Infection Ecology and Epidemiology最新文献

{"title":"Molecular detection and characterization of Brucella species in raw informally marketed milk from Uganda","authors":"T. Hoffman, K. Rock, D. Mugizi, S. Muradrasoli, Elisabeth Lindahl-Rajala, J. Erume, U. Magnusson, Å. Lundkvist, S. Boqvist","doi":"10.3402/iee.v6.32442","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.32442","url":null,"abstract":"This study identified and characterized Brucella species in the informal milk chain in Uganda. A total of 324 cattle bulk milk samples were screened for the genus Brucella by real-time PCR with primers targeting the bcsp31 gene and further characterized by the omp25 gene. Of the samples tested, 6.5% were positive for Brucella species. In the omp25 phylogeny, the study sequences were found to form a separate clade within the branch containing B. abortus sequences. The study shows that informally marketed cattle milk in Uganda is a likely risk factor for human brucellosis and confirms that B. abortus is present in the cattle population. This information is important for potential future control measures, such as vaccination of cattle.","PeriodicalId":37446,"journal":{"name":"Infection Ecology and Epidemiology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3402/iee.v6.32442","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69759334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"WHO reform: bring back GOARN and Task Force ‘Scorpio’","authors":"J. Woodall","doi":"10.3402/iee.v6.30237","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.30237","url":null,"abstract":"WHO’s Director-General recently put the socalled failure of WHO to respond rapidly and adequately to the Ebola epidemic squarely on the shoulders of the member states, who year after year have restricted WHO’s budget options and never contributed to the emergency fund that was called for after the H1N1 influenza scare in 2009. (Published: 8 February 2016) Citation: Infection Ecology and Epidemiology 2016, 6: 30237 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.30237","PeriodicalId":37446,"journal":{"name":"Infection Ecology and Epidemiology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3402/iee.v6.30237","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69757871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in rural and urban communities from Los Rios Region, Chile","authors":"C. Munoz-Zanzi, C. Campbell, Sergey S. Berg","doi":"10.3402/iee.v6.30597","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.30597","url":null,"abstract":"Background Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent protozoan infection with a complex lifecycle and wide profile of risk factors. The impact of congenital infection is well documented; however, there is increasing evidence of a much broader range of potential health outcomes and the need to improve our understanding of the transmission patterns and infection sources in the overall population. This study examined the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in distinct community types from a highly endemic area of Chile. Methods A cross-sectional serosurvey was carried out in households from urban slums, rural villages, and farms which included collection of blood samples, as well as data on sociodemographic, behavioral, and spatial variables. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies. Avidity index was obtained for IgG-positive samples. Mixed-effects regression modeling was used to identify associations with relevant risk factors. Results Crude seroprevalence was 55.9% (95% CI: 52.6–59.1%) with no difference by community type. Results are indicative of early exposure to the parasite, including 40% of 13- to 17-year olds who were already seropositive. Sociodemographic factors associated with seropositivity included age, occupations, and income. However, sex modified the effect of occupation as well as of income. Practices associated with increased seropositivity were consumption of sheep and locally produced vegetables as well as cleaning household barns or sheds. Boiling water for household use was a protective factor. Living on a sloped terrain without vegetation was a protective factor, while living in an area with high flow accumulation index was a risk factor. Conclusions Seroprevalence of infection was high in both rural and urban slum communities with unique risk factor profiles for each community type. Findings highlight the role of the household and the community environment as influential factors in the epidemiology of the infection. Increasing awareness is needed at the health care and public health levels to establish disease burden and options for suitable control programs.","PeriodicalId":37446,"journal":{"name":"Infection Ecology and Epidemiology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3402/iee.v6.30597","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69758070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk of resistant avian influenza A virus in wild waterfowl as a result of environmental release of oseltamivir","authors":"Anna Gillman","doi":"10.3402/iee.v6.32870","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.32870","url":null,"abstract":"Oseltamivir is the best available anti-influenza drug and has therefore been stockpiled worldwide in large quantities as part of influenza pandemic preparedness planning. The active metabolite oseltamivir carboxylate (OC) is stable and is not removed by conventional sewage treatment. Active OC has been detected in river water at concentrations up to 0.86 µg/L. Although the natural reservoir hosts of influenza A virus (IAV) are wild waterfowl that reside in aquatic environments, the ecologic risks associated with environmental OC release and its potential to generate resistant viral variants among wild birds has largely been unknown. However, in recent years a number of in vivo mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) studies have been conducted regarding the potential of avian IAVs to become resistant to OC in natural reservoir birds if these are drug exposed. Development of resistance to OC was observed both in Group 1 (N1) and Group 2 (N2, N9) neuraminidase subtypes, when infected ducks were exposed to OC at concentrations between 0.95 and 12 µg/L in their water. All resistant variants maintained replication and transmission between ducks during drug exposure. In an A(H1N1)/H274Y virus, the OC resistance mutation persisted without selective drug pressure, demonstrating the potential of an IAV with a permissive genetic background to acquire and maintain OC resistance, potentially allowing circulation of the resistant variant among wild birds. The experimental studies have improved the appreciation of the risks associated with the environmental release of OC related to resistance development of avian IAVs among wild birds. Combined with knowledge of efficient methods for improved sewage treatment, the observations warrant implementation of novel efficient wastewater treatment methods, rational use of anti-influenza drugs, and improved surveillance of IAV resistance in wild birds.","PeriodicalId":37446,"journal":{"name":"Infection Ecology and Epidemiology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3402/iee.v6.32870","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69759932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bat consumption in Thailand","authors":"K. Suwannarong, S. Schuler","doi":"10.3402/iee.v6.29941","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.29941","url":null,"abstract":"Background Human consumption of bats poses an increasing public health threat globally. Communities in which bat guano is mined from caves have extensive exposure to bat excreta, often harvest bats for consumption, and are at risk for bat-borne diseases. Methods This rapid ethnographic study was conducted in four provinces of Thailand (Ratchaburi, Sakaeo, Nakorn Sawan, and Phitsanulok), where bat guano was mined and sold during the period April–August 2014. The aim of this study was to understand behaviors and risk perceptions associated with bat conservation, exposure to bats and their excreta, and bat consumption. Sixty-seven respondents playing various roles in bat guano mining, packaging, sale, and use as fertilizer participated in the study. Data were collected through interviews and/or focus group discussions. Results In spite of a bat conservation program dating back to the 1980s, the benefits of conserving bats and the risks associated with bat consumption were not clear and infrequently articulated by study respondents. Discussion Since bat consumption continues, albeit covertly, the risk of bat-borne diseases remains high. There is an opportunity to reduce the risk of bat-borne diseases in guano-mining communities by strengthening bat conservation efforts and raising awareness of the health risks of bat consumption. Further research is suggested to test behavior change strategies for reducing bat consumption.","PeriodicalId":37446,"journal":{"name":"Infection Ecology and Epidemiology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3402/iee.v6.29941","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69757826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Case report: malaria attack in southern Brazil – five-decade relapse, simian malaria or something else?","authors":"J. Woodall","doi":"10.3402/iee.v6.30139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.30139","url":null,"abstract":"First attack, Borneo 1956 I contracted malaria during a student expedition from Cambridge to British North Borneo (now Sabah, Malaysia) in 1956. It was diagnosed at the time at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London as P. vivax. (Published: 8 February 2016) Citation: Infection Ecology and Epidemiology 2016, 6: 30139 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.30139","PeriodicalId":37446,"journal":{"name":"Infection Ecology and Epidemiology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3402/iee.v6.30139","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69757830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic comparison of Escherichia coli serotype O103:H2 isolates with and without verotoxin genes: implications for risk assessment of strains commonly found in ruminant reservoirs","authors":"R. Söderlund, J. Hurel, T. Jinnerot, C. Sekse, A. Aspán, E. Eriksson, E. Bongcam-Rudloff","doi":"10.3402/iee.v6.30246","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.30246","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction Escherichia coli O103:H2 occurs as verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) carrying only vtx 1 or vtx 2 or both variants, but also as vtx-negative atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC). The majority of E. coli O103:H2 identified from cases of human disease are caused by the VTEC form. If aEPEC strains frequently acquire verotoxin genes and become VTEC, they must be considered a significant public health concern. In this study, we have characterized and compared aEPEC and VTEC isolates of E. coli O103:H2 from Swedish cattle. Methods Fourteen isolates of E. coli O103:H2 with and without verotoxin genes were collected from samples of cattle feces taken during a nationwide cattle prevalence study 2011–2012. Isolates were sequenced with a 2×100 bp setup on a HiSeq2500 instrument producing >100× coverage per isolate. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing was performed using the genome analysis tool kit (GATK). Virulence genes and other regions of interest were detected. Susceptibility to transduction by two verotoxin-encoding phages was investigated for one representative aEPEC O103:H2 isolate. Results and Discussion This study shows that aEPEC O103:H2 is more commonly found (64%) than VTEC O103:H2 (36%) in the Swedish cattle reservoir. The only verotoxin gene variant identified was vtx 1a . Phylogenetic comparison by SNP analysis indicates that while certain subgroups of aEPEC and VTEC are closely related and have otherwise near identical virulence gene repertoires, they belong to separate lineages. This indicates that the uptake or loss of verotoxin genes is a rare event in the natural cattle environment of these bacteria. However, a representative of a VTEC-like aEPEC O103:H2 subgroup could be stably lysogenized by a vtx-encoding phage in vitro.","PeriodicalId":37446,"journal":{"name":"Infection Ecology and Epidemiology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3402/iee.v6.30246","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69757934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular characterization of HCV in a Swedish county over 8 years (2002–2009) reveals distinct transmission patterns","authors":"J. Ederth, C. Jern, H. Norder, L. Magnius, E. Alm, Björg Kleverman Rognsvåg, C. Sundin, M. Brytting, J. Esbjörnsson, M. Mild","doi":"10.3402/iee.v6.30670","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.30670","url":null,"abstract":"Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern and data on its molecular epidemiology in Sweden is scarce. We carried out an 8-year population-based study of newly diagnosed HCV cases in one of Sweden's centrally situated counties, Södermanland (D-county). The aim was to characterize the HCV strains circulating, analyze their genetic relatedness to detect networks, and in combination with demographic data learn more about transmission. Methods Molecular analyses of serum samples from 91% (N=557) of all newly notified cases in D-county, 2002–2009, were performed. Phylogenetic analysis (NS5B gene, 300 bp) was linked to demographic data from the national surveillance database, SmiNet, to characterize D-county transmission clusters. The linear-by-linear association test (LBL) was used to analyze trends over time. Results The most prevalent subtypes were 1a (38%) and 3a (34%). Subtype 1a was most prevalent among cases transmitted via sexual contact, via contaminated blood, or blood products, while subtype 3a was most prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWIDs). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the subtype 3a sequences formed more and larger transmission clusters (50% of the sequences clustered), while the 1a sequences formed smaller clusters (19% of the sequences clustered), possibly suggesting different epidemics. Conclusion We found different transmission patterns in D-county which may, from a public health perspective, have implications for how to control virus infections by targeted interventions.","PeriodicalId":37446,"journal":{"name":"Infection Ecology and Epidemiology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3402/iee.v6.30670","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69758579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in gulls sampled in Southcentral Alaska is associated with urban environments","authors":"Clara Atterby, A. Ramey, Gabriel Gustafsson Hall, J. Järhult, S. Börjesson, J. Bonnedahl","doi":"10.3402/iee.v6.32334","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.32334","url":null,"abstract":"Background Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose challenges to healthcare delivery systems globally; however, limited information is available regarding the prevalence and spread of such bacteria in the environment. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in large-bodied gulls (Larus spp.) at urban and remote locations in Southcentral Alaska to gain inference into the association between antibiotic resistance in wildlife and anthropogenically influenced habitats. Methods Escherichia coli was cultured (n=115 isolates) from fecal samples of gulls (n=160) collected from a remote location, Middleton Island, and a more urban setting on the Kenai Peninsula. Results Screening of E. coli from fecal samples collected from glaucous-winged gulls (Larus glaucescens) at Middleton Island revealed 8% of isolates were resistant to one or more antibiotics and 2% of the isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotics. In contrast, 55% of E. coli isolates derived from fecal samples collected from large-bodied gulls (i.e. glaucous, herring [Larus argentatus], and potentially hybrid gulls) on the Kenai Peninsula were resistant to one or more antibiotics and 22% were resistant to three or more antibiotics. In addition, total of 16% of the gull samples from locations on the Kenai Peninsula harbored extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant E. coli isolates (extended-spectrum beta-lactamases [ESBL] and plasmid-encoded AmpC [pAmpC]), in contrast to Middleton Island where no ESBL- or pAmpC-producing isolates were detected. Conclusion Our findings indicate that increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance is associated with urban environments in Southcentral Alaska and presumably influenced by anthropogenic impacts. Further investigation is warranted to assess how migratory birds may maintain and spread antimicrobial-resistant bacteria of relevance to human and animal health.","PeriodicalId":37446,"journal":{"name":"Infection Ecology and Epidemiology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3402/iee.v6.32334","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69759187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Two clinical cases of renal syndrome caused by Dobrava/Saaremaa hantaviruses imported to the Netherlands from Poland and Belarus, 2012–2014","authors":"C. Geurtsvankessel, M. Goeijenbier, J. Verner-Carlsson, Eline Litjens, Willem-Jan W. Bos, S. Pas, M. Medonça Melo, M. Koopmans, Å. Lundkvist, C. Reusken","doi":"10.3402/iee.v6.30548","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3402/iee.v6.30548","url":null,"abstract":"We report the rare event of two imported cases in the Netherlands presenting with renal syndrome caused by Dobrava (DOBV)/Saaremaa (SAAV) hantaviruses. DOBV/SAAV hantaviruses are not circulating in the Netherlands and their clinical manifestation is typically more severe than that of the endemic Puumala virus (PUUV). This report aims to increase awareness among healthcare professionals and diagnostic laboratories to consider different hantaviruses as a cause of renal failure.","PeriodicalId":37446,"journal":{"name":"Infection Ecology and Epidemiology","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.3402/iee.v6.30548","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"69757947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}