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Edison K, Pepelassis D, Soni R, Schantz D, Buffo I. Acute rheumatic fever in the province of Manitoba, Canada, before and after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:959-960. [PMID: 38395604 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Edison
- Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Dion Pepelassis
- Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Pediatric Cardiology, Shared Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Reeni Soni
- Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Pediatric Cardiology, Shared Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Daryl Schantz
- Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Pediatric Cardiology, Shared Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ilan Buffo
- Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Pediatric Cardiology, Shared Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Lacey JA, Bennett J, James TB, Hines BS, Chen T, Lee D, Sika-Paotonu D, Anderson A, Harwood M, Tong SY, Baker MG, Williamson DA, Moreland NJ. A worldwide population of Streptococcus pyogenes strains circulating among school-aged children in Auckland, New Zealand: a genomic epidemiology analysis. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 42:100964. [PMID: 38035130 PMCID: PMC10684382 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a serious post-infectious sequala of Group A Streptococcus (GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes). In New Zealand (NZ) ARF is a major cause of health inequity. This study describes the genomic analysis of GAS isolates associated with childhood skin and throat infections in Auckland NZ. Methods Isolates (n = 469) collected between March 2018 and October 2019 from the throats and skin of children (5-14 years) underwent whole genomic sequencing. Equal representation across three ethnic groups was ensured through sample quotas with isolates obtained from Indigenous Māori (n = 157, 33%), NZ European/Other (n = 149, 32%) and Pacific Peoples children (n = 163, 35%). Using in silico techniques isolates were classified, assessed for diversity, and examined for distribution differences between groups. Comparisons were also made with GAS strains identified globally. Findings Genomic analysis revealed a diverse population consisting of 65 distinct sequence clusters. These sequence clusters spanned 49 emm-types, with 11 emm-types comprised of several, distinct sequence clusters. There is evidence of multiple global introductions of different lineages into the population, as well as local clonal expansion. The M1UK lineage comprised 35% of all emm1 isolates. Interpretation The GAS population was characterized by a high diversity of strains, resembling patterns observed in low- and middle-income countries. However, strains associated with outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance commonly found in high-income countries were also observed. This unique combination poses challenges for vaccine development, disease management and control. Funding The work was supported by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC), award number 16/005.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake A. Lacey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie Bennett
- The Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- The Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Taylah B. James
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin S. Hines
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tiffany Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Darren Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Anneka Anderson
- Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matire Harwood
- Department of General Practice and Primary Healthcare, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Steven Y.C. Tong
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael G. Baker
- The Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- The Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah A. Williamson
- Department of Infectious Diseases at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole J. Moreland
- The Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Thornley S, Sundborn G, Engelman D, Roskvist R, Pasay C, Marshall R, Long W, Dugu N, Hopoi N, Moritsuka S, McCarthy J, Morris AJ. Children's scabies survey indicates high prevalence and misdiagnosis in Auckland educational institutions. J Paediatr Child Health 2023; 59:1296-1303. [PMID: 37920140 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM Here, we present results of a survey of scabies prevalence in childcare centres and primary schools in Auckland. METHODS Children whose parents agreed to take part in participating centres in the Auckland region were examined for scabies by general practitioners and given questionnaires of relevant symptoms. Diagnoses of clinical or suspected scabies were made according to the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) criteria. The survey was a stratified random sample of schools and early childcare centres. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was also used to complement the IACS criteria. RESULTS A total of 181 children were examined, with 145 children with history information, 16 of whom (11.0%) met the criteria for 'clinical' or 'suspected' scabies. Weighted analysis, accounting for the survey design, indicated that the prevalence of scabies in early childcare centres was 13.2% (95% CI: 4.3 to 22.1), with no school-aged children fulfilling these criteria. A higher proportion had clinical signs of scabies with 23 (12.7%) having typical scabies lesions and a further 43 (23.8%) had atypical lesions. A total of 64 PCR tests were taken and 15 (23%) were positive. None of these cases were receiving treatment for scabies. Five were undergoing topical skin treatment: three with topical steroid and two with calamine lotion. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of children with scabies is high in early childcare centres in Auckland. Misdiagnosis is suggested by several PCR positive cases being treated by topical agents used to treat other skin conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Thornley
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gerhard Sundborn
- Section of Pacific Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Engelman
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Roskvist
- Department of Primary Care, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cielo Pasay
- QIMR Berghoffer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roger Marshall
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Wei Long
- Auckland Family Medical Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Noela Dugu
- Conifer Gardens Medical Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Shunsuke Moritsuka
- Section of Pacific Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - James McCarthy
- Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arthur J Morris
- LabPLUS, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
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Baker MG, Masterson MY, Shung-King M, Beaton A, Bowen AC, Bansal GP, Carapetis JR. Research priorities for the primordial prevention of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease by modifying the social determinants of health. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012467. [PMID: 37914185 PMCID: PMC10619085 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The social determinants of health (SDH), such as access to income, education, housing and healthcare, strongly shape the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) at the household, community and national levels. The SDH are systemic factors that privilege some more than others and result in poverty and inequitable access to resources to support health and well-being. Primordial prevention is the modification of SDH to improve health and reduce the risk of disease acquisition and the subsequent progression to RHD. Modifying these determinants using primordial prevention strategies can reduce the risk of exposure to Group A Streptococcus, a causative agent of throat and skin infections, thereby lowering the risk of initiating ARF and its subsequent progression to RHD.This report summarises the findings of the Primordial Prevention Working Group-SDH, which was convened in November 2021 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to assess how SDH influence the risk of developing RHD. Working group members identified a series of knowledge gaps and proposed research priorities, while recognising that community engagement and partnerships with those with lived experience will be integral to the success of these activities. Specifically, members emphasised the need for: (1) global analysis of disease incidence, prevalence and SDH characteristics concurrently to inform policy and interventions, (2) global assessment of legacy primordial prevention programmes to help inform the co-design of interventions alongside affected communities, (3) research to develop, implement and evaluate scalable primordial prevention interventions in diverse settings and (4) research to improve access to and equity of services across the RHD continuum. Addressing SDH, through the implementation of primordial prevention strategies, could have broader implications, not only improving RHD-related health outcomes but also impacting other neglected diseases in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Baker
- Public Health, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mary Y Masterson
- Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science (CTRIS), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maylene Shung-King
- Health Policy and Systems Division, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Andrea Beaton
- Cardiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Geetha P Bansal
- HIV Research and Training Program, John E Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan R Carapetis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Willaert C, Lecomte S, Arribard N, Sierra-Colomina M. Pediatric Rheumatic Fever With Acute Fulminant Carditis: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e47226. [PMID: 38021931 PMCID: PMC10653751 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a multi-system inflammatory autoimmune disease. It is a significant cause of heart disease and early death worldwide, especially in children in developing countries. We present a case of acute fulminant rheumatic carditis in a child with no obvious predisposing factors, who resided in a developed country where this disease is not endemic. After pathological examination, a diagnosis of ARF with pancarditis was confirmed. This disease was not suspected before the pathological examination because of its low prevalence in Belgium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Willaert
- Pediatrics, Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, BEL
| | - Sophie Lecomte
- Pathology, CHU Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, BEL
| | - Nicolas Arribard
- Pediatric Cardiology, Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, BEL
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Williams AN, Tyrrell GJ. ARF risk factors: Beyond a sore throat. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 26:100545. [PMID: 35875692 PMCID: PMC9301566 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N. Williams
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gregory J. Tyrrell
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, Public Health-Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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