First cross-border outbreak of foodborne botulism in the European Union associated with the consumption of commercial dried roach (Rutilus rutilus).

Botulism outbreaks due to commercial products are extremely rare in the European Union. Here we report on the first international outbreak of foodborne botulism caused by commercial salt-cured, dried roach (Rutilus rutilus). Between November and December 2016, an outbreak of six foodborne botulism type E cases from five unrelated households was documented in Germany and Spain. The outbreak involved persons of Russian and Kazakh backgrounds, all consumed unheated salt-cured, dried roach-a snack particularly favored in Easter-European countries. The implicated food batches had been distributed by an international wholesaler and were recalled from Europe-wide outlets of a supermarket chain and other independent retailers. Of interest, and very unlike to other foodborne disease outbreaks which usually involves a single strain or virus variant, different Clostridium botulinum strains and toxin variants could be identified even from a single patient's sample. Foodborne botulism is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease and almost exclusively involves home-made or artisan products and thus, outbreaks are limited to individual or few cases. As a consequence, international outbreaks are the absolute exception and this is the first one within the European Union. Additional cases were likely prevented by a broad product recall, underscoring the importance of timely public health action. Challenges and difficulties on the diagnostic and epidemiological level encountered in the outbreak are highlighted.

Training for Foodborne Outbreak Investigations by Using Structured Learning Experience.

We created a free and interactive training activity based on playing cards (disease detective cards) that introduces foodborne outbreak investigations to public health professionals and students. Competencies taught cover selected descriptive and analytic epidemiologic topics, such as case definition, epidemic curve, 2-by-2 tables, relative risks, attack rates, stratification, and confounding.

Analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy allows prediction of capsular serotype.

Determination of the capsule type of clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae is a prerequisite for epidemiological studies and further vaccine development. The Quellung reaction for serotyping is expensive and mostly done in reference centres. We wanted to evaluate whether Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is suitable for capsular type analysis and prediction of pneumococcal serotypes. We used the IR-Biotyper™ (Bruker) to create a database containing the spectra of 120 strains from invasive disease. The strains covered the 24 vaccine serotypes contained in the 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PSV23). Hierarchical clustering analysis was performed. Finally, two different classification sets were created (PCV13 and PSV23). They were used to predict the serotype of 168 different challenge strains (invasive and non-invasive disease) covering 48 different serotypes (vaccine and non-vaccine types). FT-IR spectra from pneumococci (1300-800 cm-1) clustered along their serotype as determined by the Quellung reaction (120 strains, 24 different serotypes). Strains with unknown serotype fell within the cluster of the correct serotype, as long as the latter was represented in the database (168 strains, 48 different serotypes). Concordance between the Quellung reaction and FT-IR spectroscopy was excellent (kappa ≥ 0.75). FT-IR spectroscopy is a fast and cost-effective method to predict the capsular serotype of pneumococci.

Incidence of notified Lyme borreliosis in Germany, 2013-2017.

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in Germany. In 9/16 states, notification of erythema migrans (EM), acute neuroborreliosis (NB) and Lyme arthritis (LA) is mandatory. We describe incidence measures, time trends, geographical distribution and frequencies of manifestations to better understand LB epidemiology and target prevention measures. We used cases notified in the 9 states and confirmed by local health offices, 2013-2017, to calculate incidences by time, place and person. Altogether, we observed 56,446 cases. Disease onset peaked yearly in July. Incidence ranged from 26/100,000 (2015) to 41/100,000 (2013) with mean annual incidences 2013-2017 on district level between 0.5/100,000 and 138/100,000. Median age was 54 years with peaks in boys (5-9 years, mean incidence 36/100,000) and women (50-69 years, mean incidence 57/100,000). 95% experienced EM only, 2.7% NB and 2.1% LA. 54% were female, but more men had NB (56%) and LA (53%, p < 0.001). Hospitalisation was recorded for 10% of LA and 71% of NB cases. LB remains an important public health concern in Germany with marked regional variation. To facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, health authorities should raise awareness among physicians and promote prevention strategies among the general population: tick-bite-protection, prompt tick removal and medical consultation.

Detection of MRSA in nasal swabs-marked reduction of time to report for negative reports by substituting classical manual workflow with total lab automation.

In 2016, the workflow for MRSA detection in nasal swabs was changed from a classic-manual workflow to an automated workflow using total lab automation (TLA; BD Kiestra). This change entailed a reduction of the incubation time from 2 days to 20 h and reading of plates on weekdays and weekends instead of weekdays only. The workflow alteration did not include the introduction of 24/7. We wanted to follow up on the consequences for the times to report (TTR). We compared the TTR of all nasal swabs, which were sent for MRSA detection from June until August in 2015 (workflow-classic-manual) and in 2016 (workflow-automated). We calculated median TTR and interquartile ranges for the three possible reporting outcomes (negative, MRSA-known, MRSA-new) per day and workflow. A multivariable linear regression modeled the exposure variables workflow, day, and reporting outcome on TTR including interaction variables. The quantity and reasons for a TTR longer than 3 days were analyzed. During both 3-month periods, a total of 16,111 reports were issued (2015:7620; 2016:8491). The median TTR for negative reports was 48:28 (hh:mm) in 2015 and 23:58 in 2016. In the linear regression, all exposure variables had a strong and highly significant (p < 0.001) influence on the TTR. The number of reports with a TTR longer than 3 days shrank from 2418 (2015) to 60 (2016). The workflow alteration halved the median TTR for negative reports and the number of reports with a TTR longer than 3 days was reduced by 97.5%.

Negligible import of enteric pathogens by newly-arrived asylum seekers and no impact on incidence of notified Salmonella and Shigella infections and outbreaks in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, January 2015 to May 2016.

IntroductionThe 2015 refugee crisis raised concerns about an import of infectious diseases affecting the German population. Aims: To evaluate public and individual health benefits of stool screening, and explore whether importation of enteric pathogens by newly-arrived asylum seekers impacts on the host population. Methods: We used data from mandatory stool screening to determine the overall, age, sex, and country-specific prevalence of enteric bacteria and helminths. We used surveillance data to assess whether the number of incoming asylum seekers influenced notifications of salmonellosis and shigellosis in Rhineland-Palatinate. Results: Salmonella were found in 0.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-0.3%) of 23,410 samples collected from January 2015 to May 2016. Prevalence was highest in children under 5 years (0.8%; 95% CI: 0.5-1.3%). No Shigella or invasive Salmonella spp. were detected. In a subset of 14,511 samples, the prevalence of helminth infestation was 2.4% (95% CI: 2.1-2.6%), with highest proportions detected in adolescents (4.6%; 95% CI 3.8-5.4%) and among Eritreans (9.3%; 95% CI: 7.0-12.0%); in the latter particularly Schistosoma mansoni and Taenia spp. The increase in asylum applications did not increase notifications of salmonellosis and shigellosis. No transmission from asylum seekers to German residents was notified. Conclusion: Public health risk associated with imported enteric pathogens is very low overall. Addressing individual and public health risks, we recommend replacing stool screening of all newly-arrived asylum seekers by a targeted approach, with target groups and approaches being adapted if necessary. Target groups supported by our data are children, adolescents, and Eritreans.

Management of a Lassa fever outbreak, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, 2016.

Due to rapid diagnosis and isolation of imported cases, community outbreaks of viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are considered unlikely in industrialised countries. In March 2016, the first documented locally acquired case of Lassa fever (LF) outside Africa occurred, demonstrating the disease's potential as a cross-border health threat. We describe the management surrounding this case of LF in Rhineland-Palatinate - the German federal state where secondary transmission occurred. Twelve days after having been exposed to the corpse of a LF case imported from Togo, a symptomatic undertaker tested positive for Lassa virus RNA. Potential contacts were traced, categorised based on exposure risk, and monitored. Overall, we identified 21 contact persons with legal residency in Rhineland-Palatinate: seven related to the index case, 13 to the secondary case, and one related to both. The secondary case received treatment and recovered. Five contacts were quarantined and one was temporarily banned from work. No further transmission occurred. Based on the experience gained during the outbreak and a review of national and international guidelines, we conclude that exposure risk attributable to corpses may currently be underestimated, and we present suggestions that may help to improve the anti-epidemic response to imported VHF cases in industrialised countries.

Identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae: Development of a Standardized Protocol for Optochin Susceptibility Testing Using Total Lab Automation.

Purpose. Optochin susceptibility is one parameter used in the laboratory to identify Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, a single standardized procedure does not exist. Optochin is included neither in the current EUCAST breakpoint tables nor in the CLSI performance standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We wanted to establish an evidence-based protocol for optochin testing for our Total Lab Automation. Methods. We tested seven different agars and four different reading time points (7 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h). To accommodate for serotype diversity, all tests were done with 99 different strains covering 34 different serotypes of S. pneumoniae. We calculated a multivariable linear regression using data from 5544 inhibition zones. Results. Reading was possible for all strains at 12 h. Agar type and manufacturer influenced the size of the inhibition zones by up to 2 mm and they varied considerably depending on serotype (up to 3 mm for serotype 3). Depending on agar and reading time point, up to 38% of inhibition zones were smaller than the cut-off of 14 mm; that is, the result of the test was false-negative. Conclusions. Shortening incubation time from 24 h to 12 h for optochin susceptibility testing is feasible. Agar and incubation time have to be chosen carefully to avoid false-negative results.

Live Cell Therapy as Potential Risk Factor for Q Fever.

During an outbreak of Q fever in Germany, we identified an infected sheep flock from which animals were routinely used as a source for life cell therapy (LCT), the injection of fetal cells or cell extracts from sheep into humans. Q fever developed in 7 LCT recipients from Canada, Germany, and the United States.

Why are young adults affected? Estimating measles vaccination coverage in 20-34 year old germans in order to verify progress towards measles elimination.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of measles vaccination into routine childhood vaccination programmes has led to a shift of disease burden and incidence among young adults. This was confirmed by the recent rise in measles cases and outbreaks throughout Europe. To prevent outbreaks and eliminate measles, one of the key objectives of the WHO Europe measles elimination framework is achieving overall vaccination coverage of ≥95% in the population on a district level. In the absence of national registers, data on vaccination coverage in Germany is recorded at the age of school entry, through insurance refund claim data and population studies. Vaccination status (VS) of young adults is largely unknown. METHODS: We assessed measles vaccination coverage in young adults aged 20-34 years on a district level of the German Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate. The knowledge and attitude towards immunization of unvaccinated to vaccinated young adults were compared using Likert questions. We used proportional allocation for stratified random sampling across 36 counties. We mailed a self-administered questionnaire with pre-paid return envelopes along with an offer to complete online. Prior to calculating coverage we tested for non-responder bias using logistic regression. RESULTS: 465 (28%) of 1,637 persons contacted responded (mail: 23%, online: 5%). More women responded than men (odds ratio (OR)=2.1; 95% confidence intervall (CI)=1.7-2.6) but age did not vary between responders and non-responders. Vaccination coverage was 90% (95%CI=87%-93%) for one and 56% (95%CI=51%-61%) for two doses. We found a statistically significant association between receiving two doses and age group. The 20-24 years age group had a 2.3 higher incidence rate ratio (95%CI=1.7-3.2) than the reference group of 30-34 year old to have received two doses of measles vaccination. The group of 25-29 year old had a 1.5 higher incidence rate (95%CI=1.0-2.1) than the reference group to have received two doses of measles vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Coverage has failed to reach the WHO Europe elimination goal of 95% measles vaccination in the general population. Targeted approaches including enlistment of occupational health services and checking vaccination status during general practitioner (GP) visits are needed to increase vaccination uptake in this age group in order to achieve measles elimination.

Serotyping of pneumococci: evaluation of the genetic approach and performance with clinical samples.

Determination of pneumococcal serotypes depends on a successful culture and the Quellung's reaction. However, in 2006, the capsular sequences of 90 different pneumococcal capsular loci were published, thus making "genetic" serotyping via PCR possible. We wanted to determine the reliability of the published primers for the 13 serotypes included in pneumococcal conjugated vaccine 13 (PCV13) with pneumococcal isolates from Germany. We used a multiplex PCR approach and agarose gel detection of amplicons. Three hundred ninety well-characterized strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and 46 clinical samples were used in the study. A 100% concordance was achieved between PCR and Quellung's reaction. In 7 clinical samples with a PCR positive for S. pneumoniae, we could determine a serotype included in PCV13.

Reduction in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease after general vaccination with 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Germany.

General vaccination with the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was recommended in Germany in July 2006 for all children <2 years. The proportion of reported invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by vaccine serotypes before vaccine introduction was considerably lower than in the US. We report data from nationwide surveillance of IPD in children with two reporting sources, pediatric hospitals and microbiological laboratories in Germany. Incidence rates with regard to age groups and pneumococcal serotypes are based on capture recapture estimates combining the two reporting sources. Between July 1, 1997 and June 30, 2003, 2680 cases (an average 447 yearly cases) of IPD were observed in children <16 years in Germany compared to 223 cases between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. A significant reduction in overall incidence (4/100,000-3.2/100,000) was attributed to significant reductions in children younger than 2 years (20.0/100,000-11.0/100,000). While the incidence of all serotypes included in the vaccine was reduced in the age group <2 years, the incidence of non-vaccine serotypes remained stable. These data show a first success of the pneumococcal vaccination program in Germany. Further changes in incidence and serotype distribution of IPD are subject to future surveillance.

MOUSE (Mitochondrial and Other Useful SEquences) a compilation of population genetic markers.

UNLABELLED: Mitochondrial and Other Useful SEquences (MOUSE) is an integrated and comprehensive compilation of mtDNA from hypervariable regions I and II and of the low recombining nuclear loci Xq13.3 from about 11 200 humans and great apes, whose geographic and if applicable, linguistic classification is stored with their aligned sequences and publication details. The goal is to provide population geneticists and genetic epidemiologists with a comprehensive and user friendly repository of sequences and population information that is usually dispersed in a variety of other sources. AVAILABILITY: http://www.gen-epi.de/mouse. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Documentation and detailed information on population subgroups is available on the homepage: http://www.gen-epi.de/mouse