Last data update: May 20, 2024. (Total: 46824 publications since 2009)
Records 1-9 (of 9 Records) |
Query Trace: Alba B [original query] |
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Acceptability, feasibility, and validity of detecting respiratory pathogens during acute respiratory illness in participant-collected swabs in a low-income, community sample
Thind P , Vargas CY , Reed C , Wang L , Alba LR , Larson EL , Saiman L , Stockwell MS . Open Forum Infect Dis 2023 10 (3) ofad068 BACKGROUND: Community surveillance for acute respiratory illness (ARI) can include unsupervised participant-collected nasal swabs. Little is known about use of self-swabs in low-income populations or among households including extended family members and the validity of self-collected swabs. We assessed the acceptability, feasibility, and validity of unsupervised participant-collected nasal swabs in a low-income, community sample. METHODS: This was a substudy of a larger prospective community-based ARI surveillance study in 405 households in New York City. Participating household members self-collected swabs on the day of a research home visit for an index case, and for 3-6 subsequent days. Demographics associated with agreement to participate and swab collection were assessed, and index case self-collected versus research staff-collected swab results were compared. RESULTS: Most households (n = 292 [89.6%]) agreed to participate, including 1310 members. Being <18 years old, female, and the household reporter or member of the nuclear family (parents and children) were associated with both agreement to participate and self-swab collection. Being born in the United States or immigrating ≥10 years ago was associated with participation, and being Spanish-speaking and having less than a high school education were associated with swab collection. In all, 84.4% collected at least 1 self-swabbed specimen; self-swabbing rates were highest during the first 4 collection days. Concordance between research staff-collected swabs and self-swabs was 88.4% for negative swabs, 75.0% for influenza, and 69.4% for noninfluenza pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Self-swabbing was acceptable, feasible, and valid in this low-income, minoritized population. Some differences in participation and swab collection were identified that could be noted by future researchers and modelers. |
Surveillance for acute respiratory illnesses in pediatric chronic care facilities
Saiman L , Prill MM , Wilmont S , Neu N , Alba L , Hill-Ricciuti A , Larson E , Whitaker B , Lu X , Garg S , Gerber SI , Kim L . J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2022 12 (1) 49-52 Overall, 119 (33%) of 364 pediatric chronic care facility residents experienced 182 acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) that met the surveillance definition which led to 31 (17%) emergency room visits, 34 (19%) acute care hospitalizations, and/or 25 (14%) ICU admissions. Continued PCR-positivity was observed in 35% of ARIs during follow-up testing. |
Clinical and socioeconomic burden of rhinoviruses/enteroviruses in the community
Halabi KC , Stockwell MS , Alba L , Vargas C , Reed C , Saiman L . Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2022 16 (5) 891-896 BACKGROUND: The epidemiology, clinical features, and socioeconomic burden associated with detection of rhinoviruses (RV)/enteroviruses (EV) from individuals in the community with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are not fully understood. METHODS: To assess the clinical and socioeconomic burden associated with RV/EV, a secondary analysis of data collected during a prospective, community-based ARI surveillance study was performed. From December 2012 to September 2017, adult and pediatric participants with ARIs had nasopharyngeal specimens obtained and tested by multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. Characteristics and socioeconomic burden including missed school or work and/or antibiotic use among participants who did and did not seek medical care and among participants with and without co-detection of another respiratory pathogen with RV/EV were compared. RESULTS: Throughout the study period, RV/EV was detected in 54.7% (885/1617) of ARIs with a respiratory pathogen detected. Most ARI episodes associated with RV/EV occurred in females (59.1%) and children 17years old (64.2%). Those 17years were more likely to seek medical care. Compared to those not seeking medical care (n=686), those seeking medical care (n=199) had a longer duration of illness (5 vs. 7days) and were more likely to miss work/school (16.4% vs. 47.7%) and/or use antibiotics (3.6% vs. 34.2%). Co-detection occurred in 8% of ARIs of which 81% occurred in children. Co-detection was not associated with longer illness, more missed work/or school, or antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: Non-medically attended and medically attended ARIs associated with RV/EV resulted in clinical and socioeconomic burden, regardless of co-detection of other respiratory pathogens. |
Five-year community surveillance study for acute respiratory infections using text messaging: Findings from the MoSAIC study
Stockwell MS , Reed C , Vargas CY , Wang L , Alba LR , Jia H , LaRussa P , Larson EL , Saiman L . Clin Infect Dis 2022 75 (6) 987-995 BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the most common infectious diseases globally. Community surveillance may provide a more comprehensive picture of disease burden than medically-attended illness alone. METHODS: In this longitudinal study conducted from 2012-2017 in the Washington Heights/Inwood area of New York City, we enrolled 405 households with 1,915 individuals. Households were sent research text messages twice weekly inquiring about ARI symptoms. Research staff confirmed symptoms by follow-up call. If ≥2 criteria for ARI were met (fever/feverish, cough, congestion, pharyngitis, myalgias), staff obtained a mid-turbinate nasal swab in participants' homes. Swabs were tested using the FilmArray RT-PCR respiratory panel. RESULTS: Among participants, 43.9% were children, and 12.8% had a chronic respiratory condition. During the five years, 114,724 text messages were sent; the average response rate was 78.8% +/- 6.8%. Swabs were collected for 91.4% (2756/3016) of confirmed ARI; 58.7% had a pathogen detected. Rhino/enteroviruses (51.9%), human coronaviruses (13.9%) and influenza (13.2%) were most commonly detected. The overall incidence was 0.62 ARI/person-year, highest (1.73) in <2 year-olds and lowest (0.46) in 18-49 year-olds. Approximately one-fourth of those with ARI sought healthcare; percents differed by pathogen, demographic factors, and presence of a chronic respiratory condition. CONCLUSIONS: Text messaging is a novel method for community-based surveillance that could be used both seasonally as well as during outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. The importance of community surveillance to accurately estimate disease burden is underscored by the findings of low rates of care-seeking that varied by demographic factors and pathogens. |
The safety of asthma medications during pregnancy and lactation: Clinical management and research priorities
Chambers CD , Krishnan JA , Alba L , Albano JD , Bryant AS , Carver M , Cohen LS , Gorodetsky E , Hernandez-Diaz S , Honein MA , Jones BL , Murray RK , Namazy JA , Sahin L , Spong CY , Vasisht KP , Watt K , Wurst KE , Yao L , Schatz M . J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021 147 (6) 2009-2020 Asthma is one of the most common underlying diseases in women of reproductive age that can lead to potentially serious medical problems during pregnancy and lactation. A group of key stakeholders across multiple relevant disciplines was invited to take part in an effort to prioritize, strategize, and mobilize action steps to fill important gaps in knowledge regarding asthma medication safety in pregnancy and lactation. The stakeholders identified substantial gaps in the literature on the safety of asthma medications used during pregnancy and lactation and prioritized strategies to fill those gaps. Short-term action steps included linking data from existing complementary study designs (US and international claims data, single drug pregnancy registries, case-control studies, and coordinated systematic data systems). Long-term action steps included creating an asthma disease registry, incorporating the disease registry into electronic health record systems, and coordinating care across disciplines. The stakeholders also prioritized establishing new infrastructures/collaborations to perform research in pregnant and lactating women and to include patient perspectives throughout the process. To address the evidence gaps, and aid in populating product labels with data that inform clinical decision making, the consortium developed a plan to systematically obtain necessary data in the most efficient and timely manner. |
Seasonal Influenza Prevention and Control Progress in Latin America and the Caribbean in the Context of the Global Influenza Strategy and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Vicari AS , Olson D , Vilajeliu A , Andrus JK , Ropero AM , Morens DM , Santos IJ , Azziz-Baumgartner E , Berman S . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021 105 (1) 93-101 Each year in Latin America and the Caribbean, seasonal influenza is associated with an estimated 36,500 respiratory deaths and 400,000 hospitalizations. Since the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, the Region has made significant advances in the prevention and control of seasonal influenza, including improved surveillance systems, burden estimates, and vaccination of at-risk groups. The Global Influenza Strategy 2019-2030 provides a framework to strengthen these advances. Against the backdrop of this new framework, the University of Colorado convened in October 2020 its Immunization Advisory Group of Experts to review and discuss current surveillance, prevention, and control strategies for seasonal influenza in Latin America and the Caribbean, also in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review identified five areas for action and made recommendations specific to each area. The Region should continue its efforts to strengthen surveillance and impact evaluations. Existing data on disease burden, seasonality patterns, and vaccination effectiveness should be used to inform decision-making at the country level as well as advocacy efforts for programmatic resources. Regional and country strategic plans should be prepared and include specific targets for 2030. Existing investments in influenza prevention and control, including for immunization programs, should be optimized. Finally, regional partnerships, such as the regional networks for syndromic surveillance and vaccine effectiveness evaluation (SARInet and REVELAC-i), should continue to play a critical role in continuous learning and standardization by sharing experiences and best practices among countries. |
Active surveillance for acute respiratory infections among pediatric long-term care facility staff.
Wilmont S , Neu N , Hill-Ricciuti A , Alba L , Prill MM , Whitaker B , Garg S , Stone ND , Lu X , Kim L , Gerber SI , Larson E , Saiman L . Am J Infect Control 2020 48 (12) 1474-1477 BACKGROUND: Transmission of respiratory viruses between staff and residents of pediatric long-term care facilities (pLTCFs) can occur. We assessed the feasibility of using text or email messages to perform surveillance for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) among staff. METHODS: From December 7, 2016 to May 7, 2017, 50 staff participants from 2 pLTCFs received weekly text or email requests to report the presence or absence of ARI symptoms. Those who fulfilled the ARI case definition (≥2 symptoms) had respiratory specimens collected to detect viruses by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays. Pre- and postsurveillance respiratory specimens were collected to assess subclinical viral shedding. RESULTS: The response rate to weekly electronic messages was 93%. Twenty-one ARIs reported from 20 (40%) participants fulfilled the case definition. Respiratory viruses were detected in 29% (5/17) of specimens collected at symptom onset (influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus [CoV] 229E, rhinovirus [RV], and dual detection of CoV OC43 and bocavirus). Four participants had positive presurveillance (4 RV), and 6 had positive postsurveillance specimens (3 RV, 2 CoV NL63, and 1 adenovirus). CONCLUSIONS: Electronic messaging to conduct ARI surveillance among pLTCF staff was feasible. |
Factors That Might Affect SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Among Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Poultry Facility Workers - Maryland, May 2020.
Rubenstein BL , Campbell S , Meyers AR , Crum DA , Mitchell CS , Hutson J , Williams DL , Senesie SS , Gilani Z , Reynolds S , Alba B , Tavitian S , Billings K , Saintus L , Martin SBJr , Mainzer H . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (50) 1906-1910 Numerous recent assessments indicate that meat and poultry processing facility workers are at increased risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (1-4). Physical proximity to other workers and shared equipment can facilitate disease transmission in these settings (2-4). The disproportionate number of foreign-born workers employed in meat and poultry processing reflects structural, social, and economic inequities that likely contribute to an increased COVID-19 incidence in this population* (5). In May 2020, the Maryland Department of Health and CDC investigated factors that might affect person-to-person SARS-CoV-2 transmission among persons who worked at two poultry processing facilities. A survey administered to 359 workers identified differences in risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection between workers born outside the United States and U.S.-born workers. Compared with U.S.-born workers, foreign-born workers had higher odds of working in fixed locations on the production floor (odds ratio [OR] for cutup and packaging jobs = 4.8), of having shared commutes (OR = 1.9), and of living with other poultry workers (OR = 6.0). They had lower odds of participating in social gatherings (OR for visits to family = 0.2; OR for visits to friends = 0.4), and they visited fewer businesses in the week before the survey than did their U.S.-born coworkers. Some workplace risk factors can be mitigated through engineering and administrative controls focused on the production floor, and this will be of particular benefit to the foreign-born workers concentrated in these areas. Employers and health departments can also partner with local organizations to disseminate culturally and linguistically tailored messages about risk reduction behaviors in community settings, including shared transportation(§) and household members dwelling in close quarters. |
Identification of Candida auris and related species by multiplex PCR based on unique GPI protein-encoding genes.
Alvarado M , Bartolomé Álvarez J , Lockhart SR , Valentín E , Ruiz-Gaitán AC , Eraso E , Groot PWJ . Mycoses 2020 64 (2) 194-202 BACKGROUND: The pathogen Candida auris is rapidly gaining clinical importance because of its resistance to antifungal treatments and its persistence in hospital environments. Early and accurate diagnosis of C. auris infections is crucial, however, the fungus has often been misidentified by commercial systems. OBJECTIVES: To develop conventional and real-time PCR methods for accurate and rapid identification of C. auris and its discrimination from closely related species by exploiting the uniqueness of certain glycosylphosphatidylinositol-modified protein-encoding genes. METHODS: Species-specific primers for two unique putative GPI protein-encoding genes per species were designed for C. auris, C. haemulonii, C. pseudohaemulonii, C. duobushaemulonii, C. lusitaniae, and C. albicans. Primers were blind tested for their specificity and efficiency in conventional and real-time multiplex PCR set-up. RESULTS: All primers combinations showed excellent species specificity. In multiplex mode, correct identification was aided by different sized amplicons for each species. Efficiency of the C. auris primers was validated using a panel of 155 C. auris isolates, including all known genetically diverse clades. In real-time multiplex PCR, different melting points of the amplicons allowed the distinction of C. auris from four related species. C. auris limit of detection was 5 CFU/reaction with a threshold value of 32. The method was also able to detect C. auris in spiked blood and serum. CONCLUSIONS: PCR identification based on unique GPI protein-encoding genes allows for accurate and rapid species identification of C. auris and related species without need for expensive equipment when applied in conventional PCR set-up. |
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- Page last updated:May 20, 2024
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