Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Ahead of Print -The Role of Scientific Collections in Scientific Preparedness - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Building on the findings and recommendations of the Interagency Working Group on Scientific Collections, Scientific Collections International (SciColl) aims to improve the rapid access to science collections across disciplines within the federal government and globally, between government agencies and private research institutions. SciColl offered a novel opportunity for the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, to explore the value of scientific research collections under the science preparedness initiative and integrate it as a research resource at each stage in the emergence of the infectious diseases cycle. Under the leadership of SciColl’s executive secretariat at the Smithsonian Institution, and with multiple federal and international partners, a workshop during October 2014 fully explored the intersections of the infectious disease cycle and the role scientific collections could play as an evidentiary scientific resource to mitigate risks associated with emerging infectious diseases.
Ahead of Print -The Role of Scientific Collections in Scientific Preparedness - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -The Role of Scientific Collections in Scientific Preparedness - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Ahead of Print -Infections with Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Cytokine Responses in 2 Persons Bitten by Ticks, Sweden - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
The prevalence of Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis infection was determined in 102 persons bitten by ticks in Sweden. Two infected women had erythematous rashes; 1 was co-infected with a Borrelia sp., and the other showed seroconversion for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Both patients had increased levels ofNeoehrlichia DNA and serum cytokines for several months.
Ahead of Print -Infections with Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Cytokine Responses in 2 Persons Bitten by Ticks, Sweden - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -Infections with Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Cytokine Responses in 2 Persons Bitten by Ticks, Sweden - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Ahead of Print -Community-Based Outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C Infection in Men who Have Sex with Men, New York City, New York, USA, 2010−2013 - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
In September 2012, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene identified an outbreak ofNeisseria meningitidis serogroup C invasive meningococcal disease among men who have sex with men (MSM). Twenty-two case-patients and 7 deaths were identified during August 2010−February 2013. During this period, 7 cases in non-MSM were diagnosed. The slow-moving outbreak was linked to the use of websites and mobile phone applications that connect men with male sexual partners, which complicated the epidemiologic investigation and prevention efforts. We describe the outbreak and steps taken to interrupt transmission, including an innovative and wide-ranging outreach campaign that involved direct, internet-based, and media-based communications; free vaccination events; and engagement of community and government partners. We conclude by discussing the challenges of managing an outbreak affecting a discrete community of MSM and the benefits of using social networking technology to reach this at-risk population.
Ahead of Print -Community-Based Outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C Infection in Men who Have Sex with Men, New York City, New York, USA, 2010−2013 - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -Community-Based Outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C Infection in Men who Have Sex with Men, New York City, New York, USA, 2010−2013 - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -Bartonella spp. and Coxiella burnetii Associated with Community-Acquired, Culture-Negative Endocarditis, Brazil - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
We evaluated culture-negative, community-acquired endocarditis by using indirect immunofluorescent assays and molecular analyses for Bartonella spp. and Coxiella burnetii and found a prevalence of 19.6% and 7.8%, respectively. Our findings reinforce the need to study these organisms in patients with culture-negative, community-acquired endocarditis, especially B. henselae in cat owners.
Ahead of Print -Bartonella spp. and Coxiella burnetii Associated with Community-Acquired, Culture-Negative Endocarditis, Brazil - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -Bartonella spp. and Coxiella burnetii Associated with Community-Acquired, Culture-Negative Endocarditis, Brazil - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -Public Health Response to Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus Mosquitoes Invading California, USA - Volume 21, Number 10—October 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes, primary vectors of dengue and chikungunya viruses, were recently detected in California, USA. The threat of potential local transmission of these viruses increases as more infected travelers arrive from affected areas. Public health response has included enhanced human and mosquito surveillance, education, and intensive mosquito control.
Ahead of Print -Public Health Response to Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus Mosquitoes Invading California, USA - Volume 21, Number 10—October 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -Public Health Response to Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus Mosquitoes Invading California, USA - Volume 21, Number 10—October 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Monday, June 15, 2015
Thursday, June 11, 2015
South Korea races to limit economic fallout from MERS - Jun. 11, 2015
South Korea's economy was looking shaky even before an outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome killed 10 people. Now the risks are rising fast.
The country's central bank warned Thursday that MERS posed a significant threat, and cut its main interest rate to a record low to try to contain the fallout.
South Korea races to limit economic fallout from MERS - Jun. 11, 2015
The country's central bank warned Thursday that MERS posed a significant threat, and cut its main interest rate to a record low to try to contain the fallout.
South Korea races to limit economic fallout from MERS - Jun. 11, 2015
Poached! Bird flu leads to egg shortage, higher prices - Jun. 10, 2015
You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, right?
Those broken eggs may cost you more pretty soon -- assuming you can even find some eggs to buy.
Poached! Bird flu leads to egg shortage, higher prices - Jun. 10, 2015
Those broken eggs may cost you more pretty soon -- assuming you can even find some eggs to buy.
Poached! Bird flu leads to egg shortage, higher prices - Jun. 10, 2015
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Ahead of Print -Genomic Assays for Identification of Chikungunya Virus in Blood Donors, Puerto Rico, 2014 - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
A newly developed transcription-mediated amplification assay was used to detect chikungunya virus infection in 3 of 557 asymptomatic donors (0.54%) from Puerto Rico during the 2014–2015 Caribbean epidemic. Viral detection was confirmed by using PCR, microarray, and next-generation sequencing. Molecular clock analysis dated the emergence of the Puerto Rico strains to early 2014.
Ahead of Print -Genomic Assays for Identification of Chikungunya Virus in Blood Donors, Puerto Rico, 2014 - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -Genomic Assays for Identification of Chikungunya Virus in Blood Donors, Puerto Rico, 2014 - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -Health Care–Associated Infection Outbreak Investigations in Outpatient Settings, Los Angeles County, California, USA, 2000−2012 - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Health care services are increasingly delivered in outpatient settings. However, infection control oversight in outpatient settings to ensure patient safety has not improved and literature quantifying reported health care–associated infection outbreaks in outpatient settings is scarce. The objective of this analysis was to characterize investigations of suspected and confirmed outbreaks in outpatient settings in Los Angeles County, California, USA, reported during 2000–2012, by using internal logs; publications; records; and correspondence of outbreak investigations by characteristics of the setting, number, and type of infection control breaches found during investigations, outcomes of cases, and public health responses. Twenty-eight investigations met the inclusion criteria. Investigations occurred frequently, in diverse settings, and required substantial public health resources. Most outpatient settings investigated had >1 infection control breach. Lapses in infection control were suspected to be the outbreak source for 16 of the reviewed investigations.
Ahead of Print -Health Care–Associated Infection Outbreak Investigations in Outpatient Settings, Los Angeles County, California, USA, 2000−2012 - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -Health Care–Associated Infection Outbreak Investigations in Outpatient Settings, Los Angeles County, California, USA, 2000−2012 - Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Putting Antibiotic Stewardship into Action
From the #USDA:
The White House on June 2 convened a national forum to seek action on the problem of anti-microbial resistance. The development of antibiotics was one of the most significant medical achievements of the last century, and has helped to save millions of lives. But their overuse or misuse has resulted in the rise of bacteria strains that are resistant to antibiotics.
The White House has unveiled a National Action Plan designed to advance the appropriate use of antibiotics in food animals as well as promote collaborations among partners in medicine, veterinary medicine, and public health. This is consistent with a “One Health” approach that embraces the idea that a disease problem impacting the health of humans, animals, and the environment can only be solved through improved communication, cooperation, and collaboration across disciplines and institutions. USDA, which helped develop the National Action Plan, was pleased to join our many Federal partners and continue our work with the agriculture industry at the forum.
USDA continues to research alternatives to antibiotics, including vaccines, to reduce the use of medically important antibiotics and develop new tools to prevent and treat diseases that impact the health, welfare, and production of livestock, poultry and fish.
For example, recent findings by USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists suggest that lysozyme, an enzyme used in many foods and beverages can serve as a natural alternative to antibiotics used to improve feed efficiency and growth in pigs.
And through our shared goal, USDA will continue working with the agriculture industry to optimize stewardship of antibiotics in food animals.
In addition, collaborations among partners in medicine, veterinary medicine, and public health are being promoted to support a one health approach to the issue of antimicrobial resistance.
There are a number of entities in the agriculture sector that are trying to address antibiotic stewardship. Specifically,
Food producers and retailers are taking actions such as voluntarily phasing out the use of medically important antibiotics for growth promotion, providing responsible use guidelines to suppliers from whom they purchase meat, and funding research for alternative management practices that reduce the need for antibiotics. Some store owners are committing to purchase from suppliers who already have or are phasing out the use of medically important antibiotics or that can provide them with antibiotic-free meat and poultry.
Animal pharmaceutical companies are committed to align their medically important antibiotic products with FDA’s guidance, including removing growth promotion uses and changing marketing status to require veterinary oversight of product use. Further, the companies investing in vaccines, best management practices, on-farm hygiene, and proper nutritional innovations that will benefit animal health while lessening the reliance on traditional antibiotics.
Animal feed industry organizations and livestock and poultry farmers are educating producers and ranchers about the FDA labeling changes that will bring all feed uses of medically important antibiotics under the oversight of licensed veterinarians. These educational campaigns are helping to make farmers aware of antimicrobial stewardship programs and keeping them updated on best practices for antimicrobial use and policy.
Livestock and poultry farmers are conducting education and outreach campaigns to make farmers aware of antibiotic stewardship programs and keeping them updated on best practices for antibiotic use and policy.
Veterinary, animal agriculture, and meat associations are developing and updating species-specific judicious use guidelines, conducting education campaigns on judicious use, and encouraging data collection efforts. The organizations are committed to magnifying education outreach efforts through their vast networks by distributing educational material, holding symposiums to bring those in public health and agriculture together, and conducting regional workshops on new antibiotic use and veterinary oversight policies.
And, general agriculture, food system non-government organizations are conducting education and outreach and developing standards with an accompanying verification program for the judicious use of medically important antibiotics in food producing animals.
Through this multidisciplinary approach, USDA’s objective remains to preserve, maintain or reduce health risks to animals, humans, the environment and society.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Rabies Research and Prevention Subject of Student's Winning Logo
From the #USDA:
Colorado State University graphics design student Katie Clonan with her winning logo. Photo by USDA.
Come this October, Katie Clonan is looking forward to seeing the fruits of her labor all over Fort Collins, Colorado. That’s because Katie is the winner of the 2015 Rabies in the Americas (RITA) logo contest. Her logo will be showcased on t-shirts, banners, and other paraphernalia shared with more than 300 attendees of the 26th annual RITA conference from October 4-8 in Fort Collins.
“This is the first time the international Rabies in the Americas conference has been held in Colorado,” notes Dr. Stephanie Shwiff, one of several USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientists helping to plan the event. “We’re excited to host the conference with our colleagues in the Wildlife Services National Rabies Management Programand other members of the RITA planning committee. One of my favorite tasks so far has been partnering with Colorado State University’s (CSU) Department of Art and Art History to sponsor a logo contest.”
As part of their spring semester course in illustration, more than thirty CSU graphic design students each created a logo for use on conference promotional materials. Katie, a junior Fine Arts major, won the contest including a $500 prize donated by the RITA planning committee. Her simple, elegant design includes silhouettes of paw prints, a bat wing, and a human hand. Colorado State University is managing the conference and everything, including the prize money and the logo items, will be paid for from attendee registration fees and sponsor donations.
“Given this is an international conference and attendees work on a variety of rabies issues, I wanted to make sure that each attendee could relate to the logo in some way. I not only drew inspiration from the animals affected by rabies, but also the human side of the story,” notes Katie. “I learned so much during this process about rabies and how it still impacts people around the world. I wanted my design to reflect that.”
The annual RITA meeting has grown in popularity and prominence since its start in 1990 with delegates now coming from more than 20 countries across five continents. The meeting provides an opportunity for researchers, health professionals, rabies program managers, wildlife biologists, laboratory personnel, and other people interested in advancing knowledge about rabies surveillance, prevention and control, to meet, share their successes, and discuss challenges.
Rabies in domestic animals and wildlife is a concern in many areas around the world. In the United States, wildlife accounts for approximately 92 percent of all reported rabies cases. In other areas, such as in Mexico and South America, rabies is still prevalent in dogs and bats.
Over 60,000 people worldwide die from rabies each year.
To learn more about USDA’s work related to rabies, please visit the following:
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Appalachia gripped by hepatitis C epidemic, bracing for HIV - WJHL.com
HAZARD, Ky. (AP) - Public health officials warn that rural Appalachia might be just a few dirty needles away from an HIV catastrophe, as the region is gripped by an epidemic of injection drug abuse and hepatitis C.
Appalachia gripped by hepatitis C epidemic, bracing for HIV - WJHL.com
Appalachia gripped by hepatitis C epidemic, bracing for HIV - WJHL.com
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Ahead of Print -Chronic Q Fever Diagnosis—Consensus Guideline versus Expert Opinion - Volume 21, Number 7—July 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Chronic Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, has high mortality and morbidity rates if left untreated. Controversy about the diagnosis of this complex disease has emerged recently. We applied the guideline from the Dutch Q Fever Consensus Group and a set of diagnostic criteria proposed by Didier Raoult to all 284 chronic Q fever patients included in the Dutch National Chronic Q Fever Database during 2006–2012. Of the patients who had proven cases of chronic Q fever by the Dutch guideline, 46 (30.5%) would not have received a diagnosis by the alternative criteria designed by Raoult, and 14 (4.9%) would have been considered to have possible chronic Q fever. Six patients with proven chronic Q fever died of related causes. Until results from future studies are available, by which current guidelines can be modified, we believe that the Dutch literature-based consensus guideline is more sensitive and easier to use in clinical practice.
Ahead of Print -Chronic Q Fever Diagnosis—Consensus Guideline versus Expert Opinion - Volume 21, Number 7—July 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Ahead of Print -Chronic Q Fever Diagnosis—Consensus Guideline versus Expert Opinion - Volume 21, Number 7—July 2015 - Emerging Infectious Disease journal - CDC
Monday, June 1, 2015
KU freshman dies from bacterial meningitis - KCTV5
LAWRENCE, KS (KCTV) -
Read more: http://www.kctv5.com/story/29206009/ku-freshman-dies-from-bacterial-meningitis#ixzz3brMRzRkO
KU freshman dies from bacterial meningitis - KCTV5
A freshman at the University of Kansas has died after suffering from a bacterial meningitis infection.
University officials said Haley Drown was enrolled this past academic year. She had enrolled for fall 2015. She had lived in Corbin Hall on campus.
Read more: http://www.kctv5.com/story/29206009/ku-freshman-dies-from-bacterial-meningitis#ixzz3brMRzRkO
KU freshman dies from bacterial meningitis - KCTV5
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