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McRae T, Walker R, Enkel S, Thomas HMM, Jacky J, Sibosado S, Mullane M, Maginnis N, Coffin J, Carapetis JR, Bowen AC. HipHop2SToP a community-led health promotion initiative empowering Aboriginal youth in the Kimberley region of Western Australia: a process evaluation. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1258517. [PMID: 38145075 PMCID: PMC10740280 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1258517] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction For millennia, Aboriginal people's ways of knowing, doing and being were shared through art, song, and dance. Colonisation silenced these ways, affecting loss of self-determination for Aboriginal people. Over the past decade in Australia, hip-hop projects have become culturally appropriate approaches for health promotion. When community led, and Aboriginal worldviews centralised, hip-hop workshops are more likely to be effective. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a community-led health promotion hip-hop music video, 'HipHop2SToP' was produced involving young people in Dampier Peninsula communities address healthy skin and healthy living practices. Methods We report here a qualitative process evaluation of the HipHop2SToP project. Participants who had been involved in the planning and production of HipHop2SToP were selected using a purposive approach and invited either by email or face-to-face to participate in semi-structured interviews and share their experiences. Semi-structured interviews ranged from 30 to 60 min in duration and were conducted either face-to-face or virtually over MS Teams. Due to personal time constraints, two participants provided written responses to the semi-structured questions. All interviews were audio-recorded with consent and saved as a digital recording in a de-identified format. All audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and uploaded into QSR NVivo v12 along with written responses. Results As a health promotion project, the critical success factors were community-ownership and discovering novel ways to collaborate virtually with remote communities using Microsoft (MS) software. Highlights included observing the young people actively engaged in the project and their catchy lyrics and key messaging for environmental health and skin infections. COVID-19 presented some challenges. Gaps in communication, clarification of stakeholder roles and expectations, and post-production outcomes were also identified as challenges. Conclusion HipHop2SToP validates the need for Aboriginal community led health promotion programs. While creating some challenges COVID-19 also strengthened community ownership and created novel ways of maintaining relationships with remote Aboriginal communities. Future hip-hop projects would benefit from clarity of roles and responsibilities. Strengthening post-production outcomes by including a launch and well-planned, targeted communication and dissemination strategy will ensure the wider translation of important health messages and potential strengthen sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy McRae
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Roz Walker
- Ngangk Yira Institute For Change, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Indigenous Studies, Poche Centre for Indigenous Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Stephanie Enkel
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Hannah M. M. Thomas
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - John Jacky
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | | | - Marianne Mullane
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | | | - Juli Coffin
- Ngangk Yira Institute For Change, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Carapetis
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Asha C. Bowen
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA, Australia
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Lacey JA, Marcato AJ, Chisholm RH, Campbell PT, Zachreson C, Price DJ, James TB, Morris JM, Gorrie CL, McDonald MI, Bowen AC, Giffard PM, Holt DC, Currie BJ, Carapetis JR, Andrews RM, Davies MR, Geard N, McVernon J, Tong SYC. Evaluating the role of asymptomatic throat carriage of Streptococcus pyogenes in impetigo transmission in remote Aboriginal communities in Northern Territory, Australia: a retrospective genomic analysis. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e524-e533. [PMID: 37211022 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus (GAS), infections contribute to a high burden of disease in Aboriginal Australians, causing skin infections and immune sequelae such as rheumatic heart disease. Controlling skin infections in these populations has proven difficult, with transmission dynamics being poorly understood. We aimed to identify the relative contributions of impetigo and asymptomatic throat carriage to GAS transmission. METHODS In this genomic analysis, we retrospectively applied whole genome sequencing to GAS isolates that were collected as part of an impetigo surveillance longitudinal household survey conducted in three remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory of Australia between Aug 6, 2003, and June 22, 2005. We included GAS isolates from all throats and impetigo lesions of people living in two of the previously studied communities. We classified isolates into genomic lineages based on pairwise shared core genomes of more than 99% with five or fewer single nucleotide polymorphisms. We used a household network analysis of epidemiologically and genomically linked lineages to quantify the transmission of GAS within and between households. FINDINGS We included 320 GAS isolates in our analysis: 203 (63%) from asymptomatic throat swabs and 117 (37%) from impetigo lesions. Among 64 genomic lineages (encompassing 39 emm types) we identified 264 transmission links (involving 93% of isolates), for which the probable source was asymptomatic throat carriage in 166 (63%) and impetigo lesions in 98 (37%). Links originating from impetigo cases were more frequent between households than within households. Households were infected with GAS for a mean of 57 days (SD 39 days), and once cleared, reinfected 62 days (SD 40 days) later. Increased household size and community presence of GAS and scabies were associated with slower clearance of GAS. INTERPRETATION In communities with high prevalence of endemic GAS-associated skin infection, asymptomatic throat carriage is a GAS reservoir. Public health interventions such as vaccination or community infection control programmes aimed at interrupting transmission of GAS might need to include consideration of asymptomatic throat carriage. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake A Lacey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Adrian J Marcato
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Rebecca H Chisholm
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia; Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Patricia T Campbell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Cameron Zachreson
- School of Computing and Information systems, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - David J Price
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Taylah B James
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Jacqueline M Morris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Claire L Gorrie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Malcolm I McDonald
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Nguma-bada Campus, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia and Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Philip M Giffard
- Global and Tropical Healthy Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Deborah C Holt
- Global and Tropical Healthy Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Bart J Currie
- Global and Tropical Healthy Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Jonathan R Carapetis
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia and Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ross M Andrews
- Global and Tropical Healthy Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Mark R Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Nicholas Geard
- School of Computing and Information systems, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Jodie McVernon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory Epidemiology Unit, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity VIC, Australia; Global and Tropical Healthy Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia.
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McRae T, Leaversuch F, Sibosado S, Coffin J, Carapetis JR, Walker R, Bowen AC. Culturally supported health promotion to See, Treat, Prevent (SToP) skin infections in Aboriginal children living in the Kimberley region of Western Australia: a qualitative analysis. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 35:100757. [PMID: 37424680 PMCID: PMC10326714 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Background While there are many skin infections, reducing the burden of scabies and impetigo for remote living Aboriginal people, particularly children remains challenging. Aboriginal children living in remote communities have experienced the highest reported rate of impetigo in the world and are 15 times more likely to be admitted to hospital with a skin infection compared to non-Aboriginal children. Untreated impetigo can develop into serious disease and may contribute to the development of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). As the largest organ protecting the body and visible to everyone, skin infections are often unsightly and very painful, therefore maintaining healthy skin and reducing the burden of skin infections is important for overall physical and cultural health and well-being. Biomedical treatments alone will not address these factors; therefore, a holistic, strengths-based approach that aligns with the Aboriginal world view of wellness is required to help reduce the prevalence of skin infections and their downstream consequences. Methods Culturally appropriate yarning sessions with community members were conducted between May 2019 and November 2020. Yarning sessions have been identified as a valid method for story sharing and collecting information. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and focus groups with school and clinic staff were conducted. When consent was provided, interviews were audio-recorded and saved as a digital recording in a de-identified format; for those yarning sessions not recorded, handwritten notes were scribed. Audio recordings and handwritten notes were uploaded into NVivo software prior to a thematic analysis being conducted. Findings Overall, there was a strong knowledge of recognition, treatment, and prevention of skin infections. However, this did not extend to the role skin infections play in causing ARF, RHD or kidney failure. Our study has confirmed three main findings: 1. The biomedical model of treatment of skin infections remained strong in interviews with staff living in the communities; 2. Community members have a reliance and belief in traditional remedies for skin infections; and 3. Ongoing education for skin infections using culturally appropriate health promotion resources. Interpretation While this study revealed ongoing challenges with service practices and protocols associated with treating and preventing skin infections in a remote setting, it also provides unique insights requiring further investigation. Bush medicines are not currently practiced in a clinic setting, however, using traditional medicines alongside biomedical treatment procedures facilitates cultural security for Aboriginal people. Further investigation, and advocacy to establish these into practice, procedures and protocols is warranted. Establishing protocols and practice procedures focused on improving collaborations between service providers and community members in remote communities is also recommended. Funding Funding was received from the National Health and Medical Research Council [NHMRC] (GNT1128950), Health Outcomes in the Tropical NORTH [HOT NORTH 113932] (Indigenous Capacity Building Grant), and WA Health Department and Healthway grants contributed to this research. A.C.B. receives a NHMRC investigator Award (GNT1175509). T.M. receives a PhD scholarship from the Australian Centre for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ACE-NTD), an NHMRC centre of excellence (APP1153727).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy McRae
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Road, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | | | - Slade Sibosado
- Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Road, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Juli Coffin
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Carapetis
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Road, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Road, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Roz Walker
- Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
- School of Indigenous Studies, Poche Centre for Indigenous Health Research, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Australia
| | - Asha C. Bowen
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Road, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Road, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Rocklands Drive, Tiwi, Northern Territory 0810, Australia
- University of Notre Dame, 32 Mouat St, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160, Australia
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4
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McLoughlin F, O’Donnell V, Bowen AC. Skin health situational analysis to inform skin disease control programs for the Kimberley. Med J Aust 2022; 217:58. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frieda McLoughlin
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute University of Western Australia Perth WA
| | | | - Asha C Bowen
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute University of Western Australia Perth WA
- Perth Children’s Hospital Perth WA
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5
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Wyber R, Lizama C, Wade V, Pearson G, Carapetis J, Ralph AP, Bowen AC, Peiris D. Improving primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever in Australia: consensus primary care priorities identified through an eDelphi process. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056239. [PMID: 35273057 PMCID: PMC8915338 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish the priorities of primary care providers to improve assessment and treatment of skin sores and sore throats among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). DESIGN Modified eDelphi survey, informed by an expert focus group and literature review. SETTING Primary care services in any one of the five Australian states or territories with a high burden of ARF. PARTICIPANTS People working in any primary care role within the last 5 years in jurisdiction with a high burden of ARF. RESULTS Nine people participated in the scoping expert focus group which informed identification of an access framework for subsequent literature review. Fifteen broad concepts, comprising 29 strategies and 63 different actions, were identified on this review. These concepts were presented to participants in a two-round eDelphi survey. Twenty-six participants from five jurisdictions participated, 16/26 (62%) completed both survey rounds. Seven strategies were endorsed as high priorities. Most were demand-side strategies with a focus on engaging communities and individuals in accessible, comprehensive, culturally appropriate primary healthcare. Eight strategies were not endorsed as high priority, all of which were supply-side approaches. Qualitative responses highlighted the importance of a comprehensive primary healthcare approach as standard of care rather than disease-specific strategies related to management of skin sores and sore throat. CONCLUSION Primary care staff priorities should inform Australia's commitments to reduce the burden of RHD. In particular, strategies to support comprehensive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary care services rather than an exclusive focus on discrete, disease-specific initiatives are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Wyber
- Health Systems Science, The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Catalina Lizama
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Vicki Wade
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Glenn Pearson
- Aboriginal Health Institute Leadership Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Carapetis
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anna P Ralph
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- General Medicine and Inectious Diseases, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Peiris
- Health Systems Science, The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
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Cheluvappa R, Selvendran S. Strengths-Based Nursing to Combat Common Infectious Diseases in Indigenous Australians. NURSING REPORTS 2022; 12:22-28. [PMID: 35225889 PMCID: PMC8883947 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep12010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Problem: The increasing incidence and prevalence of infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal groups and Torres Strait Islanders) are concerning. Indigenous Australians experience the burden of infectious diseases disproportionately when compared to non-Indigenous Australians. (2) Aim: Our report aims to describe how to apply Strengths-Based Nursing (SBN) to ameliorate the impact of the most common infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians. Specifically, we aim to describe how nurses can use SBN to partner with Indigenous Australian communities to remediate, control, and mollify the impact of the most common infectious diseases encountered by them using their limited resources. (3) Methods: Meticulous PubMed, Google Scholar, and web searches were conducted pertaining to Strengths-Based Nursing and common infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians. (4) Findings: The two groups of infectious diseases considered are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and infectious skin diseases (including parasitic infestations). The prevalence of these infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians is deliberated on, with data when possible, or known trends and impacts. Finally, existing, evidence-based, prudent, and possible SBN approaches are discussed towards tackling these infectious diseases judiciously with available local resources, in conjunction with the support of impacted people, their families, and their communities. (5) Discussion and Conclusion: The SBN approach is a relatively new perspective/approach to clinical and nursing care. In contradistinction to the commonly utilised medical model, SBN pits strengths against deficits, available resources against professional judgment, solutions against unavailable items, and collaborations against hierarchy. In light of the current situation/data, several SBN approaches to combat STIs and skin infections in Indigenous Australians were identified and discussed for the first time in the “Results” section of this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkumar Cheluvappa
- Nursing and Midwifery, Australian Catholic University, Watson, ACT 2602, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-0406-0406-20
| | - Selwyn Selvendran
- Department of Surgery, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia;
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Thomas L, Bowen AC, Tong SYC. Complicated skin and soft tissue infections in remote indigenous communities. Intern Med J 2021; 50:752-754. [PMID: 32537920 DOI: 10.1111/imj.14858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The burden and consequences of skin infections for remote living indigenous people are high. While skin infections are recognised as an antecedent to conditions such as acute rheumatic fever in children, data are limited concerning skin infection complications such as cellulitis, abscesses and osteomyelitis in older children and adults. In a 1-year retrospective audit of 439 patients presenting to two remote health clinics, 330/439 (75%) patients presented with a skin infection and 18 (4%) developed a complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Thomas
- Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Infectious Diseases Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Doherty Department, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Chng L, Holt DC, Field M, Francis JR, Tilakaratne D, Dekkers MH, Robinson G, Mounsey K, Pavlos R, Bowen AC, Fischer K, Papenfuss AT, Gasser RB, Korhonen PK, Currie BJ, McCarthy JS, Pasay C. Molecular diagnosis of scabies using a novel probe-based polymerase chain reaction assay targeting high-copy number repetitive sequences in the Sarcoptes scabiei genome. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009149. [PMID: 33626043 PMCID: PMC7939366 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The suboptimal sensitivity and specificity of available diagnostic methods for scabies hampers clinical management, trials of new therapies and epidemiologic studies. Additionally, parasitologic diagnosis by microscopic examination of skin scrapings requires sample collection with a sharp scalpel blade, causing discomfort to patients and difficulty in children. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic assays, combined with non-invasive sampling methods, represent an attractive approach. In this study, we aimed to develop a real-time probe-based PCR test for scabies, test a non-invasive sampling method and evaluate its diagnostic performance in two clinical settings. Methodology/Principal findings High copy-number repetitive DNA elements were identified in draft Sarcoptes scabiei genome sequences and used as assay targets for diagnostic PCR. Two suitable repetitive DNA sequences, a 375 base pair microsatellite (SSR5) and a 606 base pair long tandem repeat (SSR6), were identified. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were tested using relevant positive and negative control materials and compared to a published assay targeting the mitochondrial cox1 gene. Both assays were positive at a 1:100 dilution of DNA from a single mite; no amplification was observed in DNA from samples from 19 patients with other skin conditions nor from house dust, sheep or dog mites, head and body lice or from six common skin bacterial and fungal species. Moderate sensitivity of the assays was achieved in a pilot study, detecting 5/7 (71.4% [95% CI: 29.0% - 96.3%]) of clinically diagnosed untreated scabies patients). Greater sensitivity was observed in samples collected by FLOQ swabs compared to skin scrapings. Conclusions/Significance This newly developed qPCR assay, combined with the use of an alternative non-invasive swab sampling technique offers the possibility of enhanced diagnosis of scabies. Further studies will be required to better define the diagnostic performance of these tests. As scabies control efforts continue to grow, scarcity of diagnostic options hinders success of elimination efforts in endemic areas. Efficiency in large-scale monitoring is further obstructed by invasive sample collection techniques, which are often uncomfortable for patients, and lack sensitivity. We have developed two PCR-based diagnostic assays targeting repetitive DNA elements. These were identified using new data on the S. scabiei genome. Targeting these elements by PCR improved the detection of scabies DNA. Enhanced sensitivity was demonstrated when tested against routine microscopy and a published PCR-based diagnostic assay. When combined with a non-invasive, effective FLOQ swab sampling method, the developed qPCR-based assays may provide a useful complementary tool for diagnosis of scabies, and its application will likely improve scabies control in target populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Chng
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Deborah C. Holt
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Matt Field
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology and Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
- Genome Informatics, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Joshua R. Francis
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Australia
| | - Dev Tilakaratne
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Australia
- Darwin Dermatology, Tiwi, Australia
| | - Milou H. Dekkers
- Queensland Animal Science Precinct, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - Greg Robinson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kate Mounsey
- University of Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Rebecca Pavlos
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Asha C. Bowen
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Katja Fischer
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Pasi K. Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Bart J. Currie
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Tiwi, Australia
| | | | - Cielo Pasay
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail:
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9
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Middleton K, Bowen AC. Addressing normalization using culturally relevant approaches: An important adjunct to reducing the burden of impetigo and scabies. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2021; 7:100102. [PMID: 34327421 PMCID: PMC8315659 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Middleton
- Division of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Division of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Lung T, Si L, Hooper R, Di Tanna GL. Health Economic Evaluation Alongside Stepped Wedge Trials: A Methodological Systematic Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2021; 39:63-80. [PMID: 33015754 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-020-00963-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, there has been an increase in use of the stepped wedge trial (SWT) design in the context of health services research, due to its pragmatic and methodological advantages over the parallel group design. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to summarise the statistical methods used when conducting economic evaluations alongside SWTs. METHODS A systematic literature search extending to February 2020 was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHS-EED) databases to find and evaluate studies where there was an intention to conduct an economic evaluation alongside an SWT. Studies were assessed for their eligibility, findings, reporting of statistical methods and quality of reporting. RESULTS Of the 586 studies retrieved from the literature search, 69 studies were identified and included in this systematic review. A total of 54 studies were published protocols, with eight economic evaluations and seven studies reporting full trial results. Included studies varied in terms of their reporting of statistical methods, in both detail and methodology. There were 34 studies that did not report any statistical methods for the economic evaluation, and only 16 studies reported appropriate methods, mainly using some form of mixed/multilevel model, and two used seemingly unrelated regression. Twelve studies reported the use of generic bootstrap methods and other modelling techniques, whilst the remaining studies failed to appropriately account for clustering, correlation or adjustment for time. CONCLUSIONS The use of appropriate statistical methods that account for time, clustering and correlation between costs and outcomes is an important part of SWT health economics analysis, one that will benefit from an effort to communicate the methods available and their performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lung
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, Edward Ford Building A27, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Lei Si
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
- School of Health Policy & Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Richard Hooper
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Gian Luca Di Tanna
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia.
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