Current epidemiology of tetanus in England, 2001-2014.

Public Health England conducts enhanced national surveillance of tetanus, a potentially life-threatening vaccine-preventable disease. A standardized questionnaire was used to ascertain clinical and demographic details of individuals reported with clinically suspected tetanus. The 96 cases identified between 2001 and 2014 were analysed. The average annual incidence was 0·13/million (95% confidence interval 0·10-0·16) of which 50·0% were male. Where reported, 70·3% of injuries occurred in the home/garden (45/64). Overall, 40·3% (31/77) cases were in people who inject drugs (PWID), including a cluster of 22 cases during 2003-2004. Where known (n = 68), only 8·8% were age-appropriately immunized. The overall case-fatality rate was 11·0% (9/82). All tetanus-associated deaths occurred in adults aged >45 years, none of whom were fully immunized. Due to the success of the childhood immunization programme, tetanus remains a rare disease in England with the majority of cases occurring in older unimmunized or partially immunized adults. Minor injuries in the home/garden were the most commonly reported likely sources of infection, although cases in PWID increased during this period. It is essential that high routine vaccine coverage is maintained and that susceptible individuals, particularly older adults, are protected through vaccination and are offered timely post-exposure management following a tetanus-prone wound.

Mycobacterium chelonae hand infection following ferret bite.

We present a case of hand infection caused by Mycobacterium chelonae. The patient was a 58-year-old woman with Type II diabetes mellitus and stage 4 chronic kidney disease. The infection occurred following a ferret bite and had not responded to oral antibiotics in the primary care setting. She developed signs of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis of the index and middle fingers of her left hand. Laboratory parameters showed high C-reactive protein, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and leucocytosis. Ultrasound imaging confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Plain radiographs showed no osseous involvement. The infection was treated with surgical debridement and broad spectrum parenteral antibiotics. The intra-operative tissue specimens were initially negative on aerobic and anaerobic cultures. Following transient improvement of her inflammatory parameters and clinical signs, she developed a recurrence with added features of osteomyelitis of the index and middle finger metacarpal heads on repeat radiographs. A revision surgical debridement of the flexor tenosynovitis and osteomyelitis with specific long-term antibiotic cover has led to resolution of the infection. Extended cultures of the tissue specimens at the regional laboratory confirmed the causative organism to be M. chelonae. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of M. chelonae infection resulting from a ferret bite. This case reminds us of the need for a high index of suspicion for infection with uncommon pathogens following animal bites, especially in patients with altered immune status.

Malaria.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease, with its largest impact being due to Plasmodium falciparum infection in Africa. Military populations continue to be at a high risk of malaria and reported case series have frequently revealed poor compliance with preventative measures. The symptoms of malaria are non-specific and its management depends on awareness of the diagnosis and early recognition and treatment. This is aided by new and simple rapid diagnostic tests, but these should not replace the examination of blood films if these are available. Artemisinin combination therapy provides a more rapid and dependable cure of uncomplicated P falciparum infection, with artesunate now being the drug of choice in severe infection.

Outbreak of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis with local dissemination in Balkh, Afghanistan.

OBJECTIVES: In Afghanistan zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due to Leishmania major has been less widely reported than anthroponotic CL due to L. tropica. However, an outbreak of zoonotic CL occurred amongst a group of British soldiers at a military camp near Mazar-e-Sharif in the Balkh province of northern Afghanistan in 2004. METHODS: A study was performed to assess the epidemiology, clinical features, parasitology results, treatment outcomes and environmental health measures associated with this incident. RESULTS: Twenty (17%) of 120 soldiers developed CL due to L. major and the risk of infection increased with the proximity of their accommodation to an area of recently cleared scrub, where many wild rodents were observed. Most cases had features of local dissemination, including secondary lesions from the pseudo-Koebner phenomenon, sporotrichoid lymphatic spread, lymphadenopathy and satellite papules or milia formation around healing lesions. Several cases responded poorly to fluconazole and low dose (10 mg/kg) sodium stibogluconate, which were considered suitable treatments at the time. Environmental health measures at the military camp were found to be deficient. CONCLUSIONS: Zoonotic CL due to L. major is a significant threat for foreign troops based in Balkh, Afghanistan and may present with unusually severe clinical features and be resistant to previously recommended treatments.

Acute presentations of HIV are still missed in low prevalence areas.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate missed opportunities and delays in the diagnosis of HIV in a low prevalence setting over a 24 year period. METHODS: Patients with acute presentations of HIV were included in a retrospective note based review. Data were compared from acute presentations in 1985-2001 (88/241 new patients) with 2005-2007 (99/136 new patients). The number of recorded clinical and laboratory clues to infection and subsequent time delays to diagnosis of HIV were evaluated. RESULTS: The findings reflect the shifting demographics of HIV in the UK over the past two decades, exemplified by an eightfold increase in tuberculosis at presentation. Despite recording clinical stigmata of HIV (clues) in the notes, the number of missed clues increased, and many clinicians failed to request HIV testing. The median delay between presentation and diagnosis reduced from 5 to 1 day (p<0.001), and mortality dropped from 14% to 4% among patients presenting with acute symptoms. However, there was still a delay of more than 30 days before diagnosis for almost one in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some improvement and better awareness, there are still significant delays before hospital doctors consider the diagnosis of HIV for patients in low prevalence areas, even among some patient groups with high risk. Hospitals should consider moving to opt-out routine HIV testing of all medical admissions.

Autopsies in HIV: still identifying missed diagnoses.

This study reviews the deaths and autopsies carried out over 23 years, 1983-2005, in a British Infection Unit in HIV patients. Of 115 HIV patients known to have died, we obtained data on 93%. Of this 80% were male, median age 38 (25-68) years; 83% were Caucasian; 12% Black African. Major risk factors were men who have sex with men, 52%; heterosexual in Africa, 17%; and injecting drug use, 8%. The commonest diagnosis pre- and post-autopsy diagnosis was pneumonia. Changes in diagnoses in the 38% who underwent autopsy were high (we requested autopsy in 50%). Primary diagnosis changed in 70%, and 36% of all opportunistic infections were missed. This included six of nine cytomegalovirus, all tuberculosis and 75% of Kaposi's sarcoma. Lymphoma was overdiagnosed. Thus, despite excellent resources, the majority of primary diagnoses were wrong, suggesting inadequacy of current diagnostics. To improve these and improve both epidemiological data and future management autopsy should be considered for all deaths.

The value of the post-take ward round: are new working patterns compromising junior doctor education?

This prospective observational study assessed the impact of the changes in junior doctors' working hours and waiting-time initiatives on teaching and learning opportunities for junior doctors in acute medicine. An audit cycle of post-take ward rounds including all medical admissions to an urban teaching hospital was conducted. During two seven-day periods in July 2006 and 2008, 317 and 354 patients were admitted respectively. In the two-year interval a number of changes were implemented resulting in a significant increase in patients reviewed by a consultant within 24 hours of admission. Target waiting times were being met but there were many missed learning opportunities for junior staff. Senior doctors continue to perform the majority of post-take reviews in the absence of the doctors who had admitted the patient. Similar patterns are likely to be found in other hospitals attempting to balance training with government targets for waiting times and junior doctors' working hours.

The clinical impact of nucleic acid amplification tests on the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis in a British hospital.

BACKGROUND: Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) based on PCR provide rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the detection of rifampicin resistance. Indications for their use in clinical samples are now included in British tuberculosis guidelines. METHODS: A retrospective audit of patients with suspected mycobacterial infection in a Liverpool hospital between 2002 and 2006. Documentation of the impact of NAAT usage in acid fast bacillus (AFB) microscopy positive samples on clinical practice and the influence of a multidisciplinary group on their appropriate use, compared with British guidelines. RESULTS: Mycobacteria were seen or isolated from 282 patients and identified as M tuberculosis in 181 (64%). NAAT were indicated in 87/123 AFB positive samples and performed in 51 (59%). M tuberculosis was confirmed or excluded by this method in 86% of tested samples within 2 weeks, compared with 7% identified using standard methods. The appropriate use of NAAT increased significantly over the study period. The NAAT result had a clinical impact in 20/51 (39%) tested patients. Culture results suggest the potential for a direct clinical impact in 8/36 (22%) patients in which it was indicated but not sent and 5/36 (14%) patients for whom it was not indicated. Patients managed by the multidisciplinary group had a higher rate of HIV testing and appropriate use of NAAT. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant clinical benefits from the use of nucleic acid amplification tests in this low prevalence setting. Our data suggest that there would be additional benefit from their use with all AFB smear positive clinical samples.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis in the absence of HIV or immunosuppression.

PURPOSE: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis classically occurs in advanced human immunodeficiencyvirus (HIV) infection but is rare in other forms of immunosuppression. The authors report a case of CMV retinitis in an HIV-negative man with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia (ICL). This is the first such case to be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of aqueous humor. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 69-year-old retired Chinese seaman presented with gradual visual deterioration. He was a diet controlled diabetic on regular steroids for presumed asthma. Examination showed no diabetic eye disease but confirmed acute retinal necrosis (ARN). Anterior chamber tapping of the aqueous humor was PCR positive for CMV. HIV antibody and RNA tests were negative but his full blood count revealed lymphocytopenia, with a low CD4+ subset. He responded to a 3-week course of intravenous ganciclovir therapy followed by suppressiveoral valganciclovir. CONCLUSIONS: CMV is associated with sight-threatening retinitis in HIV infection at CD4+ counts below 50 cells/microL and in transplant recipients or heavily immunosuppressed patients. Systemic steroids are a risk factor for clinical disease in these groups. It is extremely rare to report CMV eye disease in previously healthy individuals. This case illustrates that the condition does occur in association with ICL. Corticosteroids may be implicated in disease reactivation. Molecular METHODS are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Emerging souvenirs-clinical presentation of the returning traveller with imported arbovirus infections in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Arboviruses are an emerging group of viruses that are causing increasing health concerns globally, including in Europe. Clinical presentation usually consists of a nonspecific febrile illness that may be accompanied by rash, arthralgia and arthritis, with or without neurological or haemorrhagic syndromes. The range of differential diagnoses of other infectious and noninfectious aetiologies is broad, presenting a challenge for physicians. While knowledge of the geographical distribution of pathogens and the current epidemiological situation, incubation periods, exposure risk factors and vaccination history can help guide the diagnostic approach, the nonspecific and variable clinical presentation can delay final diagnosis. AIMS AND SOURCES: This narrative review aims to summarize the main clinical and laboratory-based findings of the three most common imported arboviruses in Europe. Evidence is extracted from published literature and clinical expertise of European arbovirus experts. CONTENT: We present three cases that highlight similarities and differences between some of the most common travel-related arboviruses imported to Europe. These include a patient with chikungunya virus infection presenting in Greece, a case of dengue fever in Turkey and a travel-related case of Zika virus infection in Romania. IMPLICATIONS: Early diagnosis of travel-imported cases is important to reduce the risk of localized outbreaks of tropical arboviruses such as dengue and chikungunya and the risk of local transmission from body fluids or vertical transmission. Given the global relevance of arboviruses and the continuous risk of (re)emerging arbovirus events, clinicians should be aware of the clinical syndromes of arbovirus fevers and the potential pitfalls in diagnosis.

Laboratory risk factors for hospital mortality in acutely admitted patients.

BACKGROUND: Many factors affecting hospital mortality in acutely admitted patients are poorly understood. Although scoring systems exist for critically ill patients, usually in intensive care units (ICUs), there are no specific mortality prediction systems for general acute admissions. AIM: To assess the relationship between simple admission laboratory variables on the risk of in-patient mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of hospital admissions and laboratory databases. METHODS: Where possible, all deceased patients in the 12-month period of study were matched with two surviving controls. The laboratory database was then analysed for admission investigations, including serum sodium, plasma glucose, and white blood cell (WCC) count. Abnormalities of these variables were then compared between cases (those who subsequently died), and controls (those who survived). RESULTS: There were 16 219 admissions, with an overall mortality of 7.6%. We investigated 602 cases and 1073 controls. Hyperglycaemia (glucose >11.0 mmol/l) (OR 2.0, p < 0.0001); severe hyponatraemia (sodium <125 mmol/l) (OR 4.0, p < 0.0001); and leukocytosis (WCC >10 x 10(9)/l) (OR 2.0, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with mortality. The respective associations on logistic regression analysis were: glucose, OR 1.7, p = 0.02; sodium, OR 4.4, p < 0.0001; WCC, OR 1.5, p = 0.006. Low glucose levels, high sodium levels, and low WCC levels were also associated with increased mortality, leading to 'U-shaped' mortality associations. The effect of more than one laboratory abnormality being present was cumulative, in a linear fashion. DISCUSSION: Plasma glucose, serum sodium and WCC are measured in most acutely admitted patients, and abnormalities of these variables have associations with in-hospital mortality. This may provide the basis for the development of a mortality risk scoring system.

Helminth infections in British troops following an operation in Sierra Leone.

One hundred and fifty-three British soldiers and 86 Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel were deployed on a hostage rescue operation in Sierra Leone. For 3 days they were exposed to various infection risks and 6 weeks later some of the soldiers presented with gastrointestinal complaints. Both groups were screened with structured questionnaires, blood investigations and (where indicated) faecal microscopy and charcoal culture for helminths. Definite and probable cases of helminth infection were treated with albendazole and all soldiers were screened again after 3 months. Among the soldiers investigated, 73/145 (50%) reported gastrointestinal symptoms and 70/139 (50%) had eosinophilia. Among these, 17/66 (26%) had hookworm infection, 6/66 (9%) had Strongyloides stercoralis infection and 1/66 (2%) had Giardia lamblia infection. Eosinophilia was most strongly associated with entering the enemy camp and being in the platoon that attacked the area around the camp latrines. Among RAF personnel, who were not involved in activities on the ground, 3/86 (3%) had borderline eosinophilia. Treatment of 105/153 (69%) soldiers with albendazole was well tolerated and, on follow-up screening 3 months later, 23/124 soldiers (19%) had gastrointestinal symptoms and 18/121 (15%) had eosinophilia. Faecal investigations and schistosomiasis serology tests were all negative at this stage.

Clinical and diagnostic findings of an echovirus meningitis outbreak in the north west of England.

INTRODUCTION: An outbreak of echovirus meningitis occurred in the north west of England in 2001. This paper reviewed the clinical features and the role of different diagnostic methods. METHODS: This was a prospective study of adults admitted to a regional infectious disease unit with a probable diagnosis of meningitis, March to August 2001. RESULTS: Half the 40 cases were male; median age was 28 (range 16-51) years. Fifteen of 38 (39.5%) were smokers, and 20 of 24 (83.3%) had close contact with children. Median (range) duration of symptoms was 1.1 (0.25-7) days. Symptoms included headache (100%), photophobia (87.5%), and nausea (67.5%), and severity ranged from minimal signs to those consistent with a meningoencephalitis. The diagnosis was confirmed virologically in 29 of 40 (72%); echovirus 30 was isolated from six. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enterovirus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive in 26 of 32 (81%), and CSF virus culture in 3 of 16 (19%). Thirty one per cent of CSF samples had a neutrophil predominance, and 3 of 29 (10%) virologically confirmed cases had normal CSF microscopy and biochemistry. CONCLUSION: CSF microscopy may be normal or suggest bacterial meningitis in a substantial minority of cases of echovirus meningitis. CSF PCR for enterovirus seems to be more sensitive than virus culture of CSF, although PCR does not yield information on circulating virus type. Early and accurate diagnosis could reduce both use of parenteral antibiotics and length of hospital stay with both morbidity and cost implications. Close contact with children may be a risk factor, particularly if good hygiene measures are not practised.

Increase in hospital mortality from non-communicable disease and HIV-related conditions in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, between 1992 and 2000.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is creating a strain on health care services in the developing world, with knock-on consequences for HIV negative patients. We looked for possible changes over time in the patterns of illness and outcomes of admission to an adult medical unit in Zimbabwe. We performed a prospective descriptive study of discharge diagnoses and causes of in-hospital ;mortality for all medical patients under the care of one consultant at Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Two similar 7-month periods were compared in 1992 and 2000. Data recorded included: initials, sex, alive or dead status, diagnosis and HIV/AIDS status. Similar numbers of patients were admitted in 1992 and 2000 (1305 and 1369), but in-hospital mortality increased from 13.3% to 28.6% (P < 0.001), especially in male patients (13.1% to 33.9% P < 0.001). Mortality rates increased for both infectious and non-communicable diseases such as cardiac failure, stroke and diabetes. The 10 most common diagnoses were similar, apart from Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) cases, which increased from 18 to 90. The proportion of patients clinically or serologically positive for HIV/AIDS rose from 13.9% to 51.1% (P < 0.001), but the number of cases of the HIV wasting syndrome (SLIM)/chronic gastroenteritis did not change significantly. In 1992 there happened to be a large number of cases of malaria transmission. Mortality related to both communicable and non-communicable diseases increased, confirming that HIV negative patients are also being affected by the strain on health services. Although based on clinical and radiological diagnosis, PCP pneumonia appears to be increasingly common in this area.

Managing potential drug-drug interactions between gastric acid-reducing agents and antiretroviral therapy: experience from a large HIV-positive cohort.

Drug-drug interactions between antiretroviral therapy and other drugs are well described. Gastric acid-reducing agents are one such class. However, few data exist regarding the frequency of and indications for prescription, nor risk assessment in the setting of an HIV cohort receiving antiretroviral therapy. To assess prevalence of prescription of gastric acid-reducing agents and drug-drug interaction within a UK HIV cohort, we reviewed patient records for the whole cohort, assessing demographic data, frequency and reason for prescription of gastric acid-reducing therapy. Furthermore, we noted potential drug-drug interaction and whether risk had been documented and mitigated. Of 701 patients on antiretroviral therapy, 67 (9.6%) were prescribed gastric acid-reducing therapy. Of these, the majority (59/67 [88.1%]) were prescribed proton pump inhibitors. We identified four potential drug-drug interactions, which were appropriately managed by temporally separating the administration of gastric acid-reducing agent and antiretroviral therapy, and all four of these patients remained virally suppressed. Gastric acid-reducing therapy, in particular proton pump inhibitor therapy, appears common in patients prescribed antiretroviral therapy. Whilst there remains a paucity of published data, our findings are comparable to those in other European cohorts. Pharmacovigilance of drug-drug interactions in HIV-positive patients is vital. Education of patients and staff, and accurate data-gathering tools, will enhance patient safety.

Healthcare-associated Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Turkey, 2002-2014: a multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study.

Healthcare-related transmission of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a well-recognized hazard. We report a multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study undertaken in Turkey in 2014 in nine hospitals, regional reference centres for CCHF, covering the years 2002 to 2014 inclusive. Data were systematically extracted from charts of all personnel with a reported health care injury/accident related to CCHF. Blood samples were tested for CCHF IgM/IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and/or viral nucleic acid detection by PCR after the injury. Fifty-one healthcare-related exposures were identified. Twenty-five (49%) of 51 resulted in laboratory-confirmed infection, with a 16% (4/25) overall mortality. The main route of exposure was needlestick injury in 32/51 (62.7%). A potential benefit of post-exposure prophylaxis with ribavirin was identified.

The UK joint specialist societies guideline on the diagnosis and management of acute meningitis and meningococcal sepsis in immunocompetent adults.

Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal sepsis are rare conditions with high case fatality rates. Early recognition and prompt treatment saves lives. In 1999 the British Infection Society produced a consensus statement for the management of immunocompetent adults with meningitis and meningococcal sepsis. Since 1999 there have been many changes. We therefore set out to produce revised guidelines which provide a standardised evidence-based approach to the management of acute community acquired meningitis and meningococcal sepsis in adults. A working party consisting of infectious diseases physicians, neurologists, acute physicians, intensivists, microbiologists, public health experts and patient group representatives was formed. Key questions were identified and the literature reviewed. All recommendations were graded and agreed upon by the working party. The guidelines, which for the first time include viral meningitis, are written in accordance with the AGREE 2 tool and recommendations graded according to the GRADE system. Main changes from the original statement include the indications for pre-hospital antibiotics, timing of the lumbar puncture and the indications for neuroimaging. The list of investigations has been updated and more emphasis is placed on molecular diagnosis. Approaches to both antibiotic and steroid therapy have been revised. Several recommendations have been given regarding the follow-up of patients.

Lower-limb deep-vein thrombosis in a general hospital: risk factors, outcomes and the contribution of intravenous drug use.

BACKGROUND: Much of the morbidity associated with deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is absent from the evidence base used to define best clinical practice. Intravenous (IV) drug use is an increasingly frequent cause of DVT. AIM: To obtain a profile of DVT patients in routine clinical care, and determine the contribution of IV drug use. DESIGN: Retrospective case-note review. METHODS: We reviewed 232 episodes of lower-limb DVT in a large district general hospital during 1996. RESULTS: Patients had mean (range) age 62.8 (21-97) years, with 43.9% aged > 70 years. A large proportion would have been excluded from prospective studies that have contributed to current DVT guidelines. Risk factors included smoking (33.0%), immobility (26.5%), previous DVT (23.6%), surgery in the last 3 months (18.2%), malignancy (16.5%), varicose veins (10.5%) and IV drug use (6.9%). Forty-five (19.4%) had multiple risk factors. Postsurgical DVT commonly presented from the community following initial hospital discharge. Intravenous drug use accounted for 48.4% of episodes in patients aged < or =40 years. Thrombosis was right-sided in 68.8% of IV drug users, compared to 38.2% in others (p = 0.034). DISCUSSION: Our patients differed from those in most of the prospective studies used to develop routine clinical care pathways for DVT. Intravenous drug use is an important cause of community-acquired DVT in young adults.

Leprosy in Britain: 50 years experience in Liverpool.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic infection that presents with varying dermal and neurological symptoms, and which can lead to extensive disability and morbidity, often with accompanying social stigma. AIM: To review the patients presenting to the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) between 1946 and 2003, looking specifically at country of birth and of infection, details of clinical presentation, diagnosis, management and reactions. DESIGN: Retrospective record review. METHODS: We retrieved all available clinical records for patients seen between 1946 and 2003 (n = 50), consisting of letters, hospital and LSTM casenotes, and some radiographs and photographs. Any history of tuberculosis or diabetes was recorded. RESULTS: Most patients (64%) were born in the Indian subcontinent, and most were thought to have contracted the disease there (62%). Features at presentation included anaesthetic skin lesions in 19 (36%), hypopigmentation in 15 (30%), and peripheral nerve enlargement in 25 (50%). Diagnoses were made by a combination of clinical data and biopsy (60%), and slit skin smears were positive for acid-fast bacilli in 61% of multibacillary patients. Initial presentation was with a leprosy reaction in five cases (10%), and reactions were documented in 42% of all patients. Treatments were varied, progressing from traditional Eastern medicine to the WHO-approved multidrug therapy in use today, with prophylaxis for children and close contacts. DISCUSSION: Leprosy remains an important diagnosis to consider in patients with a history of work or travel in the tropics, and is a diagnosis with far-reaching medical, social and emotional consequences.