A retrospective review of notified human cryptosporidiosis cases in the Waikato region of New Zealand, 2004 to 2011.

AIM: To retrospectively review notified human cryptosporidiosis cases in the Waikato region of New Zealand between 2004 and 2011 and to identify risk factors for human cryptosporidiosis infection. METHOD: Waikato cryptosporidiosis notification data for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2011 were analysed to identify any trends in the rates and distribution of key variables. A comparison was made between urban and rural dwelling cases. RESULTS: Annual Waikato cryptosporidiosis notification rates were consistently higher than national rates. Analysis showed a seasonal peak centred around September with most cases having direct or indirect contact with cattle. Comparisons between urban and rural cases showed similar probable causes of infection and higher rates of infection in rural cases. CONCLUSION: Those who have contact with animals continue to be at risk of infection from Cryptosporidium. The data suggests that children who live on rural properties and have contact with animal faeces, either directly or via a contaminated drinking water supply, are at the highest risk of infection.

A retrospective review of notified human leptospirosis cases in the Waikato region of New Zealand, 2004 to 2010.

AIM: To retrospectively review notified human leptospirosis cases in the Waikato region of New Zealand between 2004 and 2010 and to identify risk factors for human leptospirosis infection. METHOD: Waikato leptospirosis notification data for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2010 were analysed to identify any trends in the rates and distribution of key variables. RESULTS: Annual Waikato leptospirosis notification rates were consistently higher than national rates. Infection was associated with males (93%) of working age (97%) who had exposure to animals through their occupation. Most cases were employed in dry stock farming, dairy farming or in the meat processing industry. CONCLUSION: Those who work with cattle continue to be at risk of infection from Leptospira. The data suggests that dry stock cattle farmers are at the highest risk. It is speculated that the immunisation of all cattle herds may further reduce the incidence of leptospirosis, although more accurate collection of work exposure data and further analysis is needed to determine this.

Direct interface of chemistry to microbiological systems: membrane inlet mass spectrometry.

Direct measurement of dissolved gases and low molecular weight volatiles through permeable membranes (e.g. 50-microm-thick silicone rubber), provides an invaluable tool for the investigation of the activities of microorganisms in the laboratory and in their natural environments. Multiple molecular species are monitored at a single point. Fast response times (t(90%)<1 min) and long-term stability, (<1% week(-1)); high specificity and high sensitivity (e.g. 0.2 microM for O(2), <0.5 mM for ethanol), provides a technique that can provide information on the kinetics of processes over many decades (10(0)-10(6)) of minutes. Spatial resolution of <1 mm enables 3D mapping of gases in complex ecosystems (sediments, peat, soils, biofilms, foodstuffs). Results with membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) when used in conjunction with confocal scanning laser microscopy, provides a powerful approach to the analysis of kinetic and spatial aspects of natural environments. Examples discussed are peat cores and cheese.