RESUMEN
The introduction of treatment and systematic vaccination has significantly reduced diphtheria mortality; however, toxigenic strains continue to circulate worldwide. The emergence of an indigenous diphtheria case with fatal outcome in Greece, after 30 years, raised challenges for laboratory confirmation, clinical and public health management. Toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae was isolated from an incompletely vaccinated 8-year-old boy with underlying conditions. The child passed away due to respiratory distress syndrome, before the administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT). All close contacts in family, school and hospital settings were investigated. Pharyngeal swabs were obtained to determine asymptomatic carriage. Chemoprophylaxis was given for 7 days to all close contacts and a booster dose to those incompletely vaccinated. Testing revealed a classmate, belonging to a subpopulation group (Roma), and incompletely vaccinated, as an asymptomatic carrier with an indistinguishable toxigenic strain (same novel multilocus sequence type, designated ST698). This case highlights the role of asymptomatic carriage, as the entry of toxigenic strains into susceptible populations can put individuals and their environment at risk. Maintenance of high-level epidemiological and microbiological surveillance, implementation of systematic vaccination in children and adults with primary and booster doses, availability of a DAT stockpile, and allowing timely administration are the cornerstone to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Asunto(s)
Difteria/epidemiología , Difteria/patología , Adulto , Mezclas Anfólitas , Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos , Niño , Claritromicina/administración & dosificación , Claritromicina/uso terapéutico , Trazado de Contacto , Corynebacterium diphtheriae/aislamiento & purificación , Difteria/prevención & control , Vacunas contra Difteria, Tétanos y Tos Ferina Acelular/administración & dosificación , Resultado Fatal , Grecia/epidemiología , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
Non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae have become increasingly recognised as emerging pathogens across Europe causing severe invasive disease. A subset of non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae are 'non-toxigenic tox gene-bearing' (NTTB) strains; these strains are genotypically toxpositive, but do not express the protein. The circulation of NTTB strains was first observed during the 1990s upsurge of diphtheria in Eastern Europe but has not been reported in other European countries. Circulation of NTTB strains could be considered an increased risk for diphtheria and other related diseases, given their possible role as a tox gene reservoir with the theoretical risk of re-emerging toxin expression. Here we report the characterisation of 108 non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae biovar mitis isolates submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Reference Centre for Diphtheria at Public Health England, London, between 2003 and 2012, in order to determine the presence of NTTB strains. Using molecular methods, five NTTB isolates were identified; four human isolates (MLST type 212) and one isolate from a companion cat (MLST type 40). The emergence of these strains could indicate continuation of the circulation of potentially toxigenic strains and appropriate laboratory diagnostic methods should be used for detection. Given the complacency that currently exists in Europe awareness with regards to diphtheria diagnostics must be enhanced.
Asunto(s)
Corynebacterium diphtheriae/genética , Corynebacterium diphtheriae/aislamiento & purificación , Toxina Diftérica/genética , Genes Bacterianos , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Animales , Gatos , Niño , Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes/epidemiología , Corynebacterium diphtheriae/clasificación , Difteria/diagnóstico , Difteria/epidemiología , Difteria/microbiología , Femenino , Variación Genética , Genotipo , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Tipificación de Secuencias Multilocus , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Prevalencia , Reino Unido/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The most effective treatment for diphtheria is swift administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) with conjunct antibiotic therapy. DAT is an equine immunoglobulin preparation and listed among the World Health Organization Essential Medicines. Essential Medicines should be available in functioning health systems at all times in adequate amounts, in appropriate dosage forms, with assured quality, and at prices individuals and the community can afford. However, DAT is in scarce supply and frequently unavailable to patients because of discontinued production in several countries, low economic viability, and high regulatory requirements for the safe manufacture of blood-derived products. DAT is also a cornerstone of diphtheria diagnostics but several diagnostic reference laboratories across the European Union (EU) and elsewhere routinely face problems in sourcing DAT for toxigenicity testing. Overall, global access to DAT for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications seems inadequate. Therefore--besides efforts to improve the current supply of DAT--accelerated research and development of alternatives including monoclonal antibodies for therapy and molecular-based methods for diagnostics are required. Given the rarity of the disease, it would be useful to organise a small stockpile centrally for all EU countries and to maintain an inventory of DAT availability within and between countries.
Asunto(s)
Productos Biológicos/provisión & distribución , Antitoxina Diftérica/uso terapéutico , Difteria/tratamiento farmacológico , Medicamentos Esenciales/provisión & distribución , Difteria/diagnóstico , Unión Europea , Accesibilidad a los Servicios de Salud , Humanos , Organización Mundial de la SaludRESUMEN
Increases in scarlet fever above usual seasonal levels are currently being seen across the United Kingdom. Medical practitioners have been alerted to the exceptional increase in incidence. Given the potential for this to signal a population increase in invasive group A streptococcal disease, close monitoring of invasive disease is essential.
Asunto(s)
Notificación de Enfermedades/estadística & datos numéricos , Brotes de Enfermedades/estadística & datos numéricos , Escarlatina/epidemiología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Distribución por Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Niño , Preescolar , Humanos , Incidencia , Lactante , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Vigilancia de la Población , Escarlatina/diagnóstico , Distribución por Sexo , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/diagnóstico , Streptococcus pyogenes/aislamiento & purificación , Reino Unido/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
M/emm typing, based either on serotyping of the M protein or on sequencing of the emm gene, is a major tool for epidemiological studies of group A streptococci (GAS). In order to simplify M/emm typing, we designed two multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) formats capable of identifying the most frequent GAS M/emm types involved in invasive infections and antimicrobial resistance. A heptaplex PCR procedure was first developed in a conventional format coupled with gel electrophoresis to identify emm types 1, 3, 4, 6, 12, 28, and 89, based on the size of the amplification products. The other method, designed to identify the same seven emm types, together with emm11, was based on a real-time PCR format coupled with high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis, allowing the rapid typing of large strain collections.
Asunto(s)
Antígenos Bacterianos/análisis , Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa/análisis , Técnicas de Tipificación Bacteriana/métodos , Proteínas Portadoras/análisis , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa Multiplex/métodos , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/microbiología , Streptococcus/aislamiento & purificación , Adolescente , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Niño , Preescolar , ADN Bacteriano/análisis , Electroforesis en Gel de Agar/métodos , Eritromicina/farmacología , Genes Bacterianos , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Desnaturalización de Ácido Nucleico , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/sangre , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/epidemiología , Streptococcus/clasificación , Streptococcus/efectos de los fármacos , Streptococcus/genética , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
The purpose of this paper was to present the current knowledge on the prevention of group B streptococcus (GBS) neonatal infections and the status of prevention policies in European countries and to present the DEVANI pan-European program, launched in 2008. The aim of this program was to assess the GBS neonatal infection burden in Europe, to design a new vaccine to immunize neonates against GBS infections, to improve the laboratory performance for the diagnosis of GBS colonization and infection, and to improve the methods for the typing of GBS strains. The current guidelines for GBS prevention in different countries were ascertained and a picture of the burden before and after the instauration of prevention policies has been drawn. After the issue of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, many European countries have adopted universal screening for the GBS colonization of pregnant women and intrapartum prophylaxis to colonized mothers. Nevertheless, some European countries continue advocating the risk factor approach to GBS prevention. Most European countries have implemented policies to prevent GBS neonatal infections and the burden of the disease has decreased during the last several years. Nevertheless, further steps are necessary in order to develop new strategies of prevention, to improve microbiological techniques to detect GBS colonization and infection, and to coordinate the prevention policies in the EU.
Asunto(s)
Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/microbiología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/prevención & control , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/microbiología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/prevención & control , Streptococcus agalactiae/aislamiento & purificación , Portador Sano/epidemiología , Portador Sano/microbiología , Portador Sano/prevención & control , Europa (Continente)/epidemiología , Femenino , Política de Salud , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Embarazo , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/epidemiología , Vacunas Estreptocócicas/inmunología , Vacunación/métodosRESUMEN
We present a series of 19 cases of invasive Group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection reported to the Thames Valley Health Protection Unit from 1 December 2010 to 15 January 2011. Ten patients died and a prodrome of influenza-like illness was reported in 14 cases.Influenza B co-infection was confirmed in four cases,three of which were fatal. Our report provides further evidence that influenza B co-infection with iGAS has the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality.
Asunto(s)
Subtipo H1N1 del Virus de la Influenza A/aislamiento & purificación , Virus de la Influenza B/aislamiento & purificación , Gripe Humana/complicaciones , Gripe Humana/virología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/microbiología , Streptococcus pyogenes/aislamiento & purificación , Adolescente , Adulto , Distribución por Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Niño , Preescolar , Comorbilidad , Brotes de Enfermedades , Inglaterra/epidemiología , Femenino , Hospitalización , Humanos , Vacunas contra la Influenza , Gripe Humana/mortalidad , Gripe Humana/terapia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estaciones del Año , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/complicaciones , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/mortalidad , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/terapia , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Increases in invasive Streptococcus pyogenes and S. pneumoniae above the seasonally expected levels are currently being seen in England. Preliminary analyses suggest that the high level of influenza activity seen this winter may be contributing to an increased risk of concurrent invasive bacterial and influenza infections in children and young adults.
Asunto(s)
Gripe Humana/complicaciones , Infecciones Neumocócicas/diagnóstico , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/epidemiología , Streptococcus pneumoniae/aislamiento & purificación , Streptococcus pyogenes/aislamiento & purificación , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Niño , Preescolar , Inglaterra/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Gripe Humana/diagnóstico , Gripe Humana/virología , Masculino , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infecciones Neumocócicas/complicaciones , Infecciones Neumocócicas/epidemiología , Vigilancia de la Población , Factores de Riesgo , Estaciones del Año , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/complicaciones , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/diagnóstico , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Two fatal cases of Streptococcus pyogenes emm st22.6 bacteraemia occurred in a care home in England during April and June 2010, initiating a cluster investigation. The first case had left the home 13 days before the second case took up residence. We sought further cases and carriers. We swabbed throat and chronic skin lesions from residents and staff and examined these specimens for the presence of S. pyogenes. 61 specimens were taken from 18 of 19 residents and 39 of 39 staff. All results from swabbing were culture negative. We observed infection control practices and the environment at the care home for deficiencies. Issues were identified relating to the correct use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, clinical waste and laundry. Infection control practices were improved and training given. Infection control practices and the environment at a care home should be examined as part of the investigation of a S. pyogenes cluster. Screening for carriage of S. pyogenes should be done before antibiotic chemoprophylaxis is issued to care home residents and staff.
Asunto(s)
Control de Enfermedades Transmisibles/métodos , Brotes de Enfermedades/prevención & control , Agencias de Atención a Domicilio , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/prevención & control , Streptococcus pyogenes/patogenicidad , Manejo de la Enfermedad , Inglaterra/epidemiología , Resultado Fatal , Humanos , Sepsis/microbiología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/epidemiología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/microbiología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/transmisión , Streptococcus pyogenes/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
Invasive group B streptococcus (GBS) disease is a leading cause of neonatal death. There is no UK national screening programme for GBS in pregnancy, hence colonisation rates are unknown. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is given during labour to colonised women to reduce neonatal GBS transmission and subsequent invasive infection. Data about prevalence of other haemolytic streptococci in pregnancy, including group A streptococcus (GAS), are uncommon despite increasing importance. This study investigated colonisation in 100 pregnant women using conventional culture methods; 19% had GBS. This suggests that GBS carriage is common in the UK. The role of other ß-haemolytic streptococci remains undefined.
Asunto(s)
Portador Sano/epidemiología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/epidemiología , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/epidemiología , Streptococcus agalactiae/aislamiento & purificación , Streptococcus/aislamiento & purificación , Adolescente , Adulto , Profilaxis Antibiótica , Dermatán Sulfato , Femenino , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Mortalidad Infantil , Recién Nacido , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Trabajo de Parto , Faringe/microbiología , Embarazo , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/microbiología , Recto/microbiología , Serotipificación , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/prevención & control , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/transmisión , Streptococcus/clasificación , Streptococcus pyogenes/aislamiento & purificación , Reino Unido/epidemiología , Vagina/microbiologíaRESUMEN
Diphtheria is an uncommon disease in the UK due to an effective immunization programme; consequently when cases do arise, there can be delays in diagnosis and case-fatality rates remain high. We reviewed 102 patients with infections caused by toxigenic corynebacteria (an average of four per year) reported in the UK between 1986 and 2008: 42 Corynebacterium diphtheriae, 59 C. ulcerans and one C. pseudotuberculosis, as well as 23 asymptomatic carriers. Five fatalities were reported, all in unvaccinated patients. The major risk factor for C. diphtheriae infection continued to be travel to an endemic country. C. ulcerans infections became more common than C. diphtheriae infections in the UK; they were associated with contact with companion animals. The occurrence of indigenous severe C. ulcerans infections and imported C. diphtheriae cases highlights the need to maintain UK routine vaccination coverage at the 95% level in the UK, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
Asunto(s)
Corynebacterium/clasificación , Difteria/epidemiología , Difteria/microbiología , Difteria/prevención & control , Toxoide Diftérico/administración & dosificación , Humanos , Factores de Riesgo , Factores de Tiempo , Reino Unido/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
We report on a case of toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans infection in a fully immunised veterinary student, investigated in London, United Kingdom, in May 2010. There was no ongoing transmission in human contacts. Possible animal sources were identified.
Asunto(s)
Técnicos de Animales , Corynebacterium diphtheriae/aislamiento & purificación , Difteria/fisiopatología , Estudiantes , Corynebacterium diphtheriae/inmunología , Corynebacterium diphtheriae/patogenicidad , Difteria/transmisión , Educación en Veterinaria , Humanos , Londres , Medición de Riesgo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
This article reports the investigation and control measures undertaken following the identification of a toxigenic strain of Cornyebacterium diphtheriae var gravis, designated ribotype Minsk , in a partially vaccinated teenager born in the United Kingdom with no recent history of travel or known contact with a case of diphtheria or a carrier. This case highlights the need for ongoing work to improve vaccine uptake rates to ensure children receive all scheduled vaccinations.
Asunto(s)
Corynebacterium diphtheriae/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoide Diftérico/administración & dosificación , Difteria/microbiología , Adolescente , Preescolar , Claritromicina/uso terapéutico , Trazado de Contacto , Difteria/tratamiento farmacológico , Difteria/epidemiología , Difteria/prevención & control , Brotes de Enfermedades/prevención & control , Femenino , Humanos , Londres/epidemiología , Masculino , ViajeRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To describe infection in companion animals with the zoonotic pathogen Corynebacterium ulcerans and to determine its prevalence in clinically-affected and healthy animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical presentation and treatment of three cases of C. ulcerans infection is described. Two studies to determine C. ulcerans prevalence rates were undertaken: (a) a prospective study of nasal samples from healthy animals, 479 dogs and 72 cats; (b) a retrospective analysis of records of nasal samples collected over a 10-year period from 189 dogs and 64 cats affected by respiratory signs. RESULTS: Toxigenic C. ulcerans was isolated from four cats with nasal discharge while concurrent C. ulcerans and mecC methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection was detected in a dog suffering from chronic nasal discharge. Clinical features were not distinctive and all cases recovered following antimicrobial treatment. Multilocus sequence typing supported a common source for isolates from the shelter cats. Carriage rates of C. ulcerans in healthy animals were 0.42% (2/479) in dogs and 0.00% (0/72) in cats whereas in animals with signs of upper respiratory tract infection prevalence rates were 0.53% (1/189) in dogs and 6.25% (4/64) in cats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should be aware that dogs and cats can be infected with (or carriers of) toxigenic C. ulcerans Considering the potential zoonotic risk, assistance from medical and public health colleagues should be sought in confirmed cases.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Infecciones por Corynebacterium , Enfermedades de los Perros , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio , Animales , Enfermedades de los Gatos/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Gatos , Corynebacterium , Infecciones por Corynebacterium/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por Corynebacterium/epidemiología , Infecciones por Corynebacterium/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Perros/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Perros , Estudios Prospectivos , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/epidemiología , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/veterinaria , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
The diphtheria surveillance network (DIPNET) encompassing National Diphtheria Reference Centers from 25 European countries is a Dedicated Surveillance Network recognized by the European Commission. A key DIPNET objective is the quality assessment of microbiological procedures for diphtheria across the European Union and beyond. A detailed questionnaire on the level of reference laboratory services and an external quality assessment (EQA) panel comprising six simulated throat specimens were sent to 34 centers. Twenty-three centers are designated National Diphtheria Reference Centers, with the laboratory in the United Kingdom being the only WHO Collaborating Centre. A variety of screening and identification tests were used, including the cysteinase test (20/34 centers), pyrazinamidase test (17/34 centers), and commercial kits (25/34 centers). The classic Elek test for toxigenicity testing is mostly used (28/34 centers), with variations in serum sources and antitoxin concentrations. Many laboratories reported problems obtaining Elek reagents or media. Only six centers produced acceptable results for all six specimens. Overall, 21% of identification and 13% of toxigenicity reports were unacceptable. Many centers could not isolate the target organism, and most found difficulties with the specimens that contained Corynebacterium striatum as a commensal contaminant. Nineteen centers generated either false-positive or negative toxigenic results, which may have caused inappropriate medical management. The discrepancies in this diphtheria diagnostics EQA alarmingly reflect the urgent need to improve laboratory performance in diphtheria diagnostics in Europe, standardize feasible and robust microbiological methods, and build awareness among public health authorities. Therefore, DIPNET recommends that regular workshops and EQA distributions for diphtheria diagnostics should be supported and maintained.
Asunto(s)
Técnicas de Laboratorio Clínico/normas , Corynebacterium , Difteria/diagnóstico , Control de Calidad , Técnicas de Tipificación Bacteriana , Corynebacterium/clasificación , Corynebacterium/genética , Corynebacterium/aislamiento & purificación , Corynebacterium/patogenicidad , Corynebacterium diphtheriae/clasificación , Corynebacterium diphtheriae/genética , Corynebacterium diphtheriae/aislamiento & purificación , Corynebacterium diphtheriae/patogenicidad , Difteria/microbiología , Toxina Diftérica/genética , Unión Europea , Humanos , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , Juego de Reactivos para Diagnóstico , Estándares de Referencia , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Increases in invasive and non-invasive group A streptococcal diseases are currently being seen in the United Kingdom. National enhanced surveillance is being launched to examine the clinical presentations, risk factors, outcome and clustering patterns of cases to further inform public health management strategies.
Asunto(s)
Brotes de Enfermedades/estadística & datos numéricos , Medición de Riesgo/métodos , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Niño , Preescolar , Inglaterra/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Irlanda del Norte/epidemiología , Vigilancia de la Población , Factores de Riesgo , Gales/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite causing significant health problems to humans and animals. In recent years, a number of investigations about the seroprevalence of T. gondii in China have been reported, but little is known on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep in northern China. In the present study, a total of 288 sheep serum samples were collected from Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin and Hebei provinces of northern China for T. gondii antibody survey using a latex agglutination test (LAT). Of these, 87 (30.2%) serum samples were positive for antibodies to T. gondii, and the antibody titres ranged from 1:64 to 1:1,024. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep was 17.1% in Inner Mongolia, 33.8% in Heilongjiang, 24.6% in Jilin and 46.3% in Hebei. Age and rearing system significantly affected seropositivity. The present survey indicates antibodies to T. gondii are widely prevalent in sheep in northern China, which may cause public health problems in these provinces.
RESUMEN
The most common T-serotypes among group A streptococci (n = 88) isolated from pharyngeal samples of children referred to a tertiary hospital in Cyprus for pharyngitis or scarlet fever during a 14-month period (2003-2004) were T28 (25%), T8/25/Imp19 (22.7%) and T12 (9.1%). All 88 isolates were sensitive to penicillin and clindamycin, but 1.1% and 18.2% of isolates were resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline, respectively. Macrolide consumption was estimated at 1.7 defined daily doses/1000 inhabitants/day. The low percentage of resistance to macrolides may have been related, at least in part, to the low consumption of macrolides.
Asunto(s)
Antibacterianos/farmacología , Serotipificación , Infecciones Estreptocócicas/microbiología , Streptococcus pyogenes/clasificación , Streptococcus pyogenes/aislamiento & purificación , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Chipre , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Macrólidos/uso terapéutico , Masculino , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Faringitis/microbiología , Faringe/microbiología , Escarlatina/microbiología , Streptococcus pyogenes/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
The ninth international meeting of the European Laboratory Working Group on Diphtheria (ELWGD) and the first annual meeting of the Diphtheria Surveillance Network (DIPNET) was held in Vouliagmeni, Greece, in November 2006. The recognition of DIPNET as an established Dedicated Surveillance Network (DSN) by the European Commission (EC) was announced, with the specific objective "to establish a Pan-European network of expertise for the prevention of diphtheria and other related infections". At the meeting, DIPNET participants from the European Union (EU) Member States and associated countries as well as collaborators from countries beyond EU presented the current situation concerning the clinical, epidemiological and microbiological aspects of diphtheria and related infections. Issues highlighted included the need for improving surveillance systems, supporting laboratory diagnostics globally, and undertaking screening and seroepidemiological studies to sustain diphtheria control in the WHO European Region and beyond.
Asunto(s)
Control de Enfermedades Transmisibles/organización & administración , Enfermedades Transmisibles/epidemiología , Redes Comunitarias/organización & administración , Difteria/epidemiología , Difteria/prevención & control , Unión Europea/organización & administración , Vigilancia de la Población/métodos , Difteria/diagnóstico , Notificación de Enfermedades/métodos , Europa (Continente)/epidemiología , HumanosRESUMEN
Previous studies show heamotropic Mycoplasma infection frequently occurs among splenectomized, immuno-suppressive or co-infected dog populations. However, in our study, the detection of 162 blood samples from dogs found 3 healthy, female dogs infected with Mycoplasma haemocanis in southeastern China. These infected dogs were grown in dog breeding center and had a history of tick infestation. This is the first molecular report of M. haemocanis in dogs from China. The 16S rRNA gene was partially sequenced and a phylogenetic tree constructed. Mycoplasma spp. was 99.9%-100% identical to the corresponding gene sequences of M. haemocanis and M. haemofelis available in GenBank. In this study, Mycoplasma spp. was identified as M. haemocanis because the bacterium was obtained from dogs.