Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
Records 1-19 (of 19 Records) |
Query Trace: Grytdal S[original query] |
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Investigation of presumptive HIV transmission associated with receipt of platelet-rich plasma microneedling facials at a spa among former spa clients - New Mexico, 2018-2023
Stadelman-Behar AM , Gehre MN , Atallah L , Clarke T , Leonso AA , Jojola F , Zheng H , Jia H , Lyss SB , Switzer WM , Grytdal SP , Durham M , Salas NM , Sievers M , Smelser C . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024 73 (16) 372-376 HIV transmitted through cosmetic injection services via contaminated blood has not been previously documented. During summer 2018, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) was notified of a diagnosis of HIV infection in a woman with no known HIV risk factors who reported exposure to needles from cosmetic platelet-rich plasma microneedling facials (vampire facials) received at a spa in spring 2018. An investigation of the spa's services began in summer 2018, and NMDOH and CDC identified four former spa clients, and one sexual partner of a spa client, all of whom received HIV infection diagnoses during 2018-2023, despite low reported behavioral risks associated with HIV acquisition. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed highly similar HIV strains among all cases. Although transmission of HIV via unsterile injection practices is a known risk, determining novel routes of HIV transmission among persons with no known HIV risk factors is important. This investigation identified an HIV cluster associated with receipt of cosmetic injection services at an unlicensed facility that did not follow recommended infection control procedures or maintain client records. Requiring adequate infection control practices and maintenance of client records at spa facilities offering cosmetic injection services can help prevent the transmission of HIV and other bloodborne pathogens and ensure adequate traceback and notification in the event of adverse clinical outcomes, respectively. |
Epidemiology of intussusception in infants less than one year of age in Ghana, 2012-2016
Glover-Addy H , Ansong D , Enweronu-Laryea C , Tate JE , Amponsa-Achiano K , Sarkodie B , Mwenda JM , Diamenu S , Owusu SK , Nimako B , Mensah NK , Armachie J , Narh C , Pringle K , Grytdal SP , Binka F , Lopman B , Parashar UD , Armah G . Pan Afr Med J 2021 39 8 INTRODUCTION: we examined the epidemiology, clinical and demographic characteristics of intussusception in Ghanaian infants. METHODS: active sentinel surveillance for pediatric intussusception was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. From March 2012 to December 2016, infants < 1 year of age who met the Brighton Collaboration level 1 diagnostic criteria for intussusception were enrolled. Data were collected through parental interviews and medical records abstraction. RESULTS: a total of 378 children < 1 year of age were enrolled. Median age at onset of intussusception was 27 weeks; only 12 cases (1%) occurred in infants < 12 weeks while most occurred in infants aged 22-34 weeks. Median time from symptom onset until referral to a tertiary hospital was 2 days (IQR: 1-4 days). Overall, 35% of infants were treated by enema, 33% had surgical reduction and 32% required surgical reduction and bowel resection. Median length of hospital stay was 5 days (IQR: 3-8 days) with most patients (95%) discharged home. Eleven (3%) infants died. Infants undergoing enema reduction were more likely than those treated surgically to present for treatment sooner after symptom onset (median 1 vs 3 days; p < 0.0001) and have shorter hospital stays (median 3 vs 7 days; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ghanaian infants had a relatively low case fatality rate due to intussusception, with a substantial proportion of cases treated non-surgically. Early presentation for treatment, possibly enhanced by community-based health education programs and health information from various media platforms during the study period might contribute to both the low fatality rate and high number of successful non-surgical treatments in this population. |
Incidence, etiology, and severity of acute gastroenteritis among prospectively enrolled patients in 4 Veterans Affairs hospitals and outpatient centers, 2016-18.
Cardemil CV , Balachandran N , Kambhampati A , Grytdal S , Dahl RM , Rodriguez-Barradas MC , Vargas B , Beenhouwer DO , Evangelista KV , Marconi VC , Meagley KL , Brown ST , Perea A , Lucero-Obusan C , Holodniy M , Browne H , Gautam R , Bowen MD , Vinje J , Parashar UD , Hall AJ . Clin Infect Dis 2020 73 (9) e2729-e2738 BACKGROUND: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) burden, etiology, and severity in adults is not well-characterized. We implemented a multisite AGE surveillance platform in 4 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (Atlanta, Bronx, Houston and Los Angeles), collectively serving >320,000 patients annually. METHODS: From July 1, 2016-June 30, 2018, we actively identified AGE inpatient cases and non-AGE inpatient controls through prospective screening of admitted patients and passively identified outpatient cases through stool samples submitted for clinical diagnostics. We abstracted medical charts and tested stool samples for 22 pathogens via multiplex gastrointestinal PCR panel followed by genotyping of norovirus- and rotavirus-positive samples. We determined pathogen-specific prevalence, incidence, and modified Vesikari severity scores. RESULTS: We enrolled 724 inpatient cases, 394 controls, and 506 outpatient cases. Clostridioides difficile and norovirus were most frequently detected among inpatients (cases vs controls: C. difficile, 18.8% vs 8.4%; norovirus, 5.1% vs 1.5%; p<0.01 for both) and outpatients (norovirus: 10.7%; C. difficile: 10.5%). Incidence per 100,000 population was highest among outpatients (AGE: 2715; C. difficile: 285; norovirus: 291) and inpatients >/=65 years old (AGE: 459; C. difficile: 91; norovirus: 26). Clinical severity scores were highest for inpatient norovirus, rotavirus, and Shigella/EIEC cases. Overall, 12% of AGE inpatient cases had ICU stays and 2% died; 3 deaths were associated with C. difficile and 1 with norovirus. C. difficile and norovirus were detected year-round with a fall/winter predominance. CONCLUSIONS: C. difficile and norovirus were leading AGE pathogens in outpatient and hospitalized US Veterans, resulting in severe disease. Clinicians should remain vigilant for bacterial and viral causes of AGE year-round. |
Validation of acute gastroenteritis-related International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification Codes in pediatric and adult US populations
Pindyck T , Hall AJ , Tate JE , Cardemil CV , Kambhampati AK , Wikswo ME , Payne DC , Grytdal S , Boom JA , Englund JA , Klein EJ , Halasa N , Selvarangan R , Staat MA , Weinberg GA , Beenhouwer DO , Brown ST , Holodniy M , Lucero-Obusan C , Marconi VC , Rodriguez-Barradas MC , Parashar U . Clin Infect Dis 2019 70 (11) 2423-2427 International Classification of Diseases diagnostic codes are used to estimate acute gastroenteritis (AGE) disease burden. We validated AGE-related codes in pediatric and adult populations using 2 multiregional active surveillance platforms. The sensitivity of AGE codes was similar (54% and 58%) in both populations and increased with addition of vomiting-specific codes. |
Active Surveillance for Norovirus in a US Veterans Affairs Patient Population, Houston, Texas, 2015-2016.
Kambhampati AK , Vargas B , Mushtaq M , Browne H , Grytdal S , Atmar RL , Vinje J , Parashar UD , Lopman B , Hall AJ , Rodriguez-Barradas MC , Cardemil CV . Open Forum Infect Dis 2019 6 (4) ofz115 Background: Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE); however, few data exist on endemic norovirus disease burden among adults. Candidate norovirus vaccines are currently in development for all ages, and robust estimates of norovirus incidence among adults are needed to provide baseline data. Methods: We conducted active surveillance for AGE among inpatients at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Houston, Texas. Patients with AGE (>/=3 loose stools, >/=2 vomiting episodes, or >/=1 episode of both loose stool and vomiting, within 24 hours) within 10 days of enrollment and non-AGE control patients were enrolled. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were collected. Stool samples were tested using the FilmArray gastrointestinal panel; virus-positives were confirmed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and genotyped by sequencing. Results: From November 2, 2015 through November 30, 2016, 147 case patients and 19 control patients were enrolled and provided a stool specimen. Among case patients, 139 (95%) were male and 70 (48%) were aged >/=65 years. Norovirus was the leading viral pathogen detected (in 16 of 20 virus-positive case patients) and accounted for 11% of all AGE cases. No viral pathogens were detected among control patients. Incidence of norovirus-associated hospitalization was 20.3 cases/100 000 person-years and was similar among those aged <65 and >/=65 years. Conclusions: This active surveillance platform employed screening and enrollment of hospitalized VA patients meeting a standardized AGE case definition, as well as non-AGE control patients. Data from this study highlight the burden of norovirus in a VA inpatient population and will be useful in policy considerations of a norovirus vaccine. |
Trends in incidence of norovirus-associated acute gastroenteritis in four Veterans Affairs Medical Center populations in the United States, 2011-2015
Grytdal S , Browne H , Collins N , Vargas B , Rodriguez-Barradas MC , Rimland D , Beenhouwer DO , Brown ST , Bidwell Goetz M , Lucero-Obusan C , Holodniy M , Kambhampati A , Parashar U , Vinje J , Lopman B , Hall AJ , Cardemil CV . Clin Infect Dis 2019 70 (1) 40-48 BACKGROUND: Norovirus is an important cause of epidemic acute gastroenteritis (AGE), yet the burden of endemic disease in adults has not been well documented. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of outpatient and community-acquired inpatient norovirus AGE at 4 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC) (Atlanta, Bronx, Houston, and Los Angeles) and examined trends over 4 surveillance years. METHODS: From November 2011 to September 2015, stool specimens collected within 7 days of AGE symptom onset for clinician-requested diagnostic testing were tested for norovirus and positive samples were genotyped. Incidence was calculated by multiplying norovirus prevalence among tested specimens by AGE-coded outpatient encounters and inpatient discharges, and dividing by the number of unique patients served. RESULTS: Of 1,603 stool specimens, 6% tested were positive for norovirus; GII.4 viruses (GII.4 New Orleans [17%] and GII.4 Sydney [47%]) were the most common genotypes. Overall prevalence and outpatient and inpatient community-acquired incidence followed a seasonal pattern, with higher median rates during November-April (9.2%, 376/100,000, and 45/100,000 respectively) compared to May-October (3.0%, 131/100,000 and 13/100,000, respectively). An alternate-year pattern was also detected, with highest peak prevalence, outpatient, and inpatient community-acquired norovirus incidence rates in the first and third years of surveillance (14-25%, 349-613/100,000, and 43-46/100,000). CONCLUSION: This multiyear analysis of laboratory-confirmed AGE surveillance from 4 VAMCs demonstrates dynamic intra- and inter-annual variability in prevalence and incidence of outpatient and inpatient community-acquired norovirus in US Veterans, highlighting the burden of norovirus disease in this adult population. |
Water quality, availability, and acute gastroenteritis on the Navajo Nation - a pilot case-control study
Grytdal SP , Weatherholtz R , Esposito DH , Campbell J , Reid R , Gregoricus N , Schneeberger C , Lusk TS , Xiao L , Garrett N , Bopp C , Hammitt LL , Vinje J , Hill VR , O'Brien KL , Hall AJ . J Water Health 2018 16 (6) 1018-1028 The Navajo Nation includes approximately 250,000 American Indians living in a remote high desert environment with limited access to public water systems. We conducted a pilot case-control study to assess associations between acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and water availability, use patterns, and quality. Case patients with AGE and non-AGE controls who presented for care to two Indian Health Service hospitals were recruited. Data on demographics and water use practices were collected using a standard questionnaire. Household drinking water was tested for presence of pathogens, coliforms, and residual chlorine. Sixty-one subjects (32 cases and 29 controls) participated in the study. Cases and controls were not significantly different with respect to water sources, quality, or patterns of use. Twenty-one percent (n = 12) of study participants resided in dwellings not connected to a community water system. Eleven percent (n = 7) of subjects reported drinking hauled water from unregulated sources. Coliform bacteria were present in 44% (n = 27) of household water samples, and 68% (n = 40) of samples contained residual chlorine concentrations of <0.2 mg/L. This study highlights issues with water availability, quality, and use patterns within the Navajo Nation, including sub-optimal access to community water systems, and use of water hauled from unregulated sources. |
Sustained decline in acute gastroenteritis-associated hospitalizations and outpatient visits among American Indian/Alaska Native children after rotavirus vaccine introduction, 2001-2014
Grytdal SP , Haberling DL , Kennedy JL , McCollum JT , Parashar UD . J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2017 7 (2) e37-e39 We examined the uptake of rotavirus vaccine and compared trends in acute gastroenteritis (AGE)-associated hospitalizations and outpatient visits among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children aged <5 years before and after introduction of the rotavirus vaccine. The rates of AGE-associated hospitalization and outpatient visits among AI/AN children remained below prevaccine levels. |
The unwelcome houseguest: secondary household transmission of norovirus
Marsh ZA , Grytdal SP , Beggs JC , Leshem E , Gastanaduy PA , Rha B , Nyaku M , Lopman BA , Hall AJ . Epidemiol Infect 2017 146 (2) 1-9 Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the USA. Although secondary household transmission of norovirus is frequently reported in outbreaks, little is known about specific risk factors for susceptibility and infectiousness in the household. Three norovirus outbreaks were investigated and data were collected on individuals exposed in the primary outbreak setting and their household members. Potential individual- and household-level risk factors for susceptibility and infectiousness were assessed using univariate and multivariate generalised linear mixed models. In the univariate models, the secondary attack rate (SAR) was significantly higher when living in a household with two or more primary cases (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-3.29), more than one primary case with vomiting (IRR = 1.9; CI 1.11-3.37), and at least one primary case with diarrhoea (IRR = 3.0; CI 1.46-6.01). After controlling for other risk factors in the multivariate models, the SAR was significantly higher among those living in a household with two or more primary cases (adjusted IRR = 2.0; CI 1.17-3.47) and at least one primary case with diarrhoea (adjusted IRR = 2.8; CI 1.35-5.93). These findings underscore the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and isolating ill household members to prevent norovirus transmission in the household. |
Impact and effectiveness of monovalent rotavirus vaccine against severe rotavirus diarrhea in Ghana
Armah G , Pringle K , Enweronu-Laryea CC , Ansong D , Mwenda JM , Diamenu SK , Narh C , Lartey B , Binka F , Grytdal S , Patel M , Parashar U , Lopman B . Clin Infect Dis 2016 62 Suppl 2 S200-7 BACKGROUND: Ghana was among the first African nations to introduce monovalent rotavirus vaccine (RV1) into its childhood immunization schedule in April 2012. We aimed to assess the impact of vaccine introduction on rotavirus and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) hospitalizations and to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE). METHODS: Using data from 2 teaching hospitals, monthly AGE and rotavirus admissions by age were examined 40 months before and 31 months after RV1 introduction using interrupted time-series analyses. From January 2013, we enrolled children <2 years of age who were eligible for RV1 from a total of 7 sentinel sites across the country. To estimate VE, we fit unconditional logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios of vaccination by rotavirus case-patient status, controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS: Vaccine coverage ranged from 95% to 100% for dose 1 and 93% to 100% for dose 2. In the first 3 years after vaccine introduction, the percentage of hospital admissions positive for rotavirus fell from 48% in the prevaccine period to 28% (49% adjusted rate reduction; 95% confidence interval [CI], 32%-63%) postvaccination among <5-year-olds. With high vaccine coverage, it was not possible to arrive at robust VE estimates; any-dose VE against rotavirus hospitalization was estimated at 60% (95% CI, -2% to 84%;P= .056). CONCLUSIONS: Results from the first 3 years following RV1 introduction suggest substantial reductions of pediatric diarrheal disease as a result of vaccination. Our VE estimate is consistent with the observed rotavirus decrease and with efficacy estimates from elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. |
Incidence of Norovirus and Other Viral Pathogens That Cause Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) among Kaiser Permanente Member Populations in the United States, 2012-2013
Grytdal SP , DeBess E , Lee LE , Blythe D , Ryan P , Biggs C , Cameron M , Schmidt M , Parashar UD , Hall AJ . PLoS One 2016 11 (4) e0148395 Noroviruses and other viral pathogens are increasingly recognized as frequent causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). However, few laboratory-based data are available on the incidence of AGE caused by viral pathogens in the U.S. This study examined stool specimens submitted for routine clinical diagnostics from patients enrolled in Kaiser Permanente (KP) health plans in metro Portland, OR, and the Maryland, District of Columbia, and northern Virginia geographic areas to estimate the incidence of viral enteropathogens in these populations. Over a one-year study period, participating laboratories randomly selected stools submitted for routine clinical diagnostics for inclusion in the study along with accompanying demographic and clinical data. Selected stools were tested for norovirus, rotavirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus using standardized real-time RT-PCR protocols. Each KP site provided administrative data which were used in conjunction with previously published data on healthcare utilization to extrapolate pathogen detection rates into population-based incidence rates. A total of 1,099 specimens collected during August 2012 to September 2013 were included. Mean age of patients providing stool specimens was 46 years (range: 0-98 years). Noroviruses were the most common viral pathogen identified among patients with AGE (n = 63 specimens, 6% of specimens tested). In addition, 22 (2%) of specimens were positive for rotavirus; 19 (2%) were positive for sapovirus; and 7 (1%) were positive for astrovirus. Incidence of norovirus-associated outpatient visits was 5.6 per 1,000 person-years; incidence of norovirus disease in the community was estimated to be 69.5 per 1,000 person-years. Norovirus incidence was highest among children <5 years of age (outpatient incidence = 25.6 per 1,000 person-years; community incidence = 152.2 per 1,000 person-years), followed by older adults aged >65 years (outpatient incidence = 7.8 per 1,000 person-years; community incidence = 75.8 per 1,000 person-years). Outpatient incidence rates of rotavirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus were 2.0, 1.6, 0.6 per 1,000 person-years, respectively; community incidence rates for these viruses were 23.4, 22.5, and 8.5 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. This study provides the first age-group specific laboratory-based community and outpatient incidence rates for norovirus AGE in the U.S. Norovirus was the most frequently detected viral enteropathogen across the age spectrum with the highest rates of norovirus disease observed among young children and, to a lesser extent, the elderly. These data provide a better understanding of the norovirus disease burden in the United States, including variations within different age groups, which can help inform the development, targeting, and future impacts of interventions, including vaccines. |
Incidence of medically-attended norovirus-associated acute gastroenteritis in four Veteran's Affairs Medical Center populations in the United States, 2011-2012
Grytdal SP , Rimland D , Shirley SH , Rodriguez-Barradas MC , Goetz MB , Brown ST , Lucero-Obusan C , Holodniy M , Graber C , Parashar U , Vinje J , Lopman B . PLoS One 2015 10 (5) e0126733 An estimated 179 million acute gastroenteritis (AGE) illnesses occur annually in the United States. The role of noroviruses in hospital-related AGE has not been well-documented in the U. S. We estimated the population incidence of community- acquired outpatient and inpatient norovirus AGE encounters, as well as hospital-acquired inpatient norovirus AGE among inpatients at four Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers (VAMCs). Fifty (4%) of 1,160 stool specimens collected ≤7 days from symptom onset tested positive for norovirus. During a one year period, the estimated incidence of outpatient, community- and hospital-acquired inpatient norovirus AGE was 188 cases, 11 cases, and 54 cases/ 100,000 patients, respectively. This study demonstrates the incidence of outpatient and community- and hospital-acquired inpatient norovirus AGE among the VA population seeking care at these four VAMCs. |
Challenges in confirming a varicella outbreak in the two-dose vaccine era
Mahamud A , Wiseman R , Grytdal S , Basham C , Asghar J , Dang T , Leung J , Lopez A , Schmid DS , Bialek SR . Vaccine 2012 30 (48) 6935-9 BACKGROUND: A second dose of varicella vaccine was recommended for the U.S. children in 2006. We investigated a suspected varicella outbreak in School District X, Texas to determine 2-dose varicella vaccine effectiveness (VE). METHODS: A varicella case was defined as an illness with maculopapulovesicular rash without other explanation with onset during April 1-June 10, 2011, in a School District X student. We conducted a retrospective cohort in the two schools with the majority of cases. Lesion, saliva, and environmental specimens were collected for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) PCR testing. VE was calculated using historic attack rates among unvaccinated. RESULTS: In School District X, 82 varicella cases were reported, including 60 from Schools A and B. All cases were mild, with a median of 14 lesions. All 10 clinical specimens and 58 environmental samples tested negative for VZV. Two-dose varicella vaccination coverage was 66.4% in Schools A and B. Varicella VE in affected classrooms was 80.9% (95% CI: 67.2-88.9) among 1-dose vaccinees and 94.7% (95% CI: 89.2-97.4) among 2-dose vaccinees in School A, with a second dose incremental VE of 72.1% (95% CI: 39.0-87.3). Varicella VE among School B students did not differ significantly by dose (80.1% vs. 84.2% among 1-dose and 2-dose vaccines, respectively). CONCLUSION: Laboratory testing could not confirm varicella as the etiology of this outbreak; clinical and epidemiologic data suggests varicella as the likely cause. Better diagnostics are needed for diagnosis of varicella in vaccinated individuals so that appropriate outbreak control measures can be implemented. |
Case-control study of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in older adults: Do healthcare exposures contribute to burden of new infections?
Perz JF , Grytdal S , Beck S , Fireteanu AM , Poissant T , Rizzo E , Bornschlegel K , Thomas A , Balter S , Miller J , Klevens M , Finelli L . Hepatology 2012 57 (3) 917-24 BACKGROUND: Reports of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus transmission associated with unsafe medical practices have been increasing in the United States. However, the contribution of healthcare exposures to the burden of new infections is poorly understood outside of recognized outbreaks. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study at 3 health departments that perform enhanced viral hepatitis surveillance in New York and Oregon. Reported cases of symptomatic acute hepatitis B and hepatitis C occurring in persons aged ≥ 55 years from 2006-2008 were enrolled. Controls were identified using telephone directories and matched to individual cases by age group (55-59 years, 60-69 years, and ≥70 years) and residential ZIP code. Data collection covered exposures within 6 months prior to symptom onset (cases) or date of interview (controls). RESULTS: Forty-eight (37 hepatitis B; 11 hepatitis C) case- and 159 control-patients were enrolled. Case-patients were more likely than controls to report one or more behavioral risk exposures, including sexual or household contact with an HBV or HCV patient, >1 sex partner, illicit drug use or incarceration (21% of cases vs 4% of controls exposed; matched Odds Ratio [mOR]=7.1; 95%CI 2.1, 24.1). Case-patients were more likely than controls to report hemodialysis (8% of cases; mOR=13.0; 95%CI 1.5, 115); injections in a healthcare setting (58%; mOR=2.7; 95%CI 1.3, 5.3); and surgery (33%; mOR=2.3; 95%CI 1.1, 4.7). In a multivariate model, behavioral risks (adjusted OR [aOR]=5.4, 95%CI 1.5, 19.0; 17% attributable risk), injections (aOR=2.7, 95%CI 1.3, 5.8; 37% attributable risk) and hemodialysis (aOR=11.5, 95%CI 1.2, 107; 8% attributable risk) were associated with case status. CONCLUSION: Healthcare exposures may represent an important source of new HBV and HCV infections among older adults. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.). |
Novel risk factors associated with hepatitis E virus infection in a large outbreak in northern Uganda: results from a case-control study and environmental analysis
Howard CM , Handzel T , Hill VR , Grytdal SP , Blanton C , Kamili S , Drobeniuc J , Hu D , Teshale E . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2010 83 (5) 1170-3 An outbreak of hepatitis E virus (HEV) began in October 2007 in northern Uganda. To determine risk factors and sources for ongoing transmission, we conducted both a case-control study and an environmental investigation. A case patient was defined as having serologic evidence of HEV infection, whereas controls were seronegative. We identified risk factors for infection by univariable and multivariable analyses using conditional logistic regression. Several water sources were tested for HEV RNA. Among 112 cases and 145 controls, storage of drinking water in large-mouthed vessels (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16-6.94) and washing hands in a group basin (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.07-3.38) were associated with HEV infection. HEV RNA was detected from communal hand-rinse and surface-water samples. The epidemiologic and environmental water-testing results suggest that household-level factors played an important role in the transmission of HEV-modalities that have been previously underappreciated. |
Evidence of person-to-person transmission of hepatitis E virus during a large outbreak in northern Uganda
Teshale EH , Grytdal SP , Howard C , Barry V , Kamili S , Drobeniuc J , Hill VR , Okware S , Hu DJ , Holmberg SD . Clin Infect Dis 2010 50 (7) 1006-10 BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) are frequently attributed to contaminated drinking water, even if direct evidence for this is lacking. METHODS: We conducted several epidemiologic investigations during a large HEV infection outbreak in Uganda. RESULTS: Of 10,535 residents, 3218 had HEV infection; of these, 2531 lived in households with >1 case. HEV was not detected in drinking water or zoonotic sources. Twenty-five percent of cases occurred 8 weeks after onset of hepatitis in an index case in the household. Households with 2 cases were more likely to have a member(s) who attended a funeral, had close contact with a jaundiced person, or washed hands in a common basin with others (P < .05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: A high attack rate in households, lack of a common source of infection, and poor hygienic practices in households with 2 cases suggest person-to-person transmission of HEV during this outbreak. |
Hepatitis E epidemic, Uganda
Teshale EH , Howard CM , Grytdal SP , Handzel TR , Barry V , Kamili S , Drobeniuc J , Okware S , Downing R , Tappero JW , Bakamutumaho B , Teo CG , Ward JW , Holmberg SD , Hu DJ . Emerg Infect Dis 2010 16 (1) 126-9 In October 2007, an epidemic of hepatitis E was suspected in Kitgum District of northern Uganda where no previous epidemics had been documented. This outbreak has progressed to become one of the largest hepatitis E outbreaks in the world. By June 2009, the epidemic had caused illness in >10,196 persons and 160 deaths. |
Surveillance for acute viral hepatitis - United States, 2007
Daniels D , Grytdal S , Wasley A . MMWR Surveill Summ 2009 58 (3) 1-27 PROBLEM: In the United States, acute viral hepatitis most frequently is caused by infection with any of three distinct viruses: hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV). These unrelated viruses are transmitted through different routes and have different epidemiologic profiles. Safe and effective vaccines have been available for hepatitis B since 1981 and for hepatitis A since 1995. No vaccine exists against hepatitis C. HBV and HCV can persist as chronic infections and represent a leading cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States. REPORTING PERIOD COVERED: Cases in 2007, the most recent year for which data are available, are compared with those from previous years. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: Cases of acute viral hepatitis are reported voluntarily to CDC by state and territorial health departments via CDC's National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS). Reports are received electronically via CDC's National Electronic Telecommunications System for Surveillance (NETSS). RESULTS: Acute hepatitis A incidence has declined 92%, from 12.0 cases per 100,000 population in 1995 to 1.0 case per 100,000 population in 2007, the lowest rate ever recorded. Declines were greatest among children and in those states where routine vaccination of children was recommended beginning in 1999. Acute hepatitis B incidence has declined 82%, from 8.5 cases per 100,000 population in 1990 to 1.5 cases per 100,000 population in 2007, the lowest rate ever recorded. Declines occurred among all age groups but were greatest among children aged <15 years. Following a peak in 1992, incidence of acute hepatitis C declined; however, since 2003, rates have plateaued. In 2007, as in previous years, the majority of these cases occurred among adults, and injection-drug use was the most common risk factor. INTERPRETATION: The results documented in this report suggest that implementation of the 1999 recommendations for routine childhood hepatitis A vaccination in areas of the United States with consistently elevated hepatitis A rates has reduced rates of infection. In addition, universal vaccination of children against hepatitis B beginning in 1991 has reduced disease incidence substantially among younger age groups. Higher rates of hepatitis B continue among adults, particularly among males aged 30-44 years, reflecting the need to vaccinate adults at risk for HBV infection. The decline in hepatitis C incidence after 1992 was attributable primarily to a decrease in incidence among injection-drug users. The reasons for this decrease were unknown but probably reflected changes in behavior and practices among injection-drug users. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS: The expansion in 2006 of recommendations for routine hepatitis A vaccination to include all children in the United States aged 12-23 months is expected to reduce hepatitis A rates further. Ongoing hepatitis B vaccination programs ultimately will eliminate domestic HBV transmission, and increased vaccination of adults with risk factors will accelerate progress toward elimination. Further prevention of hepatitis B and hepatitis C relies on identifying and preventing transmission of HBV or HCV in hospital and nonhospital health-care associated settings. In addition, prevention of hepatitis C relies on identifying and counseling uninfected persons at risk for hepatitis C (e.g., injection-drug users) regarding ways they can protect themselves from infection. Public health management of persons with chronic HBV or HCV infection will help to interrupt the transmission to susceptible persons, and their medical management will help to reduce the development of the sequelae from chronic liver disease. |
Evaluation of institutional practices for prevention of phlebotomy-associated percutaneous injuries in hospital settings
Knapp MB , Grytdal SP , Chiarello LA , Sinkowitz-Cochran RL , Zombeck A , Klein C , Warden B , Lyden J , Pearson ML . Am J Infect Control 2009 37 (6) 490-4 BACKGROUND: To reduce the incidence of phlebotomy-related percutaneous injuries (PIs), factors that contribute to these injuries must be identified. This study examined institutional phlebotomy practices, policies, perceptions, and culture to identify facilitators and barriers that appear to have the greatest impact in preventing injuries. METHODS: During site visits at study hospitals, observational data were collected during the performance of phlebotomy. In addition, interviews and focus groups were conducted with hospital personnel involved in phlebotomy procedures. RESULTS: Nine hospitals participated in the study. A total of 126 phlebotomy procedures were observed. Health care personnel chose devices with safety features for the majority of observed procedures (n = 122, 97%). Recommended phlebotomy practices for handling needles after use were observed in 42% to 92% of procedures. Adherence varied by type of device, occupation, and facility PI rate. In the 23 interviews and 9 focus groups, participants identified factors that facilitated PI prevention such as the availability and use of devices with safety mechanisms, adherence to recommended safe needle-handling practices, and institutional phlebotomy training. CONCLUSION: The quantitative and qualitative data indicate that a wide array of factors can affect phlebotomy-related practices and perceptions. Prevention of PIs may require comprehensive, multifaceted intervention efforts to improve the safety culture and reduce PIs and exposure to bloodborne pathogens in health care facilities. |
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