Last data update: Dec 02, 2024. (Total: 48272 publications since 2009)
Records 1-30 (of 33 Records) |
Query Trace: Drexler N[original query] |
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Conceptual framework for community-based prevention of brown dog tick-associated Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Brophy MK , Weis E , Drexler NA , Paddock CD , Nicholson WL , Kersh GJ , Salzer JS . Emerg Infect Dis 2024 30 (11) 2231-2240 Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a severe tickborne disease that can reach epidemic proportions in communities with certain social and ecologic risk factors. In some areas, the case-fatality rate of brown dog tick-associated RMSF is up to 50%. Because of the spread of brown dog tick-associated RMSF in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the disease has the potential to emerge and become endemic in other communities that have large populations of free-roaming dogs, brown dog ticks, limited resources, and low provider awareness of the disease. By using a One Health approach, interdisciplinary teams can identify communities at risk and prevent severe or fatal RMSF in humans before cases occur. We have developed a conceptual framework for RMSF prevention to enable communities to identify their RMSF risk level and implement prevention and control strategies. |
Building capacity for testing sterile insect technique against Aedes-borne diseases in the Pacific: a training workshop and launch of sterile insect technique trials against Aedes aegypti and arboviral diseases
Foley N , Fouque F , Zhong Q , Bossin H , Bouyer J , Velayudhan R , Nett R , Drexler A . Infect Dis Poverty 2024 13 (1) 75 BACKGROUND: Vector-borne diseases cause morbidity and mortality globally. However, some areas are more impacted than others, especially with climate change. Controlling vectors remains the primary means to prevent these diseases, but new, more effective tools are needed. The World Health Organization (WHO) prioritized evaluating novel control methods, such as sterile insect technique (SIT) for control of Aedes-borne diseases. In response, a multiagency partnership between the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), WHO, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supported the operational implementation and evaluation of SIT against Aedes aegypti and arboviral diseases in the Pacific through a consortium of regional partners (PAC-SIT Consortium). MAIN TEXT: A workshop was held from 2 to 6 May 2023, during which PAC-SIT country participants, researchers, and stakeholders in SIT, scientific advisory committee members, and organizational partners came together to review the principles and components of SIT, share experiences, visit field sites and the SIT facility, and officially launch the PAC-SIT project. Working in groups focused on entomology, epidemiology, and community engagement, participants addressed challenges, priorities, and needs for SIT implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The PAC-SIT workshop brought together researchers and stakeholders engaged in evaluating SIT for arboviral diseases in the Pacific region and globally. This training workshop highlighted that many countries are actively engaged in building operational capacities and phased testing of SIT. The workshop identified a key need for robust larger-scale studies tied with epidemiological endpoints to provide evidence for the scalability and impact on mosquito-borne diseases. |
Annual (2023) taxonomic update of RNA-directed RNA polymerase-encoding negative-sense RNA viruses (realm Riboviria: kingdom Orthornavirae: phylum Negarnaviricota)
Kuhn JH , Abe J , Adkins S , Alkhovsky SV , Avšič-Županc T , Ayllón MA , Bahl J , Balkema-Buschmann A , Ballinger MJ , Kumar Baranwal V , Beer M , Bejerman N , Bergeron É , Biedenkopf N , Blair CD , Blasdell KR , Blouin AG , Bradfute SB , Briese T , Brown PA , Buchholz UJ , Buchmeier MJ , Bukreyev A , Burt F , Büttner C , Calisher CH , Cao M , Casas I , Chandran K , Charrel RN , Kumar Chaturvedi K , Chooi KM , Crane A , Dal Bó E , Carlos de la Torre J , de Souza WM , de Swart RL , Debat H , Dheilly NM , Di Paola N , Di Serio F , Dietzgen RG , Digiaro M , Drexler JF , Duprex WP , Dürrwald R , Easton AJ , Elbeaino T , Ergünay K , Feng G , Firth AE , Fooks AR , Formenty PBH , Freitas-Astúa J , Gago-Zachert S , Laura García M , García-Sastre A , Garrison AR , Gaskin TR , Gong W , Gonzalez JJ , de Bellocq J , Griffiths A , Groschup MH , Günther I , Günther S , Hammond J , Hasegawa Y , Hayashi K , Hepojoki J , Higgins CM , Hongō S , Horie M , Hughes HR , Hume AJ , Hyndman TH , Ikeda K , Jiāng D , Jonson GB , Junglen S , Klempa B , Klingström J , Kondō H , Koonin EV , Krupovic M , Kubota K , Kurath G , Laenen L , Lambert AJ , Lǐ J , Li JM , Liu R , Lukashevich IS , MacDiarmid RM , Maes P , Marklewitz M , Marshall SH , Marzano SL , McCauley JW , Mirazimi A , Mühlberger E , Nabeshima T , Naidu R , Natsuaki T , Navarro B , Navarro JA , Neriya Y , Netesov SV , Neumann G , Nowotny N , Nunes MRT , Ochoa-Corona FM , Okada T , Palacios G , Pallás V , Papa A , Paraskevopoulou S , Parrish CR , Pauvolid-Corrêa A , Pawęska JT , Pérez DR , Pfaff F , Plemper RK , Postler TS , Rabbidge LO , Radoshitzky SR , Ramos-González PL , Rehanek M , Resende RO , Reyes CA , Rodrigues TCS , Romanowski V , Rubbenstroth D , Rubino L , Runstadler JA , Sabanadzovic S , Sadiq S , Salvato MS , Sasaya T , Schwemmle M , Sharpe SR , Shi M , Shimomoto Y , Kavi Sidharthan V , Sironi M , Smither S , Song JW , Spann KM , Spengler JR , Stenglein MD , Takada A , Takeyama S , Tatara A , Tesh RB , Thornburg NJ , Tian X , Tischler ND , Tomitaka Y , Tomonaga K , Tordo N , Tu C , Turina M , Tzanetakis IE , Maria Vaira A , van den Hoogen B , Vanmechelen B , Vasilakis N , Verbeek M , von Bargen S , Wada J , Wahl V , Walker PJ , Waltzek TB , Whitfield AE , Wolf YI , Xia H , Xylogianni E , Yanagisawa H , Yano K , Ye G , Yuan Z , Zerbini FM , Zhang G , Zhang S , Zhang YZ , Zhao L , Økland AL . J Gen Virol 2023 104 (8) In April 2023, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by one new family, 14 new genera, and 140 new species. Two genera and 538 species were renamed. One species was moved, and four were abolished. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV. |
Health care provider knowledge regarding alpha-gal syndrome - United States, March-May 2022
Carpenter A , Drexler NA , McCormick DW , Thompson JM , Kersh G , Commins SP , Salzer JS . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (30) 809-814 Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an emerging, tick bite-associated immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic condition characterized by a reaction to the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), which is found in mammalian meat and products derived from mammals, including milk, other dairy products, and some pharmaceutical products. Symptoms range from mild (e.g., a rash or gastrointestinal upset) to severe (anaphylaxis); onset typically occurs ≥2 hours after exposure to alpha-gal. No treatment or cure is currently available. Despite the potential life-threating reactions associated with AGS, most patients perceive that health care providers (HCPs) have little or no knowledge of AGS. A U.S. web-based survey of 1,500 HCPs revealed limited knowledge of AGS, identified areas for continuing medical education, and described self-reported diagnostic and management practices. Overall, 42% of surveyed HCPs had never heard of AGS, and among those who had, fewer than one third knew how to diagnose the condition. Two thirds of respondents indicated that guidelines for the diagnosis and management of AGS would be useful clinical resources. Limited awareness and knowledge of AGS among HCPs likely contributes to underdiagnosis of this condition and inadequate patient management, and underestimates of the number of AGS patients in the United States, which currently relies on laboratory testing data alone. |
2022 taxonomic update of phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales.
Kuhn JH , Adkins S , Alkhovsky SV , Avi-upanc T , Aylln MA , Bahl J , Balkema-Buschmann A , Ballinger MJ , Bandte M , Beer M , Bejerman N , Bergeron , Biedenkopf N , Bigarr L , Blair CD , Blasdell KR , Bradfute SB , Briese T , Brown PA , Bruggmann R , Buchholz UJ , Buchmeier MJ , Bukreyev A , Burt F , Bttner C , Calisher CH , Candresse T , Carson J , Casas I , Chandran K , Charrel RN , Chiaki Y , Crane A , Crane M , Dacheux L , B ED , delaTorre JC , deLamballerie X , deSouza WM , deSwart RL , Dheilly NM , DiPaola N , DiSerio F , Dietzgen RG , Digiaro M , Drexler JF , Duprex WP , Drrwald R , Easton AJ , Elbeaino T , Ergnay K , Feng G , Feuvrier C , Firth AE , Fooks AR , Formenty PBH , Freitas-Asta J , Gago-Zachert S , Garca ML , Garca-Sastre A , Garrison AR , Godwin SE , Gonzalez JJ , deBellocq JG , Griffiths A , Groschup MH , Gnther S , Hammond J , Hepojoki J , Hierweger MM , Hong S , Horie M , Horikawa H , Hughes HR , Hume AJ , Hyndman TH , Jing D , Jonson GB , Junglen S , Kadono F , Karlin DG , Klempa B , Klingstrm J , Koch MC , Kond H , Koonin EV , Krsov J , Krupovic M , Kubota K , Kuzmin IV , Laenen L , Lambert AJ , L J , Li JM , Lieffrig F , Lukashevich IS , Luo D , Maes P , Marklewitz M , Marshall SH , Marzano SL , McCauley JW , Mirazimi A , Mohr PG , Moody NJG , Morita Y , Morrison RN , Mhlberger E , Naidu R , Natsuaki T , Navarro JA , Neriya Y , Netesov SV , Neumann G , Nowotny N , Ochoa-Corona FM , Palacios G , Pallandre L , Palls V , Papa A , Paraskevopoulou S , Parrish CR , Pauvolid-Corra A , Pawska JT , Prez DR , Pfaff F , Plemper RK , Postler TS , Pozet F , Radoshitzky SR , Ramos-Gonzlez PL , Rehanek M , Resende RO , Reyes CA , Romanowski V , Rubbenstroth D , Rubino L , Rumbou A , Runstadler JA , Rupp M , Sabanadzovic S , Sasaya T , Schmidt-Posthaus H , Schwemmle M , Seuberlich T , Sharpe SR , Shi M , Sironi M , Smither S , Song JW , Spann KM , Spengler JR , Stenglein MD , Takada A , Tesh RB , Tkov J , Thornburg NJ , Tischler ND , Tomitaka Y , Tomonaga K , Tordo N , Tsunekawa K , Turina M , Tzanetakis IE , Vaira AM , vandenHoogen B , Vanmechelen B , Vasilakis N , Verbeek M , vonBargen S , Wada J , Wahl V , Walker PJ , Whitfield AE , Williams JV , Wolf YI , Yamasaki J , Yanagisawa H , Ye G , Zhang YZ , kland AL . Arch Virol 2022 167 (12) 2857-2906 In March 2022, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by two new families (bunyaviral Discoviridae and Tulasviridae), 41 new genera, and 98 new species. Three hundred forty-nine species were renamed and/or moved. The accidentally misspelled names of seven species were corrected. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV. |
Morbidity and functional outcomes following Rocky Mountain spotted fever hospitalization-Arizona, 2002-2017
Drexler NA , Close R , Yaglom HD , Traeger M , Parker K , Venkat H , Villarroel L , Brislan J , Pastula DM , Armstrong PA . Open Forum Infect Dis 2022 9 (10) ofac506 BACKGROUND: Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a deadly tickborne disease disproportionately affecting Arizona tribal communities. While the acute clinical effects of RMSF are well-documented, more complete understanding of the long-term health consequences is needed to provide guidance for providers and patients in highly impacted areas. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of hospitalized RMSF cases from 2 tribal communities in Arizona during 2002-2017. Medical records from acute illness were abstracted for information on clinical presentation, treatment, and status at discharge. Surviving patients were interviewed about disease recovery, and patients reporting incomplete recovery were eligible for a neurologic examination. RESULTS: Eighty hospitalized cases of RMSF met our inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Of these, 17 (21%) resulted in a fatal outcome. Among surviving cases who were interviewed, most (62%) reported full recovery, 15 (38%) reported ongoing symptoms or reduced function following RMSF illness, and 9 (23%) had evidence of neurologic sequelae at the time of examination. Sequelae included impaired cognition, weakness, decreased deep tendon reflexes, seizures, and cranial nerve dysfunction. Longer hospitalization (25.5 days vs 6.2 days, P < .001), a higher degree of disability at discharge (median modified Rankin score 1 vs 0, P = .03), and delayed doxycycline administration (6.2 days vs 4.1 days, P = .12) were associated with long-term sequelae by logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Although the etiology of sequelae is not able to be determined using this study design, life-altering sequelae were common among patients surviving severe RMSF illness. Delayed administration of the antibiotic doxycycline after day 5 was the strongest predictor of morbidity. |
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Hepeviridae 2022.
Purdy MA , Drexler JF , Meng XJ , Norder H , Okamoto H , Van der Poel WHM , Reuter G , de Souza WM , Ulrich RG , Smith DB . J Gen Virol 2022 103 (9) The family Hepeviridae includes enterically transmitted small quasi-enveloped or non-enveloped positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses infecting mammals and birds (subfamily Orthohepevirinae) or fish (Parahepevirinae). Hepatitis E virus (genus Paslahepevirus) is responsible for self-limiting acute hepatitis in humans; the infection may become chronic in immunocompromised individuals and extrahepatic manifestations have been described. Avian hepatitis E virus (genus Avihepevirus) causes hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome in chickens. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Hepeviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/hepeviridae. |
Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis among Transfusion and Transplant Recipients in the United States
Mowla SJ , Drexler NA , Cherry CC , Annambholta PD , Kracalik IT , Basavaraju SV . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (11) 2768-2775 Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are emerging tickborne diseases that can also be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants. Since 2000, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis cases in the United States have increased substantially, resulting in potential risk to transplant and transfusion recipients. We reviewed ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis cases among blood transfusion and solid organ transplant recipients in the United States from peer-reviewed literature and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigations. We identified 132 cases during 1997-2020, 12 transfusion-associated cases and 120 cases in transplant recipients; 8 cases were donor-derived, and in 13 cases illness occurred <1 year after transplant. Disease in the remaining 99 cases occurred ≥1 year after transplant, suggesting donor-derived disease was unlikely. Severe illness or death were reported among 15 transfusion and transplant recipients. Clinicians should be alert for these possible infections among transfusion and transplant recipients to prevent severe complications or death by quickly treating them. |
2021 Taxonomic update of phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales.
Kuhn JH , Adkins S , Agwanda BR , Al Kubrusli R , Alkhovsky Aльxoвcкий Cepгeй Bлaдимиpoвич SV , Amarasinghe GK , Avšič-Županc T , Ayllón MA , Bahl J , Balkema-Buschmann A , Ballinger MJ , Basler CF , Bavari S , Beer M , Bejerman N , Bennett AJ , Bente DA , Bergeron É , Bird BH , Blair CD , Blasdell KR , Blystad DR , Bojko J , Borth WB , Bradfute S , Breyta R , Briese T , Brown PA , Brown JK , Buchholz UJ , Buchmeier MJ , Bukreyev A , Burt F , Büttner C , Calisher CH , Cao 曹孟籍 M , Casas I , Chandran K , Charrel RN , Cheng Q , Chiaki 千秋祐也 Y , Chiapello M , Choi IR , Ciuffo M , Clegg JCS , Crozier I , Dal Bó E , de la Torre JC , de Lamballerie X , de Swart RL , Debat H , Dheilly NM , Di Cicco E , Di Paola N , Di Serio F , Dietzgen RG , Digiaro M , Dolnik O , Drebot MA , Drexler JF , Dundon WG , Duprex WP , Dürrwald R , Dye JM , Easton AJ , Ebihara 海老原秀喜 H , Elbeaino T , Ergünay K , Ferguson HW , Fooks AR , Forgia M , Formenty PBH , Fránová J , Freitas-Astúa J , Fu 付晶晶 J , Fürl S , Gago-Zachert S , Gāo 高福 GF , García ML , García-Sastre A , Garrison AR , Gaskin T , Gonzalez JJ , Griffiths A , Goldberg TL , Groschup MH , Günther S , Hall RA , Hammond J , Han 韩彤 T , Hepojoki J , Hewson R , Hong 洪健 J , Hong 洪霓 N , Hongo 本郷誠治 S , Horie 堀江真行 M , Hu JS , Hu T , Hughes HR , Hüttner F , Hyndman TH , Ilyas M , Jalkanen R , Jiāng 姜道宏 D , Jonson GB , Junglen S , Kadono 上遠野冨士夫 F , Kaukinen KH , Kawate M , Klempa B , Klingström J , Kobinger G , Koloniuk I , Kondō 近藤秀樹 H , Koonin EV , Krupovic M , Kubota 久保田健嗣 K , Kurath G , Laenen L , Lambert AJ , Langevin SL , Lee B , Lefkowitz EJ , Leroy EM , Li 李邵蓉 S , Li 李龙辉 L , Lǐ 李建荣 J , Liu 刘华珍 H , Lukashevich IS , Maes P , de Souza WM , Marklewitz M , Marshall SH , Marzano SL , Massart S , McCauley JW , Melzer M , Mielke-Ehret N , Miller KM , Ming TJ , Mirazimi A , Mordecai GJ , Mühlbach HP , Mühlberger E , Naidu R , Natsuaki 夏秋知英 T , Navarro JA , Netesov Heтёcoв Cepгeй Bиктopoвич SV , Neumann G , Nowotny N , Nunes MRT , Olmedo-Velarde A , Palacios G , Pallás V , Pályi B , Papa Άννα Παπά A , Paraskevopoulou Σοφία Παρασκευοπούλου S , Park AC , Parrish CR , Patterson DA , Pauvolid-Corrêa A , Pawęska JT , Payne S , Peracchio C , Pérez DR , Postler TS , Qi 亓立莹 L , Radoshitzky SR , Resende RO , Reyes CA , Rima BK , Luna GR , Romanowski V , Rota P , Rubbenstroth D , Rubino L , Runstadler JA , Sabanadzovic S , Sall AA , Salvato MS , Sang R , Sasaya 笹谷孝英 T , Schulze AD , Schwemmle M , Shi 施莽 M , Shí 石晓宏 X , Shí 石正丽 Z , Shimomoto 下元祥史 Y , Shirako Y , Siddell SG , Simmonds P , Sironi M , Smagghe G , Smither S , Song 송진원 JW , Spann K , Spengler JR , Stenglein MD , Stone DM , Sugano J , Suttle CA , Tabata A , Takada 高田礼人 A , Takeuchi 竹内繁治 S , Tchouassi DP , Teffer A , Tesh RB , Thornburg NJ , Tomitaka 冨高保弘 Y , Tomonaga 朝長啓造 K , Tordo N , Torto B , Towner JS , Tsuda 津田新哉 S , Tu 涂长春 C , Turina M , Tzanetakis IE , Uchida J , Usugi 宇杉富雄 T , Vaira AM , Vallino M , van den Hoogen B , Varsani A , Vasilakis Νίκος Βασιλάκης N , Verbeek M , von Bargen S , Wada 和田治郎 J , Wahl V , Walker PJ , Wang 王林发 LF , Wang 王国平 G , Wang 王雁翔 Y , Wang 王亚琴 Y , Waqas M , Wèi 魏太云 T , Wen 温少华 S , Whitfield AE , Williams JV , Wolf YI , Wu 吴建祥 J , Xu 徐雷 L , Yanagisawa 栁澤広宣 H , Yang 杨彩霞 C , Yang 杨作坤 Z , Zerbini FM , Zhai 翟立峰 L , Zhang 张永振 YZ , Zhang 张松 S , Zhang 张靖国 J , Zhang 张哲 Z , Zhou 周雪平 X . Arch Virol 2021 166 (12) 3513-3566 In March 2021, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by four families (Aliusviridae, Crepuscuviridae, Myriaviridae, and Natareviridae), three subfamilies (Alpharhabdovirinae, Betarhabdovirinae, and Gammarhabdovirinae), 42 genera, and 200 species. Thirty-nine species were renamed and/or moved and seven species were abolished. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV. |
Donor-derived ehrlichiosis: Two clusters following solid organ transplantation
Saha A , Browning C , Dandamudi R , Barton K , Graepel K , Cullity M , Abusalah W , Christine D , Rossi C , Drexler N , Basavaraju S , Annambhotia P , Guillamet RV , Eid AJ , Maliakkal J , Miller A , Hugge C , Dharnidharka VR , Kandula P , Moritz MJ . Clin Infect Dis 2021 74 (5) 918-923 Ehrlichiosis has been infrequently described as transmissible through organ transplantation. Two donor derived clusters of ehrlichiosis are described here. During the summer of 2020, two cases of ehrlichiosis were reported to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for investigation. Additional transplant centers were contacted to investigate similar illness in other recipients and samples were sent to CDC. Two kidney recipients from a common donor developed fatal ehrlichiosis-induced hemophagocytic lymphocytic histiocytosis (HLH). Two kidney recipients and a liver recipient from another common donor developed ehrlichiosis. All three were successfully treated. Clinicians should consider donor-derived ehrlichiosis when evaluating recipients with fever early after transplantation after more common causes are ruled out, especially if the donor has epidemiological risk factors for infection. Suspected cases should be reported to the organ procurement organization (OPO) and the OPTN for further investigation by public health authorities. |
2020 taxonomic update for phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales.
Kuhn JH , Adkins S , Alioto D , Alkhovsky SV , Amarasinghe GK , Anthony SJ , Avšič-Županc T , Ayllón MA , Bahl J , Balkema-Buschmann A , Ballinger MJ , Bartonička T , Basler C , Bavari S , Beer M , Bente DA , Bergeron É , Bird BH , Blair C , Blasdell KR , Bradfute SB , Breyta R , Briese T , Brown PA , Buchholz UJ , Buchmeier MJ , Bukreyev A , Burt F , Buzkan N , Calisher CH , Cao M , Casas I , Chamberlain J , Chandran K , Charrel RN , Chen B , Chiumenti M , Choi IR , Clegg JCS , Crozier I , da Graça JV , Dal Bó E , Dávila AMR , de la Torre JC , de Lamballerie X , de Swart RL , Di Bello PL , Di Paola N , Di Serio F , Dietzgen RG , Digiaro M , Dolja VV , Dolnik O , Drebot MA , Drexler JF , Dürrwald R , Dufkova L , Dundon WG , Duprex WP , Dye JM , Easton AJ , Ebihara H , Elbeaino T , Ergünay K , Fernandes J , Fooks AR , Formenty PBH , Forth LF , Fouchier RAM , Freitas-Astúa J , Gago-Zachert S , Gāo GF , García ML , García-Sastre A , Garrison AR , Gbakima A , Goldstein T , Gonzalez JJ , Griffiths A , Groschup MH , Günther S , Guterres A , Hall RA , Hammond J , Hassan M , Hepojoki J , Hepojoki S , Hetzel U , Hewson R , Hoffmann B , Hongo S , Höper D , Horie M , Hughes HR , Hyndman TH , Jambai A , Jardim R , Jiāng D , Jin Q , Jonson GB , Junglen S , Karadağ S , Keller KE , Klempa B , Klingström J , Kobinger G , Kondō H , Koonin EV , Krupovic M , Kurath G , Kuzmin IV , Laenen L , Lamb RA , Lambert AJ , Langevin SL , Lee B , Lemos ERS , Leroy EM , Li D , Lǐ J , Liang M , Liú W , Liú Y , Lukashevich IS , Maes P , Marciel de Souza W , Marklewitz M , Marshall SH , Martelli GP , Martin RR , Marzano SL , Massart S , McCauley JW , Mielke-Ehret N , Minafra A , Minutolo M , Mirazimi A , Mühlbach HP , Mühlberger E , Naidu R , Natsuaki T , Navarro B , Navarro JA , Netesov SV , Neumann G , Nowotny N , Nunes MRT , Nylund A , Økland AL , Oliveira RC , Palacios G , Pallas V , Pályi B , Papa A , Parrish CR , Pauvolid-Corrêa A , Pawęska JT , Payne S , Pérez DR , Pfaff F , Radoshitzky SR , Rahman AU , Ramos-González PL , Resende RO , Reyes CA , Rima BK , Romanowski V , Robles Luna G , Rota P , Rubbenstroth D , Runstadler JA , Ruzek D , Sabanadzovic S , Salát J , Sall AA , Salvato MS , Sarpkaya K , Sasaya T , Schwemmle M , Shabbir MZ , Shí X , Shí Z , Shirako Y , Simmonds P , Širmarová J , Sironi M , Smither S , Smura T , Song JW , Spann KM , Spengler JR , Stenglein MD , Stone DM , Straková P , Takada A , Tesh RB , Thornburg NJ , Tomonaga K , Tordo N , Towner JS , Turina M , Tzanetakis I , Ulrich RG , Vaira AM , van den Hoogen B , Varsani A , Vasilakis N , Verbeek M , Wahl V , Walker PJ , Wang H , Wang J , Wang X , Wang LF , Wèi T , Wells H , Whitfield AE , Williams JV , Wolf YI , Wú Z , Yang X , Yáng X , Yu X , Yutin N , Zerbini FM , Zhang T , Zhang YZ , Zhou G , Zhou X . Arch Virol 2020 165 (12) 3023-3072 In March 2020, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. At the genus rank, 20 new genera were added, two were deleted, one was moved, and three were renamed. At the species rank, 160 species were added, four were deleted, ten were moved and renamed, and 30 species were renamed. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV. |
Community-based prevention of epidemic Rocky Mountain spotted fever among minority populations in Sonora, Mexico, using a One Health approach
Alvarez-Hernandez G , Drexler N , Paddock CD , Licona-Enriquez JD , la Mora JD , Straily A , Del Carmen Candia-Plata M , Cruz-Loustaunau DI , Arteaga-Cardenas VA . Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2019 114 (4) 293-300 BACKGROUND: Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a significant public health problem in Sonora, Mexico, resulting in thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths. Outbreaks of RMSF are perpetuated by heavy brown dog tick infestations in and around homes. During 2009-2015, there were 61 RMSF cases and 23 deaths in a single community of Sonora (Community A). METHODS: An integrated intervention was carried out from March-November 2016 aimed at reducing tick populations with long-acting acaricidal collars on dogs, environmental acaricides applied to peri-domestic areas and RMSF education. Tick levels were measured by inspection of community dogs to monitor efficacy of the intervention. A similar neighborhood (Community B) was selected for comparison and received standard care (acaricide treatment and education). RESULTS: The prevalence of tick-infested dogs in Community A declined from 32.5% to 8.8% (p<0.01). No new cases of RMSF were identified in this area during the subsequent 18 mo. By comparison, the percentage of tick-infested dogs in Community B decreased from 19% to 13.4% (p=0.36) and two cases were reported, including one death. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based interventions using an integrated approach to control brown dog ticks can diminish the morbidity and mortality attributable to RMSF. |
Description of Eschar-associated rickettsial diseases using passive surveillance data - United States, 2010-2016
Drexler N , Nichols Heitman K , Cherry C . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 68 (5152) 1179-1182 What is already known about this topic? Eschars are a clinical sign used to differentiate less severe rickettsioses from potentially deadly Rocky Mountain spotted fever. What is added by this report? Eschars are infrequently reported in tickborne rickettsial disease (TBRD) surveillance data and represent an underutilized resource to aid in distinguishing the various spotted fever group Rickettsia. Although 1% of total TBRD case reports during 2010-2016 documented the presence of an eschar, 81% of cases lacked information on eschars altogether. What are the implications for public health practice? Systematic reporting of the presence or absence of eschars on the TBRD case report form can improve the quality of surveillance data and enhance understanding of the impact of spotted fever rickettsioses in the United States. © 2020 Department of Health and Human Services. All rights reserved. |
Seroprevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in canines along the United States-Mexico border
Pieracci EG , De La Rosa JDP , Rubio DL , Perales MES , Drexler NA , Nicholson WL , De La Rosa JJP , Chung IH , Kato C , Barton Behravesh C , Enriquez MAG , Roldan JFG , Villarino ME . Zoonoses Public Health 2019 66 (8) 918-926 Portions of northern Mexico are experiencing a re-emergence of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a tickborne disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a member of the spotted fever group of rickettsiae (SFGR). Infection with R. rickettsii can result in serious and life-threatening illness in people and dogs. Canine seroprevalence has been used as a sentinel for human RMSF in previous studies. This study aims to quantify SFGR seroprevalence in canines in three northern Mexican states and identify risk factors associated with seropositivity. A total of 1,136 serum samples and 942 ticks were obtained from dogs participating in government sterilization campaigns and from animal control facilities in 14 Mexican cities in three states. SFGR antibodies were detected using indirect immunofluorescence antibody assays at titre values >/=1/64. Six per cent (69 dogs) showed antibodies to SFGR, with the highest seroprevalence reported in Baja California (12%), Coahuila (4%) and Sonora (4%). Dogs from Baja California had three times higher odds of having SFGR antibodies compared to dogs from Sonora (OR = 3.38, 95% CI, 1.81-6.37). Roughly one quarter (25%) of surveyed dogs were parasitized by ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) at the time of sample collection. A portion of collected ticks were tested for rickettsial DNA using polymerase chain reaction. Positive samples were then sequenced, showing evidence of SFGR including R. massiliae, R. parkeri and R. rickettsii. Dogs that spent the majority of time on the street, such as free-roaming or community-owned dogs, showed a greater risk of tick infestation, seropositivity, bearing seropositive ticks, and may play a pivotal role in the spread of SFGR among communities. Estimating the seroprevalence of SFGR in the canine population can help public health campaigns target high-risk communities for interventions to reduce human RMSF cases. |
Taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales: update 2019.
Amarasinghe GK , Ayllon MA , Bao Y , Basler CF , Bavari S , Blasdell KR , Briese T , Brown PA , Bukreyev A , Balkema-Buschmann A , Buchholz UJ , Chabi-Jesus C , Chandran K , Chiapponi C , Crozier I , de Swart RL , Dietzgen RG , Dolnik O , Drexler JF , Durrwald R , Dundon WG , Duprex WP , Dye JM , Easton AJ , Fooks AR , Formenty PBH , Fouchier RAM , Freitas-Astua J , Griffiths A , Hewson R , Horie M , Hyndman TH , Jiang D , Kitajima EW , Kobinger GP , Kondo H , Kurath G , Kuzmin IV , Lamb RA , Lavazza A , Lee B , Lelli D , Leroy EM , Li J , Maes P , Marzano SL , Moreno A , Muhlberger E , Netesov SV , Nowotny N , Nylund A , Okland AL , Palacios G , Palyi B , Paweska JT , Payne SL , Prosperi A , Ramos-Gonzalez PL , Rima BK , Rota P , Rubbenstroth D , Shi M , Simmonds P , Smither SJ , Sozzi E , Spann K , Stenglein MD , Stone DM , Takada A , Tesh RB , Tomonaga K , Tordo N , Towner JS , van den Hoogen B , Vasilakis N , Wahl V , Walker PJ , Wang LF , Whitfield AE , Williams JV , Zerbini FM , Zhang T , Zhang YZ , Kuhn JH . Arch Virol 2019 164 (7) 1967-1980 In February 2019, following the annual taxon ratification vote, the order Mononegavirales was amended by the addition of four new subfamilies and 12 new genera and the creation of 28 novel species. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). |
National surveillance data show increase in spotted fever rickettsiosis: United States, 2016-2017
Heitman KN , Drexler NA , Cherry-Brown D , Peterson AE , Armstrong PA , Kersh GJ . Am J Public Health 2019 109 (5) 719-721 From 2016 through 2017, unprecedented increases in all nationally notifiable tickborne diseases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The largest percentage increase was seen in reported cases of spotted fever rickettsiosis (SFR): a 46% increase from 4269 cases to a record 6248.1 Increases were reported in both new areas and in known endemic states. Although the New England, East North Central, and Middle Atlantic regions typically report only a handful of cases each year, in 2017, these areas experienced, a 215%, 78%, and 65% increase in reported cases, respectively. Among tickborne diseases, only anaplasmosis, with a 39% increase during this time, approached the rise seen with SFR. Although this increase raises concerns for elevated disease risk, additional factors are likely contributing to the high number of reports. |
Diagnostic methods used to classify confirmed and probable cases of spotted fever rickettsioses - United States, 2010-2015
Binder AM , Nichols Heitman K , Drexler NA . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019 68 (10) 243-246 Spotted fever rickettsioses (SFR), including Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), are nationally notifiable diseases in the United States caused by spotted fever group Rickettsia. The annual incidence of SFR increased from 1.7 cases per 1 million persons in 2000 to 13.2 in 2016 (1,2). Although this demonstrates a substantial increase in SFR cases, the actual magnitude of the increase is questionable because the current case definition allows for nonspecific laboratory criteria to support diagnosis (3). To analyze the quality of laboratory data used to support the diagnosis of SFR cases with illness onset during 2010-2015, CDC examined supplementary case report forms. Among 16,807 reported cases, only 167 (1.0%) met the confirmed case definition, and the remaining 16,640 (99.0%) met the probable case definition. The most common supportive laboratory evidence for probable cases was elevated immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titer by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), which was reported for 14,784 (88.8%) probable cases. Antibodies to spotted fever group Rickettsia can persist for months or years following infection, making a single antibody titer unreliable for diagnosing incident disease without a convalescent specimen. Increased use of molecular assays and use of paired and appropriately timed IFA IgG testing practices could improve understanding of SFR epidemiology and increase the accuracy of disease incidence estimates. |
Taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales: second update 2018
Maes P , Amarasinghe GK , Ayllon MA , Basler CF , Bavari S , Blasdell KR , Briese T , Brown PA , Bukreyev A , Balkema-Buschmann A , Buchholz UJ , Chandran K , Crozier I , de Swart RL , Dietzgen RG , Dolnik O , Domier LL , Drexler JF , Durrwald R , Dundon WG , Duprex WP , Dye JM , Easton AJ , Fooks AR , Formenty PBH , Fouchier RAM , Freitas-Astua J , Ghedin E , Griffiths A , Hewson R , Horie M , Hurwitz JL , Hyndman TH , Jiang D , Kobinger GP , Kondo H , Kurath G , Kuzmin IV , Lamb RA , Lee B , Leroy EM , Li J , Marzano SL , Muhlberger E , Netesov SV , Nowotny N , Palacios G , Palyi B , Paweska JT , Payne SL , Rima BK , Rota P , Rubbenstroth D , Simmonds P , Smither SJ , Song Q , Song T , Spann K , Stenglein MD , Stone DM , Takada A , Tesh RB , Tomonaga K , Tordo N , Towner JS , van den Hoogen B , Vasilakis N , Wahl V , Walker PJ , Wang D , Wang LF , Whitfield AE , Williams JV , Ye G , Zerbini FM , Zhang YZ , Kuhn JH . Arch Virol 2019 164 (4) 1233-1244 In October 2018, the order Mononegavirales was amended by the establishment of three new families and three new genera, abolishment of two genera, and creation of 28 novel species. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). |
Vital Signs: Trends in reported vectorborne disease cases - United States and Territories, 2004-2016
Rosenberg R , Lindsey NP , Fischer M , Gregory CJ , Hinckley AF , Mead PS , Paz-Bailey G , Waterman SH , Drexler NA , Kersh GJ , Hooks H , Partridge SK , Visser SN , Beard CB , Petersen LR . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018 67 (17) 496-501 INTRODUCTION: Vectorborne diseases are major causes of death and illness worldwide. In the United States, the most common vectorborne pathogens are transmitted by ticks or mosquitoes, including those causing Lyme disease; Rocky Mountain spotted fever; and West Nile, dengue, and Zika virus diseases. This report examines trends in occurrence of nationally reportable vectorborne diseases during 2004-2016. METHODS: Data reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System for 16 notifiable vectorborne diseases during 2004-2016 were analyzed; findings were tabulated by disease, vector type, location, and year. RESULTS: A total 642,602 cases were reported. The number of annual reports of tickborne bacterial and protozoan diseases more than doubled during this period, from >22,000 in 2004 to >48,000 in 2016. Lyme disease accounted for 82% of all tickborne disease reports during 2004-2016. The occurrence of mosquitoborne diseases was marked by virus epidemics. Transmission in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa accounted for most reports of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus diseases; West Nile virus was endemic, and periodically epidemic, in the continental United States. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE: Vectorborne diseases are a large and growing public health problem in the United States, characterized by geographic specificity and frequent pathogen emergence and introduction. Differences in distribution and transmission dynamics of tickborne and mosquitoborne diseases are often rooted in biologic differences of the vectors. To effectively reduce transmission and respond to outbreaks will require major national improvement of surveillance, diagnostics, reporting, and vector control, as well as new tools, including vaccines. |
Fatal Rocky Mountain spotted fever along the United States-Mexico Border, 2013-2016
Drexler NA , Yaglom H , Casal M , Fierro M , Kriner P , Murphy B , Kjemtrup A , Paddock CD . Emerg Infect Dis 2017 23 (10) 1621-1626 Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an emerging public health concern near the US-Mexico border, where it has resulted in thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths in the past decade. We identified 4 patients who had acquired RMSF in northern Mexico and subsequently died at US healthcare facilities. Two patients sought care in Mexico before being admitted to US-based hospitals. All patients initially had several nonspecific signs and symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, or myalgia, but deteriorated rapidly without receipt of a tetracycline-class antimicrobial drug. Each patient experienced respiratory failure late in illness. Although transborder cases are not common, early recognition and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment are vital for averting severe illness and death. Clinicians on both sides of the US-Mexico border should consider a diagnosis of RMSF for patients with rapidly progressing febrile illness and recent exposure in northern Mexico. |
Fatal flea-borne typhus in Texas: A retrospective case series, 1985-2015
Pieracci EG , Evert N , Drexler NA , Mayes B , Vilcins I , Huang P , Campbell J , Behravesh CB , Paddock CD . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017 96 (5) 1088-1093 AbstractFlea-borne (murine) typhus is a global rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia typhi. Although flea-borne typhus is no longer nationally notifiable, cases are reported for surveillance purposes in a few U.S. states. The infection is typically self-limiting, but may be severe or life-threatening in some patients. We performed a retrospective review of confirmed or probable cases of fatal flea-borne typhus reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services during 1985-2015. When available, medical charts were also examined. Eleven cases of fatal flea-borne typhus were identified. The median patient age was 62 years (range, 36-84 years) and 8 (73%) were male. Patients presented most commonly with fever (100%), nausea and vomiting (55%), and rash (55%). Respiratory (55%) and neurologic (45%) manifestations were also identified frequently. Laboratory abnormalities included thrombocytopenia (82%) and elevated hepatic transaminases (63%). Flea or animal contact before illness onset was frequently reported (55%). The median time from hospitalization to administration of a tetracycline-class drug was 4 days (range, 0-5 days). The median time from symptom onset to death was 14 days (range, 1-34 days). Flea-borne typhus can be a life-threatening disease if not treated in a timely manner with appropriate tetracycline-class antibiotics. Flea-borne typhus should be considered in febrile patients with animal or flea exposure and respiratory or neurologic symptoms of unknown etiology. |
Notes from the field: Community-based prevention of Rocky Mountain spotted fever - Sonora, Mexico, 2016
Straily A , Drexler N , Cruz-Loustaunau D , Paddock CD , Alvarez-Hernandez G . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016 65 (46) 1302-1303 Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a life-threatening tickborne zoonosis caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, is a reemerging disease in Mexico. R. rickettsii is an intracellular bacterium that infects vascular endothelium and can cause multisystem organ failure and death in the absence of timely administration of a tetracycline-class antibiotic, typically doxycycline. Epidemic RMSF, as described in parts of Arizona and Mexico, is associated with massive local infestations of the brown dog tick (Rhiphicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) on domestic dogs and in peridomestic settings that result in high rates of human exposure; for example, during 2003-2012, in Arizona the incidence of RMSF in the three most highly affected communities was 150 times the U.S. national average. In 2015, the Mexico Ministry of Health (MOH) declared an epidemiologic emergency because of high and sustained rates of RMSF in several states in northern Mexico, including the state of Sonora. During 2004-2015, a total of 1,129 cases and 188 RMSF deaths were reported from Sonora (Sonora MOH, unpublished data, 2016). During 2009-2015, one impoverished community (community A) in Sonora reported 56 cases of RMSF involving children and adolescents, with a case-fatality rate of 40% (Sonora MOH, unpublished data, 2016). Poverty and lack of timely access to health services are risk factors for severe RMSF. Children are especially vulnerable to infection, because they might have increased contact with dogs and spend more time playing around spaces where ticks survive. In Sonora, case fatality rates for children aged <10 years can be as high as 30%, which is almost four times the aggregate case-fatality rate reported for the general population of the state (8%), and 10-13 times higher than the case-fatality rate described for this age group in the United States (2.4%). |
Diagnosis and management of tickborne rickettsial iseases: Rocky mountain spotted fever and other spotted fever group rickettsioses, ehrlichioses, and anaplasmosis - United States
Biggs HM , Behravesh CB , Bradley KK , Dahlgren FS , Drexler NA , Dumler JS , Folk SM , Kato CY , Lash RR , Levin ML , Massung RF , Nadelman RB , Nicholson WL , Paddock CD , Pritt BS , Traeger MS . MMWR Recomm Rep 2016 65 (2) 1-44 Tickborne rickettsial diseases continue to cause severe illness and death in otherwise healthy adults and children, despite the availability of low-cost, effective antibacterial therapy. Recognition early in the clinical course is critical because this is the period when antibacterial therapy is most effective. Early signs and symptoms of these illnesses are nonspecific or mimic other illnesses, which can make diagnosis challenging. Previously undescribed tickborne rickettsial diseases continue to be recognized, and since 2004, three additional agents have been described as causes of human disease in the United States: Rickettsia parkeri, Ehrlichia muris-like agent, and Rickettsia species 364D. This report updates the 2006 CDC recommendations on the diagnosis and management of tickborne rickettsial diseases in the United States and includes information on the practical aspects of epidemiology, clinical assessment, treatment, laboratory diagnosis, and prevention of tickborne rickettsial diseases. The CDC Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, in consultation with external clinical and academic specialists and public health professionals, developed this report to assist health care providers and public health professionals to 1) recognize key epidemiologic features and clinical manifestations of tickborne rickettsial diseases, 2) recognize that doxycycline is the treatment of choice for suspected tickborne rickettsial diseases in adults and children, 3) understand that early empiric antibacterial therapy can prevent severe disease and death, 4) request the appropriate confirmatory diagnostic tests and understand their usefulness and limitations, and 5) report probable and confirmed cases of tickborne rickettsial diseases to public health authorities. |
Coxiella burnetii infection in a community operating a large-scale cow and goat dairy, Missouri, 2013
Biggs HM , Turabelidze G , Pratt D , Todd SR , Jacobs-Slifka K , Drexler NA , McCurdy G , Lloyd J , Evavold CL , Fitzpatrick KA , Priestley RA , Singleton J , Sun D , Tang M , Kato C , Kersh GJ , Anderson A . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016 94 (3) 525-31 Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogen that causes Q fever in humans and is transmitted primarily from infected goats, sheep, or cows. Q fever typically presents as an acute febrile illness; however, individuals with certain predisposing conditions, including cardiac valvulopathy, are at risk for chronic Q fever, a serious manifestation that may present as endocarditis. In response to a cluster of Q fever cases detected by public health surveillance, we evaluated C. burnetii infection in a community that operates a large-scale cow and goat dairy. A case was defined as an individual linked to the community with a C. burnetii phase II IgG titer ≥ 128. Of 135 participants, 47 (35%) cases were identified. Contact with or close proximity to cows, goats, and their excreta was associated with being a case (relative risk 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.3-5.3). Cases were also identified among individuals without cow or goat contact and could be related to windborne spread or tracking of C. burnetii on fomites within the community. A history of injection drug use was reported by 26/130 (20%) participants; follow-up for the presence of valvulopathy and monitoring for development of chronic Q fever may be especially important among this population. |
Increasing incidence of Ehrlichiosis in the United States: a summary of national surveillance of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii infections in the United States, 2008-2012
Heitman KN , Dahlgren FS , Drexler NA , Massung RF , Behravesh CB . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015 94 (1) 52-60 Human ehrlichiosis is a potentially fatal disease caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii. Cases of ehrlichiosis are reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through two national surveillance systems: Nationally Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) and Case Report Forms. During 2008-2012, 4,613 cases of E. chaffeensis infections were reported through NNDSS. The incidence rate (IR) was 3.2 cases per million person-years (PYs). The hospitalization rate (HR) was 57% and the case fatality rate (CFR) was 1%. Children aged < 5 years had the highest CFR of 4%. During 2008-2012, 55 cases of E. ewingii infection were reported through NNDSS. The national IR was 0.04 cases per million PY. The HR was 77%; no deaths were reported. Immunosuppressive conditions were reported by 26% of cases. The overall rate for ehrlichiosis has increased 4-fold since 2000. Although previous literature suggests E. ewingii primarily affects those who are immunocompromised, this report shows most cases occurred among immunocompetent patients. This is the first report to show children aged < 5 years with ehrlichiosis have an increased CFR, relative to older patients. Ongoing surveillance and reporting of tick-borne diseases are critical to inform public health practice and guide disease treatment and prevention efforts. |
National surveillance of spotted fever group rickettsioses in the United States, 2008-2012
Drexler NA , Dahlgren FS , Heitman KN , Massung RF , Paddock CD , Behravesh CB . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015 94 (1) 26-34 Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses are notifiable conditions in the United States caused by the highly pathogenic Rickettsia rickettsii and less pathogenic rickettsial species such as Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia sp. 364D. Surveillance data from 2008 to 2012 for SFG rickettsioses are summarized. Incidence increased from 1.7 cases per million person-years (PY) in 2000 to 14.3 cases per million PY in 2012. During 2008-2012, cases of SFG rickettsiosis were more frequently reported among males, persons of white race, and non-Hispanic ethnicity. Overall, case fatality rate (CFR) was low (0.4%), however, risk of death was significantly higher for American Indian/Alaska Natives (relative risk [RR] = 5.4) and Asian/Pacific Islanders (RR = 5.7) compared with persons of white race. Children aged < 10 years continue to experience the highest CFR (1.6%). Higher incidence of SFG rickettsioses and decreased CFR likely result from increased reporting of tick-borne disease including those caused by less pathogenic species. Recently, fewer cases have been confirmed using species-specific laboratory methods (such as cell culture and DNA detection using polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assays), causing a clouded epidemiological picture. Use of PCR and improved documentation of clinical signs, such as eschars, will better differentiate risk factors, incidence, and clinical outcomes of specific rickettsioses in the future. |
Medical and indirect costs associated with a Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever epidemic in Arizona, 2002-2011
Drexler NA , Traeger MS , McQuiston JH , Williams V , Hamilton C , Regan JJ . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015 93 (3) 549-551 Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an emerging public health issue on some American Indian reservations in Arizona. RMSF causes an acute febrile illness that, if untreated, can cause severe illness, permanent sequelae requiring lifelong medical support and death. We describe costs associated with medical care, loss of productivity, and death among cases of RMSF on two American Indian reservations (estimated population 20,000) between 2002 and 2011. Acute medical costs totaled more than $1.3 million. This study further estimated $181,000 in acute productivity lost due to illness, and $11.6 million in lifetime productivity lost from premature death. Aggregate costs of RMSF cases in Arizona 2002-2011 amounted to $13.2 million. We believe this to be a significant underestimate of the cost of the epidemic, but it underlines the severity of the disease and need for a more comprehensive study. |
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis in the United States from 2008 to 2012: a summary of national surveillance data
Dahlgren FS , Heitman KN , Drexler NA , Massung RF , Behravesh CB . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015 93 (1) 66-72 Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is an acute, febrile illness transmitted by the ticks Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus in the United States. We present a summary of passive surveillance data for cases of anaplasmosis with onset during 2008-2012. The overall reported incidence rate (IR) was 6.3 cases per million person-years. Cases were reported from 38 states and from New York City, with the highest incidence in Minnesota (IR = 97), Wisconsin (IR = 79), and Rhode Island (IR = 51). Thirty-seven percent of cases were classified as confirmed, almost exclusively by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The reported case fatality rate was 0.3% and the reported hospitalization rate was 31%. IRs, hospitalization rates, life-threatening complications, and case fatality rates increased with age group. The IR increased from 2008 to 2012 and the geographic range of reported cases of anaplasmosis appears to have increased since 2000-2007. Our findings are consistent with previous case series and recent reports of the expanding range of the tick vector I. scapularis. |
Community-based control of the brown dog tick in a region with high rates of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, 2012-2013
Drexler N , Miller M , Gerding J , Todd S , Adams L , Dahlgren FS , Bryant N , Weis E , Herrick K , Francies J , Komatsu K , Piontkowski S , Velascosoltero J , Shelhamer T , Hamilton B , Eribes C , Brock A , Sneezy P , Goseyun C , Bendle H , Hovet R , Williams V , Massung R , McQuiston JH . PLoS One 2014 9 (12) e112368 Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) has emerged as a significant public health risk on American Indian reservations in eastern Arizona. During 2003-2012, more than 250 RMSF cases and 19 deaths were documented among Arizona's American Indian population. The high case fatality rate makes community-level interventions aimed at rapid and sustained reduction of ticks urgent. Beginning in 2012, a two year pilot integrated tick prevention campaign called the RMSF Rodeo was launched in a approximately 600-home tribal community with high rates of RMSF. During year one, long-acting tick collars were placed on all dogs in the community, environmental acaricides were applied to yards monthly, and animal care practices such as spay and neuter and proper tethering procedures were encouraged. Tick levels, indicated by visible inspection of dogs, tick traps and homeowner reports were used to monitor tick presence and evaluate the efficacy of interventions throughout the project. By the end of year one, <1% of dogs in the RMSF Rodeo community had visible tick infestations five months after the project was started, compared to 64% of dogs in Non-Rodeo communities, and environmental tick levels were reduced below detectable levels. The second year of the project focused on use of the long-acting collar alone and achieved sustained tick control with fewer than 3% of dogs in the RMSF Rodeo community with visible tick infestations by the end of the second year. Homeowner reports of tick activity in the domestic and peridomestic setting showed similar decreases in tick activity compared to the non-project communities. Expansion of this successful project to other areas with Rhipicephalus-transmitted RMSF has the potential to reduce brown dog tick infestations and save human lives. |
Final program evaluation methods and results of a National Lymphedema Management Program in Togo, West Africa
Ziperstein J , Dorkenoo M , Datagni M , Drexler N , Murphy M , Sodahlon Y , Mathieu E . J Epidemiol Glob Health 2014 4 (2) 125-33 In order to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) as a public health problem, the World Health Assembly recommends an approach which includes interruption of transmission of infection and the alleviation of morbidity. In 2000, the Togolese National Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (PNELF) started the annual mass drug administrations and in 2007, the program added a morbidity component for the management of lymphedema. This manuscript describes the methods of an evaluation aimed at assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the Togolese National Lymphedema Morbidity Program. The evaluation was conducted through in-depth interviews with stakeholders at each programmatic level. Interviews focused on message dissemination, health provider training, patient self-care practices, social dynamics, and program impact. The evaluation demonstrated that the program strengths include the standardization and in-depth training of health staff, dissemination of the program's treatment message, a positive change in the community's perception of lymphedema, and successful patient recruitment and training in care techniques. The lessons learned from this evaluation helped to improve Togo's program, but may also provide guidance and strategies for other countries desiring to develop a morbidity program. The methods of program evaluation described in this paper can serve as a model for monitoring components of other decentralized national health programs in low resource settings. |
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