Last data update: Mar 21, 2025. (Total: 48935 publications since 2009)
Records 1-28 (of 28 Records) |
Query Trace: Kracalik I[original query] |
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Modeling the impact of vaccine dose prioritization strategies during the 2022 Mpox Outbreak
Clay PA , Pollock ED , Saldarriaga EM , Pathela P , Macaraig M , Zucker JR , Crouch B , Kracalik I , Spicknall IH . Am J Epidemiol 2025 Early in the 2022 mpox outbreak, the U.S. recommendation was to administer two doses of the JYNNEOS® vaccine 4 weeks apart. However, because of limited vaccine supply, New York City (NYC) prioritized single dose vaccination. We estimated mpox cases averted by this strategy compared to strategies that prioritized 2-dose vaccination for a smaller portion of the population. We fit a network transmission model to incident mpox cases in NYC. Model output consisted of predicted cases over time when vaccine doses were administered with the 'first-dose priority' strategy, compared with counterfactual simulations where doses were administered to those eligible for a second dose ahead of those waiting for a first dose ('intermediate' strategy), or where individuals were pre-allocated full courses of the vaccine ('second-dose priority' strategy). We estimate that NYC's strategy averted 66% [IQR:47%-78%] of potential mpox cases compared to no vaccination. This 'first-dose priority' strategy averted 0.6% [IQR:-11%-9.8%] more cases than the 'intermediate' strategy, and 17% [IQR:2.9%-38%] more cases than the 'second-dose priority' strategy. Thus, for the 2022 mpox outbreak in NYC, pre-allocating vaccine doses to ensure full vaccination in a high-priority subset of the population would have increased the size of the outbreak. |
Have we reached a new baseline for blood collection and transfusion in the United States? National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey, 2023
McDavid K , Lien R , Chavez Ortiz J , Bradley T , Luciano A , Griffin I , Berger J , Basavaraju SV , Kracalik I . Transfusion 2025 BACKGROUND: Data from the National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey (NBCUS) suggest a stabilization in blood collections and transfusions following years of decline. Data from the 2023 NBCUS were analyzed to further understand national trends in US blood availability. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In February 2024, all community-based (53) and hospital-based (104) blood collection centers, and a sample of transfusing hospitals were surveyed. National estimates were calculated for the number of blood and blood components collected, distributed, transfused, rejected on testing, and outdated in 2023, compared with 2021. Weighting and imputation were used for nonresponses and missing data, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 96% of community-based blood centers and 85.7% of transfusing hospitals responded. During 2023, 11,586,000 units of whole blood and apheresis RBCs were collected (95% confidence interval (CI): 11,180,000-11,991,000), and 10,328,000 (95% CI: 9922,000-10,733,000) were transfused, a 1.7% and 4.1% decline compared with 2021, respectively. The total available supply (after outdates and rejections) declined by 0.5%. Total platelet units distributed (2618,000; 95% CI: 2483,000-2753,000) and transfused (2220,000; 95% CI: 2040,000-2400,000) increased by 3.6% and 2.1%, respectively, since 2021. Transfusion of pathogen-reduced platelet units (1258,000) increased by 49.2% since 2021. Plasma distributions (3032,000; 95% CI: 2764,000-3300,000) and transfusions (1882,000; 95% CI: 1765,000-1998,000) declined since 2021. Overall, 123,000 units were rejected on testing for transfusion-transmitted infections. DISCUSSION: The 2023 NBCUS indicates further stabilization in the blood supply, suggesting the establishment of a new baseline for blood availability. |
Monkeypox virus infections after 2 preexposure doses of JYNNEOS vaccine - United States, May 2022-May 2024
Guagliardo SAJ , Kracalik I , Carter RJ , Braden C , Free R , Hamal M , Tuttle A , McCollum AM , Rao AK . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024 73 (20) 460-466 Two doses of JYNNEOS vaccine are effective in preventing many mpox cases and can reduce the severity of symptoms in infected persons. However, infections among fully vaccinated persons can occur. During May 2022-May 2024, a total of 271 mpox cases among fully vaccinated persons were reported to CDC from 27 U.S. jurisdictions. These reported infections are estimated to have occurred in <1% of fully vaccinated persons. Compared with cases among unvaccinated persons, infections among fully vaccinated persons were more likely to occur among non-Hispanic White men aged 30-39 years, were associated with increased numbers of sexual partners, and resulted in less severe disease (p<0.001). Among infections in fully vaccinated persons with complete data, infections after vaccination were reported more commonly after receipt of heterologous (subcutaneous and intradermal) (46%) or homologous subcutaneous (32%) JYNNEOS vaccination than after homologous intradermal (22%) vaccination. Disparate time intervals from vaccination to infection among fully vaccinated persons suggest that immunity is not waning. The median interval between the second vaccine dose and illness onset was longer for cases among persons who had received 2 intradermal doses (median = 363 days; IQR = 221-444 days) compared with cases in persons who had received 2 subcutaneous doses (median = 263 days; IQR = 47-334 days) (p<0.001). The implications of this finding are not known; however, these data should increase confidence in the effectiveness of vaccine doses that were administered intradermally, the preferred method of administration during the peak of the outbreak when vaccine supply was limited. Persons recommended to receive the JYNNEOS vaccine should receive 2 doses, irrespective of the route of administration, and at this time, additional doses are not recommended for the affected population. |
Overview of U.S. COVID-19 vaccine safety surveillance systems
Gee J , Shimabukuro TT , Su JR , Shay D , Ryan M , Basavaraju SV , Broder KR , Clark M , Buddy Creech C , Cunningham F , Goddard K , Guy H , Edwards KM , Forshee R , Hamburger T , Hause AM , Klein NP , Kracalik I , Lamer C , Loran DA , McNeil MM , Montgomery J , Moro P , Myers TR , Olson C , Oster ME , Sharma AJ , Schupbach R , Weintraub E , Whitehead B , Anderson S . Vaccine 2024 ![]() ![]() The U.S. COVID-19 vaccination program, which commenced in December 2020, has been instrumental in preventing morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 disease. Safety monitoring has been an essential component of the program. The federal government undertook a comprehensive and coordinated approach to implement complementary safety monitoring systems and to communicate findings in a timely and transparent way to healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. Monitoring involved both well-established and newly developed systems that relied on both spontaneous (passive) and active surveillance methods. Clinical consultation for individual cases of adverse events following vaccination was performed, and monitoring of special populations, such as pregnant persons, was conducted. This report describes the U.S. government's COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring systems and programs used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Indian Health Service. Using the adverse event of myocarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination as a model, we demonstrate how the multiple, complementary monitoring systems worked to rapidly detect, assess, and verify a vaccine safety signal. In addition, longer-term follow-up was conducted to evaluate the recovery status of myocarditis cases following vaccination. Finally, the process for timely and transparent communication and dissemination of COVID-19 vaccine safety data is described, highlighting the responsiveness and robustness of the U.S. vaccine safety monitoring infrastructure during the national COVID-19 vaccination program. |
Transfusion-related errors and associated adverse reactions and blood product wastage as reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network Hemovigilance Module, 2014-2022
Chavez Ortiz JL , Griffin I , Kazakova SV , Stewart PB , Kracalik I , Basavaraju SV . Transfusion 2024 BACKGROUND: Transfusion-related errors are largely preventable but may lead to blood product wastage and adverse reactions, resulting in patient harm. In the United States, the incidence of transfusion-related errors is poorly understood nationally. We used data from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Hemovigilance Module to describe and quantify transfusion-related errors, as well as associated transfusion-related adverse reactions and blood product wastage. METHODS: During 2014-2022, data from the NHSN Hemovigilance Module were used to analyze errors, including near misses (errors with no transfusion), incidents (errors with transfusion), and associated serious adverse reactions (severe, life-threatening, or death). RESULTS: During 2014-2022, 80 acute care facilities (75 adult; 5 pediatric) reported 63,900 errors. Most errors occurred during patient blood sample collection (21,761, 34.1%) and blood sample handling (16,277, 25.5%). Less than one-fifth of reported errors (9822, 15.4%) had a completed incident form. Of those, 8780 (89.3%) were near misses and 1042 (10.7%) incidents. More than a third of near misses (3363, 38.3%) were associated with a discarded blood product, resulting in 4862 discarded components. Overall, 87 adverse reactions were associated with errors; six (7%) were serious. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of the transfusion-related errors reported to the Hemovigilance Module occurred during blood sample collection or sample handling. Some serious adverse reactions identified were associated with errors, suggesting that additional safety interventions may be beneficial. Increased participation in the Hemovigilance Module could enhance generalizability and further inform policy development regarding error prevention. |
Posttransfusion sepsis attributable to bacterial contamination in platelet collection set manufacturing facility, United States
Kracalik I , Kent AG , Villa CH , Gable P , Annambhotla P , McAllister G , Yokoe D , Langelier CR , Oakeson K , Noble-Wang J , Illoh O , Halpin AL , Eder AF , Basavaraju SV . Emerg Infect Dis 2023 29 (10) 1979-1989 ![]() During May 2018‒December 2022, we reviewed transfusion-transmitted sepsis cases in the United States attributable to polymicrobial contaminated apheresis platelet components, including Acinetobacter calcoaceticus‒baumannii complex or Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from patients and components. Transfused platelet components underwent bacterial risk control strategies (primary culture, pathogen reduction or primary culture, and secondary rapid test) before transfusion. Environmental samples were collected from a platelet collection set manufacturing facility. Seven sepsis cases from 6 platelet donations from 6 different donors were identified in patients from 6 states; 3 patients died. Cultures identified Acinetobacter calcoaceticus‒baumannii complex in 6 patients and 6 transfused platelets, S. saprophyticus in 4 patients and 4 transfused platelets. Whole-genome sequencing showed environmental isolates from the manufacturer were closely related genetically to patient and platelet isolates, indicating the manufacturer was the most probable source of recurrent polymicrobial contamination. Clinicians should maintain awareness of possible transfusion-transmitted sepsis even when using bacterial risk control strategies. |
Posttransfusion sepsis attributable to bacterial contamination in platelet collection set manufacturing, United States
Villa CH , Illoh O , Kracalik I , Basavaraju SV , Eder AF . Transfusion 2023 63 (12) 2351-2357 In a recent publication,1 FDA and CDC report the findings of their collaborative investigation into multiple cases of sepsis due to bacterial contamination of apheresis platelet components, that occurred over five years in several states. From the start of the investigation in 2018, the contamination events were unusual, in that more than one bacterial species (i.e., polymicrobial), and certain species not typically seen in septic transfusion reactions,2 were repeatedly identified as the cause. Moreover, septic transfusion reactions occurred despite the use of bacterial risk control strategies using FDA-approved or -cleared devices, including pathogen reduction technology (PRT), culture-based tests, and secondary rapid bacterial detection tests. In total, by 2021, there were seven septic transfusion reactions in six states involving atypical polymicrobial contamination of apheresis platelet components, from different collection sites of one licensed blood establishment using the Amicus Platform and its associated solutions (anticoagulant, saline, and additive solutions) (Fenwal International, Inc a Fresenius Kabi Company, Lake Zurich, IL). The results of the investigation support a common source of bacterial contamination potentially linked to a lapse in adherence to current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) in the manufacturing of the platelet collection set. In the previous publication,1 we described the results of the epidemiologic investigation and the whole-genome sequencing data that demonstrate the genetic relatedness of the implicated bacterial species and identify the likely common source. Herein, we provide the regulatory context of the multiyear investigation (Figure 1) and provide details on the inspectional findings at the collection set manufacturing facility. | |
Supplemental findings of the 2021 National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey
Kracalik I , Sapiano MRP , Wild RC , Chavez Ortiz J , Stewart P , Berger JJ , Basavaraju SV , Free RJ . Transfusion 2023 63 Suppl 4 S19-S42 BACKGROUND: The Department of Health and Human Services' National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey (NBCUS) has been conducted biennially since 1997. Data are used to estimate national blood collection and use. Supplemental data from the 2021 NBCUS not presented elsewhere are presented here. METHODS: Data on survey participation, donor characteristics, blood component cost, transfusion-associated adverse reactions, and implementation of blood safety measures, including pathogen-reduction of platelets, during 2021, were analyzed. Comparisons are made to 2019 survey data where available (2013-2019 for survey participation). RESULTS: During 2021, there were 11,507,000 successful blood donations in the United States, a 4.8% increase from 2019. Persons aged 45-64 years accounted for 42% of all successful blood donations. Donations by persons aged 65 years and older increased by 40.7%, while donations among minorities and donors aged <25 years decreased. From 2019 to 2021, the median price hospitals paid per unit of leukoreduced red blood cells, leukoreduced and pathogen-reduced apheresis platelets, and fresh frozen plasma increased. The largest increase in price per unit of blood component in 2021 was for leukoreduced apheresis platelets, which increased by ~$51. Between 2019 and 2021, the proportion of transfusing facilities reporting use of pathogen-reduced platelets increased, from 13% to 60%. Transfusion-related adverse reactions declined slightly between 2019 and 2021, although the rate of transfusion-transmitted bacterial infections remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: During 2021, blood donations increased nationally, although donations from those aged <25 years and minorities declined. The prices hospitals paid for most blood products increased, as did the use of pathogen-reduced platelets. |
Notes from the field: Emergence of an mpox cluster primarily affecting persons previously vaccinated against mpox - Chicago, Illinois, March 18-June 12, 2023
Faherty EAG , Holly T , Ogale YP , Crisler G , Becht A , Kern D , Nicolae L , Spencer H , Wasz M , Kerins JL , Kittner A , Staton A , Hardnett C , Hutson C , Gigante CM , Quilter L , Kracalik I , Black S , McCollum AM , Rao AK , Tabidze I . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (25) 696-698 ![]() During April 17–May 5, 2023, 13 monkeypox (mpox) cases were reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) after 2 months during which only a single case had been reported. The cluster was remarkable because it comprised more than 10 cases at a time when sporadic cases or small clusters (i.e., involving fewer than three cases) were being reported in the United States, and >69% of the persons in this cluster had received 2 doses of JYNNEOS or 1 dose of ACAM2000 vaccine.* Some cases among persons who received doses of JYNNEOS vaccine are expected to occur based on vaccine effectiveness data (1,2); however, the observed proportion of cases among persons who had received 2 doses of JYNNEOS or 1 dose of ACAM2000 in this cluster was unusual. This increase in cases before large summer events scheduled nationwide and in Chicago raised concerns about possible future case increases. | | On May 9, 2023, CDPH issued a health alert,† urging clinicians to remain vigilant for mpox cases and encouraging vaccination for persons at risk for mpox.§ CDPH and CDC launched an investigation to 1) determine the cluster’s scope and etiology by evaluating patients’ commonalities, JYNNEOS¶ vaccine cold-chain management, whole genome sequencing of clinical samples, and serologic immune response after infections, and to 2) identify important risk factors for mpox exposure to guide prevention efforts. This activity was reviewed by CDC and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.** |
Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and superspreading in Salt Lake County, Utah, March-May 2020
Walker J , Tran T , Lappe B , Gastanaduy P , Paul P , Kracalik IT , Fields VL , Lopez A , Schwartz A , Lewis NM , Tate JE , Kirking HL , Hall AJ , Pevzner E , Khong H , Smithee M , Lowry J , Dunn A , Kiphibane T , Tran CH . PLoS One 2023 18 (6) e0275125 BACKGROUND: Understanding the drivers of SARS-CoV-2 transmission can inform the development of interventions. We evaluated transmission identified by contact tracing investigations between March-May 2020 in Salt Lake County, Utah, to quantify the impact of this intervention and identify risk factors for transmission. METHODS: RT-PCR positive and untested symptomatic contacts were classified as confirmed and probable secondary case-patients, respectively. We compared the number of case-patients and close contacts generated by different groups, and used logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with transmission. RESULTS: Data were collected on 184 index case-patients and up to six generations of contacts. Of 1,499 close contacts, 374 (25%) were classified as secondary case-patients. Decreased transmission odds were observed for contacts aged <18 years (OR = 0.55 [95% CI: 0.38-0.79]), versus 18-44 years, and for workplace (OR = 0.36 [95% CI: 0.23-0.55]) and social (OR = 0.44 [95% CI: 0.28-0.66]) contacts, versus household contacts. Higher transmission odds were observed for case-patient's spouses than other household contacts (OR = 2.25 [95% CI: 1.52-3.35]). Compared to index case-patients identified in the community, secondary case-patients identified through contract-tracing generated significantly fewer close contacts and secondary case-patients of their own. Transmission was heterogeneous, with 41% of index case-patients generating 81% of directly-linked secondary case-patients. CONCLUSIONS: Given sufficient resources and complementary public health measures, contact tracing can contain known chains of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Transmission is associated with age and exposure setting, and can be highly variable, with a few infections generating a disproportionately high share of onward transmission. |
Estimated effectiveness of JYNNEOS vaccine in preventing Mpox: A Multijurisdictional Case-Control Study - United States, August 19, 2022-March 31, 2023
Dalton AF , Diallo AO , Chard AN , Moulia DL , Deputy NP , Fothergill A , Kracalik I , Wegner CW , Markus TM , Pathela P , Still WL , Hawkins S , Mangla AT , Ravi N , Licherdell E , Britton A , Lynfield R , Sutton M , Hansen AP , Betancourt GS , Rowlands JV , Chai SJ , Fisher R , Danza P , Farley M , Zipprich J , Prahl G , Wendel KA , Niccolai L , Castilho JL , Payne DC , Cohn AC , Feldstein LR . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (20) 553-558 As of March 31, 2023, more than 30,000 monkeypox (mpox) cases had been reported in the United States in an outbreak that has disproportionately affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender persons (1). JYNNEOS vaccine (Modified Vaccinia Ankara vaccine, Bavarian Nordic) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019 for the prevention of smallpox and mpox via subcutaneous injection as a 2-dose series (0.5 mL per dose, administered 4 weeks apart) (2). To expand vaccine access, an Emergency Use Authorization was issued by FDA on August 9, 2022, for dose-sparing intradermal injection of JYNNEOS as a 2-dose series (0.1 mL per dose, administered 4 weeks apart) (3). Vaccination was available to persons with known or presumed exposure to a person with mpox (postexposure prophylaxis [PEP]), as well as persons at increased risk for mpox or who might benefit from vaccination (preexposure mpox prophylaxis [PrEP]) (4). Because information on JYNNEOS vaccine effectiveness (VE) is limited, a matched case-control study was conducted in 12 U.S. jurisdictions,(†) including nine Emerging Infections Program sites and three Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity sites,(§) to evaluate VE against mpox among MSM and transgender adults aged 18-49 years. During August 19, 2022-March 31, 2023, a total of 309 case-patients were matched to 608 control patients. Adjusted VE was 75.2% (95% CI = 61.2% to 84.2%) for partial vaccination (1 dose) and 85.9% (95% CI = 73.8% to 92.4%) for full vaccination (2 doses). Adjusted VE for full vaccination by subcutaneous, intradermal, and heterologous routes of administration was 88.9% (95% CI = 56.0% to 97.2%), 80.3% (95% CI = 22.9% to 95.0%), and 86.9% (95% CI = 69.1% to 94.5%), respectively. Adjusted VE for full vaccination among immunocompromised participants was 70.2% (95% CI = -37.9% to 93.6%) and among immunocompetent participants was 87.8% (95% CI = 57.5% to 96.5%). JYNNEOS is effective at reducing the risk for mpox. Because duration of protection of 1 versus 2 doses remains unknown, persons at increased risk for mpox exposure should receive the 2-dose series as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP),(¶) regardless of administration route or immunocompromise status. |
Outcomes at least 90 days since onset of myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents and young adults in the USA: a follow-up surveillance study.
Kracalik I , Oster ME , Broder KR , Cortese MM , Glover M , Shields K , Creech CB , Romanson B , Novosad S , Soslow J , Walter EB , Marquez P , Dendy JM , Woo J , Valderrama AL , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Assefa A , Campbell MJ , Su JR , Magill SS , Shay DK , Shimabukuro TT , Basavaraju SV . Lancet Child Adolesc Health 2022 6 (11) 788-798 BACKGROUND: Data on medium-term outcomes in indivduals with myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination are scarce. We aimed to assess clinical outcomes and quality of life at least 90 days since onset of myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents and young adults. METHODS: In this follow-up surveillance study, we conducted surveys in US individuals aged 12-29 years with myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, for whom a report had been filed to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System between Jan 12 and Nov 5, 2021. A two-component survey was administered, one component to patients (or parents or guardians) and one component to health-care providers, to assess patient outcomes at least 90 days since myocarditis onset. Data collected were recovery status, cardiac testing, and functional status, and EuroQol health-related quality-of-life measures (dichotomised as no problems or any problems), and a weighted quality-of-life measure, ranging from 0 to 1 (full health). The EuroQol results were compared with published results in US populations (aged 18-24 years) from before and early on in the COVID-19 pandemic. FINDINGS: Between Aug 24, 2021, and Jan 12, 2022, we collected data for 519 (62%) of 836 eligible patients who were at least 90 days post-myocarditis onset: 126 patients via patient survey only, 162 patients via health-care provider survey only, and 231 patients via both surveys. Median patient age was 17 years (IQR 15-22); 457 (88%) patients were male and 61 (12%) were female. 320 (81%) of 393 patients with a health-care provider assessment were considered recovered from myocarditis by their health-care provider, although at the last health-care provider follow-up, 104 (26%) of 393 patients were prescribed daily medication related to myocarditis. Of 249 individuals who completed the quality-of-life portion of the patient survey, four (2%) reported problems with self-care, 13 (5%) with mobility, 49 (20%) with performing usual activities, 74 (30%) with pain, and 114 (46%) with depression. Mean weighted quality-of-life measure (0·91 [SD 0·13]) was similar to a pre-pandemic US population value (0·92 [0·13]) and significantly higher than an early pandemic US population value (0·75 [0·28]; p<0·0001). Most patients had improvements in cardiac diagnostic marker and testing data at follow-up, including normal or back-to-baseline troponin concentrations (181 [91%] of 200 patients with available data), echocardiograms (262 [94%] of 279 patients), electrocardiograms (240 [77%] of 311 patients), exercise stress testing (94 [90%] of 104 patients), and ambulatory rhythm monitoring (86 [90%] of 96 patients). An abnormality was noted among 81 (54%) of 151 patients with follow-up cardiac MRI; however, evidence of myocarditis suggested by the presence of both late gadolinium enhancement and oedema on cardiac MRI was uncommon (20 [13%] of 151 patients). At follow-up, most patients were cleared for all physical activity (268 [68%] of 393 patients). INTERPRETATION: After at least 90 days since onset of myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, most individuals in our cohort were considered recovered by health-care providers, and quality of life measures were comparable to those in pre-pandemic and early pandemic populations of a similar age. These findings might not be generalisable given the small sample size and further follow-up is needed for the subset of patients with atypical test results or not considered recovered. FUNDING: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
Risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Transmission Through Solid Organ Transplantation and Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Among Recent Transplant Recipients.
Free RJ , Annambhotla P , La Hoz RM , Danziger-Isakov L , Jones JM , Wang L , Sankthivel S , Levi ME , Michaels MG , Kuhnert W , Klassen D , Basavaraju SV , Kracalik IT . Open Forum Infect Dis 2022 9 (7) ofac221 BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is transmissible through lung transplantation, and outcomes among infected organ recipients may be severe. Transmission risk to extrapulmonary organ recipients and recent (within 30 days of transplantation) SARS-CoV-2-infected recipient outcomes are unclear. METHODS: During March 2020-March 2021, potential SARS-CoV-2 transmissions through solid organ transplantation were investigated. Assessments included SARS-CoV-2 testing, medical record review, determination of likely transmission route, and recent recipient outcomes. RESULTS: During March 2020-March 2021, approximately 42 740 organs were transplanted in the United States. Forty donors, who donated 140 organs to 125 recipients, were investigated. Nine (23%) donors and 25 (20%) recipients were SARS-CoV-2 positive by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Most (22/25 [88%]) SARS-CoV-2-infected recipients had healthcare or community exposures. Nine SARS-CoV-2-infected donors donated 21 organs to 19 recipients. Of these, 3 lung recipients acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections from donors with negative SARS-CoV-2 testing of pretransplant upper respiratory tract specimens but from whom posttransplant lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens were SARS-CoV-2 positive. Sixteen recipients of extrapulmonary organs from SARS-CoV-2-infected donors had no evidence of posttransplant COVID-19. All-cause mortality within 45 days after transplantation was 6-fold higher among SARS-CoV-2-infected recipients (9/25 [36%]) than those without (6/100 [6%]). CONCLUSIONS: Transplant-transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is uncommon. Pretransplant NAAT of lung donor LRT specimens may prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through transplantation. Extrapulmonary organs from SARS-CoV-2-infected donors may be safely usable, although further study is needed. Reducing recent recipient exposures to SARS-CoV-2 should remain a focus of prevention. |
Extensively Drug-Resistant Carbapenemase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Medical Tourism from the United States to Mexico, 2018-2019.
Kracalik I , Ham DC , McAllister G , Smith AR , Vowles M , Kauber K , Zambrano M , Rodriguez G , Garner K , Chorbi K , Cassidy PM , McBee S , Stoney RJ , Moser K , Villarino ME , Zazueta OE , Bhatnagar A , Sula E , Stanton RA , Brown AC , Halpin AL , Epstein L , Walters MS . Emerg Infect Dis 2022 28 (1) 51-61 ![]() ![]() Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) producing the Verona integron‒encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) are highly antimicrobial drug-resistant pathogens that are uncommon in the United States. We investigated the source of VIM-CRPA among US medical tourists who underwent bariatric surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. Cases were defined as isolation of VIM-CRPA or CRPA from a patient who had an elective invasive medical procedure in Mexico during January 2018‒December 2019 and within 45 days before specimen collection. Whole-genome sequencing of isolates was performed. Thirty-eight case-patients were identified in 18 states; 31 were operated on by surgeon 1, most frequently at facility A (27/31 patients). Whole-genome sequencing identified isolates linked to surgeon 1 were closely related and distinct from isolates linked to other surgeons in Tijuana. Facility A closed in March 2019. US patients and providers should acknowledge the risk for colonization or infection after medical tourism with highly drug-resistant pathogens uncommon in the United States. |
Coronavirus Disease Contact Tracing Outcomes and Cost, Salt Lake County, Utah, USA, March-May 2020.
Fields VL , Kracalik IT , Carthel C , Lopez A , Schwartz A , Lewis NM , Bray M , Claflin C , Jorgensen K , Khong H , Richards W , Risk I , Smithee M , Clawson M , Booth LC , Scribellito T , Lowry J , Huynh J , Davis L , Birch H , Tran T , Walker J , Fry A , Hall A , Baker J , Pevzner E , Dunn AC , Tate JE , Kirking HL , Kiphibane T , Tran CH . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (12) 2999-3008 Outcomes and costs of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) contact tracing are limited. During March-May 2020, we constructed transmission chains from 184 index cases and 1,499 contacts in Salt Lake County, Utah, USA, to assess outcomes and estimate staff time and salaries. We estimated 1,102 staff hours and $29,234 spent investigating index cases and contacts. Among contacts, 374 (25%) had COVID-19; secondary case detection rate was ≈31% among first-generation contacts, ≈16% among second- and third-generation contacts, and ≈12% among fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation contacts. At initial interview, 51% (187/370) of contacts were COVID-19-positive; 35% (98/277) became positive during 14-day quarantine. Median time from symptom onset to investigation was 7 days for index cases and 4 days for first-generation contacts. Contact tracing reduced the number of cases between contact generations and time between symptom onset and investigation but required substantial resources. Our findings can help jurisdictions allocate resources for contact tracing. |
Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis among Transfusion and Transplant Recipients in the United States
Mowla SJ , Drexler NA , Cherry CC , Annambholta PD , Kracalik IT , Basavaraju SV . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (11) 2768-2775 Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are emerging tickborne diseases that can also be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants. Since 2000, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis cases in the United States have increased substantially, resulting in potential risk to transplant and transfusion recipients. We reviewed ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis cases among blood transfusion and solid organ transplant recipients in the United States from peer-reviewed literature and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigations. We identified 132 cases during 1997-2020, 12 transfusion-associated cases and 120 cases in transplant recipients; 8 cases were donor-derived, and in 13 cases illness occurred <1 year after transplant. Disease in the remaining 99 cases occurred ≥1 year after transplant, suggesting donor-derived disease was unlikely. Severe illness or death were reported among 15 transfusion and transplant recipients. Clinicians should be alert for these possible infections among transfusion and transplant recipients to prevent severe complications or death by quickly treating them. |
How do I… facilitate a rapid response to a public health emergency requiring plasma collection with a public-private partnership?
Miller MJ , Skrzekut A , Kracalik I , Jones JM , Lofy KH , Konkle BA , Haley NR , Duvenhage M , Bonnett T , Holbrook M , Higgs E , Basavaraju SV , Paranjape S . Transfusion 2021 61 (10) 2814-2824 In March 2020, there were no treatment options for COVID-19. Passive immune therapy including anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune globulin (hIVIG) was a logical candidate for COVID-19 therapeutic trials, given past success treating emerging pathogens with endogenous neutralizing antibodies. We established a plasma collection protocol for persons recovered from COVID-19. To speed recruitment in the first U.S. hotspot, Seattle, Washington, federal and state public health agencies collaborated with Bloodworks Northwest to collect convalescent plasma (CP) for manufacturing hIVIG. During March-December 2020, we identified and recruited prospective CP donors via letters to persons recovered from COVID-19 with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prospective donors were pre-screened and administered a medical history survey. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers were classified as qualifying (≥1:80) or non-qualifying (<1:80) for enrollment based on a live virus neutralization assay. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify characteristics of donors associated with qualifying versus nonqualifying NAb titers. Overall, 21,359 letters resulted in 3207 inquiries, 2159 prescreenings with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 573 donors (27% of all pre-screenings with confirmed infection) who provided a screening plasma donation. Of 573 donors screened, 254 (44%) provided plasma with qualifying NAb titers, resulting in 1284 units for hIVIG manufacture. In a multivariable model, after adjusting for other factors, time (60 days) from COVID-19 symptom onset to screening was associated with lower odds of qualifying NAb (adjusted odds ratio = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48-0.94). The collaboration facilitated a rapid response to develop and provide hIVIG for clinical trials and CP for transfusion. Only 1 in 12 donor inquiries resulted in a qualifying plasma donation. Challenges included recruitment and the relatively low percentage of persons with high NAb titers and limited screening capacity. This resource-intensive collaboration may not be scalable but informs preparedness and response strategies for plasma collection in future epidemics. Operational readiness plans with templates for screening, consent, and data collection forms are recommended. |
Impact of the early COVID-19 pandemic on blood utilization in the United States: a time-series analysis of data reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network Hemovigilance Module.
Kracalik I , Mowla S , Katz L , Cumming M , Sapiano MRP , Basavaraju SV . Transfusion 2021 61 Suppl 2 S36-S43 INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted healthcare services worldwide. However, little has been reported regarding the impact on blood utilization. We quantified the impact of COVID-19 on blood utilization and discards among facilities reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network Hemovigilance Module. METHODS: Facilities continuously reporting data, during January 2016-June 2020, on transfused and discarded blood components, stratified by component type (red blood cells [RBC], platelets and plasma), were included. Interrupted time-series analysis with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for facility surgical volume and seasonality, was used to quantify changes in blood utilization and discards relative to a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services notification delaying non-essential medical procedures (March 2020). RESULTS: Seventy-two facilities included in the analyses, on average, transfused 44,548 and discarded 2202 blood components monthly. Following the March 2020 notification and after multivariable adjustment, RBC and platelet utilization declined, -14.8% (p < 0.001) and - 16.6% (p = 0.017) respectively. Discards increased for RBCs (49.0%, p = 0.013) and platelets (60.4%, p = 0.002). No statistically significant change in plasma was found. Following these abrupt changes, blood utilization and discards rebounded towards baseline with RBC use increasing by 5.7% (p < 0.001), and platelet and RBC discards decreasing -16.4% (<0.001) and - 12.7 (p = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Following notification delaying elective surgical procedures, blood utilization declined substantially while blood discards increased, resulting in substantial wastage of blood products. Ongoing and future pandemic response efforts should consider the impact of interventions on blood supply and demand to ensure blood availability. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. |
A Comparison of Transfusion-Related Adverse Reactions Among Apheresis Platelets, Whole Blood-Derived Platelets, and Platelets Subjected to Pathogen Reduction Technology as Reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network Hemovigilance Module
Mowla SJ , Kracalik IT , Sapiano MRP , O'Hearn L , Andrzejewski CJr , Basavaraju SV . Transfus Med Rev 2021 35 (2) 78-84 Despite advances in transfusion safety, concerns with safety of platelet transfusions remain including platelet-related sepsis and higher reaction rates observed among patients receiving apheresis platelets (APLTs). National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Hemovigilance Module (HM) data were analyzed to quantify the burden and severity of adverse reactions occurring from APLTs and whole blood-derived platelets (WBD-PLTs). Facilities participating in NHSN HM during 2010-2018 were included. Adverse reaction rates (number per 100,000 components transfused) were calculated for APLTs and WBD-PLTs stratified by severity, use of platelet additive solution (PAS), and pathogen reduction technology (PRT). Chi-square tests were used to compare rates. During the study interval, 2,000,589 platelets were transfused: 1,435,154 APLTs; 525,902 WBD-PLTs; and among APLTs, 39,533 PRT-APLTs. APLT adverse reaction rates were higher (478 vs 70/ 100,000, P< .01) and more often serious (34 vs 6/100,000; P< .01) compared with WBD-PLTs. Adverse reactions were higher among PRT-APLTs (572/100,000) and were less often serious (18/100,000) compared with non-PRT-APLTs (35/100,000) although this association was not statistically significant. Among components implicated in adverse reactions, 92% of APLTs were suspended in plasma. Compared with PRT-APLTs stored in PAS, rates were higher among units stored in plasma (760 vs 525/100,000). Most serious reactions (75%) were allergic. No transfusion-transmitted infections were reported among PRT-APLTs. APLTs were associated with a 6-fold and 2-fold higher serious adverse reaction risks compared with WBD-PLTs and PRT-APLTs, respectively. These findings demonstrate the importance of monitoring transfusion-related adverse reactions to track the safety of platelet transfusions and quantify the impact of mitigation strategies through national hemovigilance systems. |
Transfusion-related adverse reactions: Data from the National Healthcare Safety Network Hemovigilance Module - United States, 2013-2018
Kracalik I , Mowla S , Basavaraju SV , Sapiano MRP . Transfusion 2021 61 (5) 1424-1434 BACKGROUND: Despite current blood safety measures, transfusion recipients can experience transfusion-related adverse reactions. Monitoring these reactions can aid in understanding the effectiveness of current transfusion safety measures. Data from the National Healthcare Safety Network Hemovigilance Module were used to quantify adverse reaction risk. METHODS: Facilities reporting at least one month of transfused blood components and transfusion-related adverse reactions during January 2013-December 2018 were included. Adverse reaction rates (number per 100,000 components transfused) were calculated for transfused components stratified by component type, collection, and modification methods. RESULTS: During 2013-2018, 201 facilities reported 18,308 transfusion-related adverse reactions among 8.34 million blood components transfused (220/100,000). Adverse reactions were higher among apheresis (486/100,000) and pathogen-reduced platelets (579/100,000) than apheresis red blood cells (197/100,000). Allergic reactions (41%) were most common. There were 23 fatalities and 9% of all adverse reactions were serious (severe, life-threatening, or fatal). Reactions involving pulmonary complications (transfusion-associated circulatory overload, transfusion-related acute lung injury and transfusion-associated dyspnea) accounted for 35% of serious reactions but 65% of fatalities. Most (76%) of the 37 transfusion-transmitted infections were serious; none involved pathogen-reduced components. CONCLUSIONS: One in 455 blood components transfused was associated with an adverse reaction although the risk of serious reactions (1 in 6224) or transfusion-transmitted infections (1 in 225,440) was lower. Some serious reactions identified were preventable, suggesting additional safety measures may be beneficial. Higher reaction rates identified among pathogen-reduced platelets require further study. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring reactions through national hemovigilance to inform current safety measures and the need for strategies to increase healthcare facility participation. |
High Case-Fatality Rate for Human Anthrax, Northern Ghana, 2005-2016
Blackburn JK , Kenu E , Asiedu-Bekoe F , Sarkodie B , Kracalik IT , Bower WA , Stoddard RA , Traxler RM . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (4) 1216-1219 The human cutaneous anthrax case-fatality rate is ≈1% when treated, 5%-20% when untreated. We report high case-fatality rates (median 35.0%; 95% CI 21.1%-66.7%) during 2005-2016 linked to livestock handling in northern Ghana, where veterinary resources are limited. Livestock vaccination and access to human treatment should be evaluated. |
SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Recent Organ Recipients, March-May 2020, United States.
Jones JM , Kracalik I , Rana MM , Nguyen A , Keller BC , Mishkin A , Hoopes C , Kaleekal T , Humar A , Vilaro J , Im G , Smith L , Justice A , Leaumont C , Lindstrom S , Whitaker B , La Hoz RM , Michaels MG , Klassen D , Kuhnert W , Basavaraju SV . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (2) 552-555 We conducted public health investigations of 8 organ transplant recipients who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Findings suggest the most likely source of transmission was community or healthcare exposure, not the organ donor. Transplant centers should educate transplant candidates and recipients about infection prevention recommendations. |
Transmission Dynamics of COVID-19 Outbreaks Associated with Child Care Facilities - Salt Lake City, Utah, April-July 2020.
Lopez AS , Hill M , Antezano J , Vilven D , Rutner T , Bogdanow L , Claflin C , Kracalik IT , Fields VL , Dunn A , Tate JE , Kirking HL , Kiphibane T , Risk I , Tran CH . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (37) 1319-1323 Reports suggest that children aged ≥10 years can efficiently transmit SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (1,2). However, limited data are available on SARS-CoV-2 transmission from young children, particularly in child care settings (3). To better understand transmission from young children, contact tracing data collected from three COVID-19 outbreaks in child care facilities in Salt Lake County, Utah, during April 1-July 10, 2020, were retrospectively reviewed to explore attack rates and transmission patterns. A total of 184 persons, including 110 (60%) children had a known epidemiologic link to one of these three facilities. Among these persons, 31 confirmed COVID-19 cases occurred; 13 (42%) in children. Among pediatric patients with facility-associated confirmed COVID-19, all had mild or no symptoms. Twelve children acquired COVID-19 in child care facilities. Transmission was documented from these children to at least 12 (26%) of 46 nonfacility contacts (confirmed or probable cases). One parent was hospitalized. Transmission was observed from two of three children with confirmed, asymptomatic COVID-19. Detailed contact tracing data show that children can play a role in transmission from child care settings to household contacts. Having SARS-CoV-2 testing available, timely results, and testing of contacts of persons with COVID-19 in child care settings regardless of symptoms can help prevent transmission. CDC guidance for child care programs recommends the use of face masks, particularly among staff members, especially when children are too young to wear masks, along with hand hygiene, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, and staying home when ill to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission (4). |
Assessing Solid Organ Donors and Monitoring Transplant Recipients for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus Infection - U.S. Public Health Service Guideline, 2020.
Jones JM , Kracalik I , Levi ME , Bowman JS3rd , Berger JJ , Bixler D , Buchacz K , Moorman A , Brooks JT , Basavaraju SV . MMWR Recomm Rep 2020 69 (4) 1-16 ![]() ![]() The recommendations in this report supersede the U.S Public Health Service (PHS) guideline recommendations for reducing transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) through organ transplantation (Seem DL, Lee I, Umscheid CA, Kuehnert MJ. PHS guideline for reducing human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus transmission through organ transplantation. Public Health Rep 2013;128:247-343), hereafter referred to as the 2013 PHS guideline. PHS evaluated and revised the 2013 PHS guideline because of several advances in solid organ transplantation, including universal implementation of nucleic acid testing of solid organ donors for HIV, HBV, and HCV; improved understanding of risk factors for undetected organ donor infection with these viruses; and the availability of highly effective treatments for infection with these viruses. PHS solicited feedback from its relevant agencies, subject-matter experts, additional stakeholders, and the public to develop revised guideline recommendations for identification of risk factors for these infections among solid organ donors, implementation of laboratory screening of solid organ donors, and monitoring of solid organ transplant recipients. Recommendations that have changed since the 2013 PHS guideline include updated criteria for identifying donors at risk for undetected donor HIV, HBV, or HCV infection; the removal of any specific term to characterize donors with HIV, HBV, or HCV infection risk factors; universal organ donor HIV, HBV, and HCV nucleic acid testing; and universal posttransplant monitoring of transplant recipients for HIV, HBV, and HCV infections. The recommendations are to be used by organ procurement organization and transplant programs and are intended to apply only to solid organ donors and recipients and not to donors or recipients of other medical products of human origin (e.g., blood products, tissues, corneas, and breast milk). The recommendations pertain to transplantation of solid organs procured from donors without laboratory evidence of HIV, HBV, or HCV infection. Additional considerations when transplanting solid organs procured from donors with laboratory evidence of HCV infection are included but are not required to be incorporated into Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network policy. Transplant centers that transplant organs from HCV-positive donors should develop protocols for obtaining informed consent, testing and treating recipients for HCV, ensuring reimbursement, and reporting new infections to public health authorities. |
Notes from the Field: Unexplained dermatologic, respiratory, and ophthalmic symptoms among health care personnel at a hospital - West Virginia, November 2017-January 2018
Lucas TJ , Holodniy M , de Perio MA , Perkins KM , Benowitz I , Jackson D , Kracalik I , Grant M , Oda G , Powell KM . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019 68 (44) 1006-1007 During November 8–December 25, 2017, health care personnel at an 80-bed acute care facility in West Virginia reported dermatologic, respiratory, and ophthalmic symptoms to management or the occupational health clinic, prompting concern about a common exposure, possibly related to construction activities. Symptoms of affected staff members, who performed a range of clinical and nonclinical duties, often improved hours to days after leaving the hospital, suggesting potential exposure to an environmental irritant. Initially, hospital leadership encouraged symptomatic persons to seek evaluation at the occupational health clinic, although systematic evaluations were not implemented. No etiology was identified by environmental sampling for fibers, volatile organic compounds, or mold. In the absence of a clear etiology, hospital leadership stopped inpatient admissions, transferred inpatients from the two wards where most symptomatic staff members worked, and completed cleaning to include associated air-handling systems. Dermatology and allergy consultants evaluated symptomatic staff members, but because of varying clinical manifestations, results were inconclusive. On December 26, one of the closed wards reopened; during the ensuing week, six additional workers reported symptoms, and onsite CDC assistance was requested to identify an etiology. A CDC team arrived on January 8, 2018, and met with hospital and union leadership, reviewed occupational health records, observed occupational health encounters, performed unstructured individual interviews with both affected and unaffected health care personnel, assessed the physical environment, and reviewed environmental testing results. Despite these efforts, investigators were unable to identify an etiology, and the outbreak resolved without intervention. |
Bacterial and fungal infections in persons who inject drugs - western New York, 2017
Hartnett KP , Jackson KA , Felsen C , McDonald R , Bardossy AC , Gokhale RH , Kracalik I , Lucas T , McGovern O , Van Beneden CA , Mendoza M , Bohm M , Brooks JT , Asher AK , Magill SS , Fiore A , Blog D , Dufort EM , See I , Dumyati G . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019 68 (26) 583-586 During 2014-2017, CDC Emerging Infections Program surveillance data reported that the occurrence of invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections associated with injection drug use doubled among persons aged 18-49 years residing in Monroe County in western New York.* Unpublished surveillance data also indicate that an increasing proportion of all Candida spp. bloodstream infections in Monroe County and invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections in 15 New York counties are also occurring among persons who inject drugs. In addition, across six surveillance sites nationwide, the proportion of invasive MRSA infections that occurred in persons who inject drugs increased from 4.1% of invasive MRSA cases in 2011 to 9.2% in 2016 (1). To better understand the types and frequency of these infections and identify prevention opportunities, CDC and public health partners conducted a rapid assessment of bacterial and fungal infections among persons who inject drugs in western New York. The goals were to assess which bacterial and fungal pathogens most often cause infections in persons who inject drugs, what proportion of persons who inject use opioids, and of these, how many were offered medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Medication-assisted treatment, which includes use of medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, reduces cravings and has been reported to lower the risk for overdose death and all-cause mortality in persons who use opioids (2,3). In this assessment, nearly all persons with infections who injected drugs used opioids (97%), but half of inpatients (22 of 44) and 12 of 13 patients seen only in the emergency department (ED) were not offered medication-assisted treatment. The most commonly identified pathogen was S. aureus (80%), which is frequently found on skin. Health care visits for bacterial and fungal infections associated with injection opioid use are an opportunity to treat the underlying opioid use disorder with medication-assisted treatment. Routine care for patients who continue to inject should include advice on hand hygiene and not injecting into skin that has not been cleaned or to use any equipment contaminated by reuse, saliva, soil, or water (4,5). |
Notes from the Field: Verona integron-encoded metallo-beta-lactamase-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in U.S. residents associated with invasive medical procedures in Mexico, 2015-2018
Kracalik I , Ham C , Smith AR , Vowles M , Kauber K , Zambrano M , Rodriguez G , Garner K , Chorbi K , Cassidy PM , McBee S , Stoney R , Brown AC , Moser K , Villarino ME , Walters MS . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019 68 (20) 463-464 Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase–producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-CRPA) and other carbapenemase-producing organisms represent an emerging U.S. public health threat because of high levels of antibiotic resistance and the potential for rapid spread in health care facilities (1,2). During September 18–November 19, 2018, CDC received 31 reports of VIM-CRPA through the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network. Six cases (19%) occurred in U.S. patients who had recently undergone invasive medical procedures in Mexico. To identify additional cases (defined as isolation of VIM-CRPA from a patient who had an invasive procedure in Mexico in the month preceding specimen collection), CDC and state partners posted an Epi-X alert on November 19, 2018, and issued notifications through the Emerging Infections Network and to medical professional societies. As of January 18, 2019, a total of 12 cases had been identified in seven states, including four in Utah, three in Washington, and one each in Arizona, Arkansas, Oregon, Texas, and West Virginia; specimen collection months ranged from November 2015 through December 2018 (Figure). |
Modeling the environmental suitability of anthrax in Ghana and estimating populations at risk: Implications for vaccination and control
Kracalik IT , Kenu E , Ayamdooh EN , Allegye-Cudjoe E , Polkuu PN , Frimpong JA , Nyarko KM , Bower WA , Traxler R , Blackburn JK . PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 11 (10) e0005885 ![]() Anthrax is hyper-endemic in West Africa. Despite the effectiveness of livestock vaccines in controlling anthrax, underreporting, logistics, and limited resources makes implementing vaccination campaigns difficult. To better understand the geographic limits of anthrax, elucidate environmental factors related to its occurrence, and identify human and livestock populations at risk, we developed predictive models of the environmental suitability of anthrax in Ghana. We obtained data on the location and date of livestock anthrax from veterinary and outbreak response records in Ghana during 2005-2016, as well as livestock vaccination registers and population estimates of characteristically high-risk groups. To predict the environmental suitability of anthrax, we used an ensemble of random forest (RF) models built using a combination of climatic and environmental factors. From 2005 through the first six months of 2016, there were 67 anthrax outbreaks (851 cases) in livestock; outbreaks showed a seasonal peak during February through April and primarily involved cattle. There was a median of 19,709 vaccine doses [range: 0-175 thousand] administered annually. Results from the RF model suggest a marked ecological divide separating the broad areas of environmental suitability in northern Ghana from the southern part of the country. Increasing alkaline soil pH was associated with a higher probability of anthrax occurrence. We estimated 2.2 (95% CI: 2.0, 2.5) million livestock and 805 (95% CI: 519, 890) thousand low income rural livestock keepers were located in anthrax risk areas. Based on our estimates, the current anthrax vaccination efforts in Ghana cover a fraction of the livestock potentially at risk, thus control efforts should be focused on improving vaccine coverage among high risk groups. |
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