MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Euro Surveill' source. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:35:20 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3198295&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20085690%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fuhrman C, Bonmarin I, Paty AC, Duport N, Chiron E, Lucas E, Bitar D, Mailles A, Herida M, Vaux S, Lévy-Bruhl D From 1 July 2009 to 15 November 2009, 244 patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and were compared with 514 cases hospitalised in medical wards in France until 2 November 2009. Detailed case-based epidemiological information and outcomes were gathered for all hospitalised cases. Infants and pregnant women are overrepresented among cases admitted to ICU with seven per cent for both groups respectively, and twenty per cent of ICU cases did not belong to a risk group. Chronic respiratory disease was the most common risk factor among cases but obesity (body mass index >or= 30 Kg/m(2)), chronic cardiac disease and ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3198295 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:39:14 +0100 3198295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3198294&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20085691%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: van 't Klooster TM, Wielders CC, Donker T, Isken L, Meijer A, van den Wijngaard CC, van der Sande MA, van der Hoek W We analysed and reported on a weekly basis clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients hospitalised in the Netherlands for the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) using information from the national mandatory notification system. The notification criteria changed on 15 August 2009 from all possible, probable and confirmed cases to only laboratory-confirmed pandemic influenza hospitalisations and deaths. In the period of comprehensive case-based surveillance (until 15 August), 2% (35/1,622) of the patients with pandemic influenza were hospitalised. From 5 June to 31 December 2009, a total of 2,181 patients were hospitalised. Of these, 10% (219/2,181) wer... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3198294 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:38:55 +0100 3198294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3198293&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20085692%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sane J, Guedes S, Kurkela S, Lyytikäinen O, Vapalahti O Pogosta disease is a viral disease caused by a mosquito-borne alphavirus, Sindbis virus (SINV), and large human outbreaks of SINV infection have emerged in Finland every seven years. After a major outbreak in 2002 an epidemic was expected to take place in 2009. Data from the National Infectious Disease Registry showed a small outbreak in humans in 2009 with a total of 105 reported cases but the seven-year cycle did not recur as anticipated. PMID: 20085692 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3198293 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:38:37 +0100 3198293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3198292&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20085693%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Radun D, Bernard H, Altmann M, Schöneberg I, Bochat V, van Treeck U, Rippe RM, Grunow R, Elschner M, Biederbick W, Krause G A fatal case of anthrax occurred in an injecting drug user in Germany, in December 2009. A potential link to similar cases in Scotland in the same time period is currently under investigation. PMID: 20085693 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3198292 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:38:16 +0100 3198292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3198291&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20085694%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ramsay CN, Stirling A, Smith J, Hawkins G, Brooks T, Hood J, Penrice G, Browning LM, Ahmed S, , An investigation is currently underway to explore and control an outbreak of Bacillus anthracis among drug users (mainly injecting) in Scotland. Contaminated heroin or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin is considered to be the most likely source and vehicle of infection. Heroin users have been advised of the risk. The risk to the general public is regarded as very low. PMID: 20085694 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3198291 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:37:53 +0100 3198291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3175907&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20067745%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: , Pedroni E, Garcia M, Espinola V, Guerrero A, Gonzalez C, Olea A, Calvo M, Martorell B, Winkler M, Carrasco M, Vergara J, Ulloa J, Carrazana A, Mujica O, Villarroel J, Labrana M, Vargas M, Gonzalez P, Caceres L, Zamorano C, Momberg R, Munoz G, Rocco J, Bosque V, Gallardo A, Elgueta J, Vega J On 17 May 2009, the first two cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) were confirmed in the Metropolitan region (Santiago, Chile). On 6 June 2009, Chile reported 500 confirmed cases, seven severe and two fatal. Because six of the severe cases and the two deaths occurred in the region of Los Lagos in southern Chile, a retrospective study was conducted using data on emergency room visits as well as laboratory viral surveillance, during the period from 1 April to 31 May, in order to establ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3175907 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:44:15 +0100 3175907 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3175906&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20067746%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Barbier F, Ruppé E, Giakkoupi P, Wildenberg L, Lucet J, Vatopoulos A, Wolff M, Andremont A We document here the in vivo transfer of bla(KPC-2) between intensive care unit-acquired and a commensal strain of K. pneumoniae in a French patient after his repatriation from Greece. This first report of an emerging KPC-producing strain in France raises further concerns about the spread of carbapenem resistance among Enterobacteriaceae. PMID: 20067746 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3175906 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:44:13 +0100 3175906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3175903&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20067747%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sato H, Nakada H, Yamaguchi R, Imoto S, Miyano S, Kami M We simulated the early phase of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic and assessed the effectiveness of public health interventions in Japan. We show that the detection rate of border quarantine was low and the timing of the intervention was the most important factor involved in the control of the pandemic, with the maximum reduction in daily cases obtained after interventions started on day 6 or 11. Early interventions were not always effective. PMID: 20067747 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3175903 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:44:10 +0100 3175903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3175902&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20067748%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chironna M, Tafuri S, Santoro N, Prato R, Quarto M, Germinario CA A nosocomial outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1), with eight confirmed cases, occurred in a paediatric oncology ward in Italy, in October/November 2009. The fact that one case was infected despite being isolated and without contact to a symptomatic patient, hints towards potential transmission through a health care worker (HCW) and underlines the importance of vaccination of HCW who are involved in the care of critically ill patients. PMID: 20067748 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3175902 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:44:08 +0100 3175902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3175898&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20067749%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nicoll A PMID: 20067749 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3175898 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:44:05 +0100 3175898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101523&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003894%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hansraj F PMID: 20003894 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101523 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101522&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003895%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Berg R Given the need of programme planners and policy makers for descriptions of specific interventions and quantitative estimates of intervention effects to make informed decisions concerning prevention funding and research, there is a need for a systematic review that updates the current knowledge base about HIV/STI preventive interventions targeted at men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. The aim was to summarise and assess the effectiveness of HIV/STI prevention interventions for MSM living in Europe, and to identify intervention characteristics associated with effectiveness as well as potential gaps in the evidence base. A systematic search for relevant literature in eight international databases and in reference lists of relevant reviews and included studies was pe... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101522 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101521&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003896%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, socio-demographic factors such as education, age, ethnicity and sexual orientation may affect HIV risk behaviour knowledge, sexual behavior and substance use among MSM in Estonia, and need to be taken into consideration for targeted HIV prevention. PMID: 20003896 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101521 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101520&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003897%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mirandola M, Folch Toda C, Krampac I, Nita I, Stanekova D, Stehlikova D, Toskin I, Gios L, Foschia J, Breveglieri M, Furegato M, Castellani E, Bonavina M, Data from 23 European countries show that the annual number of HIV diagnoses in men who have sex with men (MSM) increased by 86% between 2000 and 2006. This paper reports the main preliminary results of a bio-behavioural survey in MSM with a specific focus on HIV prevalence and use of United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) indicators in six cities in Southern and Eastern Europe. Time-location sampling (TLS) was used. A total number of 2,356 questionnaires and 2,241 oral fluid samples were collected (invalid samples 4.1%). The data show different socio-demographic patterns across countries regarding age, le... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101520 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101519&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003898%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Savage E, van de Laar M, Gallay A, van der Sande M, Hamouda O, Sasse A, Hoffmann S, Diez M, Borrego M, Lowndes C, Ison C, Lymphogranuloma venereum, caused by the L serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis, emerged in Europe in 2003 and a series of outbreaks were reported in different countries. The infection presents as a severe proctitis in men who have sex with men, many of whom are co-infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. This paper reviews the number of cases reported over a five year period, from 2003 to 2008, from countries that were part of the European Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections (ESSTI) network. Reports were received from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It appears... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101519 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101518&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003899%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe HIV prevalence in men who have sex with men (MSM) diagnosed with infectious syphilis and/or gonorrhoea in 15 STI clinics; and concurrent diagnoses of STI in MSM newly diagnosed with HIV in 19 HIV/STI clinics. In total, 572 MSM were diagnosed with infectious syphilis and 580 with gonorrhoea during 2005-2007. HIV prevalence among syphilis and gonorrhoea cases was 29.8% and 15.2% respectively. In the multivariate analysis, HIV/syphilis co-infection was associated with being Latin American; having a history of STI; reporting exclusively anal intercourse; and having sex with casual or several types of partners. HIV and gonorrhoea co-infection was associated with age older than 45 years; having no education or only primary education completed; and having a history of STI. In total, 1... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101518 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101517&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003900%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Semaille C, Cazein F, Lot F, Pillonel J, Le Vu S, Le Strat Y, Bousquet V, Velter A, Barin F An increase in the number of new HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been observed in several countries in the early 2000s. In this article, we explore the trends in MSM in France between 2003 and 2008. To estimate the number of MSM newly diagnosed with HIV, we take into account the reporting delay, underreporting and missing data for HIV case notification. To identify recent infections (RI) (acquired an average of six months before diagnosis), we used an enzyme immunoassay for recent HIV-1 infections (EIA-RI) which has been performed routinely for new HIV diagnoses since 2003. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with RI. We estimate that be... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101517 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101516&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003901%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: van Oosten H, Damen M, de Vries H A 49-year-old man with a history of receptive unprotected anal intercourse with multiple anonymous men presented with a symptomatic primary HIV infection. Upon his initial visit the rapid HIV antibody screening test was negative but a p24 antigen test suggested a highly infectious phase in the HIV infection. An immunoblot assay confirmed the HIV diagnosis only 14 days later. Recent infections are characterised by a highly infectious phase and, if gone unnoticed, can have a large contribution to the ongoing transmission of HIV. Healthcare providers should be aware of primary HIV infection and the pitfalls in its diagnosis. PMID: 20003901 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101516 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101515&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003902%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 20003902 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101515 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101514&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003903%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Quaglio G, Pattaro C, Ramadani N, Bertinato L, Elezi Y, Dentico P, Volpe A, Ciotti M, Rezza G, Putoto G The serological status of hepatitis viruses and other infectious diseases in the 66 dialysed patients of one haemodialysis unit in Kosovo were studied, comparing the data with a large group of blood donors and out-patients. All dialysed patients were hepatitis A virus (HAV) positive. Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs), and hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) was 14 of 66, 21% (95% confidence interval (CI): 12-33%), 5 of 66, 8% (95%CI: 5-22%), and 50 of 66, 76% (95%CI: 64-85%), respectively. Antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) prevalence was 57 of 66, 86% (95%CI: 76-94%). No human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101514 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101513&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003904%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Reischl U, Frick J, Hoermansdorfer S, Melzl H, Bollwein M, Linde H, Becker K, Kock R, Tuschak C, Busch U, Sing A When testing 184 MRSA strains of human and animal origin from geographically distinct locations, we identified several characteristic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the SCCmec-orfX junction of livestock-associated (LA) MRSA CC398 which serve as suitable strain markers for screening purposes. All MRSA CC398 isolates were correctly identified by their characteristic Tm value in the commercial LightCycler MRSA Advanced test. PMID: 20003904 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101513 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101512&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003905%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe a cluster of norovirus outbreaks affecting about 200 people in Southern Finland in September and October 2009. All outbreaks occurred after consumption of imported raspberries from the same batch intended for the catering sector. Human norovirus genotype GI.4 was found in frozen raspberries. The berries were served in toppings of cakes in separate catering settings or mixed in curd cheese as a snack for children in a daycare center. The relative risk for consumption of the berry dish was 3.0 (p </= 0.05) at the daycare centre. Human norovirus GI.4 was also detected in samples from two patients, and in berries. Both shared identical partial capsid sequences. Based on the results of epidemiological, trace-back and laboratory investigations it was concluded that one particular ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101512 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101511&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003906%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fleury H, Burrel S, Balick Weber C, Hadrien R, Blanco P, Cazanave C, Dupon M We observed a prolonged shedding of virus 14 and 28 days after symptom onset in two patients with pandemic H1N1 influenza, who did not have immunodepression and were treated with neuraminidase inhibitor. This prolonged shedding was not associated with the emergence of resistance mutation H275Y in the viral neuraminidase gene. PMID: 20003906 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101511 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101510&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003907%26dopt%3DAbstract This article analyses the influenza A(H1N1)v situation in Andalusia until the week 39/2009. PMID: 20003907 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101510 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101509&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003908%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: La Torre G, Di Thiene D, Cadeddu C, Ricciardi W, Boccia A A survey on attitudes and behaviours towards preventive measures against pandemic H1N1 influenza 2009 was carried out during the month of October 2009 in Italy through an online questionnaire adapted to the Italian situation from a similar survey of the Harvard School of Public Health in the United States (US). Results show that the intention to get vaccinated against pandemic H1N1 influenza 2009 is generally low and that there are differences in attitudes and behaviours towards preventive measures against pandemic H1N1 influenza 2009 between physicians and nurses, especially concerning vaccination. Differences relate also to sex, region of residence and marital status. PMID: 20003908 [PubMed - in process] (Source: ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101509 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101508&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20003909%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sypsa V, Livanios T, Psichogiou M, Malliori M, Tsiodras S, Nikolakopoulos I, Hatzakis A A cross-sectional telephone survey on a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Greek households was performed to assess the acceptability of the pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v vaccine, factors associated with intention to decline and stated reasons for declining vaccination. The survey was initiated the last week of August 2009 (week 35) and is still ongoing (analysis up to week 44). The percentage of participants answering they would probably not/definitely not accept the vaccine increased from 47.1% in week 35 to 63.1% in week 44 (test for trend: p<0.001). More than half of the people which chronic illnesses (53.3%) indicated probably not/definitely not . Factors associated with intent... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101508 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100 3101508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3093127&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19371507%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Martin RM PMID: 19371507 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3093127 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:56:03 +0100 3093127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3093126&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19371508%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brewer DD, Hagan H Effective contact tracing for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection could enhance disease control, especially in populations with low HBV vaccination rates and high prevalence of untreated HCV infection. We evaluated a low-cost approach to HBV/HCV contact tracing in injection drug users (IDUs). Index cases (n=26) were IDUs who seroconverted to HBV and/or HCV during a prospective cohort study in Seattle. Interviewers elicited index cases' recent injection partners and administered recall cues and other techniques to boost recall. Index cases received vouchers for free hepatitis testing, which they were to give to locatable partners. Persons redeeming vouchers also received small monetary incentives. Most (26/40) seroconverters particip... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3093126 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:56:03 +0100 3093126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3093125&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19371509%26dopt%3DAbstract We report here baseline data from the first year of compulsory surveillance of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in hospitals in Belgium. Between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008, 2,704 CDI were reported: 12% were recurrent and 66% were hospital-associated (half of which occurred 15 days or more after admission). CDI was considered the cause of death (direct or indirect) for 10% of the episodes. The median incidence of CDI was 1.5 per 1,000 admissions and 1.9 per 10,000 hospital-days for all cases, and 0.9 per 1,000 admissions, and 1.1 per 10,000 hospital-days for hospital-associated cases. Further investigation of risk stratification by average length of stay in the reporting hospitals is warranted as a way to improve the comparability of indicators across hospitals and surveillance syst... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3093125 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:56:03 +0100 3093125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034725&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941771%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brytting M PMID: 19941771 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034725 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034724&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941772%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Casalegno J, Bouscambert-Duchamp M, Morfin F, Lina B, Escuret V PMID: 19941772 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034724 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034723&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941773%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Coory M, Grant K, Kelly H Standard sources of data for influenza surveillance include notifications of laboratory-confirmed cases and notifications from sentinel general practices. These data are not always available in a timely fashion, leading to proposals to use more immediate data sources such as over-the-counter drug sales, ambulance call-outs and web searches to monitor influenza-like illness (ILI). We aimed to assess data from a deputising medical service as another source of data for timely syndromic influenza surveillance. We measured the extent of agreement between the weekly percentage of patients with ILI reported from sentinel general practices and the corresponding weekly percentage reported from a deputising medical service in Victoria, Australia over ten years,... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034723 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034722&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941774%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kissling E, Valenciano M, Falcao J, Larrauri A, Widgren K, Pitigoi D, Oroszi B, Nunes B, Savulescu C, Mazick A, Lupulescu E, Ciancio B, Moren A Within I-MOVE (European programme to monitor seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine effectiveness (IVE)) five countries conducted IVE pilot case-control studies in 2008-9. One hundred and sixty sentinel general practitioners (GP) swabbed all elderly consulting for influenza-like illness (ILI). Influenza confirmed cases were compared to influenza negative controls. We conducted a pooled analysis to obtain a summary IVE in the age group of >/=65 years. We measured IVE in each study and assessed heterogeneity between studies qualitatively and using the I2 index. We used a one-stage pooled model with study as a fixed effect. We adjuste... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034722 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034721&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941775%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Barzon L, Franchin E, Squarzon L, Lavezzo E, Toppo S, Martello T, Bressan S, Pagni S, Cattai M, Piazza A, Pacenti M, Cusinato R, Palu G In 2009, six new human cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) were identified in Veneto region, following the six cases already reported in 2008. A human West Nile virus (WNV) isolate was obtained for the first time from an asymptomatic blood donor. Whole genome sequence of the human WNV isolate showed close phylogenetic relatedness to the Italy-1998-WNV strain and to other WNV strains recently isolated in Europe, with the new acquisition of the NS3-Thr249Pro mutation, a trait associated with avian virulence, increased virus transmission, and the occurrence of outbreaks in humans. PMID: 19941775 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034721 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034720&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941776%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Houze S, Ancelle T, Matra R, Boceno C, Carlier Y, Gajadhar A, Dupouy-Camet J Five cases of trichinellosis with onset of symptoms in September 2009, were reported in France, and were probably linked to the consumption of meat from a grizzly bear in Cambridge Bay in Nunavut, Canada. Travellers should be aware of the risks of eating raw or rare meat products in arctic regions, particularly game meat such as bear or walrus meat. PMID: 19941776 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034720 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034719&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941777%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wilson N, Mason K, Tobias M, Peacey M, Huang Q, Baker M For the period of the spread of pandemic H1N1 influenza in New Zealand during 2009, we compared results from Google Flu Trends with data from existing surveillance systems. The patterns from Google Flu Trends were closely aligned with (peaking a week before and a week after) two independent national surveillance systems for influenza-like illness (ILI) cases. It was much less congruent with (delayed by three weeks) data from ILI-related calls to a national free-phone Healthline and with media coverage of pandemic influenza. Some patterns were unique to Google Flu Trends and may not have reflected the actual ILI burden in the community. Overall, Google Flu Trends appears to provide a useful free surveillance system but it ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034719 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034718&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941778%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yasuda H, Suzuki K The first outbreak of pandemic H1N1 influenza in Japan was contained in the Kansai region in May 2009 by social distancing measures. Modelling methods are needed to estimate the validity of these measures before their implementation on a large scale. We estimated the transmission coefficient from outbreaks of pandemic H1N1 influenza among school children in Japan in summer 2009; using this transmission coefficient, we simulated the spread of pandemic H1N1 influenza in a virtual community called the virtual Chuo Line which models an area to the west of metropolitan Tokyo. Measures evaluated in our simulation included: isolation at home, school closure, post-exposure prophylaxis and mass vaccinations of school children. We showed that post-exposure prophylaxis... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034718 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034717&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941779%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cullen G, Martin J, O Donnell J, Boland M, Canny M, Keane E, McNamara A, O Hora A, Fitzgerald M, Jackson S, Igoe D, O Flanagan D From 28 April 2009 to 3 October 2009, 205 cases of confirmed pandemic H1N1 influenza were hospitalised in Ireland. Detailed case-based epidemiological information was gathered on all hospitalised cases. Age-specific hospitalisation rates were highest in the age group of 15 to 19 year-olds and lowest in those aged 65 years and over. Nineteen hospitalised cases (9%) were admitted to intensive care units (ICU) where the median length of stay was 24 days. Four hospitalised cases (2%) died. Fifty-one percent of hospitalised cases and 42% of ICU cases were not in a recognised risk group. Asthma was the most common risk factor among cases; however, people w... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034717 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034716&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941780%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Elliot A PMID: 19941780 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034716 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034715&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941781%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 19941781 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034715 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034714&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941782%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 19941782 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034714 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034713&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941783%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Suhrcke M, McKee M, Stuckler D, Suk J, Tsolova S, Semenza J PMID: 19941783 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034713 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034712&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941784%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Henderson K, Muller-Pebody B, Johnson A, Goossens H, Sharland M, PMID: 19941784 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034712 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034711&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941785%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Arvand M, Hauri A, Zaiss N, Witte W, Bettge-Weller G From January 2008 to April 2009, 72 cases of severe Clostridium difficile infection were reported from 18 different districts in the state of Hesse, Germany. A total of 41 C. difficile isolates from 41 patients were subjected to PCR ribotyping. PCR ribotype (RT) 027 was the most prevalent strain accounting for 24 of 41 (59%) of typed isolates, followed by RT 001 (eight isolates, 20%), RT 017 and 042 (two isolates each), and RT 003, 066, 078, 081, and RKI-034 (one isolate each). Eighteen patients had died within 30 days after admission. C. difficile was reported as underlying cause of or contributing to death in 14 patients, indicating a case fatality rate of 19%. The patients with lethal outcome attributable to C. difficile ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034711 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034710&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941786%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scholte E, Den Hartog W, Braks M, Reusken C, Dik M, Hessels A In late August and early September 2009, numerous larvae, pupae, and actively flying adult specimens of Ochlerotatus atropalpus were discovered in the Province of Brabant, southern Netherlands, during surveillance activities for Aedes albopictus at two trading companies that import used tires. No Ae. albopictus were found. Both companies mainly import used tires from countries in Europe, but also from North America. Oc. atropalpus is endemic to North America and has so far only been found outside of its endemic range in Europe, namely France and Italy, where it was subsequently eradicated. A preliminary modelling study shows that the weather conditions in the Netherlands are unlikely to prevent establishment of Oc. ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034710 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034709&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941787%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: King L, Niskanen T, Junnikkala M, Moilanen E, Lindstrom M, Korkeala H, Korhonen T, Popoff M, Mazuet C, Callon H, Pihier N, Peloux F, Ichai C, Quintard H, Dellamonica P, Cua E, Lasfargue M, Pierre F, de Valk H A family cluster of three cases of type E botulism were identified in south-east France in September 2009. The suspected food source of infection was a vacuum packed hot-smoked whitefish of Canadian origin purchased by the family during a visit to Finland and consumed several weeks later in France on the day prior to symptom onset. No leftover fish was available to confirm this hypothesis. Vacuum packed hot-smoked whitefish has previously been associated with cases of type E botulism in multiple countries, including Finland, Germany, the United States and Israel. PMID... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034709 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034708&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941788%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cox A, Guglielmetti P, Coulombier D Since the start of 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, a notable surge in messages communicated through the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) for the prevention and control of communicable diseases in the European Union has been recorded. In order to measure the impact of this increase on the reporting of other events, we compared the messages posted in the EWRS since April 2009 with those posted in the previous years (2004-2008). The analysis revealed that a ten-fold increase in messages was recorded during the pandemic period, from April to September 2009, and that the reporting of other threats dropped to a significantly low rate. These results suggest an important impact on the notification process of events in case of a situation requi... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034708 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034707&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941789%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hofshagen M, Gjerset B, Er C, Tarpai A, Brun E, Dannevig B, Bruheim T, Fostad I, Iversen B, Hungnes O, Lium B In Norway there is an ongoing outbreak in pigs of infections with pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v virus. The first herd was confirmed positive on 10 October 2009. As of 26 October, a total of 23 herds have been diagnosed as positive. The majority of the herds seem to have been infected by humans. Sequence analysis of pig viruses from the index farm shows that they are identical or virtually identical to human viruses from the same geographical region. PMID: 19941789 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034707 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034706&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941790%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nishiura H, Iwata K Results from early clinical trials have shown that a single dose of pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine may generate sufficient antibody response, but the relevance of this fact to public health decision making has yet to be clarified. The present study compares the risk of clinical attack (i.e. clinical attack rate) between one- and two-dose vaccination schemes. If the efficacies do not greatly vary between one- and two -dose schemes, one-dose vaccination may well be supported. Nevertheless, two-dose vaccination is shown to result in less morbidity if the vaccine efficacies are greatly diminished by reducing the dose. As long as the detailed efficacy estimates rest on theoretical assumptions, single-dose vaccination may only be sufficiently justified in a spec... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034706 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034705&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941791%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hensgens M, Goorhuis A, Notermans D, van Benthem B, Kuijper E After the first outbreaks of Clostridium difficile PCR ribotype 027 (North American pulsed-field type 1, restriction endonuclease analysis group BI) in the Netherlands in 2005, a national surveillance programme for C. difficile infection (CDI) was started. Furthermore, national guidelines were developed to rapidly recognise type 027 infections and prevent further spread. The mean incidence of CDI measured in 14 hospitals remained stable throughout the years: an incidence of 18 per 10,000 admissions was seen in 2007 and 2008. Between April 2005 and June 2009 a total of 2,788 samples were available for PCR ribotyping. A decrease was seen in the number and incidence of type 027 after the second half of 2006. In the fir... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034705 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034704&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941792%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lepape A, Monnet D, A survey was performed among European intensive care physicians to obtain information about their perception and experience with selected antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Seventy-eight out of 95 (82%) participants considered having to deal with infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the intensive care unit where they work was a major or significant problem. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were the most frequently reported antibiotic-resistant bacteria with 69 (73%) and 67 (71%) participants reporting having treated at least one patient with such an infection during the preceding six months, respectively. Antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including carbap... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034704 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034703&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941793%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 19941793 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034703 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034702&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941794%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 19941794 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034702 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034701&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941795%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wiessing L, Olszewski D, Klempova D, Vicente J, Griffiths P PMID: 19941795 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034701 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034700&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941796%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Simoens C, Sabbe M, Van Damme P, Beutels P, Arbyn M This paper documents the progress of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine introduction in Belgium. Information on vaccine use is based on sales statistics and reimbursement claims. From November 2007 to November 2008, the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance reimbursed the HPV vaccine for girls aged between 12-15 years. In December 2008, the age limit was extended to include girls up to the age of 18. In November 2008, the total number of HPV vaccines sold exceeded 530,000 doses. The number of vaccines reimbursed in Belgium, for the period November 2007-November 2008, corresponds to the amount required to fully vaccinate 44% of all girls aged between 12-15 years. However, the trend was decreasing over the last... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034700 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034699&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941797%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ciancio B, Meerhoff T, Kramarz P, Bonmarin I, Borgen K, Boucher C, Buchholz U, Buda S, Dijkstra F, Dudman S, Duwe S, Hauge S, Hungnes O, Meijer A, Mossong J, Paget W, Phin N, van der Sande M, Schweiger B, Nicoll A PMID: 19941797 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034699 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034698&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941798%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe the development and current organisation of surveillance of HAI in France and summarise key achievements and results. Surveillance of HAI is under the auspice of the national institute for public health surveillance through a central coordinating structure, the Reseau d alerte, d investigation et de surveillance des infections nosocomiales (RAISIN), which consists of five regional coordinating structures, two national advisory committees of the Ministry of Health and public health agencies. Surveillance includes the performance of national prevalence surveys every five years (latest in 2006), specific surveillance networks to follow trends and characterise HAI that are national priority, and mandatory reporting of HAI that meet specific criteria for alert purposes. RAISIN prior... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034698 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034697&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941799%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fereidouni S, Beer M, Vahlenkamp T, Starick E Analysis of all complete genome sequences of the pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v virus available as of 10 September 2009 revealed that two closely related but distinct clusters were circulating in most of the affected countries at the same time. The characteristic differences are located in genes encoding the two surface proteins - haemagglutinin and neuraminidase - and four internal proteins - the polymerase PB2 subunit, nucleoprotein, matrix protein M1 and the non-structural protein NS1. Phylogenetic inference was demonstrated by neighbour joining, maximum likelihood and Bayesian trees analyses of the involved genes and by tree construction of concatenated sequences. PMID: 19941799 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Eur... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034697 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034696&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941800%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Urbanus A, van Houdt R, van de Laar T, Coutinho R Viral hepatitis causes major disease burden worldwide, due to the chronic hepatitis sequelae: cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. Transmission of viral hepatitis is a problem not only in low-income countries, but also in high-income ones where viral hepatitis is a frequently occurring infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). Although the transmission routes of the three main hepatitis viruses, A, B and C, differ, MSM mainly acquire viral hepatitis during sexual contact. Vaccination programmes (only available for hepatitis A and B), raising awareness, and screening can be used to prevent transmission. However, despite the introduction of such methods in many high-income countries, the spread of viral hepatitis among MSM ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034696 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034695&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941801%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sasse A, Defraye A Belgium is currently experiencing an upward trend in the number of new HIV diagnoses characterised by a continuous increase in the number of cases among men who have sex with men (MSM). Based on surveillance data, in the past decade the yearly number of newly diagnosed HIV cases in MSM increased more than threefold, from 101 cases diagnosed in 1999 to 332 cases in 2008. During this period, the majority of new HIV infections in MSM were diagnosed among Belgians citizens (72%), followed by other European nationalities (13%). The increase in HIV diagnoses does not reflect an increase in HIV testing since the number of tests performed nationwide remained remarkably stable over time. The steady increase in the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases among MSM, and th... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034695 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034694&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941802%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Klavs I, Bergant N, Kastelic Z, Lamut A, Kustec T The report presents data on HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Slovenia during 1999-2008. HIV surveillance was based on universal mandatory reporting of HIV/AIDS cases, monitoring HIV infection prevalence among sentinel populations of MSM and STI patients and selected behaviour indicators in a sentinel population of MSM. Among 48 newly diagnosed HIV cases reported for 2008, 34 were MSM. Since 1999, the annual reported rate of HIV diagnoses in MSM rose from 7.1 to 46.8 per million men aged 15-64 years (an increase of more than six times). During 1999-2008, the proportion of MSM diagnosed with AIDS within three months of HIV diagnosis declined from 60% to 21%, however, the corresponding rate per million men ag... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034694 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034693&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941803%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Savage E, Hughes G, Ison C, Lowndes C, This paper describes recent trends in the epidemiology of syphilis and gonorrhoea infections in Europe among men who have sex with men (MSM). Routine surveillance data submitted to the European Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections (ESSTI) network from 24 European countries for the period 1998-2007 were analysed. Data on whether syphilis and gonorrhoea infections were in MSM were available for 12 and 10 countries respectively. The number of syphilis cases reported to be MSM increased considerably in all Western European countries. While in some Central and Eastern European countries the male to female ratio remained relatively stable at around 1:1, in Slovenia and Czech Republic the proportion of male cases increased and so did... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034693 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034692&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941804%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective was to investigate herpes simplex virus (HSV) epidemiology amongst HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) in England and Wales. Unlinked anonymous sera from 3,968 MSM attending 12 sexual health clinics in 2003 were tested for HIV, HSV-2 and HSV-1 antibodies. Fifty-five percent of HIV-positive MSM were HSV-2-seropositive, compared to 17% of HIV-negative MSM (Adj RR: 2.14 [CI: 1.92-2.37]). Amongst HIV-positive individuals, there was no significant difference in HSV-2 seroprevalence by knowledge of HIV status or whether the HIV infection was recently acquired (determined through STARHS). HIV infection was also independently associated with HSV-1 serostatus (Adj RR 1.19 [CI: 1.14-1.24)]). Four of the twelve attendees who received a diagnosis of recurrent an... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034692 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034691&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941805%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined whether men who have sex with men (MSM) in France have adopted serosorting with their casual partners, serosorting being one strategy to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. We expected to see the same predictors of this practice with casual partners in France as in other similar MSM communities (HIV-seropositive, Internet dating). Data from a cross-sectional survey was used, based on a self-administered questionnaire conducted among readers of the gay press and users of gay websites in 2004. The study population consisted of MSM who reported their HIV status, as well as the practice of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with a casual partner at least once during the previous 12 months. Among 881 respondents included in the analysis, 195 (22%) had practiced serosorting: 14% amo... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034691 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034690&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941806%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Folch C, Munoz R, Zaragoza K, Casabona J To evaluate the prevalence of sexual risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Catalonia and to identify sociodemographic, psychosocial, and behavioural factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with casual partners a convenience sample of 850 MSM was recruited in 2006. An anonymous questionnaire was used to explore risk behaviours during the previous 12 months. Logistic regression models were used to examine the variables associated with UAI. Mean age was 41 years and 20.4% were immigrants. Among those with casual partners (91.7% of all respondents), 31.4% had UAI. The multivariate analysis revealed that the likelihood of UAI was higher in men who were HIV-positive (OR: 1.77), used more than four drugs b... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034690 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034689&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941807%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Elford J, Jeannin A, Spencer B, Gervasoni J, van de Laar M, Dubois-Arber F, This paper describes behavioural surveillance for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe, focusing on the methods and indicators used. In August 2008, questionnaires were sent to European Union Member States and European Free Trade Association countries seeking information on behavioural surveillance activities among eight population groups including MSM. Thirty-one countries were invited to take part in the survey and 27 returned a questionnaire on MSM. Of these 27 countries, 14 reported that there was a system of behavioural surveillance among MSM in their country while another four countries had conducted behavioural surveys of some kind in thi... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034689 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034688&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941808%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cuevas M, Fernandez-Garcia A, Sanchez-Garcia A, Gonzalez-Galeano M, Pinilla M, Sanchez-Martinez M, Garcia V, Perez-Alvarez L, An increase in HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been reported in eight regions of Spain from 2003 to 2007. In order to study the incidence of HIV-1 genetic forms in Galicia, northwest of Spain, in particular the spread of HIV-1 variants among MSM, 93 newly diagnosed HIV-1 patients, including those with acute and recently acquired infections, were studied for a year from August 2008 to August 2009. Thirty eight (41%) were MSM. Of them, nine (24%) were infected by non-B viruses, including seven different genetic forms. The analysis of transmission clusters showed that 23 (60%) MSM grouped in different clusters and mostly in larg... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034688 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034687&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941809%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: van de Laar M, Likatavicius G HIV infections remain to be of major public health importance in Europe, with evidence of increasing transmission in several European countries. A total of 25,656 diagnosed cases of HIV infection were reported for 2008 by the countries of the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA); data were not available from Austria, Denmark or Liechtenstein. The highest rates were reported by Estonia, Latvia, Portugal and the United Kingdom. In the EU/EEA, the predominant mode of transmission for HIV infection was sex among men who have sex with men (MSM, 40%) followed by heterosexual contact (29%), when cases in persons originating from countries with generalised epidemics were excluded. Injecting drug use accounted for 6% of the reported cases. Ov... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034687 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3034686&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19941810%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: van de Laar M World Aids Day provides a good opportunity to take stock of the status of the HIV/AIDS epidemics in Europe and to reflect on achievements made and ongoing challenges. PMID: 19941810 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3034686 Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:30:03 +0100 3034686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963857&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883536%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Anestad G, Nordbo SA PMID: 19883536 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963857 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963856&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883537%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mesquita JR, Nascimento MS An outbreak of acute norovirus gastroenteritis was detected and epidemiologically linked to a Christmas dinner reunion of 22 recent graduate students in a restaurant in Porto, Portugal, in December 2008. A retrospective cohort study was carried out using online standardised questionnaires. Sixteen primary and three secondary cases were identified and the risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals for each food item were calculated. The response rate to the online questionnaires was 96%. The outbreak met all four Kaplan s criteria and the attack rate was 73%. Norovirus GII.4 2006b was detected in stools and emesis samples of two primary cases. The ingestion of soup and lettuce salad was considered a risk factor for this norovirus outbreak, as determine... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963856 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963855&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883538%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Johansen K, Nicoll A, Ciancio BC, Kramarz P Pandemic vaccines from four manufacturers are now available for use within the European Union (EU). Use of these vaccines will protect individuals and reduce the impact on health services to more manageable levels. The majority of the severely ill will be from known risk groups and the best strategy will be to start vaccinating in line with the recommendation from the European Union Health Security Committee prioritizing adults and children with chronic conditions, pregnant women and healthcare workers. The composition of authorized vaccines is reviewed in this article. The vaccine strain in all authorized pandemic vaccines worldwide is based on the same initial isolate of influenza A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)v but the vaccines differ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963855 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963854&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883539%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Terregino C, De Nardi R, Nisi R, Cilloni F, Salviato A, Fasolato M, Capua I We performed an experimental infection of 21- and 70-day-old meat turkeys with an early human isolate of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus exhibiting an alpha-2,3 receptor binding profile. Virus was not recovered by molecular or conventional methods from blood, tracheal and cloacal swabs, lungs, intestine or muscle tissue. Seroconversion was detected in a limited number of birds with the homologous antigen only. Our findings suggest that in its present form, the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus is not likely to be transmitted to meat turkeys and does therefore not represent an animal health or food safety issue for this species. PMID: 19883539 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963854 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963853&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883540%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Towers S, Feng Z We use data on confirmed cases of pandemic influenza A(H1N1), disseminated by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(US CDC), to fit the parameters of a seasonally forced Susceptible, Infective, Recovered (SIR) model. We use the resulting model to predict the course of the H1N1 influenza pandemic in autumn 2009, and we assess the efficacy of the planned CDC H1N1 vaccination campaign. The model predicts that there will be a significant wave in autumn, with 63% of the population being infected, and that this wave will peak so early that the planned CDC vaccination campaign will likely not have a large effect on the total number of people ultimately infected by the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus. PMID: 19883540 [PubMed - in process] (Sour... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963853 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963852&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883541%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sypsa V, Pavlopoulou I, Hatzakis A The impact of prioritization and of timing of vaccination strategies on reducing transmission of pandemic influenza A(H1N1) was evaluated in a community with the structure of the Greek population using a stochastic simulation model. Prioritization scenarios were based on the recommendations of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and vaccination was assumed to initiate either before or during the ongoing epidemic. In the absence of intervention, an illness attack rate (AR) of 34.5% is anticipated. Vaccinating the priority groups before the epidemic (pregnant women, people who live with or care for children <6 months of age, healthcare/emergency services personnel, childre... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963852 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963851&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883543%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: La Ruche G, Tarantola A, Barboza P, Vaillant L, Gueguen J, Gastellu-Etchegorry M, There are few structured data available to assess the risks associated with pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v infection according to ethnic groups. In countries of the Americas and the Pacific where these data are available, the attack rates are higher in indigenous populations, who also appear to be at approximately three to six-fold higher risk of developing severe disease and of dying. These observations may be associated with documented risk factors for severe disease and death associated with pandemic H1N1 influenza infection (especially the generally higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pregnancy in indigenous populations). More speculative fa... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963851 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963850&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883544%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: McBryde E, Bergeri I, van Gemert C, Rotty J, Headley E, Simpson K, Lester R, Hellard M, Fielding J Australia was one of the first countries of the southern hemisphere to experience influenza A(H1N1)v with community transmission apparent in Victoria, Australia, by 22 May 2009. With few identified imported cases, the epidemic spread through schools and communities leading to 897 confirmed cases by 3 June 2009. The estimated reproduction ratio up to 31 May 2009 was 2.4 (95% credible interval (CI): 2.1-2.6). Methods designed to account for undetected transmission reduce this estimate to 1.6 (95% CI: 1.5-1.8). Time varying reproduction ratio estimates show a steady decline in observed transmission over the first 14 days of the epidemic. This could be accounted for by ascertainment ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963850 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963849&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883545%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fielding J, Higgins N, Gregory J, Grant K, Catton M, Bergeri I, Lester R, Kelly H Victoria was the first Australian state to report widespread transmission of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza. Notifiable laboratory-confirmed influenza and a general practitioner sentinel surveillance system measuring influenza-like illness (ILI), including laboratory confirmation of influenza as the cause of ILI, were used to assess the pandemic. The pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v virus quickly became the dominant circulating strain and notification rates were highest in children and young adults. Despite a high number of notified cases, comparison of ILI rates suggested the season peaked in late June, was similar in magnitude to 2003 and 2007 and less severe than 1997. The majority of clinical presen... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963849 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963848&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883546%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: A range of surveillance systems were used to assess the progression and impact of the first wave of pandemic H1N1 influenza in New South Wales, Australia during the southern hemisphere winter. Surveillance methods included laboratory notifications, near real-time emergency department syndromic surveillance, ambulance despatch surveillance, death certificate surveillance and purpose-built web-based data systems to capture influenza clinic and intensive care unit activity. The epidemic lasted 10 weeks. By 31 August 2009, 1,214 people with pandemic H1N1 influenza infection were hospitalised (17.2 per 100,000 population), 225 were admitted to intensive care (3.2 per 100,000), and 48 died (0.7 per 100,000). Children aged 0-4 years had the highest hospitalisation rates, while adul... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963848 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963847&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883547%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gomez J, Munayco C, Arrasco J, Suarez L, Laguna-Torres V, Aguilar P, Chowell G, Kochel T This paper presents a description of Peru s experience with pandemic H1N1 influenza 2009. It is based on data from four main surveillance systems: a) ongoing sentinel surveillance of influenza-like illness cases with virological surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses; b) sentinel surveillance of severe acute respiratory infections and associated deaths; c) surveillance of acute respiratory infections in children under the age of five years and pneumonia in all age groups; and d) case and cluster surveillance. On 9 May 2009, the first confirmed case of pandemic H1N1 influenza in Peru was diagnosed in a Peruvian citizen returning from New York with a respiratory illness. By ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963847 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963846&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883548%26dopt%3DAbstract We report an analysis of the first 34,506 cases of influenza-like illness with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) notified in Brazil during the epidemiological weeks 16 to 33. The 5,747 confirmed cases of pandemic H1N1 influenza showed two incidence peaks across the age span: one in children up to the age of five years (3.8/100,000) and one in individuals aged 20 to 29 years (4.6/100,000). People over the age of 60 had the lowest incidence (1.1/100,000 inhabitants). The epidemic peaked rapidly. Ninety-four percent of cases were concentrated in two of Brazil s five geographic regions - the south and southeast, regions that have a more temperate climate and thus colder winters. Case-fatality of pandemic influenza presenting with SARI was 11.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 10.4%-12.1... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963846 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963845&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883549%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Archer B, Cohen C, Naidoo D, Thomas J, Makunga C, Blumberg L, Venter M, Timothy G, Puren A, McAnerney J, Cengimbo A, Schoub B We provide an interim report on pandemic H1N1 influenza activity in South Africa, with a focus on the epidemiology and factors associated with deaths. Following the importation of the virus on 14 July 2009, and the epidemic peak during the week starting 3 August, the incidence in South Africa has declined. A total of 12,331 cases and 91 deaths have been laboratory-confirmed as of 12 October 2009. Age distribution and risk groups were similar to those observed elsewhere. The median age of patients who died (33.5 years) was significantly higher than that of the non-fatal cases (15.0 years, p<0.01). The most common underlying conditions among fatal case... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963845 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963844&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883550%26dopt%3DAbstract We report preliminary epidemiological characteristics of the pandemic on Reunion Island in 2009 until week 37 ending September 13. PMID: 19883550 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963844 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963843&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883551%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Baker M, Kelly H, Wilson N PMID: 19883551 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963843 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963842&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883555%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, when used in healthcare workers, in vitro assays may provide a significant increase of specificity for tuberculosis infection compared to TST, even among non vaccinated individuals, at the cost of some sensitivity. PMID: 19883555 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963842 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963841&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883556%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pawun V, Jiraphongsa C, Puttamasute S, Putta R, Wongnai A, Jaima T, Tithsayatikom P, Wattanasri S In January 2008, we investigated a cluster of neonates with bullous impetigo in a hospital of northern Thailand in order to control the outbreak and identify a potential source of the infection. We reviewed medical records and working timetables of healthcare workers (HCWs) and conducted a case-control study. We performed an environmental study and took bacteriological samples from HCWs and equipments. According to our case definitions, we identified 16 confirmed cases and 14 probable cases. The attack rate was 42%. Most cases had skin blisters (28 cases) followed by pustules (five cases) and exfoliation (three cases). The location of the lesion was the trunk (17 cases), neck (14 ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963841 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963840&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883557%26dopt%3DAbstract This article describes the development of training in applied epidemiology in Europe and outlines the current situation in Europe with a view of how the system can be improved to meet future challenges. PMID: 19883557 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963840 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963839&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883558%26dopt%3DAbstract This article examines the achievements of the EPIET programme after its transition to ECDC and provides an outlook on its future. PMID: 19883558 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963839 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963838&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883559%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bosman A, Schimmer B, Coulombier D We analyse activities and outputs of fellows of the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) between 1995 and 2008 and describe the employment history of graduates after the training to demonstrate the contribution of this programme and of national EPIET-associated programmes to the public health workforce in the European Union and Norway. Up to 2008, some 161 fellows entered the training: 121 in EPIET and 40 in EPIET-associated programmes. Of these 149 were awarded a diploma. Fellows engaged in projects in all areas of surveillance, in outbreaks and field investigations and produced 340 publications in peer-reviewed journals. Seventy fellows were sent to 98 individual assignments on 65 international missions. The vas... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963838 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963837&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883560%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Krause G, Aavitsland P, Alpers K, Barrasa A, Bremer V, Helynck B, Perra A From 1994 to 2009, national field epidemiology training programmes (FETP) have been installed in Spain, Germany, Italy, France and Norway. During their two year duration, different components of the FETP are devised as follows: 63-79 weeks are spent on projects in hosting institutes, 2-26 weeks in outside projects, 9-30 weeks in courses and modules, and 1-2 weeks in scientific conferences. A considerable proportion of the Spanish FETP has is provided conventional class room training . The content of the modules is very similar for all programmes. Except from the Italian programme, all focus on infectious disease epidemiology. The German and Norwegian programmes are so called EPIET-associated programmesas... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963837 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963836&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883561%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 19883561 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963836 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963835&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19883562%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Walke HT, Simone PM PMID: 19883562 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963835 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:14:04 +0100 2963835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891651&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822116%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 19822116 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891651 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:32:02 +0100 2891651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891650&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822117%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 19822117 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891650 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:32:02 +0100 2891650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891649&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822118%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Google Flu Trends, a tool that estimates the level of influenza activity in near real-time using aggregated search queries, has been released for 14 countries in Europe on 8 October 2009 by Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google. PMID: 19822118 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891649 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:32:02 +0100 2891649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891648&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822119%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Coetzee N, Liu W, Astbury N, Williams P, Robinson S, Afza M, Duggal H In May 2008, a report of two workers from the same construction equipment manufacturing plant who were admitted to hospital with Legionnaires disease confirmed by urine antigen prompted an outbreak investigation. Both cases were middle aged men, smokers, and with no travel, leisure or other common community exposure to Legionella sources. There were no wet cooling towers at the plant or in the surrounding area. No increase in respiratory disease or worker absenteeism occurred at the plant during the preceding month. Wider case ascertainment including alerts to hospitals and medical practitioners yielded no further cases. The environmental investigation (and sampling of water systems for Legionella) identifie... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891648 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:32:02 +0100 2891648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891647&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822120%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Meerhoff T, Mosnier A, Schellevis F, Paget W, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance is important to get insight into the burden of disease and epidemic pattern of RSV infection. This information is useful for healthcare resource allocation as well as the timing of preventive messages and palivizumab prophylaxis. For influenza surveillance the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS) was established in 1996, but no surveillance platform is available for RSV. To improve surveillance an RSV Task Group was established in 2003 and recommendations for RSV surveillance were developed. By 2008, progress was made for four out of six recommendations: the number of European countries testing specimens for RSV increased from six to fourteen; nose and/or throat swabs were ge... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891647 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:32:02 +0100 2891647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891646&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822121%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kasper S, Holzmann H, Aberle S, Wassermann-Neuhold M, Gschiel H, Feenstra O, Allerberger F, Schmid D In the last week of March 2009, five measles cases among students of an anthroposophic school were reported to the public health authorities in the Austrian province of Styria where only five cases had been reported in the whole of 2008. A descriptive epidemiological investigation of the measles outbreak was performed. Between 2 March and 10 May 2009, 37 cases of measles were identified in Styria: 33 confirmed outbreak cases and four probable outbreak cases. The measles outbreak spread from the general population (12 cases) to an anthroposophic community (25 cases). Cases outside of the anthroposophic community were mostly over 10 years of age (10/12). Thirty-five cases were un... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891646 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:32:02 +0100 2891646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891645&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822122%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Osterblad M, Kirveskari J, Koskela S, Tissari P, Vuorenoja K, Hakanen A, Vaara M, Jalava J The first two Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing (KPC) type 2 strains carrying ST258 were detected in Finland in June and early August 2009. They were found colonising two patients transferred from the Mediterranean; one patient referred from a hospital in Greece where isolates were first found in 2007 and another from Italy where the first isolates have been described only very recently. PMID: 19822122 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891645 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:32:02 +0100 2891645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891644&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822123%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rizzo C, Vescio F, Declich S, Finarelli A, Macini P, Mattivi A, Rossini G, Piovesan C, Barzon L, Palu G, Gobbi F, Macchi L, Pavan A, Magurano F, Ciufolini M, Nicoletti L, Salmaso S, Rezza G In 2009, to date 16 human cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) have been reported in Italy, in three regions: Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Lombardia. The number of cases is higher compared with last year when nine cases were identified (eight cases of WNND and one case of West Nile fever) and the geographical distribution indicates spread from east to west. PMID: 19822123 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891644 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:32:02 +0100 2891644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891643&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822124%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Linde A, Rotzen-Ostlund M, Zweygberg-Wirgart B, Rubinova S, Brytting M This short communication hypothesises that rhinovirus epidemics occurring after start of school may interfere with the spread of influenza during the period when warm and humid climate decreases the influenza spread by aerosol. Limited laboratory data supporting this hypothesis are included in the article, but the report is written mainly to stimulate interest and research concerning the possibility that viral interaction may affect influenza epidemiology. PMID: 19822124 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891643 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:32:02 +0100 2891643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880248&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19814956%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Huijsdens XW, Bosch T, van Santen-Verheuvel MG, Spalburg E, Pluister GN, van Luit M, Heck ME, Haenen A, de Neeling AJ In 2007 in The Netherlands, 30% of all human isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sent to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment could not be typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (non-typable (NT)-MRSA). Molecular characterisation of the NT-MRSA isolates revealed 27 different spa types and two distinct SCCmec types, type IV and V. All NT-MRSA isolates were closely related based on spa and multi-locus sequence typing and belonged to the ST398 lineage. The rapid increase of NT-MRSA (ST398) isolates over the last years shows the importance of this relatively new clonal lineage. PMID: 19814956 [PubMed - in pr... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880248 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100 2880248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880247&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19814957%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bartuliene A, Liausediene R, Motiejuniene V An outbreak of trichinellosis due to wild boar meat was detected in Lithuania in June 2009. The outbreak affected 107 people all of whom had consumed sausages made of wild boar meat. Inspection of food samples confirmed the presence of Trichinella larvae in the meat. PMID: 19814957 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880247 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100 2880247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880246&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19814958%26dopt%3DAbstract We report the prevalence of the oseltamivir resistance among influenza A viruses circulating in south-western France over the past three years: seasonal influenza A(H1N1), seasonal influenza A(H3N2), and the influenza A(H1N1)v viruses associated with the ongoing 2009 pandemic. The main result of the study is the absence of oseltamivir resistance in the pandemic H1N1 strains studied so far (n=129). PMID: 19814958 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880246 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100 2880246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880245&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19814959%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Martin J, O'Donnell J, Igoe D, O'Hora A, Thornton L, Murphy N, Cullen G, Fitzgerald M, Cotter S, McKeown P, O'Flanagan D, From 28 April to 18 July 2009 there were 156 cases of pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza confirmed in Ireland. During this time, Ireland was in containment phase, and detailed case-based epidemiological information was gathered on all cases presenting in the community and acute health care setting. Active case finding was performed among contacts of cases. Eighty percent of cases were in people less than 35 years of age and 86% were imported. The most frequent symptoms were fever, sore throat, myalgia and dry cough. Nine people were hospitalized, no fatalities occurred. PMID: 19814959 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880245 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100 2880245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880244&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19814961%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 19814961 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880244 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100 2880244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880243&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19814962%26dopt%3DAbstract This report outlines the proceedings of the 4th Annual Meeting of the Eastern European Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health (EE SRH Network) [1,2], which took place at Uppsala University in Uppsala, Sweden between 30 May and 3 June, 2009. PMID: 19814962 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880243 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100 2880243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880242&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19814963%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lugarini J, Maddalo F Sexually transmitted diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) are being diagnosed more frequently than others. It is accepted that HPV infection is a necessary cause for all cases of cervical carcinoma and a large number of other anogenital and oral cancers. Two vaccines have been developed and were licensed in 2007, which can prevent infections and pre-cancerous lesions due to HPV. In Italy pre-adolescent age (12 years-old) was identified as the ideal age for vaccination against HPV. In Liguria, the first free HPV vaccination campaign was started on 8 March 2008 in 12 year-old girls. We assessed the adherence to the vaccination during the 2008 campaign as 80.6%, 79.0% and 64.1%, respectively, for the first, second and third dose of vaccine in the ta... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880242 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100 2880242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880241&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19814964%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Novo A, Huebschen JM, Muller CP, Tesanovic M, Bojanic J Between 24 March and 31 July 2009, 342 clinically diagnosed cases of rubella were notified in five municipalities in Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fourteen cases were laboratory-confirmed by positive IgG against rubella virus. Four virus isolates were obtained and identified as genotype 2B strains, with one isolate differing by a single mutation in the region of the E1 gene. This ongoing outbreak revealed gaps in the immunisation programme during the war in BiH (1992-1995) and highlights the need to revise legislation to permit immunisation of children above 14 years of age with measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and to introduce supplemental immunisation activities. PMID: 19814964 [PubMed - in process]... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880241 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100 2880241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880240&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19814965%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Turbelin C, Pelat C, Boëlle PY, Lévy-Bruhl D, Carrat F, Blanchon T, Hanslik T In the end of August 2009, an unusually elevated level of influenza-like illness (ILI) activity was reported to the French Sentinel Network. We quantified the observed excess in ILI cases in France during summer 2009 and characterised age patterns in reported cases. An excess of cases has been observed since 5 July, with a time increasing trend. The cumulated estimated excess number of ILI cases was 269,935 [179,585; 316,512], corresponding to 0.5% French population over the period. Compared to the same period in the past years, relative cumulated incidence was greater among young subjects and lower among subjects over 65 years old. Compared to past epidemics, the relative cumulated inciden... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880240 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100 2880240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2880239&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19814966%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pérez-Trallero E, Piñeiro L, Vicente D, Montes M, Cilla G The 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus has a higher incidence in children and young adults, a pattern that has also been reported in seasonal influenza caused by the influenza A(H1N1)virus. We analysed age at infection in symptomatic patients with influenza in the Basque Country (northern Spain), reported through the sentinel influenza surveillance system which monitors 2.2-2.5%of the population. Between September 1999 and August 2009,influenza A(H3N2) or seasonal influenza A(H1N1) was detected in 941 patients, and from April to August 2009, pandemic influenza A(H1N1) was detected in 112 patients. The H3/H1 seasonal influenza ratio was between 3.3 and 3.4 in the under 60 year olds,but 9.8 in older individua... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2880239 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100 2880239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2825449&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19531339%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 19531339 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2825449 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:54:03 +0100 2825449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2825448&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19531340%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe here the results of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) during two consecutive seasons, from December 2006 to February 2007 and from October 2007 to March 2008, performed in the National Laboratory of Influenza and Acute Respiratory Diseases, Bulgaria. A total number of 278 nasopharyngeal samples obtained from hospitalised children up to the age of five years were investigated for these two seasons. During the first season, the aetiological role of RSV was confirmed in 56 of 148 samples (37.8%) compared to 11 of 130 samples (8.5%) during the second season. Since the beginning of January 2008, RT-PCR for the detection of the recently identified human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has also been introduced in Bulgaria. T... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2825448 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:54:03 +0100 2825448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2825447&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19531341%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe the methods used during the outbreak investigation in order to provide infection control specialists with an overview of how such national incidents may be investigated. We surveyed the hospitals reporting the contamination problem and conducted microbiological and environmental sampling. We applied analytical epidemiology to supply chain data, comparing the supply lines of key equipment to affected and unaffected hospitals in England. The survey was useful to describe procedures and equipment in use in the hospitals reporting the problem. The microbiological aspects of the investigation helped us understand how the fungal spores were distributed in the hospital environment. In the supply chain investigation we used data that was previously only used for logistical purposes. Ov... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2825447 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:54:03 +0100 2825447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2825446&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19531342%26dopt%3DAbstract Enhanced influenza surveillance on Réunion Island (southern hemisphere) in the context of the emergence of influenza A(H1N1)v. Euro Surveill. 2009;14(23):19239 Authors: D'Ortenzio E, Do C, Renault P, Weber F, Filleul L With the winter season on the southern hemisphere that starts in Reunion Island in June seasonal influenza activity usually increases shortly afterwards. The new influenza A(H1N1)v virus is rapidly spreading worldwide and may reach the island during the coming winter season. We have therefore enhanced influenza surveillance to detect the introduction of influenza A(H1N1)v, monitor its spread and impact on public health and characterise potential viral changes, particularly if seasonal influenza A(H1N1), resistant to oseltamivir, co-circulates with A(H1N1)v. ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2825446 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:54:03 +0100 2825446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2825445&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19531343%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Since the first importation of influenza A(H1N1)v virus to Europe in late April of this year, surveillance data have been collected in the Member States of the European Union and European Free Trade Association. This is the first preliminary analysis of aggregated and individual data available as of 8 June 2009 at European level. PMID: 19531343 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2825445 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:54:03 +0100 2825445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812641&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19761736%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Valerio L, Escribá JM, Fernández-Vázquez J, Roca C, Milozzi J, Solsona L, Molina I Immigrants to the European Union may have a higher susceptibility to varicella-zoster virus primo-infection than the indigenous population. There is no evidence as yet that this is caused by genetic or social factors. Therefore, susceptibility could be due to a lesser transmission of the virus in their ecosystems of origin. A multicentre observational study was performed from July 2004 to June 2006 in four primary healthcare centres in Catalonia, Spain, monitoring varicella incidences and comparing standardised incidence rates and standardised rate ratios among different populations classified according to their biogeographical origin (holarctic, Asian paleotropical, African paleo... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812641 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:40:03 +0100 2812641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812640&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19761737%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: de Vries HJ, van der Helm JJ, Schim van der Loeff MF, van Dam AP Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing problem in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) treatment. Presently, third-generation parenteral cephalosporins, like ceftriaxone and cefotaxime, are the first option. Resistance to oral, but not to parenteral, third-generation cephalosporins has been reported previously. We analysed the microbial susceptibility (as minimum inhibitory concentration - MIC) of NG cultures obtained from high-risk visitors of the largest Dutch outpatient clinic for sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Among 1,596 visitors, we identified 102 patients with at least one NG isolate with reduced susceptibility to cefotaxime (0.125 microg/ml < MIC < or = 0.5 microg/ml).... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812640 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:40:03 +0100 2812640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812639&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19761738%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brouwers L, Cakici B, Camitz M, Tegnell A, Boman M Experiments using a microsimulation platform show that vaccination against pandemic H1N1 influenza is highly cost-effective. Swedish society may reduce the costs of pandemic by about SEK 2.5 billion (approximately EUR 250 million) if at least 60 per cent of the population is vaccinated, even if costs related to death cases are excluded. The cost reduction primarily results from reduced absenteeism. These results are preliminary and based on comprehensive assumptions about the infectiousness and morbidity of the pandemic, which are uncertain in the current situation. PMID: 19761738 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812639 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:40:03 +0100 2812639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812638&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19761739%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Murray R, Chandler C, Clarkson Y, Wilson N, Baker M, Cunningham R, The hand hygiene behaviours of the public in response to the current H1N1 influenza pandemic 2009 (or other pandemics) have not previously been described. An observational study was undertaken to examine hand hygiene behaviours by people passing a hand sanitiser station in the foyer of a public hospital in New Zealand in August 2009. Of the 2,941 subjects observed, 449 (18.0%, 95% confidence interval: 16.6, 19.6) used the hand sanitiser. This is a far from optimal result in response to the health promotion initiatives in the setting of a pandemic. These findings suggest the need for more effective health promotion of hand hygiene and also provide baseline measurements for future evaluation of hygiene practices... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812638 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:40:03 +0100 2812638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2808206&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19573508%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Camitz M We provide a new tool, StatFlu, combining advances in static modelling using historic influenza data with a pedagogical interface designed to highlight propagation of parameter settings and uncertainties in the output. StatFlu provides graphs of the load on hospital wards as well as primary care units as a function of time, aiding the user in decision making. PMID: 19573508 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2808206 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:34:02 +0100 2808206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2808205&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19758540%26dopt%3DAbstract This report is a reminder of the importance to consider possibly neglected ways of TB transmission and highlights once again the need of early diagnosis of TB. PMID: 19758540 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2808205 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:34:02 +0100 2808205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2808204&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19758541%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Panning M, Eickmann M, Landt O, Monazahian M, Olschläger S, Baumgarte S, Reischl U, Wenzel JJ, Niller HH, Günther S, Hollmann B, Huzly D, Drexler JF, Helmer A, Becker S, Matz B, Eis-Hübinger A, Drosten C Influenza A(H1N1)v virus was first identified in April 2009. A novel real-time RT-PCR for influenza A(H1N1)v virus was set up ad hoc and validated following industry-standard criteria. The lower limit of detection of the assay was 384 copies of viral RNA per ml of viral transport medium (95% confidence interval: 273-876 RNA copies/ml). Specificity was 100% as assessed on a panel of reference samples including seasonal human influenza A virus H1N1 and H3N2, highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H5N1 and porcine influenza A virus H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 samples. T... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2808204 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:34:02 +0100 2808204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2808203&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19758542%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gautret P, Clerinx J, Caumes E, Simon F, Jensenius M, Loutan L, Schlagenhauf P, Castelli F, Freedman D, Miller A, Bronner U, Parola P Physicians in Europe are likely to see more African trypanosomiasis cases because of the increasing popularity of travel to Africa. In this paper the literature on imported cases in Europe, since 2005 is reviewed. Because of the high mortality risk associated with acute Rhodesian trypanosomiasis, travellers should be informed about preventive measures and the early disease manifestations. PMID: 19758542 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2808203 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:34:02 +0100 2808203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2808202&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19758543%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fomsgaard A, Christiansen C, Bodker R The incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Scandinavia is increasing and spreading geographically. Following two clinical cases of TBE hospitalised after tick bites in northern Zealand, Denmark, specific IgM and IgG antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) were demonstrated in acute serum samples of these patients. TBEV was identified by RT-PCR in ticks collected from the same location. This is the first report of TBEV in Ixodes ricinus leading to clinical cases in Denmark outside of Bornholm island. PMID: 19758543 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2808202 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:34:02 +0100 2808202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785682&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555592%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 19555592 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785682 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785681&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555593%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Struwe J, Olsson-Liljequist B PMID: 19555593 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785681 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785680&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555594%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nicolay N, Cotter S Parvovirus B19 infection may be mistakenly reported as measles or rubella if laboratory testing is not performed. As Europe is seeking to eliminate measles, an accurate diagnosis of fever/rash illnesses is needed. The main purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological pattern of parvovirus B19, a common cause of rash, in Ireland between January 1996 and June 2008, using times series analysis of laboratory diagnostic data from the National Virus Reference Laboratory. Most diagnostic tests for presumptive parvovirus B19 infection were done in children under the age of five years and in women of child-bearing age (between 20-39 years-old). As a consequence, most of the acute diagnoses of B19 infection were made in these populations. The most common... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785680 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785679&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555595%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jelinek T Dengue fever continues to spread globally, causing major epidemics and putting major strain on health systems in affected countries. For imported dengue in Europe, south east Asia is the most important region of origin, followed by Latin America, the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean, and Africa. Information regarding mosquito protective measures is highly recommended for all travellers to affected areas. PMID: 19555595 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785679 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785678&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555596%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe the first case of chikungunya in a Belgian traveller returning from Phuket, Thailand and discuss the potential implications of chikungunya cases imported to European countries for patient management and public health. PMID: 19555596 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785678 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785664&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555597%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schlagenhauf P, Santos O'Connor F, Parola P PMID: 19555597 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785664 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785662&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555598%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Follin P, Lindqvist A, Nyström K, Lindh M Clinical specimens from 79 symptomatic individuals with a recent history of travel to countries with verified transmission of influenza A(H1N1)v (North America) were tested with a multiple real-time PCR targeting a broad range of agents that may cause acute respiratory infection. This analysis revealed that besides four cases of influenza A(H1N1)v, other respiratory viruses were diagnosed in almost 60% of the samples. These observations are a reminder that many different viral transmissions occur simultaneously in countries with ongoing spread of influenza A(H1N1)v. The findings demonstrate that the definition of suspected cases by clinical and epidemiological criteria has only a poor capacity for discriminating influenza A(H1N1)v... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785662 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785661&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555599%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sypsa V, Hatzakis A Mathematical modeling was employed on recent epidemiological data from Mexico in order to assess the impact of intervention strategies on the spread of influenza A(H1N1)v in the setting of the European region. Active surveillance that will ensure timely treatment and home isolation of symptomatic cases in combination with school closure seem to form an efficient strategy to control the spread of influenza A(H1N1)v. PMID: 19555599 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785661 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785658&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555600%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shimada T, Gu Y, Kamiya H, Komiya N, Odaira F, Sunagawa T, Takahashi H, Toyokawa T, Tsuchihashi Y, Yasui Y, Tada Y, Okabe N Between 9 May and 4 June 2009, a total of 401 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1)v virus were reported in Japan, from 16 of the 47 Japanese prefectures. The two areas most affected were Osaka prefecture and Kobe city where outbreaks in high schools occurred leading to school closures. To date all cases have had symptoms consistent with seasonal influenza and no severe or fatal cases have been reported. PMID: 19555600 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785658 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785657&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555601%26dopt%3DAbstract In this report we describe the findings of laboratory-based surveillance of human cases of influenza A(H1N1)v virus infection in Italy, following the recent worldwide detection of this new virus among human population and the decision of the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise the level of pandemic alert. PMID: 19555601 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785657 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785656&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555602%26dopt%3DAbstract We report on an outbreak of Shigella sonnei infections involving ten cases notified through the laboratory surveillance system in Denmark in April and May. The likely source was consumption of fresh, raw sugar peas (sugar snaps) imported from Africa. This conclusion was based on interviews with cases and on the occurrence of a similar outbreak one month later in Norway. Fresh imported produce may occasionally be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria even when sold as ready-to-eat. PMID: 19555602 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785656 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785654&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555603%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Heier BT, Nygard K, Kapperud G, Lindstedt BA, Johannessen GS, Blekkan H In May 2009, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) identified a possible outbreak of Shigella sonnei infection involving four cases. Additionally, five suspected cases in two separate households were reported. Inspectors from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) visited the two households and found an unopened package of sugar peas imported from Kenya in one of the households. One sample from the sugar peas was positive for Shigella sonnei by two PCR methods. Based on this result and information from patient interviews, the NFSA prohibited all sales of sugar peas imported from Kenya. PMID: 19555603 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785654 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785653&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19555604%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Depoortere E, Mantero J, Lenglet A, Kreidl P, Coulombier D PMID: 19555604 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785653 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100 2785653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2769190&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19728978%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Giammanco G, Ciriminna S, Barberi I, Titone L, Lo Giudice M, Biasio LR Following the licensure of the Oka/Merck varicella vaccine in Italy in January 2003, the Sicilian health authorities launched a universal vaccination programme in all nine Local Health Units. A two-cohort vaccination strategy was adopted to minimise the shift of the mean age of varicella occurrence to older age groups, with the goal of vaccinating with one dose at least 80% of children in their second year of life and 50% of susceptible adolescents in their 12th year of life. Two studies were implemented in parallel to closely monitor vaccination coverage as well as varicella incidence. PMID: 19728978 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2769190 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:58:03 +0100 2769190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2769189&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19728979%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nohynek H, Salo H, Renko M, Leino T Supported by an economic evaluation, rotavirus vaccine is introduced into the national immunisation schedule in Finland. The vaccination programme has been estimated to be reasonably cost-effective. Given at the age of two, three and five months, the vaccine is expected to prevent annually in Finland among children under the age of five years approximately 2,000 rotavirus diarrhoea episodes needing hospitalisation, and over 10,000 outpatient visits. The impact of the programme will be evaluated in 2011 by repeating the economic analysis and carefully monitoring adverse events. PMID: 19728979 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2769189 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:58:03 +0100 2769189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2769188&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19728980%26dopt%3DAbstract Sporadic cases of chikungunya, Réunion Island, August 2009. Euro Surveill. 2009;14(35): Authors: D'Ortenzio E, Grandadam M, Balleydier E, Dehecq JS, Jaffar-Bandjee MC, Michault A, Andriamandimby SF, Reynes JM, Filleul L On 28 August 2009, French authorities reported five cases of chikungunya fever on Reunion Island: three confirmed, one probable, and one suspected case under investigation. All three confirmed patients presented with an acute febrile syndrome, arthralgia, myalgia and cutaneaous rash. All live in the same area on the western side of the island. PMID: 19728980 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2769188 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:58:03 +0100 2769188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2769187&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19728981%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gianella A, Walter A, Revollo R, Loayza R, Vargas J, Roca Y The outbreak of pandemic influenza (H1N1) began in Bolivia on 25 May 2009. Between May and August, the National Center of Tropical Disease (CENETROP) analysed by RT-PCR 7,060 samples of which 12.7% were positive. A preliminary analysis of the 895 confirmed cases identified between May and August 2009 describes epidemiological and clinical characteristics. After the first imported cases from the United States and Peru, the locally acquired infections predominated (90%). The number of cases was highest in the age group of 10 to 29 year-olds, and 89.6% of cases were observed in people under the age of 40 years. Fever, cough, nasal discharge and headache remained the main symptoms. PMID: 19728981 [PubMed - in process]... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2769187 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:58:03 +0100 2769187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2769186&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19728982%26dopt%3DAbstract This report describes the assessment of the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the effectiveness of post-exposure antiviral prophylaxis among household contacts in the first domestic outbreak of a novel influenza A(H1N1)v between mid-May and early June 2009 in Kobe city, Japan. Of the 293 subjects, 14 (4.8%) household contacts met the case definition and most secondary cases were probably infected around the time of symptom onset date of the respective index case. The SAR among household contacts who did not receive prophylaxis was 7.6%, similar to the rate of seasonal influenza, and the attack rate in siblings was significantly higher than that in parents. We conclude that it is important to establish routine infection control measures for households in order to prevent the spread of the vir... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2769186 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:58:03 +0100 2769186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744525&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19712639%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dimiņa E, Kūla M, Caune U, Vīgante D, Liepiņs M, Zeidaka L, Nikitina O, Kūriņa D, Mironovska A, Dumpis U Antibiotic resistance and nosocomial infections have recently been recognised as a growing threat in Latvian hospitals. We used a modified point prevalence study design to gain accurate information on the antibiotic prescription pattern and the prevalence of nosocomial infections in different hospital departments. A given department was observed on a given day in a given month (May) five years in a row. All antibiotic treatments, dose and route of administration were recorded, in addition to demographic data. The most commonly used antibiotic groups were first generation cephalosporins (35.6-38.9%), broad-spectrum penicillins (17.5-23.0%)... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744525 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:40:02 +0100 2744525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744524&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19712640%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Princivalli MS, Palmieri C, Magi G, Vignaroli C, Manzin A, Camporese A, Barocci S, Magistrali C, Facinelli B Streptococcus suis, a major porcine pathogen, is emerging as a zoonotic agent capable of causing severe invasive disease in humans exposed to pigs or pork products. S. suis infection is rare in industrialised countries and usually arises as sporadic cases, with meningitis the most common clinical presentation in humans. Recent reports of two cases of meningitis in Sardinia and northeastern Italy prompted this first characterisation of Italian S. suis isolates. Fifty-nine S. suis strains, the two recent human strains and 57 swine clinical isolates collected between 2003 and 2007 from different Italian herds and regions, were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, PCR-s... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744524 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:40:02 +0100 2744524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744523&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19712641%26dopt%3DAbstract We describe here the first 45 cases in children. Fever, cough, rhinorrhoea and sore throat were the most common symptoms of infection. Half of the children had fever for one day or only for a few hours. Five children were hospitalised, and overall their symptoms were mild. Adherence to oseltamivir treatment was very high, with low frequency of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Camping places and summer schools played a significant role in spreading the infection among children of school age. PMID: 19712641 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744523 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:40:02 +0100 2744523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744522&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19712642%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kar-Purkayastha I, Ingram C, Maguire H, Roche A During the containment phase in the United Kingdom (April to June 2009), a cluster of influenza A(H1N1)v cases was identified prompting further investigation and public health action by the Health Protection Agency. The first confirmed case, a pupil at a school in England, was imported. During the following two weeks, 16 further cases were confirmed with epidemiological links to the first imported case. In this cluster, we found that significant transmission occurred in two classes with attack rates of 17.4% and 7.4%. In each of the two classes a case had attended school whilst symptomatic. Other settings included a choir and a party. Minimum and maximum attack rates were 3.6% and 4.2% for the choir and 14.3% and 25% for the part... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744522 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:40:02 +0100 2744522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744521&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19712643%26dopt%3DAbstract This article describes the characteristics of 574 deaths associated with pandemic H1N1 influenza up to 16 July 2009. Data (except from Canada and Australia) suggest that the elderly may to some extent be protected from infection. There was underlying disease in at least half of the fatal cases. Two risk factors seem of particular importance: pregnancy and metabolic condition (including obesity which has not been considered as risk factor in previous pandemics or seasonal influenza). PMID: 19712643 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill) Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744521 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:40:02 +0100 2744521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744520&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19712645%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Velicko I, Unemo M Gonorrhoea is on the rise in Sweden and in many other European countries. The present report describes and evaluates the gonorrhoea trends in Sweden from 2001 to 2008 when an increase of 32% was reported. Up to 86% of the cases were reported in men, with the highest proportion among heterosexually infected men (41-59% during these years). Heterosexually infected men more often acquired gonorrhoea abroad, especially in Thailand, whereas women and men who have sex with men were more likely to acquire the infection within Sweden. The recent increase in gonorrhoea cases in Sweden is most likely due to adoption of more risky sexual behaviour (e.g. an increase in the number of sexual partners and the number of new/casual sexual partners and/or low use of condoms) ... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744520 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:40:02 +0100 2744520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2744519&cid=s_33091_20_f&fid=33091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19712646%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: van Nood E, Speelman P, Kuijper EJ, Keller JJ Patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in hospitals and the community constitute an increasing treatment problem. While most patients with a first infection respond to either metronidazole or oral vancomycin, therapy in recurrent C. difficile infections tends to fail repeatedly. Lack of alternative treatment options can be a tremendous burden, both to patients and their treating physicians. Most guidelines recommend prolonged oral vancomycin pulse and or tapering schedules, but evidence-based treatment strategies are lacking. The role of immunoglobulins, whey prepared from vaccinated cows, probiotics or other antibiotics is unclear. Since 1958 several case series and case reports describe a treatment strateg... Euro Surveill journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2744519 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:40:02 +0100 2744519