Decreasing case fatality rate following invasive pneumococcal disease, North East England, 2006-2016.

Declining mortality following invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has been observed concurrent with a reduced incidence due to effective pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. However, with IPD now increasing due to serotype replacement, we undertook a statistical analysis to estimate the trend in all-cause 30-day case fatality rate (CFR) in the North East of England (NEE) following IPD. Clinical, microbiological and demographic data were obtained for all laboratory-confirmed IPD cases (April 2006-March 2016) and the adjusted association between CFR and epidemiological year estimated using logistic regression. Of the 2510 episodes of IPD included in the analysis, 486 died within 30 days of IPD (CFR 19%). Increasing age, male sex, a diagnosis of septicaemia, being in ⩾1 clinical risk groups, alcohol abuse and individual serotypes were independently associated with increased CFR. A significant decline in CFR over time was observed following adjustment for these significant predictors (adjusted odds ratio 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.89-0.98; P = 0.003). A small but significant decline in 30-day all-cause CFR following IPD has been observed in the NEE. Nonetheless, certain population groups remain at increased risk of dying following IPD. Despite the introduction of effective vaccines, further strategies to reduce the ongoing burden of mortality from IPD are needed.

Large outbreak of multiple gastrointestinal pathogens associated with fresh curry leaves in North East England, 2013.

A total of 592 people reported gastrointestinal illness following attendance at Street Spice, a food festival held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North East England in February/March 2013. Epidemiological, microbiological and environmental investigations were undertaken to identify the source and prevent further cases. Several epidemiological analyses were conducted; a cohort study; a follow-up survey of cases and capture re-capture to estimate the true burden of cases. Indistinguishable isolates of Salmonella Agona phage type 40 were identified in cases and on fresh curry leaves used in one of the accompaniments served at the event. Molecular testing indicated entero-aggregative Escherichia coli and Shigella also contributed to the burden of illness. Analytical studies found strong associations between illness and eating food from a particular stall and with food items including coconut chutney which contained fresh curry leaves. Further investigation of the food supply chain and food preparation techniques identified a lack of clear instruction on the use of fresh uncooked curry leaves in finished dishes and uncertainty about their status as a ready-to-eat product. We describe the investigation of one of the largest outbreaks of food poisoning in England, involving several gastrointestinal pathogens including a strain of Salmonella Agona not previously seen in the UK.

Serotype-specific differences in short- and longer-term mortality following invasive pneumococcal disease.

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), caused by infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, has a substantial global burden. There are over 90 known serotypes of S. pneumoniae with a considerable body of evidence supporting serotype-specific mortality rates immediately following IPD. This is the first study to consider the association between serotype and longer-term mortality following IPD. Using enhanced surveillance data from the North East of England we assessed both the short-term (30-day) and longer-term (⩽7 years) independent adjusted associations between individual serotypes and mortality following IPD diagnosis using logistic regression and extended Cox proportional hazards models. Of the 1316 cases included in the analysis, 243 [18·5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 16·4-20·7] died within 30 days of diagnosis. Four serotypes (3, 6A, 9N, 19 F) were significantly associated with overall increased 30-day mortality. Effects were observable only for older adults (⩾60 years). After extension of the window to 12 months and 36 months, one serotype was associated with significantly increased mortality at 12 months (19 F), but no individual serotypes were associated with increased mortality at 36 months. Two serotypes had statistically significant hazard ratios (HR) for longer-term mortality: serotype 1 for reduced mortality (HR 0·51, 95% CI 0·30-0·86) and serotype 9N for increased mortality (HR 2·30, 95% CI 1·29-4·37). The association with serotype 9N was no longer observed after limiting survival analysis to an observation period starting 30 days after diagnosis. This study supports the evidence for associations between serotype and short-term (30-day) mortality following IPD and provides the first evidence for the existence of statistically significant associations between individual serotypes and longer-term variation in mortality following IPD.

An epidemiological review of gastrointestinal outbreaks associated with Clostridium perfringens, North East of England, 2012-2014.

An anecdotal increase in C. perfringens outbreaks was observed in the North East of England during 2012-2014. We describe findings of investigations in order to further understanding of the epidemiology of these outbreaks and inform control measures. All culture-positive (>105 c.f.u./g) outbreaks reported to the North East Health Protection Team from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2014 were included. Epidemiological (attack rate, symptom profile and positive associations with a suspected vehicle of infection), environmental (deficiencies in food preparation or hygiene practices and suspected vehicle of infection) and microbiological investigations are described. Forty-six outbreaks were included (83% reported from care homes). Enterotoxin (cpe) gene-bearer C. perfringens were detected by PCR in 20/46 (43%) and enterotoxin (by ELISA) and/or enterotoxigenic faecal/food isolates with indistinguishable molecular profiles in 12/46 (26%) outbreaks. Concerns about temperature control of foods were documented in 20/46 (43%) outbreaks. A suspected vehicle of infection was documented in 21/46 (46%) of outbreaks (meat-containing vehicle in 20/21). In 15/21 (71%) identification of the suspected vehicle was based on descriptive evidence alone, in 5/21 (24%) with supporting evidence from an epidemiological study and in 2/21 (10%) with supporting microbiological evidence. C. perfringens-associated illness is preventable and although identification of foodborne outbreaks is challenging, a risk mitigation approach should be taken, particularly in vulnerable populations such as care homes for the elderly.

Association between use of proton pump inhibitors and non-typhoidal salmonellosis identified following investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella Mikawasima in the UK, 2013.

In November 2013, national public health agencies in England and Scotland identified an increase in laboratory-confirmed Salmonella Mikawasima. The role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as a risk factor for salmonellosis is unclear; we therefore captured information on PPI usage as part of our outbreak investigation. We conducted a case-control study, comparing each case with two controls. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression. Thirty-nine of 61 eligible cases were included in the study. The median age of cases was 45 years; 56% were female. Of these, 33% were admitted to hospital and 31% reported taking PPIs. We identified an association between PPIs and non-typhoidal salmonellosis (aOR 8·8, 95% CI 2·0-38·3). There is increasing evidence supporting the existence of an association between salmonellosis and PPIs; however, biological studies are needed to understand the effect of PPIs in the pathogenesis of Salmonella. We recommend future outbreak studies investigate PPI usage to strengthen evidence on the relevance of PPIs in Salmonella infection. These findings should be used to support the development of guidelines for patients and prescribers on the risk of gastrointestinal infection and PPI usage.

Improved Standardization of the Bio-Rad Platelia Aspergillus Galactomannan Antigen Sandwich Enzyme Immunoassay Using the DS2 (Dynex) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Processing System.

The galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (GM-EIA) is widely utilized for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). There is inconsistent reproducibility of results between centers when the assay is processed manually. Automation of EIAs can reduce variation. This study investigated the semiautomation of the GM-EIA on the DS2 (Dynex) platform in the following three stages: (i) DS2 GM-EIA method validation with experimental samples, (ii) DS2 retesting of case-defined clinical samples, and (iii) a 12-month audit of DS2 GM-EIA performance. In stage i, Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a reduced variance between optical density index (ODI) values for samples processed on two DS2 platforms (mean difference, -0.02; limits of agreement [LOA], -0.19 to 0.14) compared with the variance between samples processed manually and on a DS2 platform (mean difference, 0.02; LOA, -0.25 to 0.3). In stage ii, 100% (14/14 samples) qualitative agreement was observed for serum samples from patients with IA, with no significant change in the ODI values when samples were processed on the DS2 platform. A significant decrease in ODI values was observed for control serum samples on the DS2 platform (difference, 0.01; P = 0.042). In stage iii, a significant reduction in the frequency of equivocal results, from 5.56% (136/2,443 samples) to 1.56% (15/961 samples), was observed after DS2 automation (difference, 4.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7 to 5.2%; P < 0.01), with an equivalent increase in negative results. This study demonstrates that GM-EIA automation may reduce intersite variability. Automation does not have an impact on the repeatability of truly positive results but contributes to a reduction in false-positive (equivocal) GM-EIA results, reducing the need to retest a significant proportion of samples.

Inequalities in the incidence of infectious disease in the North East of England: a population-based study.

The objective of this study was to measure the association between deprivation and incidence of 21 infectious diseases in the North East of England (2007-2011). We used count regression models with the Index of Multiple Deprivation and population/landscape data for small areas (~1500 persons). Deprivation significantly predicted incidence (P < 0·05) for 17 infectious diseases. The direction of association was broadly consistent within groups: increased incidence with increased deprivation for all three bloodborne viruses, 2/3 invasive bacterial diseases, 4/5 sexually transmitted infections (STI) and tuberculosis (TB); decreased incidence with increased deprivation for 5/6 infectious intestinal diseases (IID) and 2/3 vaccine-preventable diseases. Associations were removed for all but one IID (E. coli O157 infection) after accounting for recent foreign travel. Hepatitis C virus, TB and STI are priority infections for reduction of inequalities associated with deprivation in the North East of England.

Detection of varying influenza circulation within England in 2012/13: informing antiviral prescription and public health response.

BACKGROUND: Subnational variation of 2009 pandemic influenza activity in England has been reported; however, little work has been published on this topic for seasonal influenza. If variation is present, this knowledge may assist with both identifying the onset of influenza epidemics, informing community antiviral prescription and local health planning. METHODS: An end-of-season analysis of influenza surveillance systems (acute respiratory outbreaks, primary care consultations, virological testing, influenza-confirmed secondary care admissions and excess all-cause mortality) was undertaken at national and subnational levels for 2012/13 when influenza B and A(H3N2) dominated. RESULTS: National community antiviral prescription was recommended in Week 51 following national threshold exceedance. However, this was preceded up to 2 weeks by subnational influenza activity in 2/9 regions in England. Regional variation in circulation of influenza subtypes was observed and severe influenza surveillance data sources were able to monitor the subnational impact. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of virological activity in two or more regions above a threshold indicated the onset of the 2012/13 season. Subnational thresholds should be determined and evaluated in order to improve timeliness of the national antiviral alert. During the season, outputs should be reported at levels that can inform local public health responses and variation considered when retrospectively evaluating the impact of interventions.

Spatial variation in the risk of hospitalization with childhood pneumonia and empyema in the North of England.

The aim of this study was to investigate spatial variation in risk of hospitalization in childhood pneumonia and empyema in the North of England and associated risk factors. Data on childhood (0-14 years) hospital admissions with a diagnosis pneumonia or empyema were linked to postcode districts. Bayesian conditional autoregressive models were used to evaluate spatial variation and the relevance of specific spatial covariates in an area-based study using postcode as the areal unit. There was a sixfold variation in the risk of hospitalization due to pneumonia across the study region. Variation in risk was associated with material deprivation, Child Well-being Index (CWI) health domain score, number of children requiring local authority support, and distance to hospital. No significant spatial variation in risk for empyema was found.

Evaluation of PNA-FISH yeast traffic light for rapid identification of yeast directly from positive blood cultures and assessment of clinical impact.

The PNA-FISH Yeast Traffic Light assay was performed on 54 clinical isolates of yeasts inoculated into blood culture bottles. The assay showed high sensitivity (Candida albicans/C. parapsilosis, 100%; C. glabrata/C. krusei, 92.3%; C. tropicalis, 100%) and specificity (C. albicans/C. parapsilosis, 100%; C. glabrata/C. krusei, 94.8%; C. tropicalis, 100%). Case note review estimated a change in therapy in 29% of cases had the PNA-FISH result been available to the clinician.

An evaluation of SaTScan for the prospective detection of space-time Campylobacter clusters in the North East of England.

Campylobacteriosis is the commonest cause of bacterial enteritis in England yet the epidemiology of apparently sporadic cases is not well understood. Here we evaluated the feasibility of applying a space-time cluster detection method to routine laboratory surveillance data in the North East of England by simulating prospective weekly space-time cluster detection using SaTScan as if it had been performed for 2008-2011. From the 209 simulated weekly runs using a circular window, 20 distinct clusters were found which contained a median of 30 cases (interquartile range 15-66) from a median population of ~134,000 persons. This corresponds to detection of a new cluster every 10 weeks. We found significant differences in age, sex and deprivation score distributions between areas within clusters compared to those without. The results of this study suggest that space-time detection of Campylobacter clusters could be used to find groups of cases amenable to epidemiological investigation.

Serotype dynamics of invasive pneumococcal disease post-PCV7 and pre-PCV13 introduction in North East England.

The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) has been included in the routine childhood immunization programme in the UK since September 2006. A population-based study of serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) post-PCV7 in North East England was conducted using data from a regional enhanced IPD surveillance system. Overall, there was a 20% reduction [95% confidence interval (CI) 5-32] from 12·1 cases/100 000 population in 2006/2007 to 9·7 in 2009/2010. There was a fall in IPD caused by PCV7 serotypes in all age groups, with reductions of 90% (95% CI 61-99) in children aged <5 years, 50% (95% CI 4-75) in persons aged 5-64 years and 66% (95% CI 40-82) in adults aged ⩾65 years. There was a non-significant increase in IPD caused by non-PCV7 serotypes in children aged <5 years of 88% (95% CI -10 to 312) and adults aged ⩾65 years of 12% (95% CI -19 to 50), which was largely caused by serotypes 7F, 19A and 22F. Replacement disease appears to have reduced the benefits of PCV7 in North East England.

Impact of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on the incidence of childhood pneumonia.

In September 2006, the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was added to the UK immunization programme. We aimed to evaluate the impact of PCV7 on the incidence of all-cause community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children. A prospective survey was undertaken in 2008-2009 at 11 hospitals in North East England of children aged 0-16 years with radiologically confirmed pneumonia. Data were compared to those from a similar survey undertaken in the same hospitals in 2001-2002. A total of 542 children were enrolled, of which 74% were aged <5 years. PCV7 uptake was 90∙7%. The incidence of pneumonia was 11∙8/10,000 [95% confidence interval (CI) 10∙9-12∙9], and the hospitalization rate was 9∙9/10,000 (95% CI 9∙0-10∙9). Compared to 2001, there was a 19% (95% CI 8-29) reduction in the rate of CAP in those aged <5 years, and in those <2 years a 33∙1% (95% CI 20-45) reduction in the incidence of CAP and 38∙1% (95% CI 24-50) reduction in hospitalization rates. However, for those unvaccinated aged ≥5 years, there was no difference in the incidence of CAP and hospitalization rate between both surveys. Since 2001, the overall reduction in incidence was 17∙7% (95% CI 8-26) and for hospitalization 18∙5% (95% CI 8-28). For the <5 years age group there was a lower incidence of CAP in PCV7-vaccinated children (25∙2/10,000, 95% CI 22∙6-28∙2) than in those that were not vaccinated (37∙4/10,000, 95% CI 29∙2-47∙1). In conclusion, PCV7 has reduced both incidence and rate of hospitalization of pneumonia in children, particularly in the <2 years age group.

Invasive pneumococcal disease and socioeconomic deprivation: a population study from the North East of England.

BACKGROUND: Some communicable diseases disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable groups. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality; however, the relationship between IPD and deprivation has not been well described. METHODS: Population based study assessing the relationship between incidence of IPD and deprivation in the North East of England using data from an enhanced IPD surveillance system and the 2010 Indices of Multiple Deprivation and the Rural and Urban Area Classification. RESULTS: The incidence of IPD increased linearly with increasing deprivation from 7.0 per 100 000 population to 13.6 per 100 000 population. This association was demonstrated for the 16-64 and ≥65 year age groups, but not the <16 year age group. IPD incidence was strongly associated with all individual domains of deprivation except for the 'barriers to housing and services' domain. IPD incidence was higher in urban than rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of IPD is strongly associated with deprivation in adults, but not children. The mechanisms producing the associations observed remain unclear and require further investigation. Findings from this study reinforce the need to address social inequalities to reduce the burden of disease. Targeting vaccination at adults living in deprived areas could reduce the burden of IPD.

Simultaneous increase of Cryptosporidium infections in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Germany in late summer season, 2012.

Starting August 2012, an increase in Cryptosporidium infections was reported in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Germany. It represented a 1.8 to 4.9-fold increase compared to previous years. Most samples were C. hominis IbA10G2. A case­control study was performed in the Netherlands but did not identify an endemic source. A case­case study in the north of England found travel abroad to be the most common risk factor.

Cohort study of a campylobacteriosis outbreak associated with chicken liver parfait, United Kingdom, June 2010.

In an outbreak of 24 cases of gastroenteritis among guests at a wedding reception, 13 cases had confirmed Campylobacter infection. In a cohort study, univariate analysis revealed a strong association with consumption of chicken liver parfait: risk ratio (RR): 30.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.34-208.44, p<0.001, which remained after adjustment for potential confounders in a multivariable model: RR=27.8, 95% CI=3.9-199.7, p=0.001. These analyses strongly support the hypothesis that this outbreak was caused by the consumption of chicken liver parfait.

Factors associated with repeat diagnosis of syphilis in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic attendees in the North East of England, 2002-2014.

This study aimed to identify factors associated with repeat syphilis infection in North East England, in order to inform local prevention and control opportunities. We undertook a case-case study comparing individuals diagnosed with single or multiple episodes of syphilis infection within genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in NE England (12 clinics serving a population of 2.5 million). Study cases were verified as having had true re-infection by a GUM clinician (using serological and/or clinical parameters) and control cases (3 per case) frequency matched to cases by age and year of presentation. The odds of exposure to sexual behavioural and clinical factors were compared for cases and control cases using stepwise multivariable logistic regression. We included 66 cases and 235 control cases. The majority of cases (62/66) and control cases (165/235) were men who had sex with men (MSM). Data were missing for 0-64% of cases across different variables. Following multivariable analysis HIV seropositivity (OR 23.3, 95% CI 4.32-125.9), failure to attend follow-up (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.11-19.31), stage of infection and deprivation were associated with re-infection ( p < 0.001). In this study, HIV seropositivity and failure to attend follow-up were associated with re-infection with syphilis. Actions targeted at these groups may help to reduce ongoing transmission.

How to: identify non-tuberculous Mycobacterium species using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of MALDI-TOF MS for microorganism identification has changed the routine of the microbiology laboratories as we knew it. Most microorganisms can now be reliably identified within minutes using this inexpensive, user-friendly methodology. However, its application in the identification of mycobacteria isolates has been hampered by the structure of their cell wall. Improvements in the sample processing method and in the available database have proved key factors for the rapid and reliable identification of non-tuberculous mycobacteria isolates using MALDI-TOF MS. AIMS: The main objective is to provide information about the proceedings for the identification of non-tuberculous isolates using MALDI-TOF MS and to review different sample processing methods, available databases, and the interpretation of the results. SOURCES: Results from relevant studies on the use of the available MALDI-TOF MS instruments, the implementation of innovative sample processing methods, or the implementation of improved databases are discussed. CONTENT: Insight about the methodology required for reliable identification of non-tuberculous mycobacteria and its implementation in the microbiology laboratory routine is provided. IMPLICATIONS: Microbiology laboratories where MALDI-TOF MS is available can benefit from its capacity to identify most clinically interesting non-tuberculous mycobacteria in a rapid, reliable, and inexpensive manner.

Rapid response to stroke symptoms: the Delay in Accessing Stroke Healthcare (DASH) study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the determinants of prehospital delay for patients with presumed acute cerebral ischemia (ACI) in order to provide the background necessary to develop interventions to shorten such delays. METHODS: A prospective registry of patients presenting to the ED with signs and symptoms of stroke was established at a university hospital from July 1995 to March 1996. Trained nurses performed a structured ED interview, which assessed prehospital delay and potential confounders. RESULTS: The median delay (interquartile range) from symptom onset to ED arrival for all patients seeking care for stroke-like symptoms (n = 152) was 3.0 hours (1.5-7.8 hr). The median delay from symptom onset to ED arrival was less in cases where a witness first recognized that there was a serious problem than it was when the patient first identified the problem. A heightened sense of urgency by the patient about his or her symptoms, and use of 911/emergency medical services (EMS) transport were also associated with rapid arrival in the ED within 3 hours of symptom onset. After adjusting for all predictor variables in a multivariable logistic regression model, only recognition of symptoms by a witness and calling 911/EMS transport remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that future efforts to intervene on prolonged prehospital delay for patients with ACI should include strategies for the community as a whole as well as persons at risk for stroke and should reinforce the use of 911 and EMS transport.

Time delays in accessing stroke care in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate components of delay within the hospital ED for patients presenting with symptoms of stroke. METHODS: A prospective registry of patients presenting to the ED with signs or symptoms of stroke was established at a university hospital from July 1995 to March 1996. The ED arrival time, time to being seen by an emergency physician (EP), time to CT scan, and time to neurology consultation were obtained by medical record review. RESULTS: The median delay (interquartile range) from ED arrival to being seen by an EP for the 170 eligible subjects was 0.42 (0.20-0.75) hours. The median delay to CT scan was 1.88 hours (1.25-2.67) and the median delay to neurology consultation was 2.42 hours (1.50-3.48). Age, race, sex, and hospital discharge diagnosis had little influence on delay. Subjects arriving by emergency medical services (EMS) had a significantly shorter time to being seen by an EP (0.33 vs 0.50 hours) when compared with those who arrived by other means. Time to CT scan was shorter by 0.5 hours for patients arriving by EMS as well. These differences persisted when stratified by out-of-hospital delay times. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that arriving by EMS is associated with shorter times to being seen by an EP and receiving a CT scan. The influence of EMS on delays associated with rapid medical care of stroke patients reaches beyond the out-of-hospital transport phase.