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1.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 73(12): 260-264, 2024 Mar 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38547036

ABSTRACT

Syndromic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels are used to test for pathogens that can cause rash illnesses, including measles. Rash illnesses have infectious and noninfectious causes, and approximately 5% of persons experience a rash 7-10 days after receipt of a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine includes live attenuated measles virus, which is detectable by PCR tests. No evidence exists of person-to-person transmission of measles vaccine virus, and illness does not typically result among immunocompetent persons. During September 2022-January 2023, the Tennessee Department of Health received two reports of measles detected by syndromic PCR panels. Both reports involved children (aged 1 and 6 years) without known risk factors for measles, who were evaluated for rash that occurred 11-13 days after routine MMR vaccination. After public health responses in Tennessee determined that both PCR panels had detected measles vaccine virus, six state health departments collaborated to assess the frequency and characteristics of persons receiving a positive measles PCR panel test result in the United States. Information was retrospectively collected from a commercial laboratory testing for measles in syndromic multiplex PCR panels. During May 2022-April 2023, among 1,548 syndromic PCR panels, 17 (1.1%) returned positive test results for measles virus. Among 14 persons who received a positive test result and for whom vaccination and case investigation information were available, all had received MMR vaccine a median of 12 days before specimen collection, and none had known risk factors for acquiring measles. All positive PCR results were attributed to detection of measles vaccine virus. Increased awareness among health care providers about potential measles detection by PCR after vaccination is needed. Any detection of measles virus by syndromic PCR testing should be immediately reported to public health agencies, which can use measles vaccination history and assessment of risk factors to determine the appropriate public health response. If a person recently received MMR vaccine and has no risk factors for acquiring measles, additional public health response is likely unnecessary.


Subject(s)
Exanthema , Measles , Mumps , Rubella , Child , Humans , United States/epidemiology , Infant , Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine , Retrospective Studies , Measles/diagnosis , Measles/epidemiology , Measles/prevention & control , Measles virus/genetics , Mumps/prevention & control , Vaccination , Tennessee/epidemiology , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Rubella/prevention & control , Antibodies, Viral
2.
J Arthroplasty ; 2024 Mar 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38467203

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Advances in total hip arthroplasty (THA) have resulted in evolving revision indications and intraoperative techniques, which can influence the exposure of trainees to complex cases. We report 3 decades of revision experience from a tertiary referral center that trains fellows, comparing the reasons for revision and the complexity of revisions over time. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all revision THAs performed at our institution from 1990 to 2022. Revision diagnoses, components revised, types of revision implants used, and exposure techniques were collected. A "complex" revision was defined as a case that involved an extended trochanteric osteotomy, triflange and cup-cage construct, or acetabular augment. RESULTS: A total of 3,556 THA revisions were identified (108 revisions/year). Aseptic loosening was the most common indication in 1990 to 1999 (45 per year), but decreased to 28.3/year in 2010 to 2019. From 1990 to 1999 and 2010 to 2019, fracture increased from 3.1 to 7.3 per year, infection from 2.9/year to 16.9/year, and metallosis from 0.1 to 13.2 per year. Both component revision were common from 1990 to 1994 (42.6 per year), while polyethylene exchange was most common in 2010 to 2019 (43.3 per year). A decrease was observed in "complex" cases over time: 14.8 extended trochanteric osteotomies/year in 2000 to 2004 compared to 5.4 per year in 2018 to 2022, 4.5 triflange and cup-cage constructs/year in 2004 to 2007 compared to 0.8 per year in 2018 to 2022, and 4 acetabular augments per year in 2009 to 2012 compared to 1 per year in 2018 to 2022. CONCLUSIONS: Indications for revision have changed over the decades, while the number of "complex" revisions has gradually decreased, presumably due to advances in implants and materials. If this trend extends to other training institutions, the next generation of arthroplasty surgeons will have less exposure to complex revisions during their training.

3.
PLoS Biol ; 18(3): e3000619, 2020 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32134914

ABSTRACT

Many livestock and human vaccines are leaky because they block symptoms but do not prevent infection or onward transmission. This leakiness is concerning because it increases vaccination coverage required to prevent disease spread and can promote evolution of increased pathogen virulence. Despite leakiness, vaccination may reduce pathogen load, affecting disease transmission dynamics. However, the impacts on post-transmission disease development and infectiousness in contact individuals are unknown. Here, we use transmission experiments involving Marek disease virus (MDV) in chickens to show that vaccination with a leaky vaccine substantially reduces viral load in both vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated contact individuals they infect. Consequently, contact birds are less likely to develop disease symptoms or die, show less severe symptoms, and shed less infectious virus themselves, when infected by vaccinated birds. These results highlight that even partial vaccination with a leaky vaccine can have unforeseen positive consequences in controlling the spread and symptoms of disease.


Subject(s)
Herpesvirus 2, Gallid/pathogenicity , Marek Disease/transmission , Viral Vaccines/pharmacology , Animals , Chickens , Feathers/virology , Host-Pathogen Interactions , Marek Disease/etiology , Marek Disease/mortality , Marek Disease/prevention & control , Vaccination , Viral Load , Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage , Virulence , Virus Shedding
4.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 72(3): 49-54, 2023 Jan 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36656786

ABSTRACT

Influenza seasons typically begin in October and peak between December and February (1); however, the 2022-23 influenza season in Tennessee began in late September and was characterized by high pediatric hospitalization rates during November. This report describes a field investigation conducted in Tennessee during November 2022, following reports of increasing influenza hospitalizations. Data from surveillance networks, patient surveys, and whole genome sequencing of influenza virus specimens were analyzed to assess influenza activity and secondary illness risk. Influenza activity increased earlier than usual among all age groups, and rates of influenza-associated hospitalization among children were high in November, reaching 12.6 per 100,000 in children aged <5 years, comparable to peak levels typically seen in high-severity seasons. Circulating influenza viruses were genetically similar to vaccine components. Among persons who received testing for influenza at outpatient clinics, children were twice as likely to receive a positive influenza test result as were adults. Among household contacts exposed to someone with influenza, children were more than twice as likely to become ill compared with adults. As the influenza season continues, it is important for all persons, especially those at higher risk for severe disease, to protect themselves from influenza. To prevent influenza and severe influenza complications, all persons aged ≥6 months should get vaccinated, avoid contact with ill persons, and take influenza antivirals if recommended and prescribed.


Subject(s)
Influenza Vaccines , Influenza, Human , Adult , Child , Humans , Infant , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Seasons , Tennessee/epidemiology , Influenza B virus/genetics , Vaccination
5.
Foodborne Pathog Dis ; 19(8): 529-534, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35671524

ABSTRACT

The Food and Drug Administration Egg Safety Rule requires producers with >3000 layer hens to register a Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (SE) prevention plan for production, storage, and transport of shell eggs. Since its implementation began in 2010, four outbreaks of egg-associated salmonellosis have occurred in Tennessee. We reviewed state health department records from each outbreak and described them in the context of the Egg Safety Rule. The outbreaks were linked to three farms that did not meet the criteria for regulation and one farm that was operating in violation of the rule. This regulatory gap poses a food safety risk in Tennessee and nationally. Additional measures at the state and federal level should be considered to address the risk of SE in shell eggs from farms not currently regulated by the Egg Safety Rule.


Subject(s)
Chickens , Disease Outbreaks/veterinary , Eggs/standards , Poultry Diseases/epidemiology , Salmonella Infections/epidemiology , Salmonella enteritidis , Animals , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Farms , Female , Food Microbiology , Poultry Diseases/microbiology , Risk , Tennessee/epidemiology , United States/epidemiology , United States Food and Drug Administration
6.
Clin Infect Dis ; 73(7): e1525-e1531, 2021 10 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32667045

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Norovirus is a leading cause of epidemic acute gastroenteritis (AGE), with most outbreaks occurring during winter. The majority of outbreaks are caused by GII.4 noroviruses; however, data to support whether this is true for sporadic medically attended AGE are limited. Therefore, we sought to compare the clinical characteristics and seasonality of GII.4 vs non-GII.4 viruses. METHODS: Children aged 15 days -17 years with AGE symptoms were recruited from the outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient settings at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Davidson County, Nashville, Tennessee, from December 2012 -November 2015. Stool specimens were tested using qRT-PCR for GI and GII noroviruses and subsequently genotyped by sequencing a partial region of the capsid gene. RESULTS: A total of 3705 patients were enrolled, and stool specimens were collected and tested from 2885 (78%) enrollees. Overall, 636 (22%) samples were norovirus-positive, of which 567 (89%) were GII. Of the 460 (81%) genotyped GII-positive samples, 233 (51%) were typed as GII.4 and 227 (49%) as non-GII.4. Compared with children with non-GII.4 infections, children with GII.4 infections were younger, more likely to have diarrhea, and more likely to receive oral rehydration fluids. Norovirus was detected year-round and peaked during winter. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 40% of sporadic pediatric norovirus AGE cases were caused by GII.4 norovirus. Children infected with GII.4 had more severe symptoms that required more medical care. Seasonal variations were noticed among different genotypes. These data highlight the importance of continuous norovirus surveillance and provide important information on which strains pediatric norovirus vaccines should protect against.


Subject(s)
Caliciviridae Infections , Norovirus , Caliciviridae Infections/epidemiology , Child , Feces , Genotype , Humans , Norovirus/genetics , Phylogeny , Tennessee/epidemiology
7.
Clin Infect Dis ; 72(4): 576-585, 2021 02 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32009161

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common reason for children to receive medical care. However, the viral etiology of AGE illness is not well described in the post-rotavirus vaccine era, particularly in the outpatient (OP) setting. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2015, children 15 days through 17 years old presenting to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee, with AGE were enrolled prospectively from the inpatient, emergency department, and OP settings, and stool specimens were collected. Healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled and frequency matched for period, age group, race, and ethnicity. Stool specimens were tested by means of reverse-transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for norovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus RNA and by Rotaclone enzyme immunoassay for rotavirus antigen, followed by polymerase chain reaction verification of antigen detection. RESULTS: A total of 3705 AGE case patients and 1563 HCs were enrolled, among whom 2885 case patients (78%) and 1110 HCs (71%) provided stool specimens that were tested. All 4 viruses were more frequently detected in AGE case patients than in HCs (norovirus, 22% vs 8%, respectively; rotavirus, 10% vs 1%; sapovirus, 10% vs 5%; and astrovirus, 5% vs 2%; P < .001 for each virus). In the OP setting, rates of AGE due to norovirus were higher than rate for the other 3 viruses. Children <5 years old had higher OP AGE rates than older children for all viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Norovirus remains the most common virus detected in all settings, occurring nearly twice as frequently as the next most common pathogens, sapovirus and rotavirus. Combined, norovirus, sapovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus were associated with almost half of all AGE visits and therefore are an important reason for children to receive medical care.


Subject(s)
Gastroenteritis , Rotavirus Vaccines , Rotavirus , Sapovirus , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Feces , Gastroenteritis/epidemiology , Humans , Infant , Sapovirus/genetics , Tennessee/epidemiology
8.
J Infect Dis ; 222(Suppl 5): S442-S450, 2020 09 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32877559

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Injection drug use (IDU) is an established but uncommon risk factor for candidemia. Surveillance for candidemia is conducted in East Tennessee, an area heavily impacted by the opioid crisis and IDU. We evaluated IDU-associated candidemia to characterize the epidemiology and estimate the burden. METHODS: We assessed the proportion of candidemia cases related to IDU during January 1, 2014-September 30, 2018, estimated candidemia incidence in the overall population and among persons who inject drugs (PWID), and reviewed medical records to compare clinical features and outcomes among IDU-associated and non-IDU candidemia cases. RESULTS: The proportion of IDU-associated candidemia cases in East Tennessee increased from 6.1% in 2014 to 14.5% in 2018. Overall candidemia incidence in East Tennessee was 13.5/100 000, and incidence among PWID was 402-1895/100 000. Injection drug use-associated cases were younger (median age, 34.5 vs 60 years) and more frequently had endocarditis (39% vs 3%). All-cause 30-day mortality was 8% among IDU-associated cases versus 25% among non-IDU cases. CONCLUSIONS: A growing proportion of candidemia in East Tennessee is associated with IDU, posing an additional burden from the opioid crisis. The lower mortality among IDU-associated cases likely reflects in part the younger demographic; however, Candida endocarditis seen among approximately 40% underscores the seriousness of the infection and need for prevention.


Subject(s)
Candida/isolation & purification , Candidemia/epidemiology , Drug Users/statistics & numerical data , Endocarditis/epidemiology , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/complications , Adult , Age Factors , Candidemia/diagnosis , Candidemia/microbiology , Endocarditis/blood , Endocarditis/microbiology , Epidemiological Monitoring , Female , Hospital Mortality , Humans , Incidence , Male , Medical Records/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors , Tennessee/epidemiology
9.
Clin Infect Dis ; 71(9): 2398-2404, 2020 12 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31720684

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the United States, surveillance of norovirus gastroenteritis is largely restricted to outbreaks, limiting our knowledge of the contribution of sporadic illness to the overall impact on reported outbreaks. Understanding norovirus transmission dynamics is vital for improving preventive measures, including norovirus vaccine development. METHODS: We analyzed seasonal patterns and genotypic distribution between sporadic pediatric norovirus cases and reported norovirus outbreaks in middle Tennessee. Sporadic cases were ascertained via the New Vaccine Surveillance Network in a single county, while reported norovirus outbreaks from 7 middle Tennessee counties were included in the study. We investigated the predictive value of sporadic cases on outbreaks using a 2-state discrete Markov model. RESULTS: Between December 2012 and June 2016, there were 755 pediatric sporadic norovirus cases and 45 reported outbreaks. Almost half (42.2%) of outbreaks occurred in long-term care facilities. Most sporadic cases (74.9%) and reported outbreaks (86.8%) occurred between November and April. Peak sporadic norovirus activity was often contemporaneous with outbreak occurrence. Among both sporadic cases and outbreaks, GII genogroup noroviruses were most prevalent (90.1% and 83.3%), with GII.4 being the dominant genotype (39.0% and 52.8%). The predictive model suggested that the 3-day moving average of sporadic cases was positively associated with the probability of an outbreak occurring. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the demographic differences between the surveillance populations, the seasonal and genotypic associations between sporadic cases and outbreaks are suggestive of contemporaneous community transmission. Public health agencies may use this knowledge to expand surveillance and identify target populations for interventions, including future vaccines.


Subject(s)
Caliciviridae Infections , Gastroenteritis , Norovirus , Caliciviridae Infections/epidemiology , Child , Disease Outbreaks , Gastroenteritis/epidemiology , Genotype , Humans , Norovirus/genetics , Phylogeny , RNA, Viral , Tennessee/epidemiology
10.
J Gen Virol ; 101(5): 542-552, 2020 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32134378

ABSTRACT

Marek's disease virus (MDV), a causative agent of Marek's disease, has evolved its virulence partly because the current control strategies fail to provide sterilizing immunity. Gallid alphaherpesvirus 3 (GaHV-3) and turkey herpesvirus have been developed as bivalent vaccines to improve upon the level of protection elicited by single formulations. Since the in vitro passage of vaccines can result in attenuation, a GaHV-3 strain 301B/1 was cloned as a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) by inserting the mini-F replicon into the virus genome. A fully infectious virus, v301B-BAC, was reconstituted from the 301B/1 BAC clone and had similar growth kinetics comparable to that of the parental 301B/1 virus with strong reactivity against anti-301B/1 chicken sera. Protective efficacies of v301B-BAC, parental 301B/1, and SB-1 vaccine were evaluated against a very virulent MDV Md5 challenge. Clinical signs were significantly lower in the v301B-BAC vaccinated groups (24-25 %), parental 301B/1 (29 %) compare to that of non-vaccinated control (100%) and the removal of BAC sequences from v301B-BAC genome further reduced this to 17 %. The protective indices of v301B-BACs (75-76 %) were comparable with those of both the 301B/1 and the SB-1 vaccine (71%). Removal of the mini-F replicon resulted in a reconstituted virus with a protective index of 83 %. The shedding of challenge virus was notably lower in the v301B-BAC, and v301B-delBAC vaccinated groups. Overall, the protective efficacy of the 301B-BAC-derived vaccine virus against a very virulent MDV challenge was comparable to that of the parental 301B/1 virus as well as the SB-1 vaccine virus.


Subject(s)
Herpesvirus 2, Gallid/immunology , Marek Disease/immunology , Poultry Diseases/immunology , Virulence/immunology , Animals , Chickens/virology , Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial/genetics , Cloning, Molecular , Genetic Vectors/genetics , Genome, Viral/immunology , Herpesvirus 1, Meleagrid/immunology , Marek Disease/virology , Poultry Diseases/virology , Vaccines, DNA/genetics , Viral Vaccines/genetics , Virus Replication/immunology
11.
J Gen Virol ; 100(7): 1132-1139, 2019 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31184569

ABSTRACT

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is the most well-cited example of vaccine-driven virulence evolution. MDV induces a lymphoproliferative disease in chickens, which is currently controlled by widespread vaccination of flocks. Unfortunately, Marek's disease (MD) vaccines, while effective in preventing tumours, do not prevent viral replication and mutation, which has been hypothesized as the major driving force for increased MDV virulence of field strains during the past 40 years in US commercial flocks. To limit future virulence increases, there is interest in characterizing MDV strain genomes collected over the years and associating genetic variations with variation in virulence. In this study, we characterized 70 MDV genomes with known virulence by complete or targeted DNA sequencing, and identified genetic variants that showed association with virulence. Our results revealed a number of MDV genes as would be expected for a complex trait. In addition, phylogenetic analysis revealed a clear separation of strains that varied by virulence. Interestingly, high virulence isolates from the same farms persisted over years despite eradication attempts, which has implications on control efforts. Given the growing ability to bioengineer the MDV genome, it should be feasible to experimentally test whether these individual variants influence virulence markers alone or combinations. Once validated, these markers may provide an alternative to live bird testing for evaluating virulence of new MDV field strains.


Subject(s)
Herpesvirus 2, Gallid/genetics , Herpesvirus 2, Gallid/pathogenicity , Marek Disease/virology , Poultry Diseases/virology , Viral Proteins/genetics , Animals , Chickens , Female , Genome, Viral , Herpesvirus 2, Gallid/classification , Herpesvirus 2, Gallid/isolation & purification , Male , Phylogeny , United States , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Virulence
13.
Foodborne Pathog Dis ; 16(4): 290-297, 2019 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30735066

ABSTRACT

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that disproportionally affects pregnant females, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Using U.S. Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) surveillance data, we examined listeriosis incidence rates and rate ratios (RRs) by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and pregnancy status across three periods from 2008 to 2016, as recent incidence trends in U.S. subgroups had not been evaluated. The invasive listeriosis annual incidence rate per 100,000 for 2008-2016 was 0.28 cases among the general population (excluding pregnant females), and 3.73 cases among pregnant females. For adults ≥70 years, the annual incidence rate per 100,000 was 1.33 cases. No significant change in estimated listeriosis incidence was found over the 2008-2016 period, except for a small, but significantly lower pregnancy-associated rate in 2011-2013 when compared with 2008-2010. Among the nonpregnancy-associated cases, RRs increased with age from 0.43 (95% confidence interval: 0.25-0.73) for 0- to 14-year olds to 44.9 (33.5-60.0) for ≥85-year olds, compared with 15- to 44-year olds. Males had an incidence of 1.28 (1.12-1.45) times that of females. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, the incidence was 1.57 (1.18-1.20) times higher among non-Hispanic Asians, 1.49 (1.22-1.83) among non-Hispanic blacks, and 1.73 (1.15-2.62) among Hispanics. Among females of childbearing age, non-Hispanic Asian females had 2.72 (1.51-4.89) and Hispanic females 3.13 (2.12-4.89) times higher incidence than non-Hispanic whites. We observed a higher percentage of deaths among older patient groups compared with 15- to 44-year olds. This study is the first characterizing higher RRs for listeriosis in the United States among non-Hispanic blacks and Asians compared with non-Hispanic whites. This information for public health risk managers may spur further research to understand if differences in listeriosis rates relate to differences in consumption patterns of foods with higher contamination levels, food handling practices, comorbidities, immunodeficiencies, health care access, or other factors.


Subject(s)
Listeria monocytogenes/isolation & purification , Listeriosis/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Ethnicity , Female , Foodborne Diseases/epidemiology , Foodborne Diseases/microbiology , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Listeriosis/microbiology , Male , Middle Aged , Population Surveillance , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/microbiology , Sex Factors , United States/epidemiology
14.
Clin Infect Dis ; 66(12): 1892-1898, 2018 06 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29293941

ABSTRACT

Background: Culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) are increasingly used to identify enteric pathogens. However, foodborne illness surveillance systems have relied upon culture confirmation to estimate disease burden and identify outbreaks through molecular subtyping. This study examined the impacts of CIDT and estimated costs for culture verification of Shigella, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and Campylobacter at the Tennessee Department of Health Public Health Laboratory (PHL). Methods: This observational study included laboratory and epidemiological surveillance data collected between years 2013-2016 from patients with the reported enteric illness. We calculated pathogen recovery at PHL based on initial diagnostic test type reported at the clinical laboratory. Adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with modified Poisson regression. Estimates of cost were calculated for pathogen recovery from CIDT-positive specimens compared to recovery from culture-derived isolates. Results: During the study period, PHL received 5553 specimens from clinical laboratories from patients with the enteric illness. Pathogen recovery was 57% (984/1713) from referred CIDT-positive stool specimens and 95% (3662/3840) from culture-derived isolates (PR, 0.61 [95% CI, .56-.66]). Pathogen recovery from CIDT-positive specimens varied based on pathogen type: Salmonella (72%), Shigella (64%), STEC (57%), and Campylobacter (26%). Compared to stool culture-derived isolates, the cost to recover pathogens from 100 CIDT-positive specimens was higher for Shigella (US $6192), Salmonella (US $18373), and STEC (US $27783). Conclusions: Pathogen recovery was low from CIDT-positive specimens for enteric bacteria. This has important implications for the current enteric disease surveillance system, outbreak detection, and costs for public health programs.


Subject(s)
Clinical Laboratory Techniques/economics , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/diagnosis , Enterobacteriaceae Infections/microbiology , Enterobacteriaceae/isolation & purification , Microbiological Techniques/economics , Adolescent , Adult , Campylobacter/isolation & purification , Child , Child, Preschool , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/methods , Enterobacteriaceae/pathogenicity , Epidemiological Monitoring , Feces/microbiology , Female , Foodborne Diseases/diagnosis , Foodborne Diseases/microbiology , Humans , Male , Microbiological Techniques/methods , Regression Analysis , Retrospective Studies , Salmonella/isolation & purification , Shigella/isolation & purification , Tennessee , United States , United States Public Health Service/economics , Young Adult
15.
N Engl J Med ; 372(9): 825-34, 2015 Feb 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25714160

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The magnitude and scope of Clostridium difficile infection in the United States continue to evolve. METHODS: In 2011, we performed active population- and laboratory-based surveillance across 10 geographic areas in the United States to identify cases of C. difficile infection (stool specimens positive for C. difficile on either toxin or molecular assay in residents ≥ 1 year of age). Cases were classified as community-associated or health care-associated. In a sample of cases of C. difficile infection, specimens were cultured and isolates underwent molecular typing. We used regression models to calculate estimates of national incidence and total number of infections, first recurrences, and deaths within 30 days after the diagnosis of C. difficile infection. RESULTS: A total of 15,461 cases of C. difficile infection were identified in the 10 geographic areas; 65.8% were health care-associated, but only 24.2% had onset during hospitalization. After adjustment for predictors of disease incidence, the estimated number of incident C. difficile infections in the United States was 453,000 (95% confidence interval [CI], 397,100 to 508,500). The incidence was estimated to be higher among females (rate ratio, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.27), whites (rate ratio, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.56 to 2.0), and persons 65 years of age or older (rate ratio, 8.65; 95% CI, 8.16 to 9.31). The estimated number of first recurrences of C. difficile infection was 83,000 (95% CI, 57,000 to 108,900), and the estimated number of deaths was 29,300 (95% CI, 16,500 to 42,100). The North American pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type 1 (NAP1) strain was more prevalent among health care-associated infections than among community-associated infections (30.7% vs. 18.8%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: C. difficile was responsible for almost half a million infections and was associated with approximately 29,000 deaths in 2011. (Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.).


Subject(s)
Clostridioides difficile , Clostridium Infections/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Aged , Bacterial Typing Techniques , Child , Child, Preschool , Clostridioides difficile/genetics , Clostridioides difficile/isolation & purification , Clostridium Infections/mortality , Clostridium Infections/transmission , Cross Infection/epidemiology , Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field , Female , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Male , Middle Aged , Population Surveillance , Recurrence , Sex Distribution , United States/epidemiology
17.
Avian Pathol ; 47(4): 364-374, 2018 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29533078

ABSTRACT

A variety of techniques have been developed as diagnostic tools for the differential diagnosis of tumours produced by Marek's disease virus from those induced by avian leukosis virus and reticuloendotheliosis virus. However, most current techniques are unreliable when used in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, which often is the only sample type available for definitive diagnosis. A collection of tumours was generated by the inoculation of different strains of Marek's disease virus, reticuloendotheliosis virus or avian leukosis virus singularly or in combination. FFPE tissue sections from tumour and non-tumour tissues were analysed by optimized immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques and traditional as well as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with newly designed primers ideal for DNA fragmented by fixation. IHC and PCR results were highly sensitive and specific in tissues from single-infected birds. Virus quantity was higher in tumours compared to non-tumour spleens from Marek's disease (MD) virus-infected birds. Thus, using FFPE sections alone may be sufficient for the diagnosis of MD by demonstration of high quantities of viral antigens or genome in tumour cells, along with the absence of other tumour viruses by traditional PCR, and if standard criteria are met based on clinical history and histology. IHC furthermore allowed detection of the specific cells that were infected with different viruses in tumours from birds that had been inoculated simultaneously with multiple viruses. Following validation with field samples, these new protocols can be applied for both diagnostic and research purposes to help accurately identify avian tumour viruses in routine FFPE tissue sections.


Subject(s)
Chickens/virology , Immunohistochemistry/veterinary , Marek Disease/virology , Oncogenic Viruses/isolation & purification , Poultry Diseases/virology , Retroviridae Infections/veterinary , Tumor Virus Infections/virology , Animals , Avian Leukosis/virology , Avian Leukosis Virus/genetics , Avian Leukosis Virus/isolation & purification , DNA Primers/genetics , Diagnosis, Differential , Formaldehyde , Mardivirus/genetics , Mardivirus/isolation & purification , Oncogenic Viruses/genetics , Paraffin Embedding/veterinary , Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Reticuloendotheliosis virus/genetics , Reticuloendotheliosis virus/isolation & purification , Retroviridae Infections/virology
18.
Clin Infect Dis ; 64(4): 510-512, 2017 02 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27927857

ABSTRACT

We describe an investigation into a Heartland virus (HRTV)-associated death in Tennessee with novel clinical and pathologic findings. HRTV can cause rapidly fatal, widely disseminated infection with multisystem organ failure in patients without substantial comorbidities. We identified viral antigen in multiple organ tissues where it was not detected previously.


Subject(s)
Bunyaviridae Infections/diagnosis , Bunyaviridae Infections/pathology , Multiple Organ Failure/etiology , Multiple Organ Failure/pathology , Phlebovirus/isolation & purification , Aged , Antigens, Viral/analysis , Brain/pathology , Brain/virology , Bunyaviridae Infections/complications , Bunyaviridae Infections/virology , Fatal Outcome , Heart/virology , Histocytochemistry , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Liver/pathology , Liver/virology , Male , Microscopy , Myocardium/pathology , Phlebovirus/classification , Tennessee , Testis/pathology , Testis/virology
19.
Nutr Health ; 23(1): 7-11, 2017 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28298152

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sales of organic foods are increasing due to public demand, while genetically modified (GM) and irradiated foods are often viewed with suspicion. AIM: The aim of this research was to examine consumer attitudes toward organic, GM and irradiated foods to direct educational efforts regarding their consumption Methods: A telephone survey of 1838 residents in Tennessee, USA was conducted regarding organic, GM, and irradiated foods. RESULTS: Approximately half of respondents (50.4%) purchased organic food during the previous 6 months ('consumers'). The most common beliefs about organic foods by consumers were higher cost (92%), and fewer pesticides (89%). Consumers were more likely than non-consumers to believe organic food tasted better (prevalence ratio 3.6; 95% confidence interval 3.02-4.23). A minority of respondents were familiar with GM foods (33%) and irradiated foods (22%). CONCLUSION: Organic food consumption is common in Tennessee, but knowledge about GM and irradiated foods is less common. Consumer health education should emphasize the benefits of these food options, and the safety of GM and irradiated foods.


Subject(s)
Attitude , Food Irradiation , Food Preferences , Food, Genetically Modified , Food, Organic , Public Opinion , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Commerce , Costs and Cost Analysis , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pesticides , Surveys and Questionnaires , Taste , Tennessee , Young Adult
20.
J Environ Health ; 79(10): 8-12, 2017 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29154527

ABSTRACT

Waterborne outbreaks of salmonellosis are uncommon. The Tennessee Department of Health investigated a salmonellosis outbreak of 10 cases with the only common risk factor being exposure to a single splash pad. Risks included water splashed in the face at the splash pad and no free residual chlorine in the water system. We surveyed water quality and patron behaviors at splash pads statewide. Of the 29 splash pads participating in the water quality survey, 24 (83%) used a recirculating water system. Of the 24, 5 (21%) water samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction and found to be positive for E. coli, Giardia, norovirus, or Salmonella. Among 95 patrons observed, we identified common high-risk behaviors of sitting on the fountain or spray head and putting mouth to water. Water venue regulations and improved education of patrons are important to aid prevention efforts.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Salmonella Infections/epidemiology , Water Microbiology , Water Supply/standards , Adolescent , Bathing Beaches/standards , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Risk Factors , Risk-Taking , Salmonella Infections/etiology , Salmonella Infections/prevention & control , Tennessee/epidemiology
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