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Progress toward measles elimination - Worldwide, 2000-2022
Minta AA , Ferrari M , Antoni S , Portnoy A , Sbarra A , Lambert B , Hatcher C , Hsu CH , Ho LL , Steulet C , Gacic-Dobo M , Rota PA , Mulders MN , Bose AS , Caro WP , O'Connor P , Crowcroft NS . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (46) 1262-1268 Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that requires high population immunity for transmission to be interrupted. All six World Health Organization regions have committed to eliminating measles; however, no region has achieved and sustained measles elimination. This report describes measles elimination progress during 2000-2022. During 2000-2019, estimated coverage worldwide with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) increased from 72% to 86%, then declined to 81% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, representing the lowest coverage since 2008. In 2022, first-dose MCV coverage increased to 83%. Only one half (72) of 144 countries reporting measles cases achieved the measles surveillance indicator target of two or more discarded cases per 100,000 population in 2022. During 2021-2022, estimated measles cases increased 18%, from 7,802,000 to 9,232,300, and the number of countries experiencing large or disruptive outbreaks increased from 22 to 37. Estimated measles deaths increased 43% during 2021-2022, from 95,000 to 136,200. Nonetheless, an estimated 57 million measles deaths were averted by vaccination during 2000-2022. In 2022, measles vaccination coverage and global surveillance showed some recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic setbacks; however, coverage declined in low-income countries, and globally, years of suboptimal immunization coverage left millions of children unprotected. Urgent reversal of coverage setbacks experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic can be accomplished by renewing efforts to vaccinate all children with 2 MCV doses and strengthening surveillance, thereby preventing outbreaks and accelerating progress toward measles elimination. |
Progress toward measles elimination - African Region, 2017-2021
Masresha BG , Hatcher C , Lebo E , Tanifum P , Bwaka AM , Minta AA , Antoni S , Grant GB , Perry RT , O'Connor P . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (36) 985-991 Worldwide, measles remains a major cause of disease and death; the highest incidence is in the World Health Organization African Region (AFR). In 2011, the 46 AFR member states established a goal of regional measles elimination by 2020; this report describes progress during 2017-2021. Regional coverage with a first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) decreased from 70% in 2017 to 68% in 2021, and the number of countries with ≥95% coverage decreased from six (13%) to two (4%). The number of countries providing a second MCV dose increased from 27 (57%) to 38 (81%), and second-dose coverage increased from 25% to 41%. Approximately 341 million persons were vaccinated in supplementary immunization activities, and an estimated 4.5 million deaths were averted by vaccination. However, the number of countries meeting measles surveillance performance indicators declined from 26 (62%) to nine (22%). Measles incidence increased from 69.2 per 1 million population in 2017 to 81.9 in 2021. The number of estimated annual measles cases and deaths increased 22% and 8%, respectively. By December 2021, no country in AFR had received verification of measles elimination. To achieve a renewed regional goal of measles elimination in at least 80% of countries by 2030, intensified efforts are needed to recover and surpass levels of surveillance performance and coverage with 2 MCV doses achieved before the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Lessons learnt from the applying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) evaluation framework to the Measles Incident Management System response, USA, 2020-2021
Jacenko S , Blough S , Grant G , Tohme R , McFarland J , Hatcher C , Goodson JL , Papania M , Pella DG , Li X , Yee SL . BMJ Glob Health 2023 8 (3) The functionality and performance of public health programmes at all levels of government play a critical role in preventing, detecting, mitigating and responding to public health threats, including infectious disease outbreaks. Multiple and concurrent outbreaks in recent years, such as COVID-19, Ebola and Zika, have highlighted the importance of documenting lessons learnt from public health responses of national and global agencies. In February 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Center for Global Health (CGH) activated the Measles Incident Management System (MIMS) to accelerate the ability to detect, mitigate and respond to measles outbreaks globally and advance progress towards regional measles elimination goals. The activation was triggered by a global resurgence in reported measles cases during 2018-2019 and supported emergency response activities conducted by partner organisations and countries. MIMS leadership decided early in the response to form an evaluation team to design and implement an evaluation approach for producing real-time data to document progress of response activities and inform timely decision-making. In this manuscript, we describe how establishing an evaluation unit within MIMS, and engaging MIMS leadership and subject matter experts in the evaluation activities, was critical to monitor progress and document lessons learnt to inform decision making. We also explain the CDC's Framework for Evaluation in Public Health Practice applied to evaluate the dynamic events throughout the MIMS response. Evaluators supporting emergency response should use a flexible framework that can be adaptable in dynamic contexts and document response activities in real-time. |
Progress toward regional measles elimination - Worldwide, 2000-2021
Minta AA , Ferrari M , Antoni S , Portnoy A , Sbarra A , Lambert B , Hauryski S , Hatcher C , Nedelec Y , Datta D , Ho LL , Steulet C , Gacic-Dobo M , Rota PA , Mulders MN , Bose AS , Perea WA , O'Connor P . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (47) 1489-1495 All six World Health Organization (WHO) regions have committed to eliminating measles.* The Immunization Agenda 2021-2030 (IA2030)(†) aims to achieve the regional targets as a core indicator of impact and positions measles as the tracer of a health system's ability to deliver essential childhood vaccines. IA2030 highlights the importance of ensuring rigorous measles surveillance systems to document immunity gaps and achieve 95% coverage with 2 timely doses of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) among children. This report describes progress toward measles elimination during 2000-2021 and updates a previous report (1). During 2000-2021, estimated global coverage with a first MCV dose (MCV1) increased from 72% to a peak of 86% in 2019, but decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic to 83% in 2020 and to 81% in 2021, the lowest MCV1 coverage recorded since 2008. All countries conducted measles surveillance, but only 47 (35%) of 135 countries reporting discarded cases(§) achieved the sensitivity indicator target of two or more discarded cases per 100,000 population in 2021, indicating surveillance system underperformance in certain countries. Annual reported measles incidence decreased 88% during 2000-2016, from 145 to 18 cases per 1 million population, then rebounded to 120 in 2019 during a global resurgence (2), before declining to 21 in 2020 and to 17 in 2021. Large and disruptive outbreaks were reported in 22 countries. During 2000-2021, the annual number of estimated measles deaths decreased 83%, from 761,000 to 128,000; an estimated 56 million measles deaths were averted by vaccination. To regain progress and achieve regional measles elimination targets during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating targeted efforts is necessary to reach all children with 2 MCV doses while implementing robust surveillance and identifying and closing immunity gaps to prevent cases and outbreaks. |
COVID-19 Among Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native People Residing in Urban Areas Before and After Vaccine Rollout-Selected States and Counties, United States, January 2020-October 2021.
Pete D , Erickson SL , Jim MA , Hatcher SM , Echo-Hawk A , Dominguez AE . Am J Public Health 2022 112 (10) 1489-1497 Objectives. To evaluate COVID-19 disparities among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non-Hispanic White persons in urban areas. Methods. Using COVID-19 case surveillance data, we calculated cumulative incidence rates and risk ratios (RRs) among non-Hispanic AI/AN and non-Hispanic White persons living in select urban counties in the United States by age and sex during January 22, 2020, to October 19, 2021. We separated cases into prevaccine (January 22, 2020-April 4, 2021) and postvaccine (April 5, 2021-October 19, 2021) periods. Results. Overall in urban areas, the COVID-19 age-adjusted rate among non-Hispanic AI/AN persons (n=47431) was 1.66 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.36, 2.01) times that of non-Hispanic White persons (n=2301911). The COVID-19 prevaccine age-adjusted rate was higher (8227 per 100000; 95% CI=6283, 10770) than was the postvaccine rate (3703 per 100000; 95% CI=3235, 4240) among non-Hispanic AI/AN compared with among non-Hispanic White persons (2819 per 100000; 95% CI=2527, 3144; RR=1.31; 95% CI=1.17, 1.48). Conclusions. This study highlights disparities in COVID-19 between non-Hispanic AI/AN and non-Hispanic White persons in urban areas. These findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination and other public health efforts among urban AI/AN communities can reduce COVID-19 disparities in urban AI/AN populations. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(10):1489-1497. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306966). |
Progress Toward Regional Measles Elimination - Worldwide, 2000-2020
Dixon MG , Ferrari M , Antoni S , Li X , Portnoy A , Lambert B , Hauryski S , Hatcher C , Nedelec Y , Patel M , Alexander JP Jr , Steulet C , Gacic-Dobo M , Rota PA , Mulders MN , Bose AS , Rosewell A , Kretsinger K , Crowcroft NS . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (45) 1563-1569 In 2012, the World Health Assembly endorsed the Global Vaccine Action Plan,* with the objective of eliminating measles(†) in five of the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions by 2020 (1). The Immunization Agenda 2021-2030 (IA2030)(§) uses measles incidence as an indicator of the strength of immunization systems. The Measles-Rubella Strategic Framework 2021-2030(¶) and the Measles Outbreaks Strategic Response Plan 2021-2023** are aligned with the IA2030 and highlight robust measles surveillance systems to document immunity gaps, identify root causes of undervaccination, and develop locally tailored solutions to ensure administration of 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) to all children. This report describes progress toward World Health Assembly milestones and measles elimination objectives during 2000-2020 and updates a previous report (2). During 2000-2010, estimated MCV first dose (MCV1) coverage increased globally from 72% to 84%, peaked at 86% in 2019, but declined to 84% in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. All countries conducted measles surveillance, although fewer than one third achieved the sensitivity indicator target of ≥2 discarded(††) cases per 100,000 population in 2020. Annual reported measles incidence decreased 88% during 2000-2016, from 145 to 18 cases per 1 million population, rebounded to 120 in 2019, before falling to 22 in 2020. During 2000-2020, the annual number of estimated measles deaths decreased 94%, from 1,072,800 to 60,700, averting an estimated 31.7 million measles deaths. To achieve regional measles elimination targets, enhanced efforts are needed to reach all children with 2 MCV doses, implement robust surveillance, and identify and close immunity gaps. |
Vaccination information, motivations, and barriers in the context of meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine introduction: A qualitative assessment among caregivers in Burkina Faso, 2018
Aksnes BN , Walldorf JA , Nkwenkeu SF , Zoma RL , Mirza I , Tarbangdo F , Fall S , Hien S , Ky C , Kambou L , Diallo AO , Aké FH , Hatcher C , Patel JC , Novak RT , Hyde TB , Medah I , Soeters HM , Jalloh MF . Vaccine 2021 39 (43) 6370-6377 BACKGROUND: In March 2017, Burkina Faso introduced meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV) into the Expanded Programme on Immunization. MACV is administered to children aged 15-18 months, concomitantly with the second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2). One year after MACV introduction, we assessed the sources and content of immunization information available to caregivers and explored motivations and barriers that influence their decision to seek MACV for their children. METHODS: Twenty-four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with caregivers of children eligible for MACV and MCV2. Data collection occurred in February-March 2018 in four purposively selected districts, each from a separate geographic region; within each district, caregivers were stratified into groups based on whether their children were unvaccinated or vaccinated with MACV. FGDs were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: We identified many different sources and content of information about MACV and MCV2 available to caregivers. Healthcare workers were most commonly cited as the main sources of information; caregivers also received information from other caregivers in the community. Caregivers' motivations to seek MACV for their children were driven by personal awareness, engagements with trusted messengers, and perceived protective benefits of MACV against meningitis. Barriers to MACV and MCV2 uptake were linked to the unavailability of vaccines, immunization personnel not providing doses, knowledge gaps about the 15-18 month visit, practical constraints, past negative experiences, sociocultural influences, and misinformation, including misunderstanding about the need for MCV2. CONCLUSIONS: MACV and MCV2 uptake may be enhanced by addressing vaccination barriers and effectively communicating vaccination information and benefits through trusted messengers such as healthcare workers and other caregivers in the community. Educating healthcare workers to avoid withholding vaccines, likely due to fear of wastage, may help reduce missed opportunities for vaccination. |
Proposal for Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Nomenclature below the Species Level.
Salimi V , Viegas M , Trento A , Agoti CN , Anderson LJ , Avadhanula V , Bahl J , Bont L , Brister JR , Cane PA , Galiano M , Graham BS , Hatcher EL , Hellferscee O , Henke DM , Hirve S , Jackson S , Keyaerts E , Kragten-Tabatabaie L , Lindstrom S , Nauwelaers I , Nokes DJ , Openshaw PJ , Peret TC , Piedra PA , Ramaekers K , Rector A , Trovão NS , von Gottberg A , Zambon M , Zhang W , Williams TC , Barr IG , Buchholz UJ . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (6) 1-9 Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the leading viral cause of serious pediatric respiratory disease, and lifelong reinfections are common. Its 2 major subgroups, A and B, exhibit some antigenic variability, enabling HRSV to circulate annually. Globally, research has increased the number of HRSV genomic sequences available. To ensure accurate molecular epidemiology analyses, we propose a uniform nomenclature for HRSV-positive samples and isolates, and HRSV sequences, namely: HRSV/subgroup identifier/geographic identifier/unique sequence identifier/year of sampling. We also propose a template for submitting associated metadata. Universal nomenclature would help researchers retrieve and analyze sequence data to better understand the evolution of this virus. |
COVID-19 Among American Indian and Alaska Native Persons - 23 States, January 31-July 3, 2020.
Hatcher SM , Agnew-Brune C , Anderson M , Zambrano LD , Rose CE , Jim MA , Baugher A , Liu GS , Patel SV , Evans ME , Pindyck T , Dubray CL , Rainey JJ , Chen J , Sadowski C , Winglee K , Penman-Aguilar A , Dixit A , Claw E , Parshall C , Provost E , Ayala A , Gonzalez G , Ritchey J , Davis J , Warren-Mears V , Joshi S , Weiser T , Echo-Hawk A , Dominguez A , Poel A , Duke C , Ransby I , Apostolou A , McCollum J . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (34) 1166-1169 Although non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons account for 0.7% of the U.S. population,* a recent analysis reported that 1.3% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases reported to CDC with known race and ethnicity were among AI/AN persons (1). To assess the impact of COVID-19 among the AI/AN population, reports of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases during January 22(†)-July 3, 2020 were analyzed. The analysis was limited to 23 states(§) with >70% complete race/ethnicity information and five or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases among both AI/AN persons (alone or in combination with other races and ethnicities) and non-Hispanic white (white) persons. Among 424,899 COVID-19 cases reported by these states, 340,059 (80%) had complete race/ethnicity information; among these 340,059 cases, 9,072 (2.7%) occurred among AI/AN persons, and 138,960 (40.9%) among white persons. Among 340,059 cases with complete patient race/ethnicity data, the cumulative incidence among AI/AN persons in these 23 states was 594 per 100,000 AI/AN population (95% confidence interval [CI] = 203-1,740), compared with 169 per 100,000 white population (95% CI = 137-209) (rate ratio [RR] = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.2-10.1). AI/AN persons with COVID-19 were younger (median age = 40 years; interquartile range [IQR] = 26-56 years) than were white persons (median age = 51 years; IQR = 32-67 years). More complete case report data and timely, culturally responsive, and evidence-based public health efforts that leverage the strengths of AI/AN communities are needed to decrease COVID-19 transmission and improve patient outcomes. |
Trends in indicators of injection drug use, Indian Health Service, 2010-2014: A study of health care encounter data
Evans ME , Person M , Reilley B , Leston J , Haverkate R , McCollum JT , Apostolou A , Bohm MK , Van Handel M , Bixler D , Mitsch AJ , Haberling DL , Hatcher SM , Weiser T , Elmore K , Teshale EH , Weidle PJ , Peters PJ , Buchacz K . Public Health Rep 2020 135 (4) 461-471 OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV transmission in the United States may increase as a result of increasing rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) and associated injection drug use (IDU). Epidemiologic trends among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons are not well known. METHODS: We analyzed 2010-2014 Indian Health Service data on health care encounters to assess regional and temporal trends in IDU indicators among adults aged >/=18 years. IDU indicators included acute or chronic HCV infection (only among adults aged 18-35 years), arm cellulitis and abscess, OUD, and opioid-related overdose. We calculated rates per 10 000 AI/AN adults for each IDU indicator overall and stratified by sex, age group, and region and evaluated rate ratios and trends by using Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS: Rates of HCV infection among adults aged 18-35 increased 9.4% per year, and rates of OUD among all adults increased 13.3% per year from 2010 to 2014. The rate of HCV infection among young women was approximately 1.3 times that among young men. Rates of opioid-related overdose among adults aged <50 years were approximately 1.4 times the rates among adults aged >/=50 years. Among young adults with HCV infection, 25.6% had concurrent OUD. Among all adults with arm cellulitis and abscess, 5.6% had concurrent OUD. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of HCV infection and OUD increased significantly in the AI/AN population. Strengthened public health efforts could ensure that AI/AN communities can address increasing needs for culturally appropriate interventions, including comprehensive syringe services programs, medication-assisted treatment, and opioid-related overdose prevention and can meet the growing need for treatment of HCV infection. |
Health workers' perceptions and challenges in implementing meningococcal serogroup a conjugate vaccine in the routine childhood immunization schedule in Burkina Faso
Nkwenkeu SF , Jalloh MF , Walldorf JA , Zoma RL , Tarbangdo F , Fall S , Hien S , Combassere R , Ky C , Kambou L , Diallo AO , Krishnaswamy A , Ake FH , Hatcher C , Patel JC , Medah I , Novak RT , Hyde TB , Soeters HM , Mirza I . BMC Public Health 2020 20 (1) 254 BACKGROUND: Meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV) was introduced in 2017 into the routine childhood immunization schedule (at 15-18 months of age) in Burkina Faso to help reduce meningococcal meningitis burden. MACV was scheduled to be co-administered with the second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2), a vaccine already in the national schedule. One year following the introduction of MACV, an assessment was conducted to qualitatively examine health workers' perceptions of MACV introduction, identify barriers to uptake, and explore opportunities to improve coverage. METHODS: Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with different cadres of health workers in four purposively selected districts in Burkina Faso. Districts were selected to include urban and rural areas as well as high and low MCV2 coverage areas. Respondents included health workers at the following levels: regional health managers (n = 4), district health managers (n = 4), and frontline healthcare providers (n = 4). All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Four themes emerged around supply and health systems barriers, demand-related barriers, specific challenges related to MACV and MCV2 co-administration, and motivations and efforts to improve vaccination coverage. Supply and health systems barriers included aging cold chain equipment, staff shortages, overworked and poorly trained staff, insufficient supplies and financial resources, and challenges with implementing community outreach activities. Health workers largely viewed MACV introduction as a source of motivation for caregivers to bring their children for the 15- to 18-month visit. However, they also pointed to demand barriers, including cultural practices that sometimes discourage vaccination, misconceptions about vaccines, and religious beliefs. Challenges in co-administering MACV and MCV2 were mainly related to reluctance among health workers to open multi-dose vials unless enough children were present to avoid wastage. CONCLUSIONS: To improve effective administration of vaccines in the second-year of life, adequate operational and programmatic planning, training, communication, and monitoring are necessary. Moreover, clear policy communication is needed to help ensure that health workers do not refrain from opening multi-dose vials for small numbers of children. |
Hepatitis C-related mortality among American Indian/Alaska Native persons in the northwestern United States, 2006-2012
Hatcher SM , Joshi S , Robinson BF , Weiser T . Public Health Rep 2019 135 (1) 33354919887748 OBJECTIVE: American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons are commonly misclassified in epidemiologic and administrative data sets. The race-corrected hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related mortality rate among AI/AN persons in the Northwest United States (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington State) is unknown. We quantified the disparity in HCV-related mortality between AI/AN persons and non-Hispanic white (NHW) persons in the Northwest during 2006-2012 after correcting misclassified AI/AN race. METHODS: After conducting probabilistic record linkage between death records and the Northwest Tribal Registry, we calculated HCV-related mortality rates for AI/AN and NHW persons by using National Center for Health Statistics bridged-race estimates standardized to the US 2000 standard population. RESULTS: The 2006-2012 aggregate age-adjusted HCV-related mortality rate per 100 000 population in the Northwest was 19.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3-22.2) for AI/AN persons and 5.9 (95% CI, 5.7-6.1) for NHW persons (rate ratio [RR] = 3.3; 95% CI, 3.0-3.8). The disparity was larger among females (RR = 4.6; 95% CI, 3.8-5.5) than among males (RR = 2.9; 95% CI, 2.5-3.4). CONCLUSION: The disproportionate rate of HCV-related mortality among AI/AN persons in the Northwest highlights the need to expand HCV education, screening, and treatment among this population. |
MenAfriNet: A network supporting case-based meningitis surveillance and vaccine evaluation in the meningitis belt of Africa
Patel JC , Soeters HM , Diallo AO , Bicaba BW , Kadade G , Dembele AY , Acyl MA , Nikiema C , Lingani C , Hatcher C , Acosta AM , Thomas JD , Diomande F , Martin S , Clark TA , Mihigo R , Hajjeh RA , Zilber CH , Ake F , Mbaeyi SA , Wang X , Moisi JC , Ronveaux O , Mwenda JM , Novak RT . J Infect Dis 2019 220 S148-s154 Meningococcal meningitis remains a significant public health threat, especially in the African meningitis belt where Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A historically caused large-scale epidemics. With the rollout of a novel meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV) in the belt, the World Health Organization recommended case-based meningitis surveillance to monitor MACV impact and meningitis epidemiology. In 2014, the MenAfriNet consortium was established to support strategic implementation of case-based meningitis surveillance in 5 key countries: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Togo. MenAfriNet aimed to develop a high-quality surveillance network using standardized laboratory and data collection protocols, develop sustainable systems for data management and analysis to monitor MACV impact, and leverage the surveillance platform to perform special studies. We describe the MenAfriNet consortium, its history, strategy, implementation, accomplishments, and challenges. |
Evaluation of the impact of meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine introduction on second-year-of-life vaccination coverage in Burkina Faso
Zoma RL , Walldorf JA , Tarbangdo F , Patel JC , Diallo AO , Nkwenkeu SF , Kambou L , Nikiema M , Ouedraogo A , Bationo AB , Ouili R , Badolo H , Sawadogo G , Krishnaswamy A , Hatcher C , Hyde TB , Ake F , Novak RT , Wannemuehler K , Mirza I , Medah I , Soeters HM . J Infect Dis 2019 220 S233-s243 BACKGROUND: After successful meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV) campaigns since 2010, Burkina Faso introduced MACV in March 2017 into the routine Expanded Programme for Immunization schedule at age 15-18 months, concomitantly with second-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV2). We examined MCV2 coverage in pre- and post-MACV introduction cohorts to describe observed changes regionally and nationally. METHODS: A nationwide household cluster survey of children 18-41 months of age was conducted 1 year after MACV introduction. Coverage was assessed by verification of vaccination cards or recall. Two age groups were included to compare MCV2 coverage pre-MACV introduction (30-41 months) versus post-MACV introduction (18-26 months). RESULTS: In total, 15 925 households were surveyed; 7796 children were enrolled, including 3684 30-41 months of age and 3091 18-26 months of age. Vaccination documentation was observed for 86% of children. The MACV routine coverage was 58% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56%-61%) with variation by region (41%-76%). The MCV2 coverage was 62% (95% CI, 59%-65%) pre-MACV introduction and 67% (95% CI, 64%-69%) post-MACV introduction, an increase of 4.5% (95% CI, 1.3%-7.7%). Among children who received routine MACV and MCV2, 93% (95% CI, 91%-94%) received both at the same visit. Lack of caregiver awareness about the 15- to 18-month visit and vaccine unavailability were common reported barriers to vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: A small yet significant increase in national MCV2 coverage was observed 1 year post-MACV introduction. The MACV/MCV2 coadministration was common. Findings will help inform strategies to strengthen second-year-of-life immunization coverage, including to address the communication and vaccine availability barriers identified. |
Notes from the field: Adverse event associated with unintentional exposure to the Brucella abortus RB51 vaccine - Oregon, December 2017
Hatcher SM , Shih D , Holderman J , Cossaboom C , Leman R , DeBess E . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018 67 (26) 747 On December 7, 2017, a previously healthy, middle-aged male veterinarian was evaluated at an Oregon emergency department (ED) for cough, malaise, myalgia, fever, and arthralgia of 4 days’ duration. The patient reported having sustained a needle stick while administering the Brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine (RB51) to cattle 3 weeks before symptom onset. While the patient was in the ED, a probable diagnosis of brucellosis was considered, but Brucella testing was not performed. After a chest radiograph, the patient was discharged with a doxycycline prescription for right upper lobe pneumonia. On December 11, the patient returned to the ED with worsening pneumonia. At that time, the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division (OPHD) was notified of the probable brucellosis case. The patient was hospitalized and began oral rifampin and intravenous ceftriaxone and azithromycin, and continued oral doxycycline treatments. OPHD and the local health jurisdiction provided RB51-specific treatment and testing recommendations to clinicians and provided guidance for laboratory biosafety precautions through coordination with the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory. As a result, the hospitalist discontinued rifampin, continued doxycycline, and started trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). By 3 days after admission, the patient’s symptoms had improved, and he was discharged and prescribed doxycycline and TMP/SMX for 60 days, which is the recommended treatment for human RB51 infections (1). Blood and sputum cultures collected at admission were later negative for Brucella spp. During reinterview, the patient confirmed that his only known RB51 exposure was the needle stick. Although he administered the vaccine regularly and was aware of its potential for pathogenicity in humans, he had not sought the recommended postexposure prophylaxis of doxycycline and TMX/SMX for 21 days (1). |
Comparative Analytical Evaluation of the Respiratory TaqMan Array Card with Real-Time PCR and Commercial Multi-Pathogen Assays.
Harvey JJ , Chester S , Burke SA , Ansbro M , Aden T , Gose R , Sciulli R , Bai J , DesJardin L , Benfer JL , Hall J , Smole S , Doan K , Popowich MD , St George K , Quinlan T , Halse TA , Li Z , Perez-Osorio AC , Glover WA , Russell D , Reisdorf E , Whyte T Jr , Whitaker B , Hatcher C , Srinivasan V , Tatti K , Tondella ML , Wang X , Winchell JM , Mayer LW , Jernigan D , Mawle AC . J Virol Methods 2015 228 151-7 In this study, a multicenter evaluation of the Life Technologies TaqMan(R) Array Card (TAC) with 21 custom viral and bacterial respiratory assays was performed on the Applied Biosystems ViiA 7 Real-Time PCR System. The goal of the study was to demonstrate the analytical performance of this platform when compared to identical individual pathogen specific laboratory developed tests (LDTs) designed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), equivalent LDTs provided by state public health laboratories, or to three different commercial multi-respiratory panels. CDC and Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) LDTs had similar analytical sensitivities for viral pathogens, while several of the bacterial pathogen APHL LDTs demonstrated sensitivities one log higher than the corresponding CDC LDT. When compared to CDC LDTs, TAC assays were generally one to two logs less sensitive depending on the site performing the analysis. Finally, TAC assays were generally more sensitive than their counterparts in three different commercial multi-respiratory panels. TAC technology allows users to spot customized assays and design TAC layout, simplify assay setup, conserve specimen, dramatically reduce contamination potential, and as demonstrated in this study, analyze multiple samples in parallel with good reproducibility between instruments and operators. |
A commentary on drivers of community health needs assessment
Hatcher MT . J Public Health Manag Pract 2015 21 (1) 31-3 In many communities, perception of an asymmetrical power relationship between public health and hospital leaders exists largely because of the resources hospitals generate and control. The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) community health needs assessment (CHNA) requirement has likely not changed that dynamic but it may reshape public health and hospital relationships. Three articles presented in this journal’s edition explore how the ACA’s CHNA requirement may influence interactions and relationships between public health departments and nonprofit hospitals. | | The first, of these 3 articles, is written by Laymon and colleagues.1 The authors examine the potential role that Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) standards for community health assessment (CHA) and community health improvement planning may play in increasing public health department collaboration with hospitals having a nonprofit tax exemption, which under the ACA requires the hospital to conduct a CHNA to identify and invest in improving community health under section 501(r)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Laymon and colleagues also present information on use of data from the National Profile of Local Health Departments and data from CHA, CHNA, community health improvement planning, and other implementation planning reports to establish a baseline for public health and hospital collaboration. |
Changes in density of on-premises alcohol outlets and impact on violent crime, Atlanta, Georgia, 1997-2007
Zhang X , Hatcher B , Clarkson L , Holt J , Bagchi S , Kanny D , Brewer RD . Prev Chronic Dis 2015 12 E84 INTRODUCTION: Regulating alcohol outlet density is an evidence-based strategy for reducing excessive drinking. However, the effect of this strategy on violent crime has not been well characterized. A reduction in alcohol outlet density in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta from 2003 through 2007 provided an opportunity to evaluate this effect. METHODS: We conducted a community-based longitudinal study to evaluate the impact of changes in alcohol outlet density on violent crime in Buckhead compared with 2 other cluster areas in Atlanta (Midtown and Downtown) with high densities of alcohol outlets, from 1997 through 2002 (preintervention) to 2003 through 2007 (postintervention). The relationship between exposures to on-premises retail alcohol outlets and violent crime were assessed by using annual spatially defined indices at the census block level. Multilevel regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between changes in exposure to on-premises alcohol outlets and violent crime while controlling for potential census block-level confounders. RESULTS: A 3% relative reduction in alcohol outlet density in Buckhead from 1997-2002 to 2003-2007 was associated with a 2-fold greater reduction in exposure to violent crime than occurred in Midtown or Downtown, where exposure to on-premises retail alcohol outlets increased. The magnitude of the association between exposure to alcohol outlets and violent crime was 2 to 5 times greater in Buckhead than in either Midtown or Downtown during the postintervention period. CONCLUSIONS: A modest reduction in alcohol outlet density can substantially reduce exposure to violent crime in neighborhoods with high density of alcohol outlets. Routine monitoring of community exposure to alcohol outlets could also inform the regulation of alcohol outlet density, consistent with Guide to Community Preventive Services recommendations. |
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides a superior tool for the diagnosis of pneumococcal infection in Burkina Faso
Chaibou Y , Congo-Ouedraogo M , Sanou I , Somlare H , Ouattara K , Kienou CM , Belem H , Sampo E , Traore SA , Traore-Ouedraogo R , Hatcher C , Mayer L , Wang X , Sangare L . Afr J Clin Exp Microbiol 2014 15 (3) 122-129 PURPOSE OF STUDY: The aim of this study was to determine the value of real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rt-PCR) in the routine surveillance of pneumococcal meningitis in Burkina Faso, compared to standard methods of culture, Gram stain and latex agglutination assay. MATERIEL AND METHODS: A total of 385 specimens of cerebrospinal fluid were analyzed by the three standard bacteriological methods (Gram stain, latex agglutination assay, and culture) and real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. RESULTS: Of 385 specimens analyzed by these methods, 204 S. pneumoniae were detected by one or more methods. Gram stain detected 36.4% (140/385) Gram positive encapsulated diplococci; 37.7% (145/385) and 20.8% (80/385) of the specimens were positive for pneumococci by latex agglutination assay and culture. These specimens were tested with rt-PCR, which confirmed 51.2% (197/385) S. pneumoniae positive. The sensitivity and specificity of culture were 54.4% and 31.5%, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity of rt-PCR were 96.6% and 100%, respectively. These results showed that rt-PCR was more sensitive than Gram stain (p=0.0235), latex agglutination assay (p=0.0442)and culture (p=0.0006).The culture is the gold standard method; however, the result showed that rt-PCR had specificity and was as specific as Gram stain (p=0.3405) and latex agglutination assay (p=0.7745). CONCLUSION: rt-PCR was highly sensitive and specific. It could be used as a complementary diagnostic tool to improve case confirmation of bacterial meningitis. However,its high cost, the qualification of the technical staff and infrastructures required for its implementation, constitute obstacles to its widened use in countries with limited resources. |
Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W, Burkina Faso, 2012
Macneil JR , Medah I , Koussoube D , Novak RT , Cohn AC , Diomande FV , Yelbeogo D , Kambou JL , Tarbangdo TF , Ouedraogo-Traore R , Sangare L , Hatcher C , Vuong J , Mayer LW , Djingarey MH , Clark TA , Messonnier NE . Emerg Infect Dis 2014 20 (3) 394-9 In 2010, Burkina Faso became the first country to introduce meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT). During 2012, Burkina Faso reported increases in Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W, raising questions about whether these cases were a natural increase in disease or resulted from serogroup replacement after PsA-TT introduction. We analyzed national surveillance data to describe the epidemiology of serogroup W and genotyped 61 serogroup W isolates. In 2012, a total of 5,807 meningitis cases were reported through enhanced surveillance, of which 2,353 (41%) were laboratory confirmed. The predominant organism identified was N. meningitidis serogroup W (62%), and all serogroup W isolates characterized belonged to clonal complex 11. Although additional years of data are needed before we can understand the epidemiology of serogroup W after PsA-TT introduction, these data suggest that serogroup W will remain a major cause of sporadic disease and has epidemic potential, underscoring the need to maintain high-quality case-based meningitis surveillance after PsA-TT introduction. |
Serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccination in Burkina Faso: analysis of national surveillance data
Novak RT , Kambou JL , Diomande FV , Tarbangdo TF , Ouedraogo-Traore R , Sangare L , Lingani C , Martin SW , Hatcher C , Mayer LW , Laforce FM , Avokey F , Djingarey MH , Messonnier NE , Tiendrebeogo SR , Clark TA . Lancet Infect Dis 2012 12 (10) 757-64 BACKGROUND: An affordable, highly immunogenic Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT) was licensed for use in sub-Saharan Africa in 2009. In 2010, Burkina Faso became the first country to implement a national prevention campaign, vaccinating 11.4 million people aged 1-29 years. We analysed national surveillance data around PsA-TT introduction to investigate the early effect of the vaccine on meningitis incidence and epidemics. METHODS: We examined national population-based meningitis surveillance data from Burkina Faso using two sources, one with cases and deaths aggregated at the district level from 1997 to 2011, and the other enhanced with results of cerebrospinal fluid examination and laboratory testing from 2007 to 2011. We compared mortality rates and incidence of suspected meningitis, probable meningococcal meningitis by age, and serogroup-specific meningococcal disease before and during the first year after PsA-TT implementation. We assessed the risk of meningitis disease and death between years. FINDINGS: During the 14 year period before PsA-TT introduction, Burkina Faso had 148 603 cases of suspected meningitis with 17 965 deaths, and 174 district-level epidemics. After vaccine introduction, there was a 71% decline in risk of meningitis (hazard ratio 0.29, 95% CI 0.28-0.30, p<0.0001) and a 64% decline in risk of fatal meningitis (0.36, 0.33-0.40, p<0.0001). We identified a statistically significant decline in risk of probable meningococcal meningitis across the age group targeted for vaccination (62%, cumulative incidence ratio [CIR] 0.38, 95% CI 0.31-0.45, p<0.0001), and among children aged less than 1 year (54%, 0.46, 0.24-0.86, p=0.02) and people aged 30 years and older (55%, 0.45, 0.22-0.91, p=0.003) who were ineligible for vaccination. No cases of serogroup A meningococcal meningitis occurred among vaccinated individuals, and epidemics were eliminated. The incidence of laboratory-confirmed serogroup A N meningitidis dropped significantly to 0.01 per 100,000 individuals per year, representing a 99.8% reduction in the risk of meningococcal A meningitis (CIR 0.002, 95% CI 0.0004-0.02, p<0.0001). INTERPRETATION: Early evidence suggests the conjugate vaccine has substantially reduced the rate of meningitis in people in the target age group, and in the general population because of high coverage and herd immunity. These data suggest that fully implementing the PsA-TT vaccine could end epidemic meningitis of serogroup A in sub-Saharan Africa. FUNDING: None. |
A community-based randomized trial of a faith-placed intervention to reduce cervical cancer burden in Appalachia
Studts CR , Tarasenko YN , Schoenberg NE , Shelton BJ , Hatcher-Keller J , Dignan MB . Prev Med 2012 54 (6) 408-14 OBJECTIVE: Faith Moves Mountains assessed the effectiveness of a faith-placed lay health advisor (LHA) intervention to increase Papanicolaou (Pap) test use among middle-aged and older women in a region disproportionately affected by cervical cancer and low screening rates (regionally, only 68% screened in prior 3years). METHOD: This community-based RCT was conducted in four Appalachian Kentucky counties (December 2005-June 2008). Women aged 40-64 and overdue for screening were recruited from churches and individually randomized to treatment (n=176) or wait-list control (n=169). The intervention provided LHA home visits and newsletters addressing barriers to screening. Self-reported Pap test receipt was the primary outcome. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analyses revealed that treatment group participants (17.6% screened) had over twice the odds of wait-list controls (11.2% screened) of reporting Pap test receipt post-intervention, OR=2.56, 95% CI: 1.03-6.38, p=0.04. Independent of group, recently screened participants (last Pap >1 but <5years ago) had significantly higher odds of obtaining screening during the study than rarely or never screened participants (last Pap ≥5years ago), OR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.48-4.25, p=0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was associated with increased cervical cancer screening. The faith-placed LHA addressing barriers comprises a novel approach to reducing cervical cancer disparities among Appalachian women. |
Laboratory quality control in a multicentre meningococcal carriage study in Burkina Faso
Kristiansen PA , Ouedraogo AS , Sanou I , Ky Ba A , Ouedraogo CD , Sangare L , Ouedraogo R , Kandolo D , Diomande F , Kabore P , Hassan-King M , Thomas JD , Hatcher CP , Andreasson I , Clark TA , Preziosi MP , Laforce M , Caugant DA . Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2012 106 (5) 289-97 To investigate the potential herd immunity effect of MenAfriVac, a new conjugate vaccine against serogroup A Neisseria meningitidis, a multiple cross-sectional carriage study was conducted in three districts in Burkina Faso in 2009, yielding a total of 20 326 oropharyngeal samples. A major challenge was the harmonisation of operational procedures and ensuring the reliability of results. Here we describe the laboratory quality control (QC) system that was implemented. Laboratory analysis performed by three local laboratories included colony morphology assessment, oxidase test, Gram stain, beta-galactosidase activity using o-nitrophenyl-beta-galactopyranoside (ONPG), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity and slide agglutination serogrouping. Internal QC was performed on media, reagents, laboratory equipment and field conditions. Confirmation of results and molecular characterisation was performed at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Oslo, Norway). External QC was performed on 3% of specimens where no colonies morphologically resembling N. meningitidis had been identified and on 10% of non-ONPG-/GGT+ isolates. The QC system was a critical element: it identified logistical and operational problems in real time and ensured accuracy of the final data. The overall N. meningitidis carriage prevalence (3.98%) was probably slightly underestimated and the calculated true prevalence was 4.48%. The components of the presented QC system can easily be implemented in any other laboratory study. |
Clinical validation of multiplex real-time PCR assays for detection of bacterial meningitis pathogens.
Wang X , Theodore MJ , Mair R , Trujillo-Lopez E , du Plessis M , Wolter N , Baughman AL , Hatcher C , Vuong J , Lott L , von Gottberg A , Sacchi C , McDonald JM , Messonnier NE , Mayer LW . J Clin Microbiol 2011 50 (3) 702-8 Neisseria meningitidis (Nm), Haemophilus influenzae (Hi), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) are important causes of meningitis and other infections, and rapid, sensitive, and specific laboratory assays are critical for effective public health interventions. Singleplex real-time PCR assays have been developed to detect Nm ctrA, Hi hpd and Sp lytA, and serogroup-specific genes in the cap locus for Nm serogroups A, B, C, W135, X and Y. However, the assay sensitivity for serogroups B, W135 and Y is low. We aimed to improve assay sensitivity and develop multiplex assays to reduce time and cost. New singleplex real-time PCR assays B-synD, W-synG, and Y-synF showed 100% specificity for detecting Nm species, with high sensitivity [B-synD, 99%(75/76); W-synG, 97%(38/39); and Y-synF, 100%(66/66)]. The lower limit of detection (LLD) was 9, 43 and 10 copies/reaction for B-synD, W-synG, and Y-synF assays, respectively, a significant improvement compared to the previous singleplex assays. We developed three multiplex real-time PCR assays for detection of: (i) Nm ctrA, Hi hpd and Sp lytA (NHS); (ii) Nm serogroups A, W135 and X (AWX), and (iii) Nm serogroups B, C and Y (BCY). Each multiplex assay was 100% specific for detecting its target organisms or serogroups, and the LLD was similar to that for singleplex. Pairwise comparison of real-time PCR between multiplex and singleplex showed that cycle threshold values of the multiplex were similar to those for singleplex. There were no substantial differences in the sensitivity and specificity between these multiplex and singleplex real-time PCR assays. |
Integrating environmental health into medical education
Gehle KS , Crawford JL , Hatcher MT . Am J Prev Med 2011 41 S296-301 Although environmental factors contribute to more than 25% of all global disease, and toxic agents ranked fifth in underlying causes of U.S. deaths in 2000, environmental medicine education is largely omitted in the continuum of U.S. medical education. The paucity of specialists trained in environmental medicine (i.e., occupational medicine and other preventive medicine specialties and subspecialties), coupled with the lack of adequate general medical education on how to prevent, diagnose, refer, or treat patients exposed to hazardous substances in the environment, contributes to lost opportunities for primary prevention or early intervention to mitigate or minimize environmentally related disease burden. Survey findings of graduating medical students over the past few years have identified environmental health as a medical school topic area that can be improved. This article reflects a panel presentation on the challenge of including environmental health in general medical education. It was given at the 2010 "Patients and Populations: Public Health in Medical Education" conference cosponsored by the CDC and the American Association of Medical Colleges. A variety of educational strategies, models, and educational resources are presented that illustrate how recommended competency-based environmental health content can be integrated into medical education to better prepare medical students and physicians without specialized expertise in environmental medicine to provide or facilitate environmental preventive or curative patient care. |
sodC-based real-time PCR for detection of Neisseria meningitidis.
Dolan Thomas J , Hatcher CP , Satterfield DA , Theodore MJ , Bach MC , Linscott KB , Zhao X , Wang X , Mair R , Schmink S , Arnold KE , Stephens DS , Harrison LH , Hollick RA , Andrade AL , Lamaro-Cardoso J , de Lemos AP , Gritzfeld J , Gordon S , Soysal A , Bakir M , Sharma D , Jain S , Satola SW , Messonnier NE , Mayer LW . PLoS One 2011 6 (5) e19361 Real-time PCR (rt-PCR) is a widely used molecular method for detection of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm). Several rt-PCR assays for Nm target the capsule transport gene, ctrA. However, over 16% of meningococcal carriage isolates lack ctrA, rendering this target gene ineffective at identification of this sub-population of meningococcal isolates. The Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase gene, sodC, is found in Nm but not in other Neisseria species. To better identify Nm, regardless of capsule genotype or expression status, a sodC-based TaqMan rt-PCR assay was developed and validated. Standard curves revealed an average lower limit of detection of 73 genomes per reaction at cycle threshold (C(t)) value of 35, with 100% average reaction efficiency and an average R(2) of 0.9925. 99.7% (624/626) of Nm isolates tested were sodC-positive, with a range of average C(t) values from 13.0 to 29.5. The mean sodC C(t) value of these Nm isolates was 17.6+/-2.2 (+/-SD). Of the 626 Nm tested, 178 were nongroupable (NG) ctrA-negative Nm isolates, and 98.9% (176/178) of these were detected by sodC rt-PCR. The assay was 100% specific, with all 244 non-Nm isolates testing negative. Of 157 clinical specimens tested, sodC detected 25/157 Nm or 4 additional specimens compared to ctrA and 24 more than culture. Among 582 carriage specimens, sodC detected Nm in 1 more than ctrA and in 4 more than culture. This sodC rt-PCR assay is a highly sensitive and specific method for detection of Nm, especially in carriage studies where many meningococcal isolates lack capsule genes. |
Detection of bacterial pathogens in Mongolia meningitis surveillance with a new real-time PCR assay to detect Haemophilus influenzae.
Wang X , Mair R , Hatcher C , Theodore MJ , Edmond K , Wu HM , Harcourt BH , Carvalho MD , Pimenta F , Nymadawa P , Altantsetseg D , Kirsch M , Satola SW , Cohn A , Messonnier NE , Mayer LW . Int J Med Microbiol 2011 301 (4) 303-9 Since the implementation of Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) serotype b vaccine, other serotypes and non-typeable strains have taken on greater importance as a cause of Hi diseases. A rapid and accurate method is needed to detect all Hi regardless of the encapsulation status. We developed 2 real-time PCR (rt-PCR) assays to detect specific regions of the protein D gene (hpd). Both hpd assays are very specific and sensitive for detection of Hi. Of the 63 non-Hi isolates representing 21 bacterial species, none was detected by the hpd #1 assay, and only one of 2 H. aphrophilus isolates was detected by the hpd #3 assay. The hpd #1 and #3 assays detected 97% (229/237) and 99% (234/237) of Hi isolates, respectively, and were superior for detection of both typeable and non-typeable Hi isolates, as compared to previously developed rt-PCR targeting ompP2 or bexA. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of these rt-PCR assays were assessed on cerebrospinal fluid specimens collected as part of meningitis surveillance in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The etiology (Neisseria meningitidis, Hi, and Streptococcus pneumoniae) of 111 suspected meningitis cases was determined by conventional methods (culture and latex agglutination), previously developed rt-PCR assays, and the new hpd assays. The rt-PCR assays were more sensitive for detection of meningitis pathogens than other classical methods and improved detection from 50% (56/111) to 75% (83/111). The hpd #3 assay identified a non-b Hi that was missed by the bexA assay and other methods. A sensitive rt-PCR assay to detect both typeable and non-typeable Hi is a useful tool for improving Hi disease surveillance especially after Hib vaccine introduction. |
Baseline meningococcal carriage in Burkina Faso before the introduction of a meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine
Kristiansen PA , Diomande F , Wei SC , Ouedraogo R , Sangare L , Sanou I , Kandolo D , Kabore P , Clark TA , Ouedraogo AS , Absatou KB , Ouedraogo CD , Hassan-King M , Thomas JD , Hatcher C , Djingarey M , Messonnier N , Preziosi MP , Laforce M , Caugant DA . Clin Vaccine Immunol 2011 18 (3) 435-43 The serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccine, MenAfriVac, has the potential to confer herd immunity by reducing carriage prevalence of epidemic strains. To better understand this phenomenon we initiated a meningococcal carriage study to determine the baseline carriage rate and serogroup distribution before vaccine introduction in the 1-29 year old population in Burkina Faso, the group chosen for the first introduction of the vaccine. A multiple cross-sectional carriage study was conducted in one urban and two rural districts in Burkina Faso in 2009. Every 3 months, oropharyngeal samples were collected from > 5000 randomly selected individuals within a 4-week period. Isolation and identification of the meningococci from 20,326 samples were performed by national laboratories in Burkina Faso. Confirmation and further strain characterization, including genogrouping, multilocus sequence typing, and porA/fetA sequencing, were performed in Norway. The overall carriage prevalence for meningococci was 3.98%; the highest prevalence was among the 15-19 years old for males and among the 10-14 year olds for female. Serogroup Y dominated (2.28%), followed by serogroups X (0.44%), A (0.39%) and W135 (0.34%). Carriage prevalence was highest in the rural districts and in the dry season, but serogroup distribution also varied by district. A total of 29 sequence types (ST) and 51 porA/fetA combinations were identified. The dominant clone was serogroup Y, ST-4375, P1.5-1,2-2;F5-8, belonging to ST-23 complex (47%). All serogroup A isolates were ST-2859 of the ST-5 complex, with P1.20,9;F3-1. This study forms a solid basis for evaluating the impact of MenAfriVac introduction on serogroup A carriage. |
Changes in Neisseria meningitidis disease epidemiology in the United States, 1998-2007: implications for prevention of meningococcal disease
Cohn AC , MacNeil JR , Harrison LH , Hatcher C , Theodore J , Schmidt M , Pondo T , Arnold KE , Baumbach J , Bennett N , Craig AS , Farley M , Gershman K , Petit S , Lynfield R , Reingold A , Schaffner W , Shutt KA , Zell ER , Mayer LW , Clark T , Stephens D , Messonnier NE . Clin Infect Dis 2010 50 (2) 184-91 BACKGROUND: In January 2005, a quadrivalent (serogroups A, C , Y, and W-135) meningococcal conjugate vaccine was licensed for use in adolescents. This report describes the epidemiologic features of meningococcal disease in the United States from January 1998 through December 2007, before and during implementation of adolescent quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccination. METHODS: Data were collected from active surveillance for invasive Neisseria meningitidis conducted through the Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) sites during 1998-2007. Isolates from cases were serogrouped at the ABCs site and confirmed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Estimates of the incidence and number of cases in the 50 states were calculated, standardizing for race and age group. RESULTS: In the period 1998-2007, a total of 2262 cases of meningococcal disease were reported from ABCs sites; 11.3% of these cases were fatal. The estimated United States average annual incidence of meningococcal disease was 0.53 cases per 100,000 population (95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.55), and an estimated 1525 (95% confidence interval, 1470-1598) cases occurred annually. The annual incidence decreased 64.1%, from 0.92 cases per 100,000 population in 1998 to 0.33 cases per 100,000 population in 2007. Infants aged <1 year have the highest incidence of meningococcal disease (5.38 cases per 100,000 population). After introduction of the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, no significant decrease in serogroup C or Y meningococcal disease was seen among those aged 11-19 years in 2006-2007, compared with 2004-2005. CONCLUSIONS: Before the introduction of the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, the incidence of meningococcal disease in the United States decreased to a historic low. However, meningococcal disease still causes a substantial burden of disease among all age groups. Future vaccination strategies may include targeting infants and preventing serogroup B meningococcal disease. |
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