Surveillance of listeriosis in the Tel Aviv District, Israel, 2010-2015.

This study analyses the epidemiologic, clinical and molecular findings of all culture-confirmed cases of listeriosis notified from 2010 to 2015 in the Tel Aviv District, which is known to have high rates of listeriosis. All clinical isolates of Listeria monocytogenes were subtyped using two-enzyme pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. During the studied period, 102 cases of listeriosis were notified, including 23 pregnancy-associated cases (23%). Among 79 non-pregnancy-associated cases, 18 had neuro-invasive disease (21%). There were 26 deaths associated with the disease. Using molecular identification, we found a number of clusters of identical bacterial clones, which pointed to possible sources of infection. The high rates of morbidity and mortality resulting from listeriosis, as well as the diverse ways of infection demonstrated in this study, accentuate the need to boost public health actions, in order to raise awareness and better control high-risk contamination routes.

Ongoing African measles virus genotype outbreak in Tel Aviv district since April, Israel, 2012.

A measles outbreak is affecting the Tel Aviv district, Israel, since April 2012. As of 10 September, 99 cases were confirmed, including 63 (64%) migrants of Eritrean and Sudanese origin. All genotyped cases had the African B3 genotype*. The mean age of migrant and non-migrant cases was 6.0±9.6 and 30.2±24.2 years, respectively (p<0.001). The majority of both migrant and non-migrant cases was unvaccinated. This is the second African measles B3 genotype outbreak within the World Health Organization European region in 2012.

Humidifier-associated paediatric Legionnaires' disease, Israel, February 2012.

We report a fatal case of community-acquired Legionnaires' disease in an infant aged under six months. Epidemiological and microbiological investigations suggested that a free-standing cold water humidifier using domestic tap water contaminated with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 served as a vehicle for infection. These findings were corroborated by sequence-based typing (SBT). Humidifier-associated Legionnaires' disease can be prevented by appropriate control measures. This case also illustrates the emerging role of SBT in the investigation of legionellosis.

Surveillance of West Nile virus disease, Tel Aviv district, Israel, 2005 to 2010.

We present the findings of a six-year surveillance period (2005­2010) of human West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Tel Aviv district, Israel. Initial notifications of positively identified patients received from the Central Virology Laboratory were followed by epidemiological investigations of the local district health office. During 2005­2010, 104 patients, 79 with WNV neuroinvasive and 25 with WNV non-neuroinvasive disease were reported. The median age of the patients with a neuroinvasive disease was 74 years (range: 15 to 95 years) and 53 of such patients had encephalitis, 14 had acute flaccid paralysis, and 12 had meningitis. The case-fatality rate in these patients was 8%. The average annual incidence of neuroinvasive disease during 2005­2010 was 1.08 per 100,000 population. The incidence declined by 86% steadily between 2005 and 2009 (p for trend=0.005), but increased by more than six-fold in 2010. Elderly (≥65 years) men, comprising 25 patients of whom 24 were chronically-ill, had the highest incidence of WNV encephalitis <0.001). These findings are concordant with previous data, at the national level, published in Israel and the United States. Notably, the percentage of previously healthy patients, who developed a neuroinvasive disease was the highest (37%, p=0.001) in the surveillance period in 2010.

Biennial hyperepidemic shigellosis in an observant Jewish community.

We aimed to study patterns of shigellosis in a large observant Jewish community in Israel and to describe local interventions during outbreaks. Surveillance data from the Ministry of Health were used to calculate incidence rates in 1998-2006, both in the city of Bene Beraq and the Tel Aviv district. Information on isolates was collected from the bacteriological laboratory of a community hospital. Public notices and educational conferences conveyed a message to increase personal hygiene and keep ill children at home. During a 9-year period, a clear biennial pattern of outbreaks was noticed. Annual incidence rates ranged between 18 and 353/100,000 population. Shigellosis outbreaks tended to occur in the winter and were attributed to clonally related Shigella sonnei strains. Outbreaks in Bene Beraq preceded those in the other cities of Tel Aviv district, suggesting propagation of disease. In this population with highly endemic as well as superimposed outbreaks of shigellosis, short-term interventions had no lasting effect on prevention; future studies should focus on community-based programmes to avoid anticipated outbreaks.

Relapsing vivax malaria cluster in Eritrean refugees, Israel, June 2010.

We report on a cluster of relapsing vivax malaria among Eritrean refugees residing in Israel. Since the beginning of 2010, 15 cases have been identified. Five of the six patients who had complete medical and epidemiological histories, reported Sudan as the place of primary infection during their journey to Israel, and having had the first relapse in Israel, six months later (median). Suggested place of exposure is the region of the Eritrean refugee camps in Sudan.

Developmental changes in brainstem neurons regulating lower airway caliber.

Premature infants are at risk for lower airway obstruction; however, maturation of reflex pathways regulating lower airway patency is inadequately studied. We hypothesized that postnatal maturation causes developmental change in brainstem efferent airway-related vagal preganglionic neurons (AVPNs) within the rostral nucleus ambiguus (rNA) that project to the airways and in pulmonary afferent fibers that terminate in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Ferrets aged 7, 14, 21, and 42 d received intrapulmonary injection of cholera toxin (CT)-beta subunit, a transganglionic retrograde tracer. Five days later, their brainstem was processed for dual immunolabeling of CT-beta and the cholinergic marker, choline acetyl transferase. CT-beta-labeled AVPNs and CT-beta-labeled afferent fiber optical density (OD) were analyzed. There was a significantly higher CT-beta-labeled cell number within the rNA at the youngest compared with older ages. All efferent CT-beta-labeled cells expressed choline acetyl transferase. OD of CT-beta-labeled afferent fibers was also higher at 7 d compared with 14 d. We conclude that the number of efferent AVPNs and afferent fiber OD both diminish over the second postnatal week. We speculate that exposure to injurious agents in early postnatal life may inhibit natural remodeling and thereby enhance later vulnerability to airway hyperreactivity.

Sexually transmitted infections among brothel-based sex workers in Tel-Aviv area, Israel: high prevalence of pharyngeal gonorrhoea.

Sex workers play a major role in spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We studied the prevalence rates and risk factors for STIs among 300 brothel-based sex workers in Tel-Aviv. Throat swabs were cultured for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, urine samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Chlamydia trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, and sera were tested for syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibodies. N. gonorrhoeae was cultured from throat samples of 9.0% of participants; PCR testing of urine was positive for C. trachomatis in 6.3% and for N. gonorrhoeae in 5.0%. Syphilis serology was positive (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [VDRL] titres > 1:8) in 1.3% of women, HSV-2-specific immunoglobulin G was detected in 60% and HIV serology was positive in a single case (0.3%). Having STI was significantly associated with age, number of years in Israel, number of clients a week and condom use for vaginal sex. In a multivariate analysis, having STI was significantly associated with number of clients per week and condom use for vaginal sex. The high prevalence of pharyngeal gonorrhoea reflects most probably the expanding demand of clients for oral sex and the insufficient condom use in this form of sex.

Tuberculosis outbreak in a nursing home involving undocumented migrants and Israeli citizens.

ABSTRACK: OBJECTIVES: Israel has absorbed > 60,000 migrant from the horn of Africa (MHOA) since 2006. No cross-transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from MOHA to Israeli citizens has yet been reported. This study describes the results of contact investigation and laboratory work-out of a unique mixed cluster which included both MOHA and Israeli citizens. METHODS: Description of the results of epidemiological investigation including laboratory confirmation. RESULTS: This unique Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain included 29 patients: 26 were MOHA and three citizens who immigrated to Israel from the former Soviet Union. This is the first mixed cluster described in Israel, which has not been represented in the SITVIT international database of genotyping markers. The transmission from non-citizens to citizens occurred in a nursing institution, when MOHA infected three other contacts- two of whom were retarded residents, one of them died. The index case was screened before employment, and was permitted to return to wok although his chest X-ray demonstrated radiological findings compatible with tuberculosis. Epidemiological links were found in other 12 MOHA members of the cluster. CONCLUSION: This report describes cross-transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from non-citizens MOHA to Israeli citizens who were residents of a nursing home, which may be the first sign for an epidemiological shift. Although cross-ethnical transmission is still rare in Israel, medical settings should employ efficient infection control measures to protect both patients and staff from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Successful control of a large outbreak of HIV infection associated with injection of cathinone derivatives in Tel Aviv, Israel.

OBJECTIVES: Outbreaks of HIV infection have been linked to injectable drug abuse, but specific triggers often remain obscure. We report on an outbreak of primary HIV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tel Aviv, associated with a local shift in drug-use practices. METHODS: A cluster of primary HIV infection cases in PWID was detected in May 2012. Retrospective and prospective multi-hospital case finding was initiated. PWID were interviewed and risk factors for primary HIV infection were identified. Starting in December 2012, a multifaceted intervention was implemented, including educational activities, increasing syringe exchange supplies, active screening, early initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and referral to drug withdrawal programmes. RESULTS: Forty-two PWID with primary HIV infection were detected between May 2012 and April 2013. Compared with the corresponding pre-outbreak period, the annual incidence of primary HIV infection in PWID increased from 0 to 20 cases/1000 population (p <0.0001). Sixty-nine per cent were hospitalized because of concomitant bacterial infections and sepsis. Phylogenetic analysis of HIV isolates from case patients showed tight clustering suggesting a single common source of infection. The outbreak was temporally related to a widespread shift from heroin to injectable cathinone-derivatives and buprenorphine, which entailed high-risk injection practices. Targeted intervention resulted in a dramatic and sustained reduction in HIV infection in the PWID population. CONCLUSIONS: Injectable amphetamines are gaining momentum among PWID worldwide. Tracing of this outbreak to cathinone use and implementing a targeted intervention programme effectively terminated the outbreak.

An outbreak of Mycobacterium jacuzzii infection following insertion of breast implants.

BACKGROUND: Surgical wound infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria developed in 15 women after insertion of breast implants from August to November 2003 at a single medical center. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted that included the identified patients, as well as women who underwent breast operations at the same center who did not develop infections. The study was accompanied by an extensive environmental investigation. Isolates were identified by standard bacteriological methods and by comparison of their 16S rRNA, HSP65, RPOB, SODA, and RECA gene sequences. Isolates were compared by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis and by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The risk factors for infection included surgery performed by 1 specific surgeon (odds ratio, 21.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.64-125.6). Identical strains of mycobacteria were isolated from the infected wounds of the patients; from the eyebrows, hair, face, nose, ears, and groin of this particular surgeon; and from this surgeon's outdoor whirlpool. The isolates exhibited a biochemical profile overlapping that of Mycobacterium wolinskyi, but their sequences of 16S rRNA and HSP65, RPOB, SODA, and RECA genes differed. We propose the name "Mycobacterium jacuzzii" for this new species. DNA fingerprints of cultured isolates from the surgical wounds, areas of the surgeon's body that grow hair, and the surgeon's whirlpool were identical. When the surgeon discontinued his use of the whirlpool and began cleaning the hairy areas of his body with a shampoo containing triclosan, the outbreak ended. CONCLUSIONS: This outbreak brings to light the possibility of the colonization of human skin and human-to-human transmission of environmental mycobacteria during surgery that involves implant insertion.

Infectious complications in heart-lung transplantation. Analysis of 200 episodes.

BACKGROUND: Infection remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in heart-lung transplant recipients. This study was designed to assess the frequency, type, and timing of infection in heart-lung transplant recipients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 200 episodes of serious infections occurring in 73 heart-lung recipients at Stanford (Calif) University Medical Center between 1981 and 1990. RESULTS: Bacterial infections accounted for half of all infections, with the highest incidence in the first month after transplantation. Fungal infections (14%) were also common in the first month. Cytomegalovirus was the most common viral agent (15%), occurring primarily in the second month after transplantation. Other viruses (herpes simplex, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus) accounted for a further 15% of total infections. Pneumocystis carinii infections were common 4 to 6 months after transplantation, and Nocardia typically infected recipients later than 1 year after transplantation. There was no significant difference in incidence of infections between patients receiving triple (cyclosporine, prednisone, immuran) or double (cyclosporine and prednisone) immunosuppression therapy. Mortality due to infection accounted for 40% of all deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the incidence and timing of infection should help in the prevention, early detection, and initiation of therapy in these patients.

Congenital tuberculosis and management of exposure in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.

SETTING: This report describes the management and outcome of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and paediatric ICU (PICU) exposure to a 26-day-old premature infant with congenital tuberculosis (TB). DESIGN: The infant's mother underwent chest X-ray (CXR) and sputum culture. Contacts of the infant were identified. Tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) were performed on 97 infants and children, 156 NICU and PICU visitors and 115 health care workers. RESULTS: The mother's sputum culture was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. No TST conversion occurred in the exposed NICU infants. All neonates received prophylactic isoniazid (INH). One exposed child in the PICU had TST conversion with normal CXR and completed 9 months of INH without developing active disease; 22 (14%) PICU and NICU visitors and 3 NICU personnel had TST conversion without evidence of disease. CONCLUSIONS: The sequence of events described here demonstrates the difficulty in diagnosis and management of TB in this age group. Transmission of TB in NICU and PICUs is unusual but can occur, and calls for a systematic approach to investigation of the exposed infants, family members and health care providers.

The contribution of oral sex to male urethral Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in Tel-Aviv district, Israel.

The incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in Tel-Aviv district, Israel has increased since the mid-1990s. This study aimed to address behavioural attributes and identify the sources of NG infection. Of 1234 NG cases in men reported between 2000 and 2004, 379 (31%) were interviewed. Most were single, heterosexual and Israeli-born. Insertive oral sex (OS) was reported by 77% patients and vaginal intercourse by 69%, where condoms were used by 4% and 40% for these practices, respectively. Unprotected OS was performed by 95% of the 151 men involved in protected vaginal sex. OS was the most common practice among the younger age group, and in sexual contacts with casual partners or commercial sex workers (CSWs): behaviours that were reported by 37% and 36% of patients, respectively. Unprotected OS is a common route for NG transmission, and it is suggested that the rise in NG may be attributed to unprotected OS with casual partners or CSWs.

Food allergy is a matter of geography after all: sesame as a major cause of severe IgE-mediated food allergic reactions among infants and young children in Israel.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, importance, and the order of frequency of IgE-mediated food allergens among infants and young children in Israel. STUDY DESIGN AND PATIENTS: In a cross-sectional study, the prevalence of IgE-mediated food allergy was investigated in 9070 infants and young children (0-2 years) who were followed-up at 23 Family Health Centers (FHCs) in central Israel. Patients with suspected IgE-mediated food allergic reactions, were recruited for further evaluation (detailed questionnaire and skin-prick test (SPT)). RESULTS: We identified 150 out of 9070 (1.7%) patients with suspected IgE-mediated food allergy. Among them, 102/150 (67%) [59 males, 43 females; mean age 10.3 months] completed a detailed questionnaire and underwent SPT. Evaluation revealed 131 positive SPTs in 78/102 (76.5%) patients. Twenty-seven positive SPTs in 18 patients were considered clinically irrelevant based on previous consumption of the relevant foods without clinical symptoms. Thus, there were 104 relevant positive SPTs in 78 patients. The overall prevalence of clinically relevant IgE-mediated food allergic reactions among these patients is estimated to be 1.2% (104/9070). The most common food allergens were egg, cow's milk, and sesame. Anaphylaxis was the presenting symptom in 14/78 (18%) including six sesame-induced cases. A history of other atopic diseases was reported in 27 (35%) patients. In addition, 22 (28%) had a history of atopy in first-degree family members. CONCLUSIONS: We found sesame to be a major cause of IgE-mediated food allergy in Israel. In fact, it is second only to cow's milk as a cause of anaphylaxis. We recommend that testing for food allergens be tailored to each community based on local experience and should include sesame in appropriate populations.

Quantitative variation in the kernel proteins among 841 accessions of Triticum dicoccoides estimated by SDS-PAGE.

The relative proportion and amount of proteins in five defined molecular weight (MW) regions (A1=above 71,000=71K, A2=71K-49K, A3=49K-31K, A4=31K-20K, A5=20K and less) were estimated by densitometric analyses of the amount of dye bound by kernel proteins (Fullington et al. 1980) of Triticum dicoccoides SDS-PAGE gels. These MW regions roughly correspond to the wheat protein solubility classes (Cole et al. 1981; Fullington et al. 1983). One purpose of the study was to select accessions whose seed proteins bind relatively high amounts of dye in the glutenin and albumin globulin regions. These accessions will be used for further in-depth studies as possible candidate donors of genes to improve the baking and nutritional quality of wheat. Marked differences in the quantitative relationships were found among the proteins in the five MW regions. Coefficients of variation (CV's) for the highest peak (i.e., most abundant protein) MW in different protein MW regions were similar for A1, A2 and A3, at 11.4, 11.7, and 11.1%, respectively, but only 4.1 for A4, and 10.6% for region A5. The CV for the highest peak MW overall was 29.8. Accession BP0649, for example, had over 44% of its protein in region A5, whereas BP0566 (lowest among the top 10%) had only 21.4% of its protein in that region. Over 37% of the proteins of accessions BP0649 and 0001 to 0005 was in region A5. At least 84 accessions with the highest amount of protein in region A5, and 13 accessions with more protein in region A1 than Chinese Spring may merit further evaluation as possible protein gene donors. High amounts of protein in A1 may be of importance in bread-baking quality, and in A4 and A5 for high lysine wheat. Accessions in both extremes were selected to test these hypotheses. All accessions are now or will be available in the USDA Wheat Collection.

A computer-assisted examination of the storage protein genetic variation in 841 accessions of Triticum dicoccoides.

Triticum turgidum L. var. dicoccoides (wild emmer) is an important genetic resource for increasing the protein content of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Many studies have shown that the presence or absence of bands in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide (SDS-PAGE) electrophoregrams of wheat storage proteins to be of a purely genetic character. A total protein extraction and SDS-PAGE technique was used to estimate the storage protein genetic variability among 841 accessions of wild emmer collected from various ecological regions in the Middle East. In addition, a computer data bank was developed, recording the onedimension electrophoregram bands for each accession by molecular weight (MW) and relative Coomassie Blue staining intensity as determined from densitometer scans. Analyses of this information are being used to identify specific accessions for further study by two dimension electrofocusing-electrophoresis and breeding and genetic analyses. The computer-assisted analyses indicated that the greatest genetic variability occurs for proteins in the high MW region (above 70,000 MW) followed by those in the medium range (70,000 to 33,300 MW). Comparatively little variability was revealed for protein subunits of below 33,300 MW.