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Li D, Liu Y, Zhang W, Shi T, Zhao X, Zhao X, Zheng H, Li R, Wang T, Ren X. The association between the scarlet fever and meteorological factors, air pollutants and their interactions in children in northwest China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00484-024-02722-5. [PMID: 38884798 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-024-02722-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Scarlet fever (SF) is an acute respiratory transmitted disease that primarily affects children. The influence of meteorological factors and air pollutants on SF in children has been proved, but the relevant evidence in Northwest China is still lacking. Based on the weekly reported cases of SF in children in Lanzhou, northwest China, from 2014 to 2018, we used geographical detectors, distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM), and bivariate response models to explore the influence of meteorological factors and air pollutants with SF. It was found that ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), temperature, pressure, water vapor pressure and wind speed were significantly correlated with SF based on geographical detectors. With the median as reference, the influence of high temperature, low pressure and high pressure on SF has a risk effect (relative risk (RR) > 1), and under extreme conditions, the dangerous effect was still significant. High O3 had the strongest effect at a 6-week delay, with an RR of 5.43 (95%CI: 1.74,16.96). The risk effect of high SO2 was strongest in the week of exposure, and the maximum risk effect was 1.37 (95%CI: 1.08,1.73). The interactions showed synergistic effects between high temperatures and O3, high pressure and high SO2, high nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and high particulate matter with diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10), respectively. In conclusion, high temperature, pressure, high O3 and SO2 were the most important factors affecting the occurrence of SF in children, which will provide theoretical support for follow-up research and disease prevention policy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghua Li
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yanchen Liu
- Fu Wai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen Hospital, Nanshan District, Shenzhen city, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Lanzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 733000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Tianshan Shi
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiangkai Zhao
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhongyuan District, Zhengzhou City, 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Hongmiao Zheng
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Tingrong Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiaowei Ren
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730000, Gansu Province, China.
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Ma Y, Gao S, Kang Z, Shan L, Jiao M, Li Y, Liang L, Hao Y, Zhao B, Ning N, Gao L, Cui Y, Sun H, Wu Q, Liu H. Epidemiological trend in scarlet fever incidence in China during the COVID-19 pandemic: A time series analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:923318. [PMID: 36589977 PMCID: PMC9799716 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.923318] [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] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Over the past decade, scarlet fever has caused a relatively high economic burden in various regions of China. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are necessary because of the absence of vaccines and specific drugs. This study aimed to characterize the demographics of patients with scarlet fever, describe its spatiotemporal distribution, and explore the impact of NPIs on the disease in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China. Methods Using monthly scarlet fever data from January 2011 to December 2019, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), advanced innovation state-space modeling framework that combines Box-Cox transformations, Fourier series with time-varying coefficients, and autoregressive moving average error correction method (TBATS) models were developed to select the best model for comparing between the expected and actual incidence of scarlet fever in 2020. Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) was used to explore whether NPIs have an effect on scarlet fever incidence, while the intervention effects of specific NPIs were explored using correlation analysis and ridge regression methods. Results From 2011 to 2017, the total number of scarlet fever cases was 400,691, with children aged 0-9 years being the main group affected. There were two annual incidence peaks (May to June and November to December). According to the best prediction model TBATS (0.002, {0, 0}, 0.801, {<12, 5>}), the number of scarlet fever cases was 72,148 and dual seasonality was no longer prominent. ITSA showed a significant effect of NPIs of a reduction in the number of scarlet fever episodes (β2 = -61526, P < 0.005), and the effect of canceling public events (c3) was the most significant (P = 0.0447). Conclusions The incidence of scarlet fever during COVID-19 was lower than expected, and the total incidence decreased by 80.74% in 2020. The results of this study indicate that strict NPIs may be of potential benefit in preventing scarlet fever occurrence, especially that related to public event cancellation. However, it is still important that vaccines and drugs are available in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Ma
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zheng Kang
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Linghan Shan
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingli Jiao
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Libo Liang
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanhua Hao
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Binyu Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ning Ning
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lijun Gao
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Cui
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qunhong Wu
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China,*Correspondence: Qunhong Wu
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Social Medicine, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China,Huan Liu
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Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus) is a globally disseminated and human-adapted bacterial pathogen that causes a wide range of infections, including scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is a toxin-mediated disease characterized by the formation of an erythematous, sandpaper-like rash that typically occurs in children aged 5 to 15. This infectious disease is caused by toxins called superantigens, a family of highly potent immunomodulators. Although scarlet fever had largely declined in both prevalence and severity since the late 19th century, outbreaks have now reemerged in multiple geographical regions over the past decade. Here, we review recent findings that address the role of superantigens in promoting a fitness advantage for S. pyogenes within human populations and discuss how superantigens may be suitable targets for vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacklyn R. Hurst
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephan Brouwer
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark J. Walker
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (MJW); (JKM)
| | - John K. McCormick
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail: (MJW); (JKM)
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Rao HX, Li DM, Zhao XY, Yu J. Spatiotemporal clustering and meteorological factors affected scarlet fever incidence in mainland China from 2004 to 2017. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 777:146145. [PMID: 33684741 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the spatiotemporal dynamic distribution and detect the related meteorological factors of scarlet fever from an ecological perspective, which could provide scientific information for effective prevention and control of this disease. METHODS The data on scarlet fever cases in mainland China were downloaded from the Data Center of the China Public Health Science, while monthly meteorological data were extracted from the official website of the National Bureau of Statistics. Global Moran's I, local Getis-Ord Gi⁎ hotspot statistics, and Kulldorff's retrospective space-time scan statistical analysis were used to detect the spatial and spatiotemporal clusters of scarlet fever across all settings. A spatial panel data model was conducted to estimate the impact of meteorological factors on scarlet fever incidence. RESULTS Scarlet fever in China had obvious spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal clustering, high-incidence spatial clusters were located mainly in the north and northeast of China. Nine spatiotemporal clusters were identified. A spatial lag fixed effects panel data model was the best fit for regression analysis. After adjusting for spatial individual effects and spatial autocorrelation (ρ = 0.5623), scarlet fever incidence was positively associated with a one-month lag of average temperature, precipitation, and total sunshine hours (all P-values < 0.05). Each 10 °C, 2 cm, and 10 h increase in temperature, precipitation, and sunshine hours, respectively, was associated with a 6.41% increment and 1.04% and 1.41% decrement in scarlet fever incidence, respectively. CONCLUSION The incidence of scarlet fever in China showed an upward trend in recent years. It had obvious spatiotemporal clustering, with the high-risk areas mainly concentrated in the north and northeast of China. Areas with high temperature and with low precipitation and sunshine hours tended to have a higher scarlet fever incidence, and we should pay more attention to prevention and control in these places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Xiang Rao
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China.
| | - Dong-Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Xiao-Yin Zhao
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China.
| | - Juan Yu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China.
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Lynskey NN, Jauneikaite E, Li HK, Zhi X, Turner CE, Mosavie M, Pearson M, Asai M, Lobkowicz L, Chow JY, Parkhill J, Lamagni T, Chalker VJ, Sriskandan S. Emergence of dominant toxigenic M1T1 Streptococcus pyogenes clone during increased scarlet fever activity in England: a population-based molecular epidemiological study. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 19:1209-1218. [PMID: 31519541 PMCID: PMC6838661 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30446-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2014, England has seen increased scarlet fever activity unprecedented in modern times. In 2016, England's scarlet fever seasonal rise coincided with an unexpected elevation in invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections. We describe the molecular epidemiological investigation of these events. METHODS We analysed changes in S pyogenes emm genotypes, and notifications of scarlet fever and invasive disease in 2014-16 using regional (northwest London) and national (England and Wales) data. Genomes of 135 non-invasive and 552 invasive emm1 isolates from 2009-16 were analysed and compared with 2800 global emm1 sequences. Transcript and protein expression of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (SpeA; also known as scarlet fever or erythrogenic toxin A) in sequenced, non-invasive emm1 isolates was quantified by real-time PCR and western blot analyses. FINDINGS Coincident with national increases in scarlet fever and invasive disease notifications, emm1 S pyogenes upper respiratory tract isolates increased significantly in northwest London in the March to May period, from five (5%) of 96 isolates in 2014, to 28 (19%) of 147 isolates in 2015 (p=0·0021 vs 2014 values), to 47 (33%) of 144 in 2016 (p=0·0080 vs 2015 values). Similarly, invasive emm1 isolates collected nationally in the same period increased from 183 (31%) of 587 in 2015 to 267 (42%) of 637 in 2016 (p<0·0001). Sequences of emm1 isolates from 2009-16 showed emergence of a new emm1 lineage (designated M1UK)-with overlap of pharyngitis, scarlet fever, and invasive M1UK strains-which could be genotypically distinguished from pandemic emm1 isolates (M1global) by 27 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Median SpeA protein concentration in supernatant was nine-times higher among M1UK isolates (190·2 ng/mL [IQR 168·9-200·4]; n=10) than M1global isolates (20·9 ng/mL [0·0-27·3]; n=10; p<0·0001). M1UK expanded nationally to represent 252 (84%) of all 299 emm1 genomes in 2016. Phylogenetic analysis of published datasets identified single M1UK isolates in Denmark and the USA. INTERPRETATION A dominant new emm1 S pyogenes lineage characterised by increased SpeA production has emerged during increased S pyogenes activity in England. The expanded reservoir of M1UK and recognised invasive potential of emm1 S pyogenes provide plausible explanation for the increased incidence of invasive disease, and rationale for global surveillance. FUNDING UK Medical Research Council, UK National Institute for Health Research, Wellcome Trust, Rosetrees Trust, Stoneygate Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola N Lynskey
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elita Jauneikaite
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, National Institute for Health Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ho Kwong Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xiangyun Zhi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Claire E Turner
- Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mia Mosavie
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, National Institute for Health Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Max Pearson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, National Institute for Health Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Masanori Asai
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ludmila Lobkowicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - J Yimmy Chow
- Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, National Institute for Health Research, Imperial College London, London, UK; North-West London Health Protection Team, London Public Health England Centre, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, National Institute for Health Research, Imperial College London, London, UK; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Theresa Lamagni
- Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, National Institute for Health Research, Imperial College London, London, UK; National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Victoria J Chalker
- Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, National Institute for Health Research, Imperial College London, London, UK; National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Shiranee Sriskandan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Research Council Centre for Molecular Bacteriology & Infection, Imperial College London, London, UK; Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, National Institute for Health Research, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Zhang Q, Liu W, Ma W, Shi Y, Wu Y, Li Y, Liang S, Zhu Y, Zhou M. Spatiotemporal epidemiology of scarlet fever in Jiangsu Province, China, 2005-2015. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:596. [PMID: 28854889 PMCID: PMC5576110 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2681-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A marked increase in the incidence rate of scarlet fever imposed a considerable burden on the health of children aged 5 to 15 years. The main purpose of this study was to depict the spatiotemporal epidemiological characteristics of scarlet fever in Jiangsu Province, China in order to develop and implement effective scientific prevention and control strategies. Methods Smoothed map was used to demonstrate the spatial distribution of scarlet fever in Jiangsu Province. In addition, a retrospective space-time analysis based on a discrete Poisson model was utilized to detect clusters of scarlet fever from 2005 to 2015. Results During the years 2005–2015, a total of 15,873 scarlet fever cases occurred in Jiangsu Province, with an average annual incidence rate of 1.87 per 100,000. A majority of the cases (83.67%) occurred in children aged 3 to 9 years. Each year, two seasonal incidence peaks were observed, the higher occurring between March and July, the lower between November and the following January. The incidence in the southern regions of the province was generally higher than that in the northern regions. Seven clusters, all of which occurred during incidence peaks, were detected via space-time scan statistical analysis. The most likely cluster and one of the secondary clusters were detected in the southern and northern high endemic regions, respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of scarlet fever in Jiangsu Province had a marked seasonality variation and was relatively endemic in some regions. Children aged 3 to 9 years were the major victims of this disease, and kindergartens and primary schools were the focus of surveillance and control. Targeted strategies and measures should be taken to reduce the incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Wendong Liu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wang Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yingying Shi
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shuyi Liang
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yefei Zhu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, China
| | - Minghao Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego O Andrey
- a Service of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Specialties , Geneva University Hospitals & University of Geneva Medical School , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Klara M Posfay-Barbe
- b Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics , Geneva University Hospitals & University of Geneva Medical School , Geneva , Switzerland
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Davies MR, Holden MT, Coupland P, Chen JHK, Venturini C, Barnett TC, Zakour NLB, Tse H, Dougan G, Yuen KY, Walker MJ. Emergence of scarlet fever Streptococcus pyogenes emm12 clones in Hong Kong is associated with toxin acquisition and multidrug resistance. Nat Genet 2014; 47:84-7. [PMID: 25401300 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A scarlet fever outbreak began in mainland China and Hong Kong in 2011 (refs. 1-6). Macrolide- and tetracycline-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes emm12 isolates represent the majority of clinical cases. Recently, we identified two mobile genetic elements that were closely associated with emm12 outbreak isolates: the integrative and conjugative element ICE-emm12, encoding genes for tetracycline and macrolide resistance, and prophage ΦHKU.vir, encoding the superantigens SSA and SpeC, as well as the DNase Spd1 (ref. 4). Here we sequenced the genomes of 141 emm12 isolates, including 132 isolated in Hong Kong between 2005 and 2011. We found that the introduction of several ICE-emm12 variants, ΦHKU.vir and a new prophage, ΦHKU.ssa, occurred in three distinct emm12 lineages late in the twentieth century. Acquisition of ssa and transposable elements encoding multidrug resistance genes triggered the expansion of scarlet fever-associated emm12 lineages in Hong Kong. The occurrence of multidrug-resistant ssa-harboring scarlet fever strains should prompt heightened surveillance within China and abroad for the dissemination of these mobile genetic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Davies
- 1] Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia. [2] Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carola Venturini
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Timothy C Barnett
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nouri L Ben Zakour
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Herman Tse
- 1] Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China. [2] Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. [3] State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- 1] Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China. [2] Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. [3] State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mark J Walker
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Samaras L, García-Barriocanal E, Sicilia MA. Syndromic surveillance models using Web data: the case of scarlet fever in the UK. Inform Health Soc Care 2012; 37:106-24. [PMID: 22360741 DOI: 10.3109/17538157.2011.647934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has shown the potential of Web queries as a source for syndromic surveillance, and existing studies show that these queries can be used as a basis for estimation and prediction of the development of a syndromic disease, such as influenza, using log linear (logit) statistical models. Two alternative models are applied to the relationship between cases and Web queries in this paper. We examine the applicability of using statistical methods to relate search engine queries with scarlet fever cases in the UK, taking advantage of tools to acquire the appropriate data from Google, and using an alternative statistical method based on gamma distributions. The results show that using logit models, the Pearson correlation factor between Web queries and the data obtained from the official agencies must be over 0.90, otherwise the prediction of the peak and the spread of the distributions gives significant deviations. In this paper, we describe the gamma distribution model and show that we can obtain better results in all cases using gamma transformations, and especially in those with a smaller correlation factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas Samaras
- Ministry of Employment and Social Insurance, General Secretariat of Social Security, Department of National Security Registries and Internet, Athens
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Broutin H, Philippon S, Constantin de Magny G, Courel MF, Sultan B, Guégan JF. Comparative study of meningitis dynamics across nine African countries: a global perspective. Int J Health Geogr 2007; 6:29. [PMID: 17623084 PMCID: PMC1939699 DOI: 10.1186/1476-072x-6-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 07/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meningococcal meningitis (MM) represents an important public health problem especially in the "meningitis belt" in Africa. Although seasonality of epidemics is well known with outbreaks usually starting in the dry season, pluri-annual cycles are still less understood and even studied. In this context, we aimed at study MM cases time series across 9 sahelo-sudanian countries to detect pluri-annual periodicity and determine or not synchrony between dynamics. This global and comparative approach allows a better understanding of MM evolution in time and space in the long-term. Results We used the most adapted mathematical tool to time series analyses, the wavelet method. We showed that, despite a strong consensus on the existence of a global pluri-annual cycle of MM epidemics, it is not the case. Indeed, even if a clear cycle is detected in all countries, these cycles are not as permanent and regular as generally admitted since many years. Moreover, no global synchrony was detected although many countries seemed correlated. Conclusion These results of the first large-scale study of MM dynamics highlight the strong interest and the necessity of a global survey of MM in order to be able to predict and prevent large epidemics by adapted vaccination strategy. International cooperation in Public Health and cross-disciplines studies are highly recommended to hope controlling this infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Broutin
- G.E.M.I, UMR CNRS/IRD 2724, Equipe «Evolution des Systèmes Symbiotiques» Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 911 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Solenne Philippon
- ProdiG, UMR 8586 CNRS/Université. Paris1/Université Paris4/université Paris7/Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE), 2 rue Valette, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Constantin de Magny
- University of Maryland, Institute for Advanced Computer Studies. # 296 Biomolecular Sciences Building. College Park, MD, 20742 USA
| | - Marie-Françoise Courel
- ProdiG, UMR 8586 CNRS/Université. Paris1/Université Paris4/université Paris7/Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (EPHE), 2 rue Valette, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Sultan
- UR086 LOCEAN, UMR 7617 IRD-CNRS-UPMC (Université Pierre et Marie Curie), 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Jean-François Guégan
- G.E.M.I, UMR CNRS/IRD 2724, Equipe «Evolution des Systèmes Symbiotiques» Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 911 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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Broutin H, Guégan JF, Elguero E, Simondon F, Cazelles B. Large-scale comparative analysis of pertussis population dynamics: periodicity, synchrony, and impact of vaccination. Am J Epidemiol 2005; 161:1159-67. [PMID: 15937025 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwi141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pertussis is a worldwide infectious disease which persists despite massive vaccination campaigns that have gone on for several decades. To obtain an overall view of pertussis dynamics and the impact of vaccination, the authors performed, using the wavelet method, a comparative analysis of pertussis time series in 12 countries to detect and quantify periodicity and synchrony between them. Results showed a clear 3- to 4-year cycle in all countries, but the main finding was that this periodicity was transient. No global pattern in the effect of vaccination on pertussis dynamics was observed, but some spatial synchrony between countries was detected. This large-scale comparative analysis of pertussis dynamics sheds light on the complexity of the multiple interactions involved in global pertussis spatial dynamic patterns. It suggests a need to perform a global survey of human infectious diseases over the long term, which would permit better assessment of the risk of disease outbreaks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Broutin
- Research Unit 24, Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Research for Development, 911 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
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Goldman AS, Goldman LR, Goldman DA. What caused the epidemic of Pneumocystis pneumonia in European premature infants in the mid-20th century? Pediatrics 2005; 115:e725-36. [PMID: 15867015 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2004-2157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An epidemic of interstitial pneumonia principally involving premature infants occurred in Germany and nearby European countries between the 1920s and 1960s. Fatalities were due to Pneumocystis. Because the principal defenses against Pneumocystis are T cells, an acquired T-cell deficiency was postulated. A number of potential causes including malnutrition were considered. All were implausible except for a retrovirus that was benign in adults but virulent in premature infants. Furthermore, we suspect that the virus was imported into Germany from former German African colonies. Premature infants were vulnerable because of the developmental status of their T cells. Given the practices in that part of Europe at that time, the virus was most likely transmitted by contaminated blood transfusions and subsequent contamination of reusable needles and syringes used in injections. Although the epidemic ended 4 decades ago, a search for the postulated retrovirus can be conducted if tissues from affected infants are available.
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MESH Headings
- Blood Transfusion/instrumentation
- Cameroon/ethnology
- Cytomegalovirus Infections/complications
- Cytomegalovirus Infections/transmission
- Disease Outbreaks/history
- Disease Susceptibility
- Emigration and Immigration
- Equipment Contamination
- Europe/epidemiology
- Female
- Germany/epidemiology
- History, 20th Century
- Humans
- Immunity, Cellular
- Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/ethnology
- Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/etiology
- Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/history
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Premature
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/epidemiology
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/history
- Infant, Premature, Diseases/immunology
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/epidemiology
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/etiology
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/history
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/immunology
- Lung Diseases, Interstitial/microbiology
- Male
- Malnutrition/complications
- Malnutrition/epidemiology
- Milk, Human/cytology
- Milk, Human/virology
- Pneumonia, Pneumocystis/epidemiology
- Pneumonia, Pneumocystis/history
- Pneumonia, Pneumocystis/immunology
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology
- Retroviridae Infections/complications
- Retroviridae Infections/epidemiology
- Retroviridae Infections/ethnology
- Retroviridae Infections/history
- Retroviridae Infections/immunology
- Retroviridae Infections/transmission
- Togo/ethnology
- Transfusion Reaction
- Travel
- Virulence
- Warfare
- Xenobiotics/adverse effects
- Zinc/deficiency
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Affiliation(s)
- Armond S Goldman
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0369, USA.
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