Migrant health and infectious diseases in the UK: findings from the last 10 years of surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Migrants account for an increasing proportion of the UK population. They are at risk of acquiring infectious diseases in their country of origin (prior to migration or during return visits), during migration, as well as in their destination country. Migrants can therefore have different risk profiles to the indigenous population. METHODS: UK enhanced surveillance data for TB, HIV, malaria and enteric fever were analysed, with a focus on 2010, for migrant (non-UK born) populations. RESULTS: South Asia was the most common region of birth for TB and enteric fever cases (57 and 80% of migrant cases, respectively). Sub-Saharan Africa was the predominant region of birth for HIV in heterosexuals and malaria cases (80 and 75% of migrant cases, respectively). The majority of cases of TB, HIV in heterosexuals, malaria and enteric fever reported in the UK are migrants. Among UK-born cases, ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis highlights the importance of considering, and improving the recording of, country of birth as a risk factor for infection. Consideration of multiple health risks is of value for migrant patients, and this has implications for the design of improved preventative strategies.

Women who experience obstetric haemorrhage are at higher risk of anaemia, in both rich and poor countries.

OBJECTIVES: Anaemia is a potential long-term sequel of obstetric blood loss, but the increased risk of anaemia in women who experience a haemorrhage compared to those who do not has not been quantified. We sought to quantify this risk and explore the duration of increased risk for these women. METHODS: Systematic review of articles published between 1990 and 2009. Data were analysed by high- and low-income country groupings. Prevalence and incidence ratios, and mean haemoglobin levels were compared. RESULTS: Eleven of 822 studies screened were included in the analysis. Most studies showed a higher prevalence or incidence of anaemia in women who had experienced haemorrhage than in those who did not, irrespective of the timing of measurement post-partum. In high-income countries, women who had a haemorrhage were at 5.68 (95% CI 5.04-6.40) times higher risk of post-partum anaemia than women who did not. In low-income countries, the prevalence of anaemia was 1.58 (95% CI 0.96-2.60) times higher in women who had a haemorrhage than in women who did not, although this ratio was greater when the study including mild anaemia in its definition of anaemia was excluded (1.93, 95% CI 1.42-2.62). Population-attributable fractions ranged from 14.9% to 39.6%. Several methodological issues, such as definitions, exclusion criteria and timing of measurements, hindered the comparability of study results. CONCLUSIONS: Women who experience haemorrhage appear to be at increased risk of anaemia for many months after delivery. This important finding could have serious implications for their health care and management.

Screening for Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium ulcerans in patients with upper respiratory tract infections 2007-2008: a multicentre European study.

Diphtheria is now rare in most European countries but, when cases do arise, the case fatality rate is high (5-10%). Because few countries continue to routinely screen for the causative organisms of diphtheria, the extent to which they are circulating amongst different European populations is largely unknown. During 2007-2008, ten European countries each screened between 968 and 8551 throat swabs from patients with upper respiratory tract infections. Six toxigenic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae were identified: two from symptomatic patients in Latvia (the country with the highest reported incidence of diphtheria in the European Union) and four from Lithuania (two cases, two carriers); the last reported case of diphtheria in Lithuania was in 2002. Carriage rates of non-toxigenic organisms ranged from 0 (Bulgaria, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy) to 4.0 per 1000 (95% CI 2.0-7.1) in Turkey. A total of 28 non-toxigenic strains were identified during the study (26 C. diphtheriae, one Corynebacterium ulcerans, one Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis). The non-toxigenic C. ulcerans strain was isolated from the UK, the country with the highest reported incidence of cases due to C. ulcerans. Of the eleven ribotypes detected, Cluj was seen most frequently in the non-toxigenic isolates and, amongst toxigenic isolates, the major epidemic clone, Sankt-Petersburg, is still in circulation. Isolation of toxigenic C. diphtheriae and non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae and C. ulcerans in highly-vaccinated populations highlights the need to maintain microbiological surveillance, laboratory expertise and an awareness of these organisms amongst public health specialists, microbiologists and clinicians.

Diphtheria in the United Kingdom, 1986-2008: the increasing role of Corynebacterium ulcerans.

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.

A review of the international issues surrounding the availability and demand for diphtheria antitoxin for therapeutic use.

Diphtheria treatment requires early administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT), an immunoglobulin preparation that neutralises circulating diphtheria toxin. Here, we review issues relating to the supply and use of DAT and assess its availability by means of an international survey. Results showed that several countries do not currently hold DAT stockpiles due to low prevalence, and hence perceived risk of diphtheria, and/or difficulties in obtaining DAT supplies. The potential for importation of cases into any country exists globally, since diphtheria remains endemic in many regions. It is therefore important that DAT be readily available - particularly since waning diphtheria immunity has been observed among adult populations in countries with good vaccination coverage. Options for diphtheria therapy are discussed.

Racial/ethnic variations of practicing dentists.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the dental school population has changed from being predominantly white male to a more diverse racial and ethnic makeup. Noting this change in the student population, the American Dental Association undertook an in-depth study of the various racial/ethnic groups. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to approximately 8,000 dentists nationwide. Samples were drawn for each of the following racial/ethnic groupings: white, black, Hispanic, Native American and Asian. The survey instrument asked questions about personal characteristics, work and private practice issues, household and practice income, and patient characteristics; it also asked for dentists' opinions. A final adjusted response rate of 57.0 percent was achieved. RESULTS: The majority of all dentists responded that they were "very satisfied" with their profession, but the survey found variations in patient mix, employment history and provision of free or discounted care. CONCLUSIONS: The survey examined dentists by race/ethnicity to identify differences and similarities. Cultural and ethnic minorities are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. As the profession becomes more diverse, practice patterns will affect the overall dental profession. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Dentists' racial/ethnic backgrounds may change the provision of care as patient mix varies, with each dentist group treating a specific group of patients in regard to family income, racial/ethnic background and subgroups for whom they offer free or reduced-rate dental care.

The dentist and infectious diseases: a national survey of attitudes and behavior.

Two national surveys of infection control practices in 1986 and 1988 suggest several trends. A massive educational effort has brought about impressive acceptance and use of the hepatitis vaccine. Dramatic changes have occurred in respect to use of gloves and other barrier techniques. However, increased understanding of HIV infection has not, in the years surveyed, totally eradicated irrational fears about this disease.

Changes in tibiotalar joint contact areas following experimentally induced tibial angular deformities.

Six cadaveric legs were stripped of all soft tissue excluding the interosseous membrane and the tissues about the ankle joint and foot. Angular deformities were simulated in all planes to a maximum of 15 degrees for proximal, middle, and distal third levels following tibial resection and same-level fibular osteotomy. Anterior ankle arthrotomies allowed exposure to the tibiotalar joint so that contact area could be measured with pressure-sensitive film inserted between the tibia and talus. An angular deformity of 15 degrees or less produced no significant alteration in the contact area of the ankle joint for proximal and middle third tibial levels. Distal tibial deformities showed a dramatic change in the contact area, with as much as a 42% decrease in contact area for anterior deformities. The contact shape for distal third angular deformities of 10 degrees and 15 degrees in all planes also tended to elongate, with a shift to more lateral contact noted. Although minor degrees of angular malalignment had little effect on ankle contact for proximal and middle third levels, it would appear that distal third deformities produce a greater change in ankle joint contact; thus, fractures at the distal level should be managed to minimize the possibility of tibial malalignment.

A survey of retired dentists in the United States. Council on Dental Practice.

This paper reports on the results of a national survey of retired dentists carried out in the winter and spring of 1984. More than eight in ten of the respondents were general practitioners. Most retirees are between the ages of 60 and 69, married, and report their overall health at retirement to be excellent or good. As do retired scientists, dentists find intrinsic gratification in the work role, but apparently accept retirement as part of the life cycle. Retired dentists have income substantially greater than retirees in general. As is the case for the greater majority of older Americans, Social Security provides an important income support for respondent dentists. However, the primary source of retirement income for dentists comes from savings and investments. One of three retired dentists reports net worth in 1984 as between $200-$499,999. Retired dentists are well adjusted to retirement. Overall, most dentists report high satisfaction with retirement to date. Additional leisure time for hobbies, flexibility in owning one's time, and social activities with family and friends seem the main contributors to this satisfaction. Investment planning, health assessment, enthusiasm for outside interests, and personal preparation for retirement with a spouse are reported as important in retirement planning. Retirement is not a satisfying experience for all dentists. Some do report experiencing uselessness and depression. A still smaller proportion report feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. As is the case for older people in general, solitary activities including reading, watching television, and gardening are important for retired dentists. Most older people attempt to retain activity patterns and preferences developed earlier in life.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of simulated tibial deformities on the ankle joint during the gait cycle.

The effect of angular deformities of the tibial shaft on the area, location, and shape of the ankle joint contact during the normal extremes in the gait cycle was studied with the use of a cadaveric model. Six lower limbs were first examined radiographically and found to be free of pathology. These specimens were then stripped of soft tissues proximal to the ankle joint and had a custom-designed universal joint-plate inserted into the tibia at the proximal, middle, or distal third level. An anterior ankle arthrotomy was performed, and pressure sensitive film was inserted into the tibiotalar joint. Load was then applied with the ankle set in dorsiflexion or plantarflexion via metal wedges, and tibial deformities of 5, 10, and 15 degrees were simulated in varus, valgus, anterior bow, and posterior bow. Contact area and location changes were noted to be of greater magnitude with proximal and distal third tibial deformities than with middle third deformities. Varus and valgus deformities showed smaller contact area changes than anterior or posterior bow deformities. Contact area changes tended to be larger in dorsiflexion compared to plantarflexion for each level and degree of tibial angulation. Posterior bow deformities at all levels resulted in greater changes in contact area and shape than other deformities. The role of subtalar compensation, stiffness of the foot-ankle complex, and geometric factors are all thought to influence the changes noted. On the basis of this experimental study it would appear that angular deformity of the tibia less than 10 degrees would not significantly alter ankle joint contact.