A Large Epidemic of Hepatitis B in Serbia: An Integrated Model for Outbreak Investigations in Healthcare Settings

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (06) ◽  
pp. 732-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Lanini ◽  
Gorana Ćosić ◽  
Stefano Menzo ◽  
Vincenzo Puro ◽  
Predrag Đurić ◽  
...  

We report a comprehensive approach for outbreak investigations, including cluster analysis (Bernoulli model), an algorithm to build inferential models, and molecular techniques to confirm cases. Our approach may be an interesting tool to best exploit the large amount of unsystematically collected information available during outbreak investigations in healthcare settings.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2014;35(6):732–735

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 658-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barun Mathema ◽  
Natalia E. Kurepina ◽  
Pablo J. Bifani ◽  
Barry N. Kreiswirth

SUMMARY Molecular epidemiologic studies of tuberculosis (TB) have focused largely on utilizing molecular techniques to address short- and long-term epidemiologic questions, such as in outbreak investigations and in assessing the global dissemination of strains, respectively. This is done primarily by examining the extent of genetic diversity of clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When molecular methods are used in conjunction with classical epidemiology, their utility for TB control has been realized. For instance, molecular epidemiologic studies have added much-needed accuracy and precision in describing transmission dynamics, and they have facilitated investigation of previously unresolved issues, such as estimates of recent-versus-reactive disease and the extent of exogenous reinfection. In addition, there is mounting evidence to suggest that specific strains of M. tuberculosis belonging to discrete phylogenetic clusters (lineages) may differ in virulence, pathogenesis, and epidemiologic characteristics, all of which may significantly impact TB control and vaccine development strategies. Here, we review the current methods, concepts, and applications of molecular approaches used to better understand the epidemiology of TB.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Kim ◽  
Brandon Ruan ◽  
Lee Bartel ◽  
Bev Foster ◽  
Chelsea Mackinnon

Music serves as an important tool to improve the health and wellness of individuals in healthcare settings. In times of high caregiver burnout, therapeutic outlets such as music for care receivers and providers are becoming increasingly important. This paper presents the first iteration of the Caregiver Confidence using Music Scale (CCuMS), an assessment tool designed to evaluate caregivers’ readiness to adopt music care. Music care is defined as the informed and intentional use of music by anyone to improve the quality of care. The CCuMS was derived from a hierarchical cluster analysis of the Music Care Training program’s Level 1 post-evaluation survey (Post-MCTL1). Thematic interpretation of the statistical outputs from the cluster analysis was completed, resulting in the first iteration of the CCuMS. Initial validation methods that were feasible with current data were conducted. Specifically, face validity, content validity and convergent validity were calculated using Pearson correlations. The CCuMS shows promise as a measurement tool for use in healthcare settings due to the moderate correlation between the Post-MCTL1 and the CCuMS scale (r=0.524), and the strong correlation between the music care training thematic questionnaire and the CCuMS (r=0.970).


Author(s):  
Bryan E. Christensen ◽  
Ryan P. Fagan

Healthcare-associated infections (e.g., bloodstream, respiratory tract, urinary tract, or surgical site) can be common in patients. Patients receiving acute and chronic healthcare across various settings, such as hospitals, dialysis clinics, and nursing homes, tend to have comorbidities that make them more susceptible to infection than their counterparts in the general community. Also, some pathogens may be more likely to cause infection in healthcare settings because of the unique exposures that patients can experience, such as invasive procedures or indwelling medical devices. Similar to community outbreak investigations, the primary purpose of an investigation in a healthcare setting is to determine the source of the outbreak, define mode of transmission, disrupt disease transmission, and prevent further transmission.


1999 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 782-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. J. Hutin ◽  
R. Harpaz ◽  
J. Drobeniuc ◽  
A. Melnic ◽  
C. Ray ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1111-1113
Author(s):  
Riley Hazard ◽  
Kyle B. Enfield ◽  
Darla J. Low ◽  
Eve T. Giannetta ◽  
Costi D. Sifri

We describe an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) in the food preparation area of a hospital, which demonstrates that employees in healthcare settings may serve as potential risks for spread of TB even if they have no direct patient contact.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:1111–1113


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Raz Sirwan Abdulla ◽  
Salih Ahmed Hama

Hepatitis B virus infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus, a major global health problem. This infection can lead to chronic conditions, followed by cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current study was aimed to detect HBV using serological and molecular techniques. During 2019, 300 blood samples were collected from Kurdistan Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology in Sulaimani city. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques were used for the detection of HBsAg and HBV DNA, respectively. Obtained results were revealed that 92 out of 300 tested patients (30.66%) seropositive for HBsAg. Among 92 seropositive patients, 53 were shown positive results for HBV DNA by RT-PCR. Dental clinic visiting and dialysis were among the important risk factors for HBV transmission. The vast majority of positive results were among males. Smokers showed relatively high rates of positive results. One-third of the referred patients who had liver complaints were positive for HBsAg. More than half of the seropositive patients showed RT-PCR positive results. It was concluded that the molecular method (RT-PCR) is more sensitive and gives a more accurate result than serology (ELISA). Therefore, it can be used as a diagnostic tool for HBV detection.


2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 1344-1347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Schleihauf ◽  
Sumana Fathima ◽  
Janice Pettipas ◽  
Jason J. LeBlanc ◽  
Todd F. Hatchette ◽  
...  

To determine the optimal number of specimens for virus detection in a respiratory outbreak, laboratory results from 2 Canadian public health laboratories were reviewed. The evidence suggests that 3 specimens are sufficient for detection of a virus in >95% of outbreaks, thereby reducing laboratory costs.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(11): 1344–1347


2004 ◽  
Vol 115 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Rodrı́guez-Nóvoa ◽  
Antonio Gómez-Tato ◽  
Antonio Aguilera-Guirao ◽  
Javier Castroagudı́n ◽  
Arturo González-Quintela ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha B. Dolan ◽  
Tanya E. Libby ◽  
Megan C. Lindley ◽  
Faruque Ahmed ◽  
John Stevenson ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVETo characterize health professional schools by their vaccination policies for acceptable forms of evidence of immunity and exemptions permitted.METHODSData were collected between September 2011 and April 2012 using an Internet-based survey e-mailed to selected types of accredited health professional programs. Schools were identified through accrediting associations for each type of health professional program. Analysis was limited to schools requiring ≥1 vaccine recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella, pertussis, and influenza. Weighted bivariate frequencies were generated using SAS 9.3.RESULTSOf 2,775 schools surveyed, 75% (n=2,077) responded; of responding schools, 93% (1947) required ≥1 ACIP-recommended vaccination. The proportion of schools accepting ≥1 non–ACIP-recommended form of evidence of immunity varied by vaccine: 42% for pertussis, 37% for influenza, 30% for rubella, 22% for hepatitis B, 18% for varicella, and 9% for measles and mumps. Among schools with ≥1 vaccination requirement, medical exemptions were permitted for ≥1 vaccine by 75% of schools; 54% permitted religious exemptions; 35% permitted personal belief exemptions; 58% permitted any nonmedical exemption.CONCLUSIONSMany schools accept non–ACIP-recommended forms of evidence of immunity which could lead some students to believe they are protected from vaccine preventable diseases when they may be susceptible. Additional efforts are needed to better educate school officials about current ACIP recommendations for acceptable forms of evidence of immunity so school policies can be revised as needed.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–6


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