Last data update: May 13, 2024. (Total: 46773 publications since 2009)
Records 1-11 (of 11 Records) |
Query Trace: Hillard C[original query] |
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Genomic analysis of the predominant strains and antimicrobial resistance determinants within 1479 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from the U.S. Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project in 2018.
Reimche JL , Chivukula VL , Schmerer MW , Joseph SJ , Pham CD , Schlanger K , St Cyr SB , Weinstock HS , Raphael BH , Kersh EN , Gernert KM . Sex Transm Dis 2021 48 S78-S87 BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) isolates with elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to various antibiotics continues to rise in the U.S. and globally. Genomic analysis provides a powerful tool for surveillance of circulating strains, antimicrobial resistance determinants, and understanding of transmission through a population. METHODS: GC isolates collected from the U.S. Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP) in 2018 (n=1479) were sequenced and characterized. Whole genome sequencing was used to identify sequence types, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and phylogenetic relationships across demographic and geographic populations. RESULTS: Genetic characterization identified that (1) 80% of the GC isolates were represented in 33 multilocus sequence types, (2) isolates clustered in 23 major phylogenetic clusters with select phenotypic and demographic prevalence, and (3) common antimicrobial resistance determinants associated with low-level or high-level decreased susceptibility or resistance to relevant antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Characterization of this 2018 GISP genomic dataset, which is the largest U.S. whole genome sequence data set to date, sets the basis for future prospective studies, and establishes a genomic baseline of GC populations for local and national monitoring. |
Azithromycin susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the USA in 2017: a genomic analysis of surveillance data.
Gernert KM , Seby S , Schmerer MW , Thomas JCth , Pham CD , Cyr SS , Schlanger K , Weinstock H , Shafer WM , Raphael BH , Kersh EN . Lancet Microbe 2020 1 (4) e154-e164 BACKGROUND: The number of cases of gonorrhoea in the USA and worldwide caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is increasing (555 608 reported US cases in 2017, and 87 million cases worldwide in 2016). Many countries report declining in vitro susceptibility of azithromycin, which is a concern because azithromycin and ceftriaxone are the recommended dual treatment in many countries. We aimed to identify strain types associated with decreased susceptibility to azithromycin. METHODS: We did a genomic analysis of N gonorrhoeae isolates obtained by the US Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project. Isolates were whole-genome sequenced based on decreased susceptibility to azithromycin (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] ≥2 μg/mL, using agar dilution antibiotic susceptibility testing) and geographical representation. Bioinformatic analyses established genomic diversity, strain population dynamics, and antimicrobial resistance profiles. FINDINGS: 410 isolates were sorted into more than 20 unique phylogenetic clades. One predominant persistent clade (consisting of 97 isolates) included the most isolates with azithromycin MICs of 2 μg/mL or higher (61 of 97 [63%] vs 59 of 311 [19%]; p<0·0001) and carried a mosaic mtr (multiple transferable resistance) locus (68 of 97 [70%] vs two of 313 [1%]; p<0·0001). Of the remaining 313 isolates, 57 (18%) had decreased susceptibility to azithromycin (MIC ≥4 μg/mL), which was attributed to 23S rRNA variants (56 of 57 [98%]) and formed phylogenetically diverse clades, showing various levels of clonal expansion. INTERPRETATION: Reduced azithromycin susceptibility was associated with expanding and persistent clades harbouring two well described resistance mechanisms, mosaic mtr locus and 23S rRNA variants. Understanding the role of recombination, particularly within the mtr locus, on the fitness and expansion of strains with decreased susceptibility has important implications for the public health response to minimise gonorrhoea transmission. FUNDING: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CDC Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria initiative, Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education, US Department of Energy/CDC/Emory University, National Institutes of Health, and Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Service of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. |
Expanding US Laboratory Capacity for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Whole Genome Sequencing through CDC's Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network.
Kersh EN , Pham CD , Papp JR , Myers R , Steece R , Kubin G , Gautom R , Nash EE , Sharpe S , Gernert KM , Schmerer M , Raphael BH , Henning T , Gaynor AM , Soge O , Schlanger K , Kirkcaldy RD , St Cyr SB , Torrone EA , Bernstein K , Weinstock H . J Clin Microbiol 2020 58 (4) US gonorrhea rates are rising, and antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (AR-Ng) is an urgent public health threat. Since implementation of nucleic acid amplification tests for Ng identification, capacity for culturing Ng in the US has declined, along with the ability to perform culture-based antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Yet, AST is critical for detecting and monitoring AR-Ng. In 2016, CDC established the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network (AR Lab Network) to shore up national capacity for detecting several resistance threats including Ng. AR-Ng testing, a sub-activity of CDC's AR Lab Network, is performed in a tiered network of approximately 35 local laboratories, four regional laboratories (state public health laboratories in MD, TN, TX, WA), and CDC's national reference laboratory. Local laboratories receive specimens from approximately 60 clinics associated with the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP), enhanced GISP (eGISP), and Strengthening the U.S. Response to Resistant Gonorrhea (SURRG). They isolate and ship up to 20,000 isolates to regional laboratories for culture-based agar dilution AST with seven antibiotics and for whole genome sequencing of up to 5,000 isolates. The CDC further examines concerning isolates and monitors genetic AR markers. During 2017 and 2018, the network tested 8,214 and 8,628 Ng isolates, and CDC received 531 and 646 concerning isolates, and 605 and 3,159 sequences, respectively. In summary, the AR Lab Network supported laboratory capacity for Ng-AST and associated genetic marker detection, expanding pre-existing notification and analysis systems for resistance detection. Continued, robust AST and genomic capacity can help inform national public health monitoring and intervention. |
Development and Utility of a Birth Defects Surveillance Toolkit
Flores AL , Turay K , Valencia D , Hillard CL , Sekkarie A , Zaganjor I , Williams J , Qi YP , Cordero AM , Mulinare J , Botto LD , Peña-Rosas JP , Groisman B , Mastroiacovo P . J Glob Health Perspect 2018 0 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 303,000 neonates die within their first month of age every year globally as a result of a birth defect. Neural tube defects, serious birth defects of the brain and spine, are among the most common and severe of these birth defects. Since some low- and middle-income countries lack comprehensive, accurate data documenting the burden of these defects, providing technical assistance to help build birth defects surveillance programs can accelerate the collection of data needed to demonstrate this burden and advance prevention initiatives. We developed a birth defects surveillance toolkit, a technical assistance tool for country staff to help them implement birth defects surveillance. An evaluation of the toolkit with partners in Africa was conducted to assess perceptions of the usefulness, effectiveness, and policy impact of the surveillance toolkit and surveillance-related technical assistance provided to countries thus far. Overall, respondents provided very positive feedback about the toolkit components. Recommendations for improvement included customization to country contexts, such as photos reflective of African babies; surveillance examples from other countries; and consistent use of terms. |
Using theory-based messages to motivate U.S. pregnant women to prevent cytomegalovirus infection: results from formative research
Levis DM , Hillard CL , Price SM , Reed-Gross E , Bonilla E , Amin M , Stowell JD , Clark R , Johnson D , Mask K , Carpentieri C , Cannon MJ . BMC Womens Health 2017 17 (1) 131 BACKGROUND: An estimated 1 in 150 infants is born each year with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV); nearly 1 in 750 suffers permanent disabilities. Congenital CMV is the result of a pregnant woman becoming infected with CMV. Educating pregnant women about CMV is currently the best approach to prevention. Limited research is available on how to effectively communicate with women about CMV. We conducted formative research on fear appeals theory-based messages about CMV and prevention with U.S. women. Fear appeal theories suggest that message recipients will take action if they feel fear. METHODS: First, we conducted in-depth interviews (N = 32) with women who had young children who tested positive for CMV. Second, we conducted eight focus groups (N = 70) in two phases and two cities (Phase 2: Atlanta, GA; Phase 3: San Diego, CA) with pregnant women and non-pregnant women who had young children. Few participants knew about CMV before the focus groups. Participants reviewed and gave feedback on messages created around fear appeals theory-based communication concepts. The following concepts were tested in one or more of the three phases of research: CMV is severe, CMV is common, CMV is preventable, CMV preventive strategies are similar to other behavior changes women make during pregnancy, CMV preventive strategies can be incorporated in moderation to reduce exposure, and CMV is severe but preventable. RESULTS: Participants recommended communicating that CMV is common by using prevalence ratios (e.g., 1 in 150) or comparing CMV to other well-known disabilities. To convey the severity of CMV, participants preferred stories about CMV along with prevention strategies. Participants also welcomed prevention strategies when it included a message about risk reduction. In general, participants said messages were motivating, even if they felt that it could be difficult to make certain behavior changes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this research can contribute to future efforts to educate pregnant women about CMV, especially regarding use of fear appeals-based messages. Pregnant women may face certain challenges to practicing prevention strategies but, overall, are motivated make changes to increase their chances of having a healthy baby. |
Vital Signs: Update on Zika virus-associated birth defects and evaluation of all U.S. Infants with congenital Zika virus exposure - U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry, 2016
Reynolds MR , Jones AM , Petersen EE , Lee EH , Rice ME , Bingham A , Ellington SR , Evert N , Reagan-Steiner S , Oduyebo T , Brown CM , Martin S , Ahmad N , Bhatnagar J , Macdonald J , Gould C , Fine AD , Polen KD , Lake-Burger H , Hillard CL , Hall N , Yazdy MM , Slaughter K , Sommer JN , Adamski A , Raycraft M , Fleck-Derderian S , Gupta J , Newsome K , Baez-Santiago M , Slavinski S , White JL , Moore CA , Shapiro-Mendoza CK , Petersen L , Boyle C , Jamieson DJ , Meaney-Delman D , Honein MA . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017 66 (13) 366-373 BACKGROUND: In collaboration with state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments, CDC established the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry (USZPR) in early 2016 to monitor pregnant women with laboratory evidence of possible recent Zika virus infection and their infants. METHODS: This report includes an analysis of completed pregnancies (which include live births and pregnancy losses, regardless of gestational age) in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia (DC) with laboratory evidence of possible recent Zika virus infection reported to the USZPR from January 15 to December 27, 2016. Birth defects potentially associated with Zika virus infection during pregnancy include brain abnormalities and/or microcephaly, eye abnormalities, other consequences of central nervous system dysfunction, and neural tube defects and other early brain malformations. RESULTS: During the analysis period, 1,297 pregnant women in 44 states were reported to the USZPR. Zika virus-associated birth defects were reported for 51 (5%) of the 972 fetuses/infants from completed pregnancies with laboratory evidence of possible recent Zika virus infection (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4%-7%); the proportion was higher when restricted to pregnancies with laboratory-confirmed Zika virus infection (24/250 completed pregnancies [10%, 95% CI = 7%-14%]). Birth defects were reported in 15% (95% CI = 8%-26%) of fetuses/infants of completed pregnancies with confirmed Zika virus infection in the first trimester. Among 895 liveborn infants from pregnancies with possible recent Zika virus infection, postnatal neuroimaging was reported for 221 (25%), and Zika virus testing of at least one infant specimen was reported for 585 (65%). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE: These findings highlight why pregnant women should avoid Zika virus exposure. Because the full clinical spectrum of congenital Zika virus infection is not yet known, all infants born to women with laboratory evidence of possible recent Zika virus infection during pregnancy should receive postnatal neuroimaging and Zika virus testing in addition to a comprehensive newborn physical exam and hearing screen. Identification and follow-up care of infants born to women with laboratory evidence of possible recent Zika virus infection during pregnancy and infants with possible congenital Zika virus infection can ensure that appropriate clinical services are available. |
Folic acid education for Hispanic women: The Promotora de Salud Model
Flores AL , Isenburg J , Hillard CL , deRosset L , Colen L , Bush T , Mai CT . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2017 26 (2) 186-194 BACKGROUND: Although rates of neural tube defects (NTDs) have declined in the United States since fortification, disparities still exist with Hispanic women having the highest risk of giving birth to a baby with a NTD. The Promotora de Salud model using community lay health workers has been shown to be an effective tool for reaching Hispanics for a variety of health topics; however, literature on its effectiveness in folic acid interventions is limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intervention using the Promotora de Salud model was implemented in four U.S. counties with large populations of Hispanic women. The study comprised the following: (1) a written pretest survey to establish baseline levels of folic acid awareness, knowledge, and consumption; (2) a small group education intervention along with a 90-day supply of multivitamins; and (3) a postintervention (posttest) assessment conducted 4 months following the intervention. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in pre- and posttests were observed for general awareness about folic acid and vitamins and specific knowledge about the benefits of folic acid. Statistically significant changes were also seen in vitamin consumption and multivitamin consumption. Folic acid supplement consumption increased dramatically by the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The Promotora de Salud model relies on interpersonal connections forged between promotoras and the communities they serve to help drive positive health behaviors. The findings underscore the positive impact that these interpersonal connections can have on increasing awareness, knowledge, and consumption of folic acid. Utilizing the Promotora de Salud model to reach targeted populations might help organizations successfully implement their programs in a culturally appropriate manner. |
Description of 13 infants born during October 2015-January 2016 with congenital zika virus infection without microcephaly at birth - Brazil
van der Linden V , Pessoa A , Dobyns W , Barkovich AJ , Junior HV , Filho EL , Ribeiro EM , Leal MC , Coimbra PP , Aragao MF , Vercosa I , Ventura C , Ramos RC , Cruz DD , Cordeiro MT , Mota VM , Dott M , Hillard C , Moore CA . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016 65 (47) 1343-1348 Congenital Zika virus infection can cause microcephaly and severe brain abnormalities. Congenital Zika syndrome comprises a spectrum of clinical features; however, as is the case with most newly recognized teratogens, the earliest documented clinical presentation is expected to be the most severe. Initial descriptions of the effects of in utero Zika virus infection centered prominently on the finding of congenital microcephaly. To assess the possibility of clinical presentations that do not include congenital microcephaly, a retrospective assessment of 13 infants from the Brazilian states of Pernambuco and Ceara with normal head size at birth and laboratory evidence of congenital Zika virus infection was conducted. All infants had brain abnormalities on neuroimaging consistent with congenital Zika syndrome, including decreased brain volume, ventriculomegaly, subcortical calcifications, and cortical malformations. The earliest evaluation occurred on the second day of life. Among all infants, head growth was documented to have decelerated as early as 5 months of age, and 11 infants had microcephaly. These findings provide evidence that among infants with prenatal exposure to Zika virus, the absence of microcephaly at birth does not exclude congenital Zika virus infection or the presence of Zika-related brain and other abnormalities. These findings support the recommendation for comprehensive medical and developmental follow-up of infants exposed to Zika virus prenatally. Early neuroimaging might identify brain abnormalities related to congenital Zika infection even among infants with a normal head circumference. |
Building capacity for birth defects surveillance in Africa: implementation of an intermediate birth defects surveillance workshop
Flores A , Valencia D , Sekkarie A , Hillard CL , Williams J , Groisman B , Botto LD , Pena-Rosas JP , Bauwens L , Mastroiacovo P . J Glob Health Perspect 2015 2015 Each year around the world, it is estimated that 300,000 neonates are born with a neural tube defect. Many countries, however, are still lacking comprehensive birth defects surveillance registries. Comprehensive birth defects surveillance systems can help countries understand the magnitude and distribution of the problem. These systems can also provide information about biological, contextual, social and environmental determinants of birth defects. This information in turn can be used to identify effective and implementable solutions, and to evaluate prevention and management strategies to improve quality performance. This paper summarizes the development and implementation of an online pre-course training and in-person surveillance workshop conducted between 2014 December and 2015 March for representatives from six African countries. Feedback given by participants provided valuable lessons learned that can be applied to subsequent trainings and workshops. |
Reply to it is not all black and white: Future incidence of stomach cancer will be substantially higher than projected due to the effects of immigration and increasing Hispanic and Asian populations in the United States
Weir HK , Thompson TD , Soman A , Møller B , Leadbetter S . Cancer 2015 121 (23) 4267-8 Drs. Hillard and Graham have provided thoughtful comments on our article,1 and we agree that we might have underestimated the projected incidence of stomach cancer. As they note, the results of our analyses were limited to the 2 major racial groups in the United States (blacks and whites) and did not include predictions of the cancer burden for other racial and ethnic groups. The age-period-cohort models that we used require a minimum of 20 years of incidence data to generate reasonable estimates for predicting future trends in cancer incidence.2 The data for these models came from 9 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) population-based cancer registries, which cover approximately 10% of the US population.3 In more recent years, both SEER registries and those participating in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Program of Cancer Registries have been collecting more detailed information regarding race, including Asian/Pacific Islander subpopulations and ethnicity (Hispanic and non-Hispanic).4 In addition, cancer registries are now in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.4 In the future, with expanded population coverage and more detailed information concerning race and ethnicity, it will be possible to predict the cancer incidence burden for Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic individuals and thus improve the projections for cancers that disproportionately impact these populations. | | The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
Genomic epidemiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with reduced susceptibility to cefixime in the USA: a retrospective observational study.
Grad YH , Kirkcaldy RD , Trees D , Dordel J , Harris SR , Goldstein E , Weinstock H , Parkhill J , Hanage WP , Bentley S , Lipsitch M . Lancet Infect Dis 2014 14 (3) 220-6 BACKGROUND: The emergence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with decreased susceptibility to extended spectrum cephalosporins raises the prospect of untreatable gonorrhoea. In the absence of new treatments, efforts to slow the increasing incidence of resistant gonococcus require insight into the factors that contribute to its emergence and spread. We assessed the relatedness between isolates in the USA and reconstructed likely spread of lineages through different sexual networks. METHODS: We sequenced the genomes of 236 isolates of N gonorrhoeae collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP) from sentinel public sexually transmitted disease clinics in the USA, including 118 (97%) of the isolates from 2009-10 in GISP with reduced susceptibility to cefixime (cefRS) and 118 cefixime-susceptible isolates from GISP matched as closely as possible by location, collection date, and sexual orientation. We assessed the association between antimicrobial resistance genotype and phenotype and correlated phylogenetic clustering with location and sexual orientation. FINDINGS: Mosaic penA XXXIV had a high positive predictive value for cefRS. We found that two of the 118 cefRS isolates lacked a mosaic penA allele, and rechecking showed that these two were susceptible to cefixime. Of the 116 remaining cefRS isolates, 114 (98%) fell into two distinct lineages that have independently acquired mosaic penA allele XXXIV. A major lineage of cefRS strains spread eastward, predominantly through a sexual network of men who have sex with men. Eight of nine inferred transitions between sexual networks were introductions from men who have sex with men into the heterosexual population. INTERPRETATION: Genomic methods might aid efforts to slow the spread of antibiotic-resistant N gonorrhoeae through augmentation of gonococcal outbreak surveillance and identification of populations that could benefit from increased screening for aymptomatic infections. FUNDING: American Sexually Transmitted Disease Association, Wellcome Trust, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. |
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