010-2013, the mean annual percentage change in LGA-reported DTP3 coverage was -15% from 2010 to 2011, -9% from 2011 to 2012, and 74% from 2012 to 2013; the mean annual percentage change in the percentage of the target population unimmunized was -62%, 426%, and -62%, respectively; and the mean annual percentage change in the number of doses administered was -13%, -7%, and 90%, respectively. Annually, a mean 14% of LGAs reported DTP3 coverage of >100%. DISCUSSION: Assessing immunization system performance by using administrative data has notable limitations. In addition to long-term improvements in administrative data management, alternatives for measuring routine immunization performance should be considered. |
Narcolepsy and influenza A(H1N1) pandemic 2009 vaccination in the United States
Duffy J , Weintraub E , Vellozzi C , DeStefano F . Neurology 2014 83 (20) 1823-30 OBJECTIVE: To assess the occurrence of narcolepsy after influenza vaccines used in the United States that contained the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus strain. METHODS: A population-based cohort study in the Vaccine Safety Datalink with an annual population of more than 8.5 million people. All persons younger than 30 years who received a 2009 pandemic or a 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine were identified. Their medical visit history was searched for a first-ever occurrence of an ICD-9 narcolepsy diagnosis code through the end of 2011. Chart review was done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the date of symptom onset. Cases were patients who met the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, 2nd edition, narcolepsy diagnostic criteria. We compared the observed number of cases after vaccination to the number expected to occur by chance alone. RESULTS: The number vaccinated with 2009 pandemic vaccine was 650,995 and with 2010-2011 seasonal vaccine was 870,530. Among these patients, 70 had a first-ever narcolepsy diagnosis code after vaccination, of which 16 had a chart-confirmed incident diagnosis of narcolepsy. None had their symptom onset during the 180 days after receipt of a 2009 pandemic vaccine compared with 6.52 expected, and 2 had onset after a 2010-2011 seasonal vaccine compared with 8.83 expected. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccines containing the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus strain used in the United States were not associated with an increased risk of narcolepsy. Vaccination with the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine viral antigens does not appear to be sufficient by itself to increase the incidence of narcolepsy in a population. |
Outreach to underserved communities in northern Nigeria, 2012-2013
Gidado SO , Ohuabunwo C , Nguku PM , Ogbuanu IU , Waziri NE , Biya O , Wiesen ES , Mba-Jonas A , Vertefeuille J , Oyemakinde A , Nwanyanwu O , Lawal N , Mahmud M , Nasidi A , Mahoney FJ . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S118-24 BACKGROUND: Persistent wild poliovirus transmission in Nigeria constitutes a major obstacle to global polio eradication. In August 2012, the Nigerian national polio program implemented a strategy to conduct outreach to underserved communities within the context of the country's polio emergency action plans. METHODS: A standard operating procedure (SOP) for outreach to underserved communities was developed and included in the national guidelines for management of supplemental immunization activities (SIAs). The SOP included the following key elements: (1) community engagement meetings, (2) training of field teams, (3) field work, and (4) acute flaccid paralysis surveillance. RESULTS: Of the 46 437 settlements visited and enumerated during the outreach activities, 8607 (19%) reported that vaccination teams did not visit their settlements during prior SIAs, and 5112 (11.0%) reported never having been visited by polio vaccination teams. Fifty-two percent of enumerated settlements (23 944) were not found in the existing microplan used for the immediate past SIAs. CONCLUSIONS: During a year of outreach to >45 000 scattered, nomadic, and border settlements, approximately 1 in 5 identified were missed in the immediately preceding SIAs. These missed settlements housed a large number of previously unvaccinated children and potentially served as reservoirs for persistent wild poliovirus transmission in Nigeria. |
Overview of global, regional, and national routine vaccination coverage trends and growth patterns from 1980 to 2009: implications for vaccine-preventable disease eradication and elimination initiatives
Wallace AS , Ryman TK , Dietz V . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S514-22 BACKGROUND: Review of the historical growth in annual vaccination coverage across countries and regions can better inform decision makers' development of future goals and strategies to improve routine vaccination services. METHODS: Using the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund estimates of annual national third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP3) and third dose of polio vaccine (POL3) coverage for 1980-2009, we calculated the mean absolute annual rate of change in national DTP3 coverage among all countries (globally) and among countries within each WHO region, as well as the number of years taken by each region to reach specific regional coverage levels. Last, we assessed differences in mean absolute annual rate of change in DTP3 coverage, stratified by baseline level of DTP3 coverage. RESULTS: During the 1980s, global DTP3 coverage increased a mean of 5.3 percentage points/year. Annual rate of change decreased to 0.5 percentage points/year in the 1990s and then increased to 0.9 percentage points/year during the 2000s. Mean annual rate of change in coverage across all countries was highest (9.2 percentage points) when national coverage levels were 26%-30% and lowest (-0.9 percentage points) when national coverage levels were 96%-100%. Regional differences existed as both WHO South-East Asia Region and WHO African Region countries experienced mean negative DTP3 coverage growth at lower coverage levels (81%-85%) than other regions. The regions that have achieved 95% DTP3 coverage (Americas, Western Pacific, and European) took 25-29 years to reach that level from a level of 50% DTP3 coverage. POL3 coverage change trends were similar to described DTP3 coverage change trends. CONCLUSIONS: Mean national coverage growth patterns across all regions are nonlinear as coverage levels increase. Saturation points of mean 0 percentage-point growth in annual coverage varies by region and require further investigation. The achievement of >90% routine coverage is observed to take decades, which has implications for disease eradication and elimination initiatives. |
Pertactin-negative Bordetella pertussis strains: evidence for a possible selective advantage
Martin SW , Pawloski L , Williams M , Weening K , DeBolt C , Qin X , Reynolds L , Kenyon C , Giambrone G , Kudish K , Miller L , Selvage D , Lee A , Skoff TH , Kamiya H , Cassiday PK , Tondella ML , Clark TA . Clin Infect Dis 2014 60 (2) 223-7 BACKGROUND: A recent increase in B. pertussis without the pertactin protein, an acellular vaccine immunogen, has been reported in the U.S. Determining whether pertactin-deficient (PRN-) B. pertussis is evading vaccine-induced immunity or altering the severity of illness is needed. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed for associations between pertactin production and both clinical presentation and vaccine history. Cases with isolates collected between May 2011 and February 2013 from 8 states were included. We calculated unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 753 isolates, 640 (85%) were PRN-. The age distribution differed between cases caused by PRN- B. pertussis and cases caused by B. pertussis producing pertactin (PRN+) (p-value= 0.01). The proportion reporting individual pertussis symptoms was similar between the two groups, except a higher proportion of PRN+ case-patients reported apnea (p-value=0.005). 22 case-patients were hospitalized; 6% in the PRN+ group compared to 3% in the PRN- group (p-value=0.11). Cases having received at least one pertussis vaccine dose had a higher odds of having PRN- B. pertussis as compared to unvaccinated cases (adjusted OR=2.2; 95% CI= 1.3-4.0). When restricted to cases-patients at least 1 year of age and those age-appropriately vaccinated the adjusted OR increased to 2.7 (95% CI=1.2-6.1). CONCLUSIONS: The significant association between vaccination and isolate pertactin produciton suggests the likelihood of having reported disease caused by PRN- compared to PRN+ strains is greater in vaccinated persons. Additional studies are needed to assess whether vaccine effectiveness is diminished against PRN- strains. |
Polio eradication in Nigeria and the role of the National Stop Transmission of Polio Program, 2012-2013
Waziri NE , Ohuabunwo CJ , Nguku PM , Ogbuanu IU , Gidado S , Biya O , Wiesen ES , Vertefeuille J , Townes D , Oyemakinde A , Nwanyanwu O , Gassasira A , Mkanda P , Muhammad AJ , Elmousaad HA , Nasidi A , Mahoney FJ . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S111-7 To strengthen the Nigeria polio eradication program at the operational level, the National Stop Transmission of Polio (N-STOP) program was established in July 2012 as a collaborative effort of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since its inception, N-STOP has recruited and trained 125 full-time staff, 50 residents in training, and 50 ad hoc officers. N-STOP officers, working at national, state, and district levels, have conducted enumeration outreaches in 46 437 nomadic and hard-to-reach settlements in 253 districts of 19 states, supported supplementary immunization activities in 236 districts, and strengthened routine immunization in 100 districts. Officers have also conducted surveillance assessments, outbreak response, and applied research as needs evolved. The N-STOP program has successfully enhanced Global Polio Eradication Initiative partnerships and outreach in Nigeria, providing an accessible, flexible, and culturally competent technical workforce at the front lines of public health. N-STOP will continue to respond to polio eradication program needs and remain a model for other healthcare initiatives in Nigeria and elsewhere. |
Poliovirus immunity among pregnant females aged 15-44 years, Namibia, 2010
Cardemil CV , Jonas A , Gerber S , Weldon WC 3rd , Oberste MS , Beukes A , Sawadogo S , Patel SV , Zeko S , Muroua C , Gaeb E , Wannemuehler K , Goodson JL . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S136-42 BACKGROUND: Poliovirus (PV) antibody seroprevalence studies assess population immunity, verify an immunization program's performance and vaccine efficacy, and guide polio eradication strategy. Namibia experienced a polio outbreak among adults in 2006, yet population seroimmunity was unknown. METHODS: We tested 2061 specimens from Namibian pregnant females aged 15-44 years for neutralizing antibody to PV types 1-3 (PV1-3); all females were sampled during the 2010 National HIV Sentinel Survey. We determined the proportion of females seropositive for PV antibody by 5-year age strata, and analyzed factors associated with seropositivity, including age, gravidity, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection status, residence, and antiretroviral treatment, by log-binomial regression. RESULTS: The seroprevalence was 94.6% for PV1, 97.0% for PV2, and 85.1% for PV3. HIV-positive females had significantly lower seroprevalence than HIV-negative females for PV1 (91.8% vs 95.3%; P < .01) and PV3 (80.0% vs 86.1%; P < .01) but not for PV2 (96.4% vs 97.1%; P = .3). The prevalence ratio of seropositivity for HIV-positive females versus HIV-negative females was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], .92-.98) for PV1, 0.99 (95% CI, .97-1.01) for PV2, and 0.92 (95% CI, .87-.96) for PV3. CONCLUSIONS: Despite relatively high PV seroprevalence, Namibia might remain at risk for a PV outbreak, particularly in lower-seroprevalence populations, such as HIV-positive females. Namibia should continue to maintain high routine polio vaccination coverage. |
A qualitative study of vaccine acceptability and decision making among pregnant women in Morocco during the A (H1N1) pdm09 pandemic
Lohiniva AL , Barakat A , Dueger E , Restrepo S , El Aouad R . PLoS One 2014 9 (10) e96244 Vaccination uptake of pregnant women in Morocco during the A (H1N1) pdm09 pandemic was lower than expected. A qualitative study using open-ended questions was developed to explore the main determinants of acceptance and non-acceptance of the monovalent A (H1N1) pdm09 vaccine among pregnant women in Morocco and to identify information sources that influenced their decision-making process. The study sample included 123 vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women who were in their second or third trimester between December 2009 and March 2010. They took part in 14 focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews in the districts of Casablanca and Kenitra. Thematic qualitative analysis identified reasons for vaccine non-acceptance: (1) fear of the monovalent A (H1N1) pdm09 vaccine, (2) belief in an A (H1N1) pdm09 pandemic conspiracy, (3) belief in the inapplicability of the monovalent A (H1N1) pdm09 vaccine to Moroccans, (4) lack of knowledge of the monovalent A (H1N1) pdm09 vaccine, and (5) challenges of vaccination services/logistics. Reasons for vaccine acceptance included: (1) perceived benefits and (2) modeling. Decision-making was strongly influenced by family, community, mass media, religious leaders and health providers suggesting that broad communication efforts should also be used to advocate for vaccination. Meaningful communication for future vaccine campaigns must consider these context-specific findings. As cultural and religious values are shared across many Arab countries, these findings may also provide valuable insights for seasonal influenza vaccine planning in the Middle East and North Africa region at large. |
Effect of buffer on the immune response to trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine in Bangladesh: a community based randomized controlled trial
Chandir S , Ahamed KU , Baqui AH , Sutter RW , Okayasu H , Pallansch MA , Oberste MS , Moulton LH , Halsey NA . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S390-7 BACKGROUND: Polio eradication efforts have been hampered by low responses to trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (tOPV) in some developing countries. Since stomach acidity may neutralize vaccine viruses, we assessed whether administration of a buffer solution could improve the immunogenicity of tOPV. METHODS: Healthy infants 4-6 weeks old in Sylhet, Bangladesh, were randomized to receive tOPV with or without a sodium bicarbonate and sodium citrate buffer at age 6, 10, and 14 weeks. Levels of serum neutralizing antibodies for poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 were measured before and after vaccination, at 6 and 18 weeks of age, respectively. FINDINGS: Serologic response rates following 3 doses of tOPV for buffer recipients and control infants were 95% and 88% (P = .065), respectively, for type 1 poliovirus; 95% and 97% (P = .543), respectively, for type 2 poliovirus; and 90% and 89% (P = .79), respectively, for type 3 poliovirus. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of a buffer solution prior to vaccination was not associated with statistically significant increases in the immune response to tOPV; however, a marginal 7% increase (P = .065) in serologic response to poliovirus type 1 was observed. |
Effectiveness of monovalent human rotavirus vaccine against admission to hospital for acute rotavirus diarrhoea in South African children: a case-control study
Groome MJ , Page N , Cortese MM , Moyes J , Zar HJ , Kapongo CN , Mulligan C , Diedericks R , Cohen C , Fleming JA , Seheri M , Mphahlele J , Walaza S , Khan K , Chhagan M , Steele AD , Parashar UD , Zell ER , Madhi SA . Lancet Infect Dis 2014 14 (11) 1096-1104 BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of the rotavirus vaccine under conditions of routine use in an African setting with a high prevalence of HIV infection needs to be established. We assessed the vaccine effectiveness of monovalent human rotavirus vaccine in preventing admission to hospital for acute rotavirus diarrhoea, after its introduction at age 6 and 14 weeks into South Africa's national immunisation programme. METHODS: This case-control study was done at seven hospitals in South Africa between April 19, 2010, and Oct 31, 2012. The hospitals were located in a range of urban, peri-urban, and rural settings, with varying rates of population HIV infection. Cases were children aged from 18 weeks to 23 months who were age-eligible to have received at least one dose of the human rotavirus vaccine (ie, those born after June 14, 2009) admitted to hospital with laboratory-confirmed acute rotavirus diarrhoea, and the primary control group was children admitted to hospital with diarrhoea testing negative for rotavirus. A second control group comprised children admitted to a subset of three of the seven hospitals with respiratory illness. The primary endpoint was adjusted vaccine effectiveness (1 - adjusted odds ratio x 100%) in children aged from 18 weeks to 23 months and was calculated by unconditional logistic regression. This study is registered on the South African National Clinical Trial Register, number DOH-27-0512-3247. FINDINGS: Of 540 rotavirus-positive cases, 278 children (52%) received two doses, 126 (23%) one dose, and 136 (25%) no doses of human rotavirus vaccine, compared with 1434 rotavirus-negative controls of whom 856 (60%) received two doses, 334 (23%) one dose, and 244 (17%) no doses. Adjusted vaccine effectiveness using rotavirus-negative controls was 57% (95% CI 40-68) for two doses and 40% (16-57) for one dose; estimates were similar when respiratory controls were used as the control group. Adjusted vaccine effectiveness for two doses was similar between age groups 18 weeks-11 months (54%, 95% CI 32-68) and 12-23 months (61%, 35-77), and was similar in HIV-exposed-uninfected (64%, 95% CI 34-80) and HIV-unexposed-uninfected children (54%, 31-69). INTERPRETATION: Human rotavirus vaccine provided sustained protection against admission to hospital for acute rotavirus diarrhoea during the first and second years of life. This finding is encouraging and establishes the public health value of rotavirus vaccine in an African setting, especially as rotavirus vaccines are introduced into an increasing number of African countries. FUNDING: GAVI Alliance (with support from PATH). |
Effectiveness of oral polio vaccination against paralytic poliomyelitis: a matched case-control study in Somalia
Mahamud A , Kamadjeu R , Webeck J , Mbaeyi C , Baranyikwa MT , Birungi J , Nurbile Y , Ehrhardt D , Shukla H , Chatterjee A , Mulugeta A . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S187-93 BACKGROUND: After the last case of type 1 wild poliovirus (WPV1) was reported in 2007, Somalia experienced another outbreak of WPV1 (189 cases) in 2013. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, matched case-control study to evaluate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of oral polio vaccine (OPV). We retrieved information from the Somalia Surveillance Database. A case was defined as any case of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) with virological confirmation of WPV1. We selected two groups of controls for each case: non-polio AFP cases ("NPAFP controls") matched to WPV1 cases by age, date of onset of paralysis and region; and asymptomatic "neighborhood controls," matched by age. Using conditional logistic regression, we estimated the VE of OPV as (1- odds ratio) x100. RESULT: We matched 99 WPV cases with 99 NPAFP controls and 134 WPV1 cases with 268 neighborhood controls. Using NPAFP controls, the overall VE was 70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37-86), 59% (2-83) among 1-3 dose recipients, 77% (95% CI, 46-91) among ≥4 dose recipients. In neighborhood controls, the overall VE was 95% (95% CI, 84-98), 92% (72-98) among 1-3 dose recipients, and 97% (89-99) among ≥4 dose recipients. When the analysis was limited to cases and controls ≤24 months old, the overall VE in NPAFP and neighborhood controls was 95% (95% CI, 65-99) and 97% (95% CI, 76-100), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among individuals who were fully vaccinated with OPV, vaccination was effective at preventing WPV1 in Somalia. |
Estimating the likely coverage of inactivated poliovirus vaccine in routine immunization: evidence from demographic and health surveys
Anand A , Pallansch MA , Estivariz CF , Gary H , Wassilak SG . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S465-74 BACKGROUND: The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has recommended introduction of at least 1 dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) at ≥14 weeks of age through the routine immunization program in countries currently not using IPV. METHODS: We analyzed all available unrestricted data obtained from the Demographic and Health Surveys since 2005 in sub-Saharan Africa (31 countries) and in South and Southeast Asia (9 countries) to determine coverage of the following injectable vaccines delivered through the routine immunization schedule: diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine dose 1 (DTP1), DTP2, DTP3, and measles vaccine. Coverage with these vaccines was used as a proxy measure of likely 1- and 2-dose IPV coverage. RESULTS: Coverage with 1 dose of IPV is expected to be lowest when offered with DTP3 (median coverage, 73%) and highest when offered with DTP1 (median coverage, 90%). The median DTP1-DTP3 drop-out rate was 14%, which equates to an additional 12 million children not receiving IPV if IPV is offered with DTP3, rather than with DTP1. An increased geographical clustering of children who have not received IPV is expected in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia if IPV is offered with DTP3, rather than with DTP1. Coverage with 2 doses of IPV is expected to be lowest if IPV is administered with DTP3 and measles vaccine (69%) and highest if administered with DTP1 and DTP2 (84%). CONCLUSIONS: Coverage with 1 dose of IPV is expected to be lowest if it is administered at the DTP3 visit. At present, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether the SAGE-recommended IPV schedule for the polio endgame would maximize population immunity to type 2 poliovirus. |
An evaluation of community perspectives and contributing factors to missed children during an oral polio vaccination campaign - Katsina state, Nigeria
Michael CA , Ashenafi S , Ogbuanu IU , Ohuabunwo C , Sule A , Corkum M , Mackay S , Storms AD , Achari P , Biya O , Nguku P , Newberry D , Bwaka A , Mahoney F . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S131-5 BACKGROUND: Unvaccinated children contribute to accumulation of susceptible persons and the continued transmission of wild poliovirus in Nigeria. In September 2012, the Expert Review Committee (ERC) on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization in Nigeria recommended that social research be conducted to better understand why children are missed during supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), also known as "immunization plus days (IPDs)" in Nigeria. METHODS: Immediately following the SIA in October 2012, polio eradication partners and the government of Nigeria conducted a study to assess why children are missed. We used semistructured questionnaires and focus group discussions in 1 rural and 1 urban local government area (LGA) of Katsina State. RESULTS: Participants reported that 61% of the children were not vaccinated because of poor vaccination team performance: either the teams did not visit the homes (25%) or the children were reported absent and not revisited (36%). This lack of access to vaccine was more frequently reported by respondents from scattered/nomadic communities (85%). In 1 out of 4 respondents (25%), refusal was the main reason their child was not vaccinated. The majority of respondents reported they would have consented to their children being vaccinated if the vaccine had been offered. CONCLUSIONS: Poor vaccination team performance is a major contributor to missed children during IPD campaigns. Addressing such operational deficiencies will help close the polio immunity gap and eradicate polio from Nigeria. |
An evaluation of polio supplemental immunization activities in Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states, Nigeria: lessons in progress
Gammino VM , Nuhu A , Gerber S , Gasasira A , Sugerman DE , Manneh F , Chenoweth P , Kurnit MR , Abanida EA . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S91-7 BACKGROUND: As 1 of 3 remaining poliovirus-endemic countries, Nigeria has become key to the global polio eradication effort. We evaluated supplemental immunization activities, including team performance, communications/mobilization activities, and vaccine acceptance, in 3 high-risk states. METHODS: We used structured survey and observation instruments, document review, and stakeholder interviews. RESULTS: Observations or surveys were conducted at 1697 households. Vaccine acceptance ranged from 87%-94%; among households rejecting polio vaccine, 38% of mothers sought measles vaccine for their children. Teams performed between 4%-42% of assigned tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptance is high but teams have a critical role in surmounting residual vaccine resistance. |
Factors associated with uptake of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 monovalent pandemic vaccine in K-12 public schools, Maine 2009-2010
Lorick SA , Goldberg L , Zhang F , Birkhimer N , Dube N , Dutram K , Hubley T , Tipton M , Basurto-Davila R , Graitcer S , Mills DA . J Public Health Manag Pract 2014 21 (2) 186-95 CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Maine implemented a statewide pre-K through 12-school vaccination program during the 2009-2010 H1N1 influenza pandemic. The main objective of this study was to determine which school, nurse, consent form, and clinic factors were associated with school-level vaccination rates for the first dose of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic vaccine. METHODS: In April 2010, school nurses or contacts were e-mailed electronic surveys. Generalized linear mixed regression was used to predict adjusted vaccination rates using random effects to account for correlations within school districts. Elementary and secondary (middle and high) schools were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Of 645 schools invited to participate, 82% (n = 531) completed the survey. After excluding schools that were ineligible or could not provide outcome data, data for 256 elementary and 124 secondary public schools were analyzed and included in the multivariable analyses. The overall, unadjusted, vaccination rate was 51% for elementary schools and 45% for secondary schools. Elementary schools that had 50 or fewer students per grade, had availability of additional nursing staff, which did not require parental presence at the H1N1 clinic or disseminated consent forms by mail and backpack (compared with backpack only) had statistically significant (P < .05) higher (adjusted) vaccination rates. For secondary schools, the vaccination rate for schools with the lowest proportion of students receiving subsidized lunch (ie, highest socioeconomic status) was 58% compared with 37% (P < .001) for schools with the highest proportion receiving subsidized lunch. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors were independently associated with vaccination rates. For elementary schools, planners should consider strategies such as providing additional nursing staff and disseminating consent forms via multiple methods. The impact of additional factors, including communication approaches and parent and student attitudes, needs to be investigated, especially for secondary schools. |
Forewarning of poliovirus outbreaks in the horn of Africa: an assessment of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance and routine immunization systems in Kenya
Walker AT , Sodha S , Warren WC , Sergon K , Kiptoon S , Ogange J , Ahmeda AH , Eshetu M , Corkum M , Pillai S , Scobie H , Mdodo R , Tack DM , Halldin C , Appelgren K , Kretsinger K , Bensyl DM , Njeru I , Kolongei T , Muigai J , Ismail A , Okiror SO . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S85-90 BACKGROUND: Although the Horn of Africa region has successfully eliminated endemic poliovirus circulation, it remains at risk for reintroduction. International partners assisted Kenya in identifying gaps in the polio surveillance and routine immunization programs, and provided recommendations for improved surveillance and routine immunization during the health system decentralization process. METHODS: Structured questionnaires collected information about acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance resources, training, data monitoring, and supervision at provincial, district, and health facility levels. The routine immunization program information collected included questions about vaccine and resource availability, cold chain, logistics, health-care services and access, outreach coverage data, microplanning, and management and monitoring of AFP surveillance. RESULTS: Although AFP surveillance met national performance standards, widespread deficiencies and limited resources were observed and reported at all levels. Deficiencies were related to provider knowledge, funding, training, and supervision, and were particularly evident at the health facility level. CONCLUSIONS: Gap analysis assists in maximizing resources and capacity building in countries where surveillance and routine immunization lag behind other health priorities. Limited resources for surveillance and routine immunization systems in the region indicate a risk for additional outbreaks of wild poliovirus and other vaccine-preventable illnesses. Monitoring and evaluation of program strengthening activities are needed. |
Introduction of sequential inactivated polio vaccine-oral polio vaccine schedule for routine infant immunization in Brazil's National Immunization Program
Domingues CM , de Fatima Pereira S , Cunha Marreiros AC , Menezes N , Flannery B . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S143-51 In August 2012, the Brazilian Ministry of Health introduced inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) as part of sequential polio vaccination schedule for all infants beginning their primary vaccination series. The revised childhood immunization schedule included 2 doses of IPV at 2 and 4 months of age followed by 2 doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV) at 6 and 15 months of age. One annual national polio immunization day was maintained to provide OPV to all children aged 6 to 59 months. The decision to introduce IPV was based on preventing rare cases of vaccine-associated paralytic polio, financially sustaining IPV introduction, ensuring equitable access to IPV, and preparing for future OPV cessation following global eradication. Introducing IPV during a national multivaccination campaign led to rapid uptake, despite challenges with local vaccine supply due to high wastage rates. Continuous monitoring is required to achieve high coverage with the sequential polio vaccine schedule. |
An acute flaccid paralysis surveillance-based serosurvey of poliovirus antibodies in Western Uttar Pradesh, India
Bahl S , Gary HE Jr , Jafari H , Sarkar BK , Pathyarch SK , Sethi R , Deshpande J . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S234-42 BACKGROUND: Despite intensified use of monovalent oral poliovirus type 1 vaccine and improved coverage of immunization campaigns, wild poliovirus type 1 persisted in Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during 2006 to 2009. METHODS: A serosurvey was conducted among cases of acute flaccid paralysis in the 25 high-polio-incidence districts of western Uttar Pradesh. Children were recruited by age group (6-11 months, 12-24 months, and 25-69 months) from among cases reported through the acute flaccid paralysis surveillance system between November 2008 and August 2009. RESULTS: Seroprevalence for type 1 wild poliovirus was >96.4% for each age group. The seroprevalence of wild poliovirus types 2 and 3 increased with age, from 36.7% to 73.4% for type 2 and from 39.0% to 74.1% for type 3. In addition to the number of type-specific vaccine doses, father's level of education, being from a Muslim family, height for age, and female sex were the socioeconomic risk factors associated with seronegativity to poliovirus. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence and risk factors identified in this study were consistent with the epidemiology of polio, and the findings were instrumental in optimizing vaccination strategy in western Uttar Pradesh with respect to the choice of OPV types, the frequency of supplementary immunization campaigns, and the urgency to improve routine immunization services. |
Adult vaccination disparities among foreign-born populations in the U.S., 2012
Lu PJ , Rodriguez-Lainz A , O'Halloran A , Greby S , Williams WW . Am J Prev Med 2014 47 (6) 722-33 BACKGROUND: Foreign-born persons are considered at higher risk of undervaccination and exposure to many vaccine-preventable diseases. Information on vaccination coverage among foreign-born populations is limited. PURPOSE: To assess adult vaccination coverage disparities among foreign-born populations in the U.S. METHODS: Data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed in 2013. For non-influenza vaccines, the weighted proportion vaccinated was calculated. For influenza vaccination, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess coverage among individuals interviewed during September 2011-June 2012 and vaccinated in August 2011-May 2012. RESULTS: Overall, unadjusted vaccination coverage among U.S.-born respondents was significantly higher than that of foreign-born respondents: influenza, age ≥18 years (40.4% vs 33.8%); pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV), 18-64 years with high-risk conditions (20.8% vs 13.7%); PPV, ≥65 years (62.6% vs 40.5%); tetanus vaccination, ≥18 years (65.0% vs 50.6%); tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), ≥18 years (15.5% vs 9.3%); hepatitis B, 18-49 years (37.2% vs 28.4%); shingles, ≥60 years (21.3% vs 12.0%); and human papilloma virus (HPV), women 18-26 years (38.7% vs 14.7%). Among the foreign born, vaccination coverage was generally lower for non-U.S. citizens, recent immigrants, and those interviewed in a language other than English. Foreign-born individuals were less likely than U.S.-born people to be vaccinated for pneumococcal (≥65 years), tetanus, Tdap, and HPV (women) after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage is lower among foreign-born adults than those born in the U.S. It is important to consider foreign birth and immigration status when assessing vaccination disparities and planning interventions. |
Assessing population immunity in a persistently high-risk area for wild poliovirus transmission in India: a serological study in Moradabad, Western Uttar Pradesh
Deshpande JM , Bahl S , Sarkar BK , Estivariz CF , Sharma S , Wolff C , Sethi R , Pathyarch SK , Jain V , Gary HE Jr , Pallansch MA , Jafari H . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S225-33 BACKGROUND: Moradabad district in Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of paralytic polio cases in India during 2001-2007. We conducted a study in Moradabad in 2007 to assess seroprevalence against poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 in children 6-12 and 36-59 months of age to guide future strategies to interrupt wild poliovirus transmission in high-risk areas. METHODS: Children attending 10 health facilities for minor illnesses who met criteria for study inclusion were eligible for enrollment. We recorded vaccination history, weight, and length and tested sera for neutralizing antibodies to poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3. RESULTS: Poliovirus type 1, 2, and 3 seroprevalences were 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84%-91%), 70% (95% CI, 66%-75%), and 75% (95% CI, 71%-79%), respectively, among 467 in the younger age group (n = 467), compared with 100% (95% CI, 99%-100%), 97% (95% CI, 95%-98%), and 93% (91%-95%), respectively, among 447 children in the older age group (P < .001 for all serotypes). CONCLUSIONS: This seroprevalence study provided extremely useful information that was used by the program in India to guide immunization policies, such as optimizing the use of different OPV formulations in vaccination campaigns and strengthening routine immunization services. Similar surveys in populations at risk should be performed at regular intervals in countries where the risk of persistence or spread of indigenous or imported wild poliovirus is high. |
An assessment of the reasons for oral poliovirus vaccine refusals in northern Nigeria
Michael CA , Ogbuanu IU , Storms AD , Ohuabunwo CJ , Corkum M , Ashenafi S , Achari P , Biya O , Nguku P , Mahoney F . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S125-30 BACKGROUND: Accumulation of susceptible children whose caregivers refuse to accept oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) contributes to the spread of poliovirus in Nigeria. METHODS: During and immediately following the OPV campaign in October 2012, polio eradication partners conducted a study among households in which the vaccine was refused, using semistructured questionnaires. The selected study districts had a history of persistent OPV refusals in previous campaigns. RESULTS: Polio risk perception was low among study participants. The majority (59%) of participants believed that vaccination was either not necessary or would not be helpful, and 30% thought it might be harmful. Religious beliefs were an important driver in the way people understood disease. Fifty-two percent of 48 respondents reported that illnesses were due to God's will and/or destiny and that only God could protect them against illnesses. Only a minority (14%) of respondents indicated that polio was a significant problem in their community. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers refuse OPV largely because of poor polio risk perception and religious beliefs. Communication strategies should, therefore, aim to increase awareness of polio as a real health threat and educate communities about the safety of the vaccine. In addition, polio eradication partners should collaborate with other agencies and ministries to improve total primary healthcare packages to address identified unmet health and social needs. |
Cross-sectional serologic assessment of immunity to poliovirus infection in high-risk areas of northern India
Bahl S , Estivariz CF , Sutter RW , Sarkar BK , Verma H , Jain V , Agrawal A , Rathee M , Shukla H , Pathyarch SK , Sethi R , Wannemuehler KA , Jafari H , Deshpande JM . J Infect Dis 2014 210 Suppl 1 S243-51 INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this survey were to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to poliovirus types 1 and 3 and the impact of bivalent (types 1 and 3) oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) use in immunization campaigns in northern India. METHODS: In August 2010, a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling method identified infants aged 6-7 months in high-risk blocks for wild poliovirus infection. Vaccination history, weight and length, and serum were collected to test for neutralizing antibodies to poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3. RESULTS: Seroprevalences of antibodies to poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 were 98% (95% confidence interval [CI], 97%-99%), 66% (95% CI, 62%-69%), and 77% (95% CI, 75%-79%), respectively, among 664 infants from Bihar and 616 infants from Uttar Pradesh. Infants had received a median of 3 bOPV doses and 2 monovalent type 1 OPV (mOPV1) doses through campaigns and 3 trivalent OPV (tOPV) doses through routine immunization. Among subjects with 0 tOPV doses, the seroprevalences of antibodies to type 3 were 50%, 77%, and 82% after 2, 3, and 4 bOPV doses, respectively. In multivariable analysis, malnutrition was associated with a lower seroprevalence of type 3 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that replacing mOPV1 with bOPV in campaigns was successful in maintaining very high population immunity to type 1 poliovirus and substantially decreasing the immunity gap to type 3 poliovirus. |
Longitudinal associations among bully, homophobic teasing, and sexual violence perpetration among middle school students
Espelage DL , Basile KC , De La Rue L , Hamburger ME . J Interpers Violence 2014 30 (14) 2541-61 Bullying perpetration and sexual harassment perpetration among adolescents are major public health issues. However, few studies have addressed the empirical link between being a perpetrator of bullying and subsequent sexual harassment perpetration among early adolescents in the literature. Homophobic teasing has been shown to be common among middle school youth and was tested as a moderator of the link between bullying and sexual harassment perpetration in this 2-year longitudinal study. More specifically, the present study tests the Bully-Sexual Violence Pathway theory, which posits that adolescent bullies who also participate in homophobic name-calling toward peers are more likely to perpetrate sexual harassment over time. Findings from logistical regression analyses (n = 979, 5th-7th graders) reveal an association between bullying in early middle school and sexual harassment in later middle school, and results support the Bully-Sexual Violence Pathway model, with homophobic teasing as a moderator, for boys only. Results suggest that to prevent bully perpetration and its later association with sexual harassment perpetration, prevention programs should address the use of homophobic epithets. |
Childhood adversity and adult chronic disease: an update from ten states and the District of Columbia, 2010
Gilbert LK , Breiding MJ , Merrick MT , Thompson WW , Ford DC , Dhingra SS , Parks SE . Am J Prev Med 2014 48 (3) 345-9 BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including child abuse and family dysfunction, are linked to leading causes of adult morbidity and mortality. Most prior ACE studies were based on a nonrepresentative patient sample from one Southern California HMO. PURPOSE: To determine if ACE exposure increases the risk of chronic disease and disability using a larger, more representative sample of adults than prior studies. METHODS: Ten states and the District of Columbia included an optional ACE module in the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, a national cross-sectional, random-digit-dial telephone survey of adults. Analysis was conducted in November 2012. Respondents were asked about nine ACEs, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and household member mental illness, alcoholism, drug abuse, imprisonment, divorce, and intimate partner violence. An ACE score was calculated for each subject by summing the endorsed ACE items. After controlling for sociodemographic variables, weighted AORs were calculated for self-reported health conditions given exposure to zero, one to three, four to six, or seven to nine ACEs. RESULTS: Compared to those who reported no ACE exposure, the adjusted odds of reporting myocardial infarction, asthma, fair/poor health, frequent mental distress, and disability were higher for those reporting one to three, four to six, or seven to nine ACEs. Odds of reporting coronary heart disease and stroke were higher for those who reported four to six and seven to nine ACEs; odds of diabetes were higher for those reporting one to three and four to six ACEs. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of child maltreatment prevention as a means to mitigate adult morbidity and mortality. |
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate intravaginal ring protects high dose depot medroxyprogesterone acetate treated macaques from multiple SHIV exposures
Smith JM , Srinivasan P , Teller RS , Lo Y , Dinh CT , Kiser PF , Herold BC . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014 68 (1) 1-5 Preclinical HIV prevention models use either a single high-dose viral challenge in depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA)-treated macaques or repeated viral challenges in cycling macaques. We tested the efficacy of an intravaginal tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) ring in a model combining repeated 30 mg injections of DMPA every 6 weeks with vaginal viral challenges weekly for 12 weeks. Twelve macaques were randomized to TDF or placebo rings. All placebo macaques became infected after a median of 2 exposures, whereas only one TDF macaque became infected at the eighth exposure (p=0.0012). The TDF ring provides durable protection in a stringent challenge model. |
Viremic control is independent of repeated low-dose SHIV exposures
Henning TR , Hanson D , Vishwanathan SA , Butler K , Dobard C , Garcia-Lerma G , Radzio J , Smith J , McNicholl JM , Kersh EN . AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2014 30 (11) 1125-9 The repeat low-dose virus challenge model is commonly used in nonhuman primate studies of HIV transmission and biomedical preventions. For some viruses or challenge routes, it is uncertain whether the repeated exposure design might induce virus-directed innate or adaptive immunity that could affect infection or viremic outcomes. Retrospective cohorts of male Indian rhesus (n=40) and female pigtail (n=46) macaques enrolled in repeat low-dose rectal or vaginal SHIVSF162p3 challenge studies, respectively, were studied to compare the relationship between the number of previous exposures and peak plasma SHIV RNA levels or viral load area under the curve (AUC), surrogate markers of viral control. Repeated mucosal exposures of 10 or 50 TCID50 of virus for rectal and vaginal exposures, respectively, were performed. Virus levels were measured by quantitative reverse-transcriptase real-time PCR. The cumulative number of SHIVSF162p3 exposures did not correlate with observed peak virus levels or with AUC in rectally challenged rhesus macaques [peak: rho (rho)=0.04, p=0.8; AUC: rho=0.33, p=0.06] or vaginally challenged pigtail macaques (peak: rho=-0.09, p=0.7; AUC: rho=0.11, p=0.6). Infections in these models occur independently of exposure history and provide assurance that neither inoculation route nor number of exposures required for infection correlates with postinfection viremia. These data also indicate that both the vaginal and rectal repeated low-dose virus exposure models using SHIVSF162p3 provide a reliable system for nonhuman primate studies. |
Rationale for New York City's regulations on nutrition, physical activity, and screen time in early child care centers
Nonas C , Silver LD , Kettel Khan L , Leviton L . Prev Chronic Dis 2014 11 E182 Childhood obesity is associated with health risks in childhood, and it increases the risk of adult obesity, which is associated with many chronic diseases. Therefore, implementing policies that may prevent obesity at young ages is important. In 2007, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene implemented new regulations for early childhood centers to increase physical activity, limit screen time, and provide healthful beverage offerings (ie, restrict sugar-sweetened beverages for all children, restrict whole milk for those older than 2 years, restrict juice to beverages that are 100% juice and limit serving of juice to only 6 ounces per day, and make water available and accessible at all times). This article explains why these amendments to the Health Code were created, how information about these changes was disseminated, and what training programs were used to help ensure implementation, particularly in high-need neighborhoods. |
Relationship between child care centers' compliance with physical activity regulations and children's physical activity, New York City, 2010
Stephens RL , Xu Y , Lesesne CA , Dunn L , Kakietek J , Jernigan J , Khan LK . Prev Chronic Dis 2014 11 E179 INTRODUCTION: Physical activity may protect against overweight and obesity among preschoolers, and the policies and characteristics of group child care centers influence the physical activity levels of children who attend them. We examined whether children in New York City group child care centers that are compliant with the city's regulations on child physical activity engage in more activity than children in centers who do not comply. METHODS: A sample of 1,352 children (mean age, 3.39 years) served by 110 group child care centers in low-income neighborhoods participated. Children's anthropometric data were collected and accelerometers were used to measure duration and intensity of physical activity. Multilevel generalized linear regression modeling techniques were used to assess the effect of center- and child-level factors on child-level physical activity. RESULTS: Centers' compliance with the regulation of obtaining at least 60 minutes of total physical activity per day was positively associated with children's levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA); compliance with the regulation of obtaining at least 30 minutes of structured activity was not associated with increased levels of MVPA. Children in centers with a dedicated outdoor play space available also spent more time in MVPA. Boys spent more time in MVPA than girls, and non-Hispanic black children spent more time in MVPA than Hispanic children. CONCLUSION: To increase children's level of MVPA in child care, both time and type of activity should be considered. Further examination of the role of play space availability and its effect on opportunities for engaging in physical activity is needed. |
The stability of hexacosanoyl lysophosphatidylcholine in dried-blood spot quality control materials for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy newborn screening
Haynes CA , De Jesus VR . Clin Biochem 2014 48 8-10 OBJECTIVES: Newborn screening for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy utilizes tandem mass spectrometry to analyze dried-blood spot specimens. Quality control materials (dried-blood spots enriched with hexacosanoyl lysophosphatidylcholine) were prepared and stored at different temperatures for up to 518days to evaluate the stability of this biomarker for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. DESIGN AND METHODS: Dried-blood spot storage included desiccant (45, 171, and 518days) or omitted desiccant (53days at >90% relative humidity). Specimens were stored for 171 and 518days at -20 degrees C, 4 degrees C, ambient temperature, and 37 degrees C. Each weekday for 45days, a bag of specimens stored at 4 degrees C was warmed to ambient temperature and one specimen was removed for storage at -80 degrees C. Specimens were analyzed by high-performance liquid-chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and data was plotted as concentration (micromoles per liter) vs. time. Linear regression provided slope and y-intercept values for each storage condition. RESULTS: Small slope values (0.01 or less) and y-intercept values close to the enrichment indicated less than 11% loss of hexacosanoyl lysophosphatidylcholine under all storage conditions tested. CONCLUSIONS: Quality control materials for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy are stable for at least 1year when stored with desiccant. |
Training and technical assistance for compliance with beverage and physical activity components of New York City's regulations for early child care centers
Kakietek J , Dunn L , O'Dell SA , Jernigan J , Kettel Khan L . Prev Chronic Dis 2014 11 E177 INTRODUCTION: In 2006, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) passed regulations for child care centers that established standards for beverages provided to children and set a minimum amount of time for daily physical activity. DOHMH offered several types of training and technical assistance to support compliance with the regulations. This article analyzes the association between training and technical assistance provided and compliance with the regulations in a sample of 174 group child care centers. METHODS: Compliance was measured by using a site inventory of beverages stored on premises and a survey of centers' teachers regarding the amount of physical activity provided. Training and technical assistance measures were based on the DOHMH records of training and technical assistance provided to the centers in the sample and on a survey of center directors. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the association between training and technical assistance measures and compliance with the regulations. RESULTS: Measures of training related to physical activity the center received: the number of staff members who participated in Sport, Play and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK) and other training programs in which a center participated were associated with better compliance with the physical activity regulations. Neither training nor technical assistance were associated with compliance with the regulations related to beverages. CONCLUSION: Increased compliance with regulations pertaining to physical activity was not related to compliance with beverage regulations. Future trainings should be targeted to the specific regulation requirements to increase compliance. |
Long term outcomes in children with congenital heart disease: National Health Interview Survey
Razzaghi H , Oster M , Reefhuis J . J Pediatr 2014 166 (1) 119-24 OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of long-term morbidity in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). STUDY DESIGN: We used data from the 1997-2011 National Health Interview Survey to study long-term outcomes in children aged 0-17 years with CHD. Parents were asked whether their child was diagnosed with CHD. We assessed for comorbidities, including autism/autism spectrum disorders; healthcare utilization, including number of emergency room visits; and daily life aspects, including number of days of school missed. These outcomes were compared between children with and without reported CHD using ORs and chi2 statistics. RESULTS: The study included 420 children with reported CHD and 180 048 children without CHD, with no significant between-group differences in age and sex. The odds of reporting worse health and more than 10 days of school/daycare missed in the previous year were 3 times higher for the children with CHD compared with those without CHD. Children aged 2-17 with CHD were more likely than those without CHD to have had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (crude OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.9-11.0) or intellectual disability (Crude OR, 9.1; 95% CI, 5.4-15.4). The rates of emergency room, home, and doctors' office visits were significantly higher in the children with CHD. CONCLUSION: Reported adverse outcomes were more prevalent in the children with CHD. Our findings, particularly those regarding neurodevelopmental outcomes, may be helpful for parents, healthcare providers, and others in assessing the specific needs of children and teenagers with CHD. |
Measurement of compliance with New York City's regulations on beverages, physical activity, and screen time in early child care centers
Lessard L , Lesesne C , Kakietek J , Breck A , Jernigan J , Dunn L , Nonas C , O'Dell SA , Stephens RL , Xu Y , Kettel Khan L . Prev Chronic Dis 2014 11 E183 INTRODUCTION: Policy interventions designed to change the nutrition environment and increase physical activity in child care centers are becoming more common, but an understanding of the implementation of these interventions is yet to be developed. The objective of this study was to explore the extent and consistency of compliance with a policy intervention designed to promote nutrition and physical activity among licensed child care centers in New York City. METHODS: We used a multimethod cross-sectional approach and 2 independent components of data collection (Center Evaluation Component and Classroom Evaluation Component). The methods were designed to evaluate the impact of regulations on beverages served, physical activity, and screen time at child care centers. We calculated compliance scores for each evaluation component and each regulation and percentage agreement between compliance in the center and classroom components. RESULTS: Compliance with certain requirements of the beverage regulations was high and fairly consistent between components, whereas compliance with the physical activity regulation varied according to the data collection component. Compliance with the regulation on amount and content of screen time was high and consistent. CONCLUSION: Compliance with the physical activity regulation may be a more fluid, day-to-day issue, whereas compliance with the regulations on beverages and television viewing may be easier to control at the center level. Multiple indicators over multiple time points may provide a more complete picture of compliance - especially in the assessment of compliance with physical activity policies. |
Neighborhood disparities in prevalence of childhood obesity among low-income children before and after implementation of New York City child care regulations
Sekhobo JP , Edmunds LS , Dalenius K , Jernigan J , Davis CF , Giddings M , Lesesne C , Kettel Khan L . Prev Chronic Dis 2014 11 E181 INTRODUCTION: New York City Article 47 regulations, implemented in 2007, require licensed child care centers to improve the nutrition, physical activity, and television-viewing behaviors of enrolled children. To supplement an evaluation of the Article 47 regulations, we conducted an exploratory ecologic study to examine changes in childhood obesity prevalence among low-income preschool children enrolled in the Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in New York City neighborhoods with or without a district public health office. We conducted the study 3 years before (from 2004 through 2006) and after (from 2008 through 2010) the implementation of the regulations in 2007. METHODS: We used an ecologic, time-trend analysis to compare 3-year cumulative obesity prevalence among WIC-enrolled preschool children during 2004 to 2006 and 2008 to 2010. Outcome data were obtained from the New York State component of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System. RESULTS: Early childhood obesity prevalence declined in all study neighborhoods from 2004-2006 to 2008-2010. The greatest decline occurred in Manhattan high-risk neighborhoods where obesity prevalence decreased from 18.6% in 2004-2006 to 15.3% in 2008-2010. The results showed a narrowing of the gap in obesity prevalence between high-risk and low-risk neighborhoods in Manhattan and the Bronx, but not in Brooklyn. CONCLUSION: The reductions in early childhood obesity prevalence in some high-risk and low-risk neighborhoods in New York City suggest that progress was made in reducing health disparities during the years just before and after implementation of the 2007 regulations. Future research should consider the built environment and markers of differential exposure to known interventions and policies related to childhood obesity prevention. |
Prenatal bisphenol A exposure and maternally reported behavior in boys and girls
Evans SF , Kobrosly RW , Barrett ES , Thurston SW , Calafat AM , Weiss B , Stahlhut R , Yolton K , Swan SH . Neurotoxicology 2014 45 91-9 Prenatal exposure to gonadal hormones plays a major role in the normal development of the male and female brain and sexually dimorphic behaviors. Hormone-dependent differences in brain structure and function suggest that exposure to exogenous endocrine disrupting chemicals may be associated with sex-specific alterations in behavior. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental chemical that has been shown to alter estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormone signaling pathways. Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest associations between prenatal exposure to BPA and child behavior, however data are inconsistent, and few studies have examined school age children. We examined BPA concentration in spot urine samples from women at mean 27 weeks of pregnancy in relation to child behavior assessed at age 6-10 years using the parent-completed Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We report associations between maternal BPA urinary concentrations and several CBCL scores in 153 children (77 boys, 76 girls). We observed a significant interaction between maternal urinary BPA and sex for several behaviors (externalizing, aggression, Anxiety Disorder, Oppositional/Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder traits), but no significant associations between BPA and scores on any CBCL scales. However in analyses restricted to children of mothers with detectable prenatal urinary BPA (n=125), BPA was associated with moderately increased internalizing and externalizing behaviors, withdrawn/depressed behavior, somatic problems, and Oppositional/Defiant Disorder traits in boys. In addition we observed a significant interaction between BPA and sex for several behaviors (externalizing, withdrawn/depressed, rule-breaking, Oppositional/Defiant Disorder traits, and Conduct Disorder traits). These results suggest that prenatal exposure to BPA may be related to increased behavior problems in school age boys, but not girls. |
Evaluation design of New York City's regulations on nutrition, physical activity, and screen time in early child care centers
Breck A , Goodman K , Dunn L , Stephens RL , Dawkins N , Dixon B , Jernigan J , Kakietek J , Lesesne C , Lessard L , Nonas C , O'Dell SA , Osuji TA , Bronson B , Xu Y , Kettel Khan L . Prev Chronic Dis 2014 11 E184 This article describes the multi-method cross-sectional design used to evaluate New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's regulations of nutrition, physical activity, and screen time for children aged 3 years or older in licensed group child care centers. The Center Evaluation Component collected data from a stratified random sample of 176 licensed group child care centers in New York City. Compliance with the regulations was measured through a review of center records, a facility inventory, and interviews of center directors, lead teachers, and food service staff. The Classroom Evaluation Component included an observational and biometric study of a sample of approximately 1,400 children aged 3 or 4 years attending 110 child care centers and was designed to complement the center component at the classroom and child level. The study methodology detailed in this paper may aid researchers in designing policy evaluation studies that can inform other jurisdictions considering similar policies. |
Functional difficulties and school limitations of children with epilepsy: findings from the 2009-2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs
Pastor PN , Reuben CA , Kobau R , Helmers SL , Lukacs S . Disabil Health J 2014 8 (2) 231-9 BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a common serious neurologic disorder in children. However, most studies of children's functional difficulties and school limitations have used samples from tertiary care or other clinical settings. OBJECTIVE: To compare functional difficulties and school limitations of a national sample of US children with special health care needs (CSHCN) with and without epilepsy. METHODS: Data from the 2009-2010 National Survey of CSHCN for 31,897 children aged 6-17 years with and without epilepsy were analyzed for CSHCN in two groups: 1) CSHCN with selected comorbid conditions (intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, or traumatic brain injury) and 2) CSHCN without these conditions. Functional difficulties and school limitations, adjusted for the effect of sociodemographic characteristics, were examined by epilepsy and comorbid conditions. RESULTS: Three percent of CSHCN had epilepsy. Among CSHCN with epilepsy 53% had comorbid conditions. Overall CSHCN with epilepsy, both with and without comorbid conditions, had more functional difficulties than CSHCN without epilepsy. For example, after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics a higher percentage of children with epilepsy, compared to children without epilepsy, had difficulty with communication (with conditions: 53% vs. 37%, without conditions: 13% vs. 5%). Results for school limitations were similar. After adjustment, a higher percentage of children with epilepsy, compared to children without epilepsy, missed 11 + school days in the past year (with conditions: 36% vs. 18%, without conditions: 21% vs. 15%). CONCLUSION: CSHCN with epilepsy, compared to CSHCN without epilepsy, were more likely to have functional difficulties and limitations in school attendance regardless of comorbid conditions. |
Insights and implications for health departments from the evaluation of New York City's regulations on nutrition, physical activity, and screen time in child care centers
Nonas C , Silver LD , Kettel Khan L . Prev Chronic Dis 2014 11 E178 In 2006, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, seeking to address the epidemic of childhood obesity, issued new regulations on beverages, physical activity, and screen time in group child care centers. An evaluation was conducted to identify characteristics of New York City child care centers that have implemented these regulations and to examine how varying degrees of implementation affected children's behaviors. This article discusses results of this evaluation and how findings can be useful for other public health agencies. Knowing the characteristics of centers that are more likely to comply can help other jurisdictions identify centers that may need additional support and training. Results indicated that compliance may improve when rules established by governing agencies, national standards, and local regulatory bodies are complementary or additive. Therefore, the establishment of clear standards for obesity prevention for child care providers can be a significant public health achievement. |
Antihistamines and birth defects: a systematic review of the literature
Gilboa SM , Ailes EC , Rai RP , Anderson JA , Honein MA . Expert Opin Drug Saf 2014 13 (12) 1-32 INTRODUCTION: Approximately 10 - 15% of women reportedly take an antihistamine during pregnancy for the relief of nausea and vomiting, allergy and asthma symptoms, or indigestion. Antihistamines include histamine H1-receptor and H2-receptor antagonists. AREAS COVERED: This is a systematic evaluation of the peer-reviewed epidemiologic literature published through February 2014 on the association between prenatal exposure to antihistamines and birth defects. Papers addressing histamine H1- or H2-receptor antagonists are included. Papers addressing pyridoxine plus doxylamine (Bendectin in the United States, Debendox in the United Kingdom, Diclectin in Canada, Lenotan and Merbental in other countries) prior to the year 2001 were excluded post hoc because of several previously published meta-analyses and commentaries on this medication. EXPERT OPINION: The literature on the safety of antihistamine use during pregnancy with respect to birth defects is generally reassuring though the positive findings from a few large studies warrant corroboration in other populations. The findings in the literature are considered in light of three critical methodological issues: i) selection of appropriate study population; ii) ascertainment of antihistamine exposures; and iii) ascertainment of birth defect outcomes. Selected antihistamines have been very well studied (e.g., loratadine); others, especially H2-receptor antagonists, require additional study before an assessment of safety with respect to birth defect risk could be made. |
Compliance with New York City's beverage regulations and beverage consumption among children in early child care centers
Kakietek J , Osuji TA , O'Dell SA , Breck A , Kettel Khan L . Prev Chronic Dis 2014 11 E180 INTRODUCTION: This article examines the association between the New York City regulations on beverages served in child care centers and beverage consumption among enrolled children. The regulations include requirements related to beverages served to children throughout the day. METHODS: Beverage consumption data were collected on 636 children enrolled in 106 group child care centers in New York City. Data on compliance with the regulations were collected through direct observation, interviews with center staff, and a site inventory. Logistic regression for rare events was used to test associations between compliance with the regulations and beverage consumption. RESULTS: Compliance with the regulations was associated with lower odds of children consuming milk with more than 1% fat content and sugar-sweetened beverages during meals and snacks. There was not a significant relationship between compliance with the regulations and children's consumption of water. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a strong, direct relationship between what a center serves and what a child consumes, particularly regarding consumption of higher-fat milk and sugar-sweetened beverages. Therefore, policies governing the types of beverages served in child care centers may increase children's consumption of more healthful beverages and reduce the consumption of less healthful ones. |
Understanding the hospital sharps injury reporting pathway
Boden LI , Petrofsky YV , Hopcia K , Wagner GR , Hashimoto D . Am J Ind Med 2014 58 (3) 282-9 BACKGROUND: Patient-care workers are frequently exposed to sharps injuries, which can involve the risk of serious illness. Underreporting of these injuries can compromise prevention efforts. METHODS: We linked survey responses of 1,572 non-physician patient-care workers with the Occupational Health Services (OHS) database at two academic hospitals. We determined whether survey respondents who said they had sharps injuries indicated that they had reported them and whether reported injuries were recorded in the OHS database. RESULTS: Respondents said that they reported 62 of 78 sharps injuries occurring over a 12-month period. Only 28 appeared in the OHS data. Safety practices were positively associated with respondents' saying they reported sharps injuries but not with whether reported injuries appeared in the OHS data. CONCLUSIONS: Administrators should consider creating reporting mechanisms that are simpler and more direct. Administrators and researchers should attempt to understand how incidents might be lost before they are recorded. |
Youth on racial minority operated U.S. farms, 2008: demographics and injuries
Hendricks KJ . J Safety Res 2014 51 81-86 INTRODUCTION: To obtain injury surveillance data for youth on racial minority operated farms, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health developed the Minority Farm Operator Childhood Agricultural Injury Survey (M-CAIS) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. METHODS: Using a regionally stratified telephone survey of U.S. minority operated farm households, M-CAIS data were collected for youth less than 20 years of age. RESULTS: There were an estimated 37,443 youth living on racial minority operated U.S. farms in 2008, almost half (46%) of these youth worked on the farm. Racial minority farm operators hired 6,443 youth, and reported an estimated 775,991 youth relative and other visitors on the farm. These youth suffered an estimated 516 injuries (5.9 injuries/1000 farms). CONCLUSIONS: Household youth had an injury rate of 7.8 injuries/1000 household youth and a work-related injury rate of 6.9 injuries/1000 working household youth. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The research enables agricultural safety and health researchers, practitioners, and educators to identify priorities and design trainings and interventions to minimize the risk of farm hazards to youth on racial minority farm operations in the United States. |
Evaluation of the pulmonary toxicity of a fume generated from a nickel-, copper-based electrode to be used as a substitute in stainless steel welding
Antonini JM , Badding MA , Meighan TG , Keane M , Leonard SS , Roberts JR . Environ Health Insights 2014 8 11-20 Epidemiology has indicated a possible increase in lung cancer among stainless steel welders. Chromium (Cr) is a primary component of stainless steel welding fume. There is an initiative to develop alternative welding consumables [nickel (Ni)- and copper (Cu)-based alloys] that do not contain Cr. No study has been performed to evaluate the toxicity of fumes generated from Ni- and Cu-based consumables. Dose–response and time-course effects on lung toxicity of a Ni- and Cu-based welding fume (Ni–Cu WF) were examined using an in vivo and in vitro bioassay, and compared with two other well-characterized welding fumes. Even though only trace amounts of Cr were present, a persistent increase in lung injury and inflammation was observed for the Ni–Cu WF compared to the other fumes. The difference in response appears to be due to a direct cytotoxic effect by the Ni–Cu WF sample on lung macrophages as opposed to an elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). |
Health and safety management systems through a multilevel and strategic management perspective: theoretical and empirical considerations
Yorio Patrick L , Willmer Dana R , Moore Susan M . Saf Sci 2014 72 221-228 Multilevel and strategic management theory and research methods are presented and applied to current issues in occupational health and safety (HS), the primary goal being to better understand health and safety management systems (HSMS) from a theoretical and empirical perspective. Through these perspectives, a strategic HSMS may be understood as a construct that exists objectively at the strategic level of the organization-its objective content often distinct from the implemented practices and procedures within a workgroup and from worker perceptions and interpretations of its content. These nuances highlight the types of biases that can arise when choosing a level of measurement to assess the HSMS and techniques that can be used to minimize measurement error and increase the validity of inferences made. These nuances also illuminate the contingencies important for the success of a strategic organizational HSMS. The contingencies are discussed from a theoretical perspective and presented in a conceptual HSMS model. |
Biomechanical risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome: a pooled study of 2474 workers
Harris-Adamson C , Eisen EA , Kapellusch J , Garg A , Hegmann KT , Thiese MS , Dale AM , Evanoff B , Burt S , Bao S , Silverstein B , Merlino L , Gerr F , Rempel D . Occup Environ Med 2014 72 (1) 33-41 BACKGROUND: Between 2001 and 2010, five research groups conducted coordinated prospective studies of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) incidence among US workers from various industries and collected detailed subject-level exposure information with follow-up of symptoms, electrophysiological measures and job changes. OBJECTIVE: This analysis examined the associations between workplace biomechanical factors and incidence of dominant-hand CTS, adjusting for personal risk factors. METHODS: 2474 participants, without CTS or possible polyneuropathy at enrolment, were followed up to 6.5 years (5102 person-years). Individual workplace exposure measures of the dominant hand were collected for each task and included force, repetition, duty cycle and posture. Task exposures were combined across the workweek using time-weighted averaging to estimate job-level exposures. CTS case-criteria were based on symptoms and results of electrophysiological testing. HRs were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: After adjustment for covariates, analyst (HR=2.17; 95% CI 1.38 to 3.43) and worker (HR=2.08; 95% CI 1.31 to 3.39) estimated peak hand force, forceful repetition rate (HR=1.84; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.86) and per cent time spent (eg, duty cycle) in forceful hand exertions (HR=2.05; 95% CI 1.34 to 3.15) were associated with increased risk of incident CTS. Associations were not observed between total hand repetition rate, per cent duration of all hand exertions, or wrist posture and incident CTS. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective multicentre study of production and service workers, measures of exposure to forceful hand exertion were associated with incident CTS after controlling for important covariates. These findings may influence the design of workplace safety programmes for preventing work-related CTS. |
Ocular toxoplasmosis in the United States: recent and remote infections
Jones JL , Bonetti V , Holland GN , Press C , Sanislo SR , Khurana RN , Montoya JG . Clin Infect Dis 2014 60 (2) 271-3 We tested all samples from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis sent to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation from June 2004 through August 2010 for serologic evidence of recent T. gondii infection. Of 205 patients aged 10-96 years, 11.7% had recent infection. Many people develop ocular disease soon after T. gondii infection. |
Understanding municipal officials' involvement in transportation policies supportive of walking and bicycling
Zwald ML , Eyler AA , Goins KV , Brownson RC , Schmid TL , Lemon SC . J Public Health Manag Pract 2014 23 (4) 348-355 CONTEXT: Local transportation policies can impact the built environment and physical activity. Municipal officials play a critical role in transportation policy and planning decisions, yet little is known about what influences their involvement. OBJECTIVE: To describe municipal officials' involvement in transportation policies that were supportive of walking and bicycling and to examine individual- and job-related predictors of involvement in transportation policies among municipal officials. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was administered online from June to July 2012 to municipal officials in 83 urban areas with a population of 50000 or more residents across 8 states. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 461 municipal officials from public health, planning, transportation, public works, community and economic development, parks and recreation, city management, and municipal legislatures responded to the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Participation in the development, adoption, or implementation of a municipal transportation policy supportive of walking or bicycling. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analyses, conducted in September 2013, revealed that perceived importance of economic development and traffic congestion was positively associated with involvement in a municipal transportation policy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.70; OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.26-2.01, respectively). Higher perceived resident support of local government to address economic development was associated with an increased likelihood of participation in a transportation policy (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.24-2.32). Respondents who perceived lack of collaboration as a barrier were less likely to be involved in a transportation policy (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.63-0.97). Municipal officials who lived in the city or town in which they worked were significantly more likely to be involved in a transportation policy (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.05-3.17). CONCLUSIONS: Involvement in a local transportation policy by a municipal official was associated with greater perceived importance of economic development and traffic congestion in job responsibilities, greater perceived resident support of local government to address economic development, and residence of the municipal official. Lack of collaboration represented a barrier to local transportation policy participation. |
An overview of measurement activities in the partnership for patients
Hackbarth AD , Munier WB , Eldridge N , Jordan J , Richards C , Brennan NJ , Wagner D , McGann P . J Patient Saf 2014 10 (3) 125-32 The Partnership for Patients, launched in April 2011, is a national quality improvement initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services that has set ambitious goals for U.S. providers to improve patient safety and care transitions. This paper outlines the initiative's measurement strategy, describing four measurement-related objectives: (1) to track national progress toward the program goals that U.S. hospitals reduce preventable adverse events by 40% and readmissions by 20%; (2) to support local quality improvement measurement in participating hospitals by providing the appropriate tools, training, and programmatic structure; (3) to obtain feedback on hospital and contractor progress, in close to real time, so the project can be effectively managed; and (4) to evaluate the program's impact on adverse event and readmission rates. |
Estimation of cigarette smoking-attributable morbidity in the United States
Rostron BL , Chang CM , Pechacek TF . JAMA Intern Med 2014 174 (12) 1922-8 IMPORTANCE: Cigarette smoking has been found to harm nearly every bodily organ and is a leading cause of preventable disease, but current estimates of smoking-attributable morbidity by condition for the United States are generally unavailable. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the burden of major medical conditions attributable to cigarette smoking in the United States. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The disease burden of smoking was estimated using population-attributable risk calculations, taking into account the uncertainty of estimates. Population estimates came from 2009 US Census Bureau data and smoking prevalence, disease prevalence, and disease relative risk estimates came from National Health Interview Survey data for surveyed adults from 2006 through 2012. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spirometry data obtained from medical examination of surveyed adults from 2007 through 2010 was used to adjust for underreporting of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exposures: Smoking status was assessed from self-reported National Health Interview Survey data. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The number of adults 35 years and older who had had a major smoking-attributable disease by sex and condition and the total number of these conditions were estimated for the United States in 2009. RESULTS: Using National Health Interview Survey data, we estimated that 6.9 million (95% CI, 6.5-7.4 million) US adults had had a combined 10.9 million (95% CI, 10.3-11.5 million) self-reported smoking-attributable medical conditions. Using chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence estimates obtained from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey self-reported and spirometry data, we estimated that US adults had had a combined 14.0 million (95% CI, 12.9-15.1 million) smoking-attributable conditions in 2009. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: We estimate that US adults have had approximately 14 million major medical conditions that were attributable to smoking. This figure is generally conservative owing to the existence of other diseases and medical events that were not included in these estimates. Cigarette smoking remains a leading cause of preventable disease in the United States, underscoring the need for continuing and vigorous smoking-prevention efforts. |
Increases in smoking cessation interventions after a feedback and improvement initiative using electronic health records - 19 community health centers, New York City, October 2010-March 2012
Silfen SL , Farley SM , Shih SC , Duquaine DC , Ricci JM , Kansagra SM , Edwards SM , Babb S , McAfee T . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014 63 (41) 921-4 Quitting smoking substantially reduces smokers' risk for smoking-related morbidity and mortality and can increase life expectancy by up to a decade. Most smokers want to quit and make at least one medical provider visit annually. Health care providers can play an important role in helping smokers quit by documenting patients' tobacco use, advising smokers to quit, and providing evidence-based cessation treatments or referrals for treatment, but many providers and practices do not regularly take these actions. Systems to increase provider screening and delivery of cessation interventions are available; in particular, electronic health records (EHRs) can be powerful tools to facilitate increased cessation interventions. This analysis reports on an EHR-based pay-for-improvement initiative in 19 community health centers (CHCs) in New York City (NYC) that sought to increase smoking status documentation and cessation interventions. At the end of the initiative, the mean proportion of patients who were documented as smokers in CHCs had increased from 24% to 27%, whereas the mean proportion of documented smokers who received a cessation intervention had increased from 23% to 54%. Public health programs and health systems should consider implementing strategies to equip and train clinical providers to use information technology to increase delivery of cessation interventions. |
Cigarette smoke cadmium breakthrough from traditional filters: implications for exposure
Pappas RS , Fresquez MR , Watson CH . J Anal Toxicol 2014 39 (1) 45-51 Cadmium, a carcinogenic metal, is highly toxic to renal, skeletal, nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Accurate and precise quantification of mainstream smoke cadmium levels in cigarette smoke is important because of exposure concerns. The two most common trapping techniques for collecting mainstream tobacco smoke particulate for analysis are glass fiber filters and electrostatic precipitators. We observed that a significant portion of total cadmium passed through standard glass fiber filters that are used to trap particulate matter. We therefore developed platinum traps to collect the cadmium that passed through the filters and tested a variety of cigarettes with different physical parameters for quantities of cadmium that passed though the filters. We found <1% cadmium passed through electrostatic precipitators. In contrast, cadmium that passed through 92 mm glass fiber filters on a rotary smoking machine was significantly higher, ranging from 3.5 to 22.9% of total smoke cadmium deliveries. Cadmium passed through 44 mm filters typically used on linear smoking machines to an even greater degree, ranging from 13.6 to 30.4% of the total smoke cadmium deliveries. Differences in the cadmium that passed through from the glass fiber filters and electrostatic precipitator could be explained in part if cadmium resides in the smaller mainstream smoke aerosol particle sizes. Differences in particle size distribution could have toxicological implications and could help explain the pulmonary and cardiovascular cadmium uptake in smokers. |
Decreasing trend in tobacco-related cancer incidence, United States 2005-2009
Underwood JM , Richards TB , Henley SJ , Momin B , Houston K , Rolle I , Holmes C , Stewart SL . J Community Health 2014 40 (3) 414-8 More than 1 in 3 cancer-related deaths are associated with tobacco use; these include cancers of the lung and bronchus, oral cavity and pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney and renal pelvis, urinary bladder, and cervix, and acute myeloid leukemia. In order to characterize the current cancer burden due to tobacco use, this study provides recent trends in tobacco-related cancer incidence across the US. We analyzed data from CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries and NCI's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program, covering 100 % of the US population during 2005-2009. Age-adjusted incidence rates, 95 % confidence intervals and annual percent change were calculated for each state, the District of Columbia, and the US. Tobacco-related cancer incidence in the US decreased significantly from 152.9 (per 100,000 persons) in 2005 to 145.8 in 2009. Men had higher incidence rates, but a greater decrease in tobacco-related cancers per year over the 5-year time period (-1.4 % in men, compared to -0.8 % in women). Incidence rates decreased the most per year for larynx (-2.4 %), lung and bronchus (-1.9 %) and stomach (-1.5 %) cancers during the study period. Tobacco-related cancer incidence trends varied by state. While tobacco-related cancer incidence in the United States decreased overall from 2005 to 2009, tobacco continued to account for a large cancer burden. Our findings suggest that continued efforts in tobacco prevention and control are needed to further reduce tobacco-related cancer burden in general and among targeted sub-populations in the US. |
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