1
|
Seale H, Trent M, Marks GB, Shah S, Chughtai AA, MacIntyre CR. Exploring the use of masks for protection against the effects of wildfire smoke among people with preexisting respiratory conditions. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2330. [PMID: 38001501 PMCID: PMC10668508 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of wildfire smoke is a growing public health issue, especially for those living with preexisting respiratory conditions. Understanding perceptions and behaviors relevant to the use of individual protective strategies, and how these affect the adoption of these strategies, is critical for the development of future communication and support interventions. This study focused on the use of masks by people living in the Australian community with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS Semi-structured phone interviews were undertaken with people living in the community aged 18 years and over. Participants lived in a bushfire-prone area and reported having been diagnosed with asthma or COPD. RESULTS Twenty interviews were undertaken between July and September 2021. We found that, during wildfire episodes, there was an overwhelming reliance on closing windows and staying inside as a means of mitigating exposure to smoke. There was limited use of masks for this purpose. Even among those who had worn a mask, there was little consideration given to the type of mask or respirator used. Reliance on sensory experiences with smoke was a common prompt to adopting an avoidance behavior. Participants lacked confidence in the information available from air-quality apps and websites, however they were receptive to the idea of using masks in the future. CONCLUSIONS Whilst COVID-19 has changed the nature of community mask use over the last couple of years, there is no guarantee that this event will influence an individual's mask behavior during other events like bushfires. Instead, we must create social support processes for early and appropriate mask use, including the use of air quality monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Seale
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Level 2, Samuels Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - M Trent
- The Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - G B Marks
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S Shah
- Research and Education Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A A Chughtai
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Level 2, Samuels Building, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - C R MacIntyre
- The Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Akhtar Z, Götberg M, Erlinge D, Christiansen EH, Oldroyd KG, Motovska Z, Erglis A, Hlinomaz O, Jakobsen L, Engstrøm T, Jensen LO, Fallesen CO, Jensen SE, Angerås O, Calais F, Kåregren A, Lauermann J, Mokhtari A, Nilsson J, Persson J, Islam AKMM, Rahman A, Malik F, Choudhury S, Collier T, Pocock SJ, Pernow J, MacIntyre CR, Fröbert O. Optimal timing of influenza vaccination among patients with acute myocardial infarction - Findings from the IAMI trial. Vaccine 2023; 41:7159-7165. [PMID: 37925315 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Influenza vaccination reduces the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.The IAMI trial randomly assigned 2571 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to receive influenza vaccine or saline placebo during their index hospital admission. It was conducted at 30 centers in 8 countries from October 1, 2016 to March 1, 2020. In this post-hoc exploratory sub-study, we compare the trial outcomes in patients receiving early season vaccination (n = 1188) and late season vaccination (n = 1344).The primary endpoint wasthe composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stent thrombosis at 12 months. Thecumulative incidence of the primary and key secondary endpoints by randomized treatment and early or late vaccination was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. In the early vaccinated group, the primary composite endpoint occurred in 36 participants (6.0%) assigned to influenza vaccine and 49 (8.4%) assigned to placebo (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.45 to 1.07), compared to 31 participants (4.7%) assigned to influenza vaccine and 42 (6.2%) assigned to placebo (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.18) in the late vaccinated group (P = 0.848 for interaction on HR scale at 1 year). We observed similar estimates for the key secondary endpoints of all-cause death and CV death. There was no statistically significant difference in vaccine effectiveness against adverse cardiovascular events by timing of vaccination. The effect of vaccination on all-cause death at one year was more pronounced in the group receiving early vaccination (HR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.86) compared late vaccination group (HR 0.75; 35% CI, 0.40 to 1.40) but there was no statistically significant difference between these groups (Interaction P = 0.335). In conclusion,there is insufficient evidence from the trial to establish whether there is a difference in efficacy between early and late vaccinationbut regardless of vaccination timing we strongly recommend influenza vaccination in all patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zubair Akhtar
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Programme on Emerging Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Matthias Götberg
- Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - David Erlinge
- Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Keith G Oldroyd
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Zuzana Motovska
- Cardiocenter, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrejs Erglis
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ota Hlinomaz
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lars Jakobsen
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas Engstrøm
- Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisette O Jensen
- Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Svend E Jensen
- Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Oskar Angerås
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden and Institute of Medicine, Department of molecular and clinical medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Calais
- Örebro University, Faculty of Health, Department of Cardiology, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Jörg Lauermann
- Department of Cardiology, Jönköping, Region Jönköping County, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Arash Mokhtari
- Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Nilsson
- Cardiology, Heart Centre, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Jonas Persson
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Abu K M M Islam
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Afzalur Rahman
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Fazila Malik
- National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sohel Choudhury
- National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Timothy Collier
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart J Pocock
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Pernow
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chandini R MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ole Fröbert
- Örebro University, Faculty of Health, Department of Cardiology, Örebro, Sweden; College of Public Service & Community Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, Arhus, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen X, Kunasekaran MP, Hutchinson D, Stone H, Zhang T, Aagerup J, Moa A, MacIntyre CR. Enhanced EPIRISK tool for rapid epidemic risk analysis. Public Health 2023; 224:159-168. [PMID: 37797562 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to create an enhanced EPIRISK tool in order to correctly predict COVID-19 severity in various countries. The original EPIRISK tool was developed in 2018 to predict the epidemic risk and prioritise response. The tool was validated against nine historical outbreaks prior to 2020. However, it rated many high-income countries that had poor performance during the COVID-19 pandemic as having lower epidemic risk. STUDY DESIGN This study was designed to modify EPIRISK by reparameterizing risk factors and validate the enhanced tool against different outbreaks, including COVID-19. METHODS We identified three factors that could be indicators of poor performance witnessed in some high-income countries: leadership, culture and universal health coverage. By adding these parameters to EPIRISK, we created a series of models for the calibration and validation. These were tested against non-COVID outbreaks in nine countries and COVID-19 outbreaks in seven countries to identify the best-fit model. The COVID-19 severity was determined by the global incidence and mortality, which were equally divided into four levels. RESULTS The enhanced EPIRISK tool has 17 parameters, including seven disease-related and 10 country-related factors, with an algorithm developed for risk level classification. It correctly predicted the risk levels of COVID-19 for all seven countries and all nine historical outbreaks. CONCLUSIONS The enhanced EPIRSIK is a multifactorial tool that can be widely used in global infectious disease outbreaks for rapid epidemic risk analysis, assisting first responders, government and public health professionals with early epidemic preparedness and prioritising response to infectious disease outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Chen
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - M P Kunasekaran
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - D Hutchinson
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - H Stone
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - T Zhang
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - J Aagerup
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - A Moa
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - C R MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; College of Public Service & Community Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85004, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hutchinson D, Kunasekaran M, Quigley A, Moa A, MacIntyre CR. Could it be monkeypox? Use of an AI-based epidemic early warning system to monitor rash and fever illness. Public Health 2023; 220:142-147. [PMID: 37327561 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The EPIWATCH artificial intelligence (AI) system scans open-source data using automated technology and can be used to detect early warnings of infectious disease outbreaks. In May 2022, a multicountry outbreak of Mpox in non-endemic countries was confirmed by the World Health Organization. This study aimed to identify signals of fever and rash-like illness using EPIWATCH and, if detected, determine if they represented potential Mpox outbreaks. STUDY DESIGN The EPIWATCH AI system was used to detect global signals for syndromes of rash and fever that may have represented a missed diagnosis of Mpox from 1 month prior to the initial case confirmation in the United Kingdom (7 May 2022) to 2 months following. METHODS Articles were extracted from EPIWATCH and underwent review. A descriptive epidemiologic analysis was conducted to identify reports pertaining to each rash-like illness, locations of each outbreak and report publication dates for the entries from 2022, with 2021 as a control surveillance period. RESULTS Reports of rash-like illnesses in 2022 between 1 April and 11 July (n = 656 reports) were higher than in the same period in 2021 (n = 75 reports). The data showed an increase in reports from July 2021 to July 2022, and the Mann-Kendall trend test showed a significant upward trend (P = 0.015). The most frequently reported illness was hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and the country with the most reports was India. CONCLUSIONS Vast open-source data can be parsed using AI in systems such as EPIWATCH to assist in the early detection of disease outbreaks and monitor global trends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Hutchinson
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - M Kunasekaran
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Quigley
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Moa
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C R MacIntyre
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fröbert O, Götberg M, Erlinge D, Akhtar Z, Christiansen EH, MacIntyre CR, Oldroyd KG, Motovska Z, Erglis A, Moer R, Hlinomaz O, Jakobsen L, Engstrøm T, Jensen LO, Fallesen CO, Jensen SE, Angerås O, Calais F, Kåregren A, Lauermann J, Mokhtari A, Nilsson J, Persson J, Stalby P, Islam AKMM, Rahman A, Malik F, Choudhury S, Collier T, Pocock SJ, Pernow J. Clinical impact of influenza vaccination after ST- and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction - insights from the IAMI trial. Am Heart J 2023; 255:82-89. [PMID: 36279930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza vaccination early after myocardial infarction (MI) improves prognosis but vaccine effectiveness may differ dependent on type of MI. METHODS A total of 2,571 participants were prospectively enrolled in the Influenza vaccination after myocardial infarction (IAMI) trial and randomly assigned to receive in-hospital inactivated influenza vaccine or saline placebo. The trial was conducted at 30 centers in eight countries from October 1, 2016 to March 1, 2020. Here we report vaccine effectiveness in the 2,467 participants with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI, n = 1,348) or non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI, n = 1,119). The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, MI, or stent thrombosis at 12 months. Cumulative incidence of the primary and key secondary endpoints by randomized treatment and NSTEMI/STEMI was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Treatment effects were evaluated with formal interaction testing to assess for effect modification. RESULTS Baseline risk was higher in participants with NSTEMI. In the NSTEMI group the primary endpoint occurred in 6.5% of participants assigned to influenza vaccine and 10.5% assigned to placebo (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39-0.91), compared to 4.1% assigned to influenza vaccine and 4.5% assigned to placebo in the STEMI group (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.54-1.50, P = .237 for interaction). Similar findings were seen for the key secondary endpoints of all-cause death and cardiovascular death. The Kaplan-Meier risk difference in all-cause death at one year was more pronounced in participants with NSTEMI (NSTEMI: HR, 0.47; 95% CI 0.28-0.80, STEMI: HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.43-1.70, interaction P = .028). CONCLUSIONS The beneficial effect of influenza vaccination on adverse cardiovascular events may be enhanced in patients with NSTEMI compared to those with STEMI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ole Fröbert
- Örebro University, Faculty of Health, Department of Cardiology, Örebro, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Matthias Götberg
- Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Scania, Sweden
| | - David Erlinge
- Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Scania, Sweden
| | - Zubair Akhtar
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh; The Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Chandini R MacIntyre
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Keith G Oldroyd
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom and West of Scotland Heart and Lung Centre, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Zuzana Motovska
- Cardiocenter, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic
| | - Andrejs Erglis
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, University of Latvia, Riga, Riga, Latvia
| | - Rasmus Moer
- LHL-sykehuset Gardermoen, Oslo, Ostiandet, Norway
| | - Ota Hlinomaz
- nternational clinical research center, St. Anne University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, South Moravian, Czech Republic
| | - Lars Jakobsen
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Aarhus , Denmark
| | - Thomas Engstrøm
- Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisette O Jensen
- Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Svend E Jensen
- Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Kommune, Denmark
| | - Oskar Angerås
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden and Institute of Medicine, Department of molecular and clinical medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Västergötland , Sweden
| | - Fredrik Calais
- Örebro University, Faculty of Health, Department of Cardiology, Örebro, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Amra Kåregren
- Västmanlands sjukhus Västerås, Västerås, Västmanland, Sweden
| | - Jörg Lauermann
- Department of Cardiology, Jönköping, Region Jönköping County, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring, Linköping University, Linköping, Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Arash Mokhtari
- Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Scania, Sweden
| | - Johan Nilsson
- Cardiology, Heart Centre, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umea, Västerbotten län, Sweden
| | - Jonas Persson
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Södermanland and Uppland, Sweden
| | - Per Stalby
- Department of Cardiology, Karlstad Central Hospital, Karlstad, Värmland, Sweden
| | - Abu K M M Islam
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afzalur Rahman
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fazila Malik
- National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sohel Choudhury
- National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Timothy Collier
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart J Pocock
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Pernow
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fröbert O, Götberg M, Erlinge D, Akhtar Z, Christiansen EH, MacIntyre CR, Oldroyd KG, Motovska Z, Erglis A, Moer R, Hlinomaz O, Jakobsen L, Engstrøm T, Jensen LO, Fallesen CO, Jensen SE, Angerås O, Calais F, Kåregren A, Lauermann J, Mokhtari A, Nilsson J, Persson J, Stalby P, Islam AKMM, Rahman A, Malik F, Choudhury S, Collier T, Pocock SJ, Pernow J. Influenza Vaccination After Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial. Circulation 2021; 144:1476-1484. [PMID: 34459211 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.057042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational and small, randomized studies suggest that influenza vaccine may reduce future cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease. METHODS We conducted an investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind trial to compare inactivated influenza vaccine with saline placebo administered shortly after myocardial infarction (MI; 99.7% of patients) or high-risk stable coronary heart disease (0.3%). The primary end point was the composite of all-cause death, MI, or stent thrombosis at 12 months. A hierarchical testing strategy was used for the key secondary end points: all-cause death, cardiovascular death, MI, and stent thrombosis. RESULTS Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the data safety and monitoring board recommended to halt the trial before attaining the prespecified sample size. Between October 1, 2016, and March 1, 2020, 2571 participants were randomized at 30 centers across 8 countries. Participants assigned to influenza vaccine totaled 1290 and individuals assigned to placebo equaled 1281; of these, 2532 received the study treatment (1272 influenza vaccine and 1260 placebo) and were included in the modified intention to treat analysis. Over the 12-month follow-up, the primary outcome occurred in 67 participants (5.3%) assigned influenza vaccine and 91 participants (7.2%) assigned placebo (hazard ratio, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.52-0.99]; P=0.040). Rates of all-cause death were 2.9% and 4.9% (hazard ratio, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.39-0.89]; P=0.010), rates of cardiovascular death were 2.7% and 4.5%, (hazard ratio, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.39-0.90]; P=0.014), and rates of MI were 2.0% and 2.4% (hazard ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.50-1.46]; P=0.57) in the influenza vaccine and placebo groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Influenza vaccination early after an MI or in high-risk coronary heart disease resulted in a lower risk of a composite of all-cause death, MI, or stent thrombosis, and a lower risk of all-cause death and cardiovascular death, as well, at 12 months compared with placebo. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02831608.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ole Fröbert
- Örebro University, Faculty of Health, Department of Cardiology, Sweden (O.F., F.C.)
| | - Matthias Götberg
- Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden (M.G., D.E., A.M.)
| | - David Erlinge
- Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden (M.G., D.E., A.M.)
| | - Zubair Akhtar
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka (Z.A.)
| | | | - Chandini R MacIntyre
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (C.R.M.)
| | - Keith G Oldroyd
- British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, and West of Scotland Heart and Lung Centre, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.G.O.)
| | - Zuzana Motovska
- Cardiocenter, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic (Z.M.)
| | - Andrejs Erglis
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, University of Latvia, Riga (A.E.)
| | - Rasmus Moer
- LHL-sykehuset Gardermoen, Oslo, Norway (R.M.)
| | - Ota Hlinomaz
- International clinical research center, St. Anne University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (O.H.)
| | - Lars Jakobsen
- Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark (E.H.C., L.J.)
| | | | - Lisette O Jensen
- Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark (L.O.J., C.O.F.)
| | | | - Svend E Jensen
- Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark (S.E.J.)
| | - Oskar Angerås
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Institute of Medicine, Department of molecular and clinical medicine, Gothenburg University, Sweden (O.A.)
| | - Fredrik Calais
- Örebro University, Faculty of Health, Department of Cardiology, Sweden (O.F., F.C.)
| | | | - Jörg Lauermann
- Department of Cardiology, Jönköping, Region Jönköping County, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring, Linköping University, Sweden (J.L.)
| | - Arash Mokhtari
- Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden (M.G., D.E., A.M.)
| | - Johan Nilsson
- Cardiology, Heart Centre, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Sweden (J.N.)
| | - Jonas Persson
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden (J. Persson)
| | - Per Stalby
- Department of Cardiology, Karlstad Central Hospital, Sweden (P.S.)
| | - Abu K M M Islam
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.K.K.M.I., A.R.)
| | - Afzalur Rahman
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.K.K.M.I., A.R.)
| | - Fazila Malik
- National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh (F.M., S.C.)
| | - Sohel Choudhury
- National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh (F.M., S.C.)
| | - Timothy Collier
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom (T.C., S.J.P.)
| | - Stuart J Pocock
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom (T.C., S.J.P.)
| | - John Pernow
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden (J. Pernow)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
MacIntyre CR, Chen X, Adam DC, Chughtai AA. Epidemiology of paediatric Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and implications for the control of coronavirus virus disease 2019. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:1561-1564. [PMID: 32729192 PMCID: PMC7689819 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare the clinical features of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection between paediatric and adult cases. METHODS Using multiple public data sources, we created an enhanced open-source surveillance dataset of all MERS-CoV cases between 20 September 2012 and 31 December 2018 in Saudi Arabia including available risk factor data. RESULTS Of the 1791 cases of MERS-CoV identified, 30 cases (1.7%) were aged under 18 years and 1725 cases (96.3%) were aged 18 years and over. Three paediatric cases were fatal, aged 0, 2 and 15 years. The odds of asymptomatic MERS-CoV infection among cases under 18 years (n = 10/23; 44%) was significantly higher (odds ratio (OR) = 4.98; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.15-11.51; P = 0.001) compared to adults (n = 199/1487; 13%). The odds of hospitalisation were significantly lower (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.08-0.39; P < 0.001) among cases under 18 years (n = 12/24; 50%) compared to adults (n = 1231/1443; 85%). Children were more likely to have a known source of exposure compared to adults (OR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.29-5.56; P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Clinically severe illness is less common in children, although death can occur, and the proportion of paediatric cases (1.7%) is similar to that reported for COVID-19. Age-specific differences in the clinical presentation of MERS-CoV cases could have implications for transmission for other betacoronaviruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Children may be at risk within the household with an infected adult. More studies are required on the role of children in transmission of betacoronaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandini R MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Xin Chen
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Dillon C Adam
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Abrar A Chughtai
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen X, Chughtai AA, MacIntyre CR. Application of a Risk Analysis Tool to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Outbreak in Saudi Arabia. Risk Anal 2020; 40:915-925. [PMID: 32170774 PMCID: PMC7228232 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The Grunow-Finke assessment tool (GFT) is an accepted scoring system for determining likelihood of an outbreak being unnatural in origin. Considering its high specificity but low sensitivity, a modified Grunow-Finke tool (mGFT) has been developed with improved sensitivity. The mGFT has been validated against some past disease outbreaks, but it has not been applied to ongoing outbreaks. This study is aimed to score the outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia using both the original GFT and mGFT. The publicly available data on human cases of MERS-CoV infections reported in Saudi Arabia (2012-2018) were sourced from the FluTrackers, World Health Organization, Saudi Ministry of Health, and published literature associated with MERS outbreaks investigations. The risk assessment of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia was analyzed using the original GFT and mGFT criteria, algorithms, and thresholds. The scoring points for each criterion were determined by three researchers to minimize the subjectivity. The results showed 40 points of total possible 54 points using the original GFT (likelihood: 74%), and 40 points of a total possible 60 points (likelihood: 67%) using the mGFT, both tools indicating a high likelihood that human MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia is unnatural in origin. The findings simply flag unusual patterns in this outbreak, but do not prove unnatural etiology. Proof of bioattacks can only be obtained by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This study demonstrated the value and flexibility of the mGFT in assessing and predicting the risk for an ongoing outbreak with simple criteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Abrar A. Chughtai
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Chandini R. MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052Australia
- College of Public Service and Community SolutionsArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
- College of Health SolutionsArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tan HY, Lai E, Kunasekaran M, Chughtai AA, Trent M, Poulos CJ, MacIntyre CR. Prevalence and predictors of influenza vaccination among residents of long-term care facilities. Vaccine 2019; 37:6329-6335. [PMID: 31526622 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Influenza is a respiratory illness which results in significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the older population. Older people living in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) have a significantly higher risk of infection and complications from influenza. Influenza vaccine is considered the best strategy to prevent infection in high-risk populations. In Australia, the Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CNDA) suggests a vaccination coverage rate of 95% in both staff and residents1. This study aims to measure the vaccination coverage rates for residents in LTCFs and identify predictors of vaccination uptake for these individuals. This study was conducted in nine LTCFs in four sites from March to September 2018. This was done via medical record reviews for residents over 65 years old in these LTCFs, collecting information such as vaccination status, age, gender, ethnicity and occupation. Simple and multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the Odds Ratio (OR) to determine significant predictors of influenza vaccination uptake. The overall vaccination rate among LTCF residents was 83.6%. Significant predictors of vaccination were LTCF location, ethnicity and previous year vaccination status. Residents in LTCF Site D were less likely to be vaccinated compared to Site A (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.61), non-Caucasians were less likely to get vaccinated (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.67), and residents who refused the 2017 vaccine were less likely to be vaccinated (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.15). Compared with previous Australian studies on LTCF vaccination rates, the overall vaccination rate was high in these LTCFs (83.6% versus 66-84%), but it varied across different sites. Reasons for varying vaccination rates should be explored further - for example, lower rates in non-Caucasians with diverse cultural backgrounds. Better understanding the causes of under-vaccination can help improve vaccination programs in LTCFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yi Tan
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elisa Lai
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mohana Kunasekaran
- The Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abrar A Chughtai
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mallory Trent
- The Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Poulos
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; HammondCare, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chandini R MacIntyre
- The Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Costantino V, Kunasekaran MP, Chughtai AA, MacIntyre CR. How Valid Are Assumptions About Re-emerging Smallpox? A Systematic Review of Parameters Used in Smallpox Mathematical Models. Mil Med 2019; 183:e200-e207. [PMID: 29425329 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usx092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Globally eradicated in 1980, smallpox is listed as a category A bioterrorism agent. If smallpox were to re-emerge, it may be due to an act of bioterrorism or a laboratory accident, and the impact is likely to be severe. Preparedness against smallpox is subject to more uncertainty than other infectious diseases because it is eradicated, there is uncertainty about population immunity, and the current global health workforce has no practical experience or living memory of smallpox. In the event of re-emergence of smallpox, mathematical modeling plays a crucial role in improving the evidence base to inform preparedness, mitigation, and response activities. However, the predictions of mathematical models about outbreak magnitude and impact depend critically on the assumptions and disease parameters used. We aimed to identify modeling studies that would be applicable to re-emerging smallpox and to evaluate consistency and the certainty of the evidence published about the key parameters used. Methods We conducted a systematic review using PRISMA criteria, of assumptions used in modeling studies on duration of latent, prodromal, and infectious period, as well as the choice of the basic reproduction number (R0) for re-emerging smallpox. We performed a literature search using PubMED, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE and included peer-reviewed articles that focused on smallpox models, stated at least three of the aforementioned parameters and published in English. Findings A total of 42 studies were selected for inclusion. There was general agreement on the duration of latent and prodromal periods, being 11-12 d (88%) and 3 d (59%), respectively. The duration of the infectious period varied from 4 to 20 d. Most models assumed 16 d (19%), 12 d (16.7%), and 8.6 d (12%) of infectiousness. In 25/34 studies, R0 ranged between 3 and 5, generally lower than the R0 calculated from past outbreaks. Discussion Models of smallpox re-emergence also tend to use the same limited available historical data sources but assume a wide range of different estimates for key parameters. Models use very optimistic assumptions of decreased population immunity, despite high uncertainty about duration and magnitude of post-vaccination immunity. This review reveals a paradox. A substantial proportion of the modern population is unvaccinated, never exposed to boosting from wild-type smallpox, or immunocompromised; furthermore, vaccine-induced immunity wanes over time. Failure to consider these factors in a model will lead to underestimating the true impact of a re-emergent smallpox epidemic in the contemporary population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Costantino
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohana P Kunasekaran
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abrar A Chughtai
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chandini R MacIntyre
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Arizona State University, 411 Central Avenue #750, Phoenix, AZ
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen C, Beutels P, Wood J, Menzies R, MacIntyre CR, McIntyre P, Newall AT. Retrospective cost-effectiveness of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination program in Australia. Vaccine 2018; 36:6307-6313. [PMID: 30213457 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.08.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Australian infant pneumococcal vaccination program was funded in 2005 using the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and the 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in 2011. The PCV7 and PCV13 programs resulted in herd immunity effects across all age-groups, including older adults. Coincident with the introduction of the PCV7 program in 2005, 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) was funded for all Australian adults aged over 65 years. METHODS A multi-cohort Markov model with a cycle length of one year was developed to retrospectively evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the PPV23 immunisation program from 2005 to 2015. The analysis was performed from the healthcare system perspective with costs and quality-adjusted life years discounted at 5% annually. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for PPV23 doses provided from 2005 to 2015 was calculated separately for each year when compared to no vaccination. Parameter uncertainty was explored using deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. RESULTS It was estimated that PPV23 doses given out over the 11-year period from 2005 to 2015 prevented 771 hospitalisations and 99 deaths from invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). However, the estimated IPD cases and deaths prevented by PPV23 declined by more than 50% over this period (e.g. from 12.9 deaths for doses given out in 2005 to 6.1 in 2015), likely driven by herd effects from infant PCV programs. The estimated ICER over the period 2005 to 2015 was approximately A$224,000/QALY gained compared to no vaccination. When examined per year, the ICER for each individual year worsened from $140,000/QALY in 2005 to $238,000/QALY in 2011 to $286,000/QALY in 2015. CONCLUSION The cost-effectiveness of the PPV23 program in older Australians was estimated to have worsened over time. It is unlikely to have been cost-effective, unless PPV23 provided protection against non-invasive pneumococcal pneumonia and/or a low vaccine price was negotiated. A key policy priority should be to review of the future use of PPV23 in Australia, which is likely to be more cost-effective in certain high-risk groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Chen
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - P Beutels
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J Wood
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R Menzies
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C R MacIntyre
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P McIntyre
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), Kids Research Institute, Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - A T Newall
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Njoto EN, Scotch M, Bui CM, Adam DC, Chughtai AA, MacIntyre CR. Phylogeography of H5N1 avian influenza virus in Indonesia. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65:1339-1347. [PMID: 29691995 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the H5N1 subtype are a major concern to human and animal health in Indonesia. This study aimed to characterize transmission dynamics of H5N1 over time using novel Bayesian phylogeography methods to identify factors which have influenced the spread of H5N1 in Indonesia. We used publicly available hemagglutinin sequence data sampled between 2003 and 2016 to model ancestral state reconstruction of HPAI H5N1 evolution. We found strong support for H5N1 transmission routes between provinces in Java Island and inter-island transmissions, such as between Nusa Tenggara and Kalimantan Islands, not previously described. The spread is consistent with wild bird flyways and poultry trading routes. H5N1 migration was associated with the regions of high chicken densities and low human development indices. These results can be used to inform more targeted planning of H5N1 control and prevention activities in Indonesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E N Njoto
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M Scotch
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.,College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - C M Bui
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - D C Adam
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A A Chughtai
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C R MacIntyre
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona.,College of Public Service and Community Solution, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen C, Wood JG, Beutels P, Menzies R, MacIntyre CR, Dirmesropian S, Reyes JF, McIntyre P, Newall AT. The role of timeliness in the cost-effectiveness of older adult vaccination: A case study of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Australia. Vaccine 2018; 36:1265-1271. [PMID: 29395534 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
While the impact of the timeliness of vaccine administration has been well-studied for childhood vaccinations, there has been little detailed quantitative analysis on the potential impact of the timeliness of vaccinations in older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of implementing more realistic observed uptake distributions, taking into the account reduced vaccine efficacy but higher pneumococcal disease burden with increasing age beyond 65 years. A multi-cohort Markov model was constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a pneumococcal (PCV13) immunisation program in Australia, assuming two different uptake modelling approaches. The approach using an estimate of observed uptake was compared with a scenario in which the total cumulative uptake was delivered at the recommended age of vaccination. We found these two approaches produced different results both in terms of cases prevented and cost-effectiveness. The impact of the non-timely uptake in adult programs may sometimes have positive and other times negative effects, depending on several factors including the age-specific disease rates and the duration of vaccine protection. Our study highlights the importance of using realistic assumptions around uptake (including non-timely vaccination) when estimating the impact of vaccination in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Chen
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - J G Wood
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P Beutels
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - R Menzies
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C R MacIntyre
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S Dirmesropian
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J F Reyes
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P McIntyre
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), Kids Research Institute, Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - A T Newall
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dirmesropian S, Wood JG, MacIntyre CR, Beutels P, McIntyre P, Menzies R, Reyes JF, Chen C, Newall AT. Cost-effectiveness of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in older Australians. Vaccine 2017; 35:4307-4314. [PMID: 28693751 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.06.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) has been funded under the Australia National Immunisation Program (NIP) since January 2005 for those aged >65years and other risk groups. In 2016, PCV13 was accepted by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) as a replacement for a single dose of PPV23 in older Australian adults. METHODS A single-cohort deterministic multi-compartment (Markov) model was developed describing the transition of the population between different invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease related health states. We applied a healthcare system perspective with costs (Australian dollars, A$) and health effects (measured in quality adjusted life-years, QALYs) attached to model states and discounted at 5% annually. We explored replacement of PPV23 with PCV13 at 65years as well as other age based vaccination strategies. Parameter uncertainty was explored using deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. RESULTS In a single cohort, we estimated PCV13 vaccination at the age of 65years to cost ∼A$11,120,000 and prevent 39 hospitalisations and 6 deaths from invasive pneumococcal disease and 180 hospitalisations and 10 deaths from community acquired pneumonia. The PCV13 program had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of ∼A$88,100 per QALY gained when compared to a no-vaccination, whereas PPV23 was ∼A$297,200 per QALY gained. To fall under a cost-effectiveness threshold of A$60,000 per QALY, PCV13 would have to be priced below ∼A$46 per dose. The cost-effectiveness of PCV13 in comparison to PPV23 was ∼A$35,300 per QALY gained. CONCLUSION In comparison to no-vaccination, we found PCV13 use in those aged 65years was unlikely to be cost-effective unless the vaccine price was below A$46 or a longer duration of protection can be established. However, we found that in comparison to the PPV23, vaccination with PCV13 was cost-effective. This partly reflects the poor value for money estimated for PPV23 use in Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Dirmesropian
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - J G Wood
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C R MacIntyre
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P Beutels
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - P McIntyre
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), Kids Research Institute, Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - R Menzies
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J F Reyes
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C Chen
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A T Newall
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Moa AM, Muscatello DJ, Turner RM, MacIntyre CR. Epidemiology of influenza B in Australia: 2001-2014 influenza seasons. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2016; 11:102-109. [PMID: 27650482 PMCID: PMC5304570 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza B is characterised by two antigenic lineages: B/Victoria and B/Yamagata. These lineages circulate together with influenza A during influenza seasons, with varying incidence from year to year and by geographic region. Objective To determine the epidemiology of influenza B relative to influenza A in Australia. Methods Laboratory‐confirmed influenza notifications between 2001 and 2014 in Australia were obtained from the Australian National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Results A total of 278 485 laboratory‐confirmed influenza cases were notified during the study period, comprising influenza A (82.2%), B (17.1%) and ‘other and untyped’ (0.7%). The proportion of notifications that were influenza B was highest in five‐ to nine‐year‐olds (27.5%) and lowest in persons aged 85 years and over (11.5%). Of all B notifications with lineage determined, 77.1% were B/Victoria and 22.9% were B/Yamagata infections. Mismatches between the dominant B lineage in a season and the trivalent vaccine B lineage occurred in over one‐third of seasons during the study years. In general, influenza B notifications peaked later than influenza A notifications. Conclusion The proportion of circulating influenza B in Australia during 2001‐2014 was slightly lower than the global average and was dominated by B/Victoria. Compared with influenza A, influenza B infection was more common among older children and young adults and less common in the very elderly. Influenza B lineage mismatch with the trivalent vaccine occurred about one‐third of the time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aye M Moa
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Muscatello
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robin M Turner
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chandini R MacIntyre
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,College of Public Service & Community Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ratnamohan VM, Zeng F, Donovan L, MacIntyre CR, Kok J, Dwyer DE. Phylogenetic analysis of human rhinoviruses collected over four successive years in Sydney, Australia. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2016; 10:493-503. [PMID: 27383422 PMCID: PMC5059946 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human rhinoviruses (HRV) cause a wide spectrum of disease, ranging from a mild influenza‐like illness (ILI) to severe respiratory infection. Molecular epidemiological data are limited for HRV circulating in the Southern Hemisphere. Objectives To identify the species and genotypes of HRV from clinical samples collected in Sydney, Australia, from 2006 to 2009. Methods Combined nose and throat swabs or nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from individuals with ILI were tested for HRV using real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Sequencing data of 5′UTR and VP4/VP2 coding regions on RT‐PCR‐positive specimens were analysed. Results Human rhinoviruses were detected by real‐time PCR in 20.9% (116/555) of samples tested. Phylogenetic analysis of 5′UTR and VP4/VP2 on HRV‐positive samples was concordant in the grouping of HRV A and B species but not HRV C species. Eighty per cent (16/20) of sequences that grouped as HRV C in the VP4/VP2 tree clustered as HRV A, alongside some previously described C strains as subspecies C/A. Discordant branching was seen within HRV A group: two sequences clustering as A in the VP4/VP2 tree branched within the C/A subspecies in the 5′UTR tree, and one sequence showed identity to different HRV A strains in the two genes. The prevalence of HRV C and C/A species was greater in paediatric compared to adult patients (47.9% vs 25.5%, P = .032). Conclusion Human rhinoviruses are a common cause of respiratory infections, and HRV C is present in the Southern Hemisphere. Sequencing of multiple HRV regions may be necessary to determine exact phylogenetic relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vigneswary M Ratnamohan
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Frank Zeng
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Linda Donovan
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Chandini R MacIntyre
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Jen Kok
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia. .,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia. .,Centre for Research Excellence in Critical Infections, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
| | - Dominic E Dwyer
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Research Excellence in Critical Infections, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dirmesropian S, Wood JG, MacIntyre CR, Newall AT. A review of economic evaluations of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in adults and the elderly. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:818-25. [PMID: 25933180 PMCID: PMC4514194 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1011954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV13) is already recommended for some adult groups and is being considered for wider use in many countries. In order to identify the strengths and limitations of the existing economic evaluation studies of PCV13 in adults and the elderly a literature review was conducted. The majority of the studies identified (9 out of 10) found that PCV13 was cost-effective in adults and/or the elderly. However, these results were based on assumptions that could not always be informed by robust evidence. Key uncertainties included the efficacy of PCV13 against non-invasive pneumonia and the herd immunity effect of childhood vaccination programs. Emerging trial evidence on PCV13 in adults from the Netherlands offers the ability to parameterize future economic evaluations with empirical efficacy data. However, it is important that these estimates are used thoughtfully when they are transferred to other settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Dirmesropian
- a School of Public Health and Community Medicine; UNSW Australia ; Sydney , NSW Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ridda I, Heywood AE, Hueston L, Dwyer DE, MacIntyre CR. The Burden of Pertussis in Patients with and without Recurrent Ischaemic Vascular Events. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2014; 14:101-9. [PMID: 25313102 DOI: 10.2174/1871526514666141014145229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pertussis seroepidemiology and associated factors in older adults aged ≥40 years with and without acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were studied to investigate whether unrecognised pertussis may precipitate AMI. Sera were obtained from a previous case-control study investigating the role of influenza in precipitating AMIs. Baseline sera were considered pertussis toxin (PT) IgG seropositive at levels ≥5 IU/mL. Levels ≥v62.5 IU/mL were considered indicative of infection in the previous year, and recent infection was indicative at levels ≥125 IU/mL. Of the serum samples tested, 55% (122/222) were seropositive for PT IgG, 5% (11/222) had evidence of infection in the past year and 1.4% (3/222) had evidence of recent infection. Evidence of infection in the past year was found in 3.2% of those aged 65-74 years. Overall, 47.8% of 40-64 year olds and 43.2% of those aged ≥65 years were seronegative for pertussis. Serological evidence of pertussis was not associated with AMI (46/92, 50.0% cases vs. 76/130, 58.5% controls, p=0.2). After adjusting for age, AMI and self-reported pertussis and GP verified influenza vaccination, females (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1-4.1, p=0.02) were more likely to be seronegative. Just under half of participants had no detectable pertussis immunity and are therefore susceptible to infection. Our study supports the need for an adult pertussis booster to supplement current recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chandini R MacIntyre
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chughtai AA, MacIntyre CR, Wang YA, Gao Z, Khan W. Treatment outcomes of various types of tuberculosis in Pakistan, 2006 and 2007. East Mediterr Health J 2013; 19:535-541. [PMID: 24975182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/22/2012] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Measuring treatment outcome is important for successful tuberculosis (TB) control programmes. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of various types of TB cases registered in Pakistan over a 2-year period and compare those outcomes among the different provinces and regions of the country. A retrospective, cohort study was conducted in which TB treatment outcome reports were reviewed. Of the 349 694 pulmonary TB cases registered in Pakistan during 2006 and 2007, 309154 (88.4%) were treated successfully. Treatment success was significantly higher in new smear-positive cases and lower in retreatment cases. Among the provinces and regions, treatment success was significantly higher in 4 out of 8 provinces. Treatment success needs to be improved, particularly in retreatment cases. The national TB control programme should review the provincial and regional programmes and learn lessons from well-performing programmes. Patient factors that may affect the treatment outcome should be also studied.
Collapse
|
20
|
Polkinghorne BG, Massey PD, Durrheim DN, Byrnes T, MacIntyre CR. Prevention and surveillance of public health risks during extended mass gatherings in rural areas: the experience of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Australia. Public Health 2012; 127:32-8. [PMID: 23141111 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2012.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe and evaluate the public health response to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, an annual extended mass gathering in rural New South Wales, Australia; and to propose a framework for responding to similar rural mass gatherings. STUDY DESIGN Process evaluation by direct observation, archival analysis and focus group discussion. METHODS The various components of the public health response to the 2011 Tamworth Country Music Festival were actively recorded. An archival review of documentation from 2007 to 2010 was performed to provide context. A focus group was also conducted to discuss the evolution of the public health response and the consequences of public health involvement. RESULTS Public health risks increased with increasing duration of the rural mass gathering. Major events held within the rural mass gathering further strained resources. The prevention, preparedness, response and recovery principles provided a useful framework for public health actions. Particular risks included inadequately trained food preparation volunteers functioning in poorly equipped temporary facilities, heat-related ailments and arboviral disease. CONCLUSION Extended mass gatherings in rural areas pose particular public health challenges; surge capacity is limited and local infrastructure may be overwhelmed in the event of an acute incident or outbreak. There is value in proactive public health surveillance and monitoring. Annual mass gatherings provide opportunities for continual systems improvement. Early multi-agency planning can identify key risks and identify opportunities for partnership. Special consideration is required for major events within mass gatherings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B G Polkinghorne
- Public Health Officer Training Program, New South Wales Ministry of Health, Locked Mail Bag 961, North Sydney, NSW 2059, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang Y, Seale H, Yang P, MacIntyre CR, Blackwell B, Tang S, Wang Q. Factors associated with the transmission of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 among hospital healthcare workers in Beijing, China. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2012; 7:466-71. [PMID: 23078163 PMCID: PMC5779818 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the increase in patient activity during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, came an associated increase in occupational infections of healthcare workers (HCWs). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with the transmission of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 among HCWs. METHODS A 1:4 matched case-control study by hospital, ward, age, and gender was conducted in HCWs from hospitals in Beijing during February 2010. Cases were diagnosed with pandemic (H1N1) 2009, and controls had neither influenza-like illness nor diagnosis with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 during August 2009 to January 2010. Information during 7 days before symptom onset of case was collected, and controls were queried about the same period. RESULTS A total of 51 cases identified via National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System participated in this study. Controls were matched to cases for a total of 255 individuals. About 19·6% (10/51) of cases and 26·0% (53/204) of controls recalled they had conducted a high-risk procedure on a patient with pandemic (H1N1) 2009. 72·5% (37/51) of cases and 71·6% (146/204) of controls stated they wore medical masks in ≥80% of working time. Only 5·9% (3/51) and 36·3% (74/204) of cases and controls, respectively, reported receiving pandemic vaccination. Participants receiving pandemic vaccination had a significantly lower risk of infection during the pandemic (OR = 0·150, 95% CI: 0·047-0·479, P = 0·001). The estimated vaccine effectiveness was 85·0%. CONCLUSIONS We showed a high vaccine effectiveness of the pandemic vaccine and that vaccination was the only factor significantly associated with risk of infection in HCWs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Institute for Infectious Disease and Endemic Disease Control, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ridda I, Seale H, Katelaris AL, Heywood AE, Tan TC, MacIntyre CR, Dwyer DE. Pneumococcal colonisation following influenza infection. Vaccine 2011; 29:6444-5. [PMID: 21549796 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Revised: 04/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
23
|
Seale H, Kaur R, Wang Q, Yang P, Zhang Y, Wang X, Li X, Zhang H, Zhang Z, MacIntyre CR. Acceptance of a vaccine against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus amongst healthcare workers in Beijing, China. Vaccine 2011; 29:1605-10. [PMID: 21211593 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.12.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Revised: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to the advent of the new influenza A (H1N1) strain in 2009, many countries introduced mass immunization programs. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were amongst the key groups targeted for the vaccine in these programs. However, experience with the seasonal influenza vaccine has shown that there are multiple barriers related to the attitudes and perceptions of the population which influence uptake. The aim of this study was to determine pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination rate amongst a group of Chinese HCWs and the associated factors around acceptance. A cross-sectional investigation of HCWs (doctors, nurses and technicians) from 19 hospitals in Beijing, China was conducted in January 2010. The main outcome measures were awareness, risk perception of H1N1, preventive measures and uptake of H1N1 vaccination during the pandemic. A total of 1657 HCWs completed the survey. A quarter of the participants reported receiving the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. Occupation (being a doctor), receiving seasonal flu vaccine and believing in the effectiveness of the vaccine were all strongly associated with accepting the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. Over a thousand participants (61%, 1008/1657) agreed that they were 'concerned about the side effects of the swine flu vaccine', while 758 (46%) were 'concerned that the vaccine had not been tested adequately'. While studies reported high rates of willingness to receive the vaccine, in reality these did not transpire. Aside from promoting seasonal flu vaccination, authorities need to start educational campaigns much earlier in a pandemic. Programs that are simultaneously launched with the introduction of the vaccine will not be as successful, as those which have built momentum alongside the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Seale
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ridda I, MacIntyre CR, Lindley RI, Tan TC. Difficulties in recruiting older people in clinical trials: an examination of barriers and solutions. Vaccine 2009; 28:901-6. [PMID: 19944149 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.10.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Limited information exists regarding optimal methods for the recruitment and retention of older people in clinical trials. The aim of this review is to identify common barriers to the recruitment of older people in clinical trials and to propose solutions to overcome these barriers. A review of literature was performed to identify common difficulties in recruiting older people. This in combination with our experience during recruitment for a randomized control trial, have highlighted numerous barriers. Population-specific recruitment strategies, simple informed-consent processes, and effective communication between the researcher and subject are effective strategies to overcome these barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Ridda
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sheikh M, MacIntyre CR, Perera S. Preventive detention: the ethical ground where politics and health meet. Focus on asylum seekers in Australia. Br J Soc Med 2008; 62:480-3. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.2007.061028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
26
|
Backhouse JL, Gidding HF, MacIntyre CR, McIntyre PB, Gilbert GL. Population-based seroprevalence of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C capsular antibody before the introduction of conjugate vaccine, in Australia. Vaccine 2006; 25:1310-5. [PMID: 17069937 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.09.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2006] [Revised: 09/24/2006] [Accepted: 09/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NMC) conjugate vaccine was introduced, in Australia, in 2003. Our aims were to determine pre-immunisation IgG NMC seroprevalence and evaluate an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), previously validated against the serum bactericidal assay (SBA). 2409 sera, collected in 2002, from subjects aged 2-34 years, were tested. The geometric mean concentration (GMC) of NMC anticapsular IgG was 0.38 U/mL in subjects under 19 years and it increased to 0.67 U/mL for those aged 30-34 years. Variation in GMC correlated with reported NMC disease incidence and was higher in males than females (0.52 U/mL versus 0.41 U/mL; p=0.005). The ELISA appears suitable for serosurveillance but the IgG level that correlates with protection needs further investigation. Serosurveys will be repeated to monitor the impact of vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J L Backhouse
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology-Public Health and Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
MacIntyre CR, Kelly H, Jolley D, Butzkueven H, Salmon D, Halsey N, Moulton LH. Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine and the risk of multiple sclerosis: A prospective study. Neurology 2005; 64:1317; author reply 1318. [PMID: 15824381 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.64.7.1317-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
28
|
Cagney M, MacIntyre CR, McIntyre PB, Peat J. Childhood asthma diagnosis and use of asthma medication. Aust Fam Physician 2005; 34:193-6. [PMID: 15799674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM To determine the burden of asthma in children. METHODS A cross sectional, randomised, computer assisted telephone survey of a community based sample of 2020 children aged 5-14 years in western Sydney (New South Wales) over a 20 day period from June 2000 to July 2000. RESULTS Main outcome measures were carer reported history of asthma diagnosis, hospital presentation/admission for asthma, recent use of anti-asthma medications, and recent respiratory symptoms. Diagnosed asthma was reported in 31% (of whom 42% were diagnosed aged 2 years or under) and asthma medications used in the previous year by 21% of children. Factors significantly associated with a reported asthma diagnosis included: male gender (OR: 1.51), birth in Australia (OR: 1.64), living in an English speaking household (OR: 1.47), Aboriginality (OR: 2.32), possession of a health care card (OR: 1.28), previous pneumonia (OR: 2.4) or pertussis (OR: 2.0), and a recent episode of croup (OR: 1.9). Exposure to tobacco smoke and immunisation status were not significant. DISCUSSION We confirm a high prevalence of asthma and medication use for asthma. The high proportion of children diagnosed asthmatic at 2 years or under (when asthma cannot be diagnosed reliably) suggests overdiagnosis of asthma may contribute to the apparent high prevalence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Cagney
- Westmead Hospital, New South Wales
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
MacIntyre CR, McIntyre PB, Cagney M. Community-based estimates of incidence and risk factors for childhood pneumonia in Western Sydney. Epidemiol Infect 2004; 131:1091-6. [PMID: 14959775 PMCID: PMC2870057 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268803001365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim was to estimate the community incidence and risk factors for all-cause pneumonia in children in Western Sydney, Australia. A cross-sectional randomized computer-assisted telephone interview was conducted in July 2000, in Western Sydney. Parents of 2020 children aged between 5 and 14 years were interviewed about their child's respiratory health since birth. No verification of reported diagnosis was available. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for pneumonia. A lifetime diagnosis of pneumonia was reported in 137/2020 (68%) children, giving an estimated incidence in the study sample of 7.6/1000 person-years. Radiological confirmation was reported in 85% (117/137). Hospitalization was reported in 41% (56/137) and antibiotic therapy in 93% (127/137) of cases. Using logistic regression modelling, statistically significant associations with pneumonia were a reported history of either asthma, bronchitis or other lung problems and health problems affecting other systems. In most cases, the diagnosis of asthma preceded the diagnosis of pneumonia. The community incidence of all causes of pneumonia is not well enumerated, either in adults or in children. This study provides community-based incidence data. The incidence of hospitalization for pneumonia in this study is comparable to estimates from studies in comparable populations, suggesting that retrospective parental report for memorable events is likely to be valid. We found a relationship between pneumonia and childhood respiratory diseases such as asthma, which has implications for targeted vaccination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
To enhance our understanding of the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of varicella in the pre-vaccine era we performed a serosurvey using opportunistically collected sera submitted to diagnostic laboratories across Australia during 1997-1999. A representative sample by state and sex of 2027 sera from persons aged 1-49 years was tested using an enzyme immunoassay method. The average age of infection and age-specific forces of infection (the probability that a susceptible individual acquires infection) were calculated using published methodologies. Seropositivity increased with age, with 83% of sera positive by ages 10-14 years. The highest force of infection was in the 5-9 years age group (0.195 per susceptible year) followed by the 0-4 years age group (0.139 per susceptible year) and the average age of infection was 8.15 years. These results provide valuable baseline information to measure the impact of vaccination and indicate that vaccination should be aimed at children less than 5 years of age, although further modelling using the serosurvey data is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H F Gidding
- National Centre for Immunization Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children and University of Sydney, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
As vaccination programs continue to successfully control more and more infectious diseases, and the effects of these diseases become less visible, there has been increased focus on adverse events following immunization. Vaccines have been falsely implicated in the causation of a range of conditions, especially those which affect infants and young children, and whose aetiology is unknown, poorly understood or multifactorial. This paper explores some of the common immunization myths that clinicians may face. It is essential that health professionals have access to accurate information and are able to respond appropriately to parental concerns. This involves good communication; listening, empathy and tailoring advice to the specific concerns of the parent. Finally, health professionals need to provide consistent messages based on solid research evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
MacIntyre CR, Goebel K, Brown GV, Skull S, Starr M, Fullinfaw RO. A randomised controlled clinical trial of the efficacy of family-based direct observation of anti-tuberculosis treatment in an urban, developed-country setting. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2003; 7:848-54. [PMID: 12971668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
SETTING A randomised, controlled clinical trial of the effectiveness of a family-based programme of directly observed treatment (DOT) for tuberculosis. METHODS TB patients seen in Victoria, Australia, were randomly allocated to DOT observed by a family member (FDOT), or to standard supervised but non-observed therapy (ST). The outcome measure was compliance, measured by blinded testing of isoniazid levels in urine. An intention-to-treat analysis was used. RESULTS Of 173 patients, 87 were allocated to FDOT and 86 to ST. Only 58% in the FDOT group were able to receive FDOT, the major reason being living alone and not having a family member to observe treatment. The rate of non-compliance was 24% (41/173), with no significant difference between FDOT (22/87) and ST (19/86). No clinical or socio-demographic variable predicted compliance. CONCLUSIONS We were unable to demonstrate a benefit of FDOT in an urban, industrialised country setting. FDOT may be more appropriate in developing countries, where extended family support is often available and the burden of TB is much higher. Poor compliance and the difficulty in predicting non-compliance shown in this study highlights the need for DOT for all TB patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- Children's Hospital at Westmead, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
MacIntyre CR, Chu CP, Burgess MA. Use of hospitalization and pharmaceutical prescribing data to compare the prevaccination burden of varicella and herpes zoster in Australia. Epidemiol Infect 2003; 131:675-82. [PMID: 12948367 PMCID: PMC2870008 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268803008690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of the study were to compare the burden of varicella and herpes zoster in Australia. No national surveillance exists for varicella or herpes zoster. We used hospital morbidity data from 1993-9 and pharmaceutical prescribing data from 1995-9. In the financial year 1998/99, there were 4718 hospitalizations for zoster compared to 1991 for varicella. For varicella the mean age of patients was 15 years compared to 69 years for zoster. The mean length of stay in hospital was 4.2 days for varicella and 12.7 days for zoster. Varicella accounted for 8396 (3726 with principal diagnosis varicella) bed days compared to 26 266 (5382 with principal diagnosis of zoster) for zoster. The in-hospital case-fatality rate was 0.4% for varicella and 1% for zoster. In 1999, 59 200 community-based cases of zoster were treated with antivirals. We estimate that 157 266 cases of zoster occurred in the community in 1999, a rate of 830 per 100 000 population. Herpes zoster has a higher burden of disease than varicella, and must be a component of disease surveillance in order to determine the full impact of vaccination on the epidemiology of varicella zoster virus (VZV).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- National Center for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia 2145
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
The epidemiology of hepatitis A is changing, with an increasing proportion of the population becoming susceptible to infection. The burden of hepatitis A is comparable to that of other vaccine-preventable diseases for which new vaccines are available. Options for vaccination include selective programmes for high-risk groups, which could involve screening prior to vaccination, or universal programmes for infants and/or adolescents. Selective programmes have been shown to be highly cost-effective if well implemented, but there is evidence that they might be poorly implemented. If a universal vaccination programme were considered for Australia, an infant programme, with doses at 18 months and 2 years, possibly with an additional adolescent programme, would be the recommended option. Universal hepatitis A vaccination for infants and/or adolescents is of comparable cost-effectiveness compared with other preventive strategies, but needs to be considered in the context of competing vaccination options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead and University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
MacIntyre CR, Kainer MA, Brown GV. A randomised, clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of hospital and community-based reminder systems for increasing uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccine in hospitalised patients aged 65 years and over. Gerontology 2003; 49:33-40. [PMID: 12457048 DOI: 10.1159/000066500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hospitalisation represents an opportunity to identify unimmunised people at risk for the complications of influenza and pneumococcal disease. We conducted a randomised controlled trial of two strategies to increase uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in eligible, hospitalised subjects aged 65 years or more, admitted between May and September 1998 to a Melbourne hospital. Unvaccinated participants were allocated randomly to alert systems for hospital staff or community general practitioners (GPs). Follow-up occurred at 1 and 3 months. The baseline vaccination rates were 70% for influenza (426/606) and 41% (248/606) for pneumococcal disease. For unvaccinated subjects, the hospital alert resulted in 67% uptake compared to 55% following a GP alert for pneumococcal vaccine; and 63% in hospital compared to 53% following a GP alert for influenza vaccine. Although there was a trend toward a higher uptake in hospital, neither of these differences was statistically significant. The majority (75%) of vaccinations following a GP alert occurred within 1 month of discharge. Despite hospital and community-based reminder systems, there are still significant missed opportunities for vaccination. We did not demonstrate significant differences between hospital and GP reminder systems, but there was a trend towards higher uptake with opportunistic vaccination in hospital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
MacIntyre CR, Gay NJ, Gidding HF, Hull BP, Gilbert GL, McIntyre PB. A mathematical model to measure the impact of the Measles Control Campaign on the potential for measles transmission in Australia. Int J Infect Dis 2002; 6:277-82. [PMID: 12718821 DOI: 10.1016/s1201-9712(02)90161-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to determine the impact of the Australian Measles Control Campaign (MCC) on the transmission dynamics of measles by calculating the reproductive number (R) before and after the MCC, and to predict measles control in Australia in the future. METHODS A national serosurvey was conducted before and after the MCC. Sera were tested for anti-measles IgG using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). A mathematical model, using serosurvey results and vaccine coverage estimates, was used to calculate the change in R after the MCC. RESULTS The values of R calculated before and after the MCC were 0.90 and 0.57. At vaccine coverage levels indicated by the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR), the value of R will exceed 1 (the epidemic threshold) in 2007-2008 nationally, and sooner in some regions of Australia. Coverage of at least 84% with two doses of MMR is required to sustain measles control. CONCLUSIONS The Australian MCC had a significant impact on the transmission dynamics of measles. However, current vaccine coverage levels may result in indigenous measles transmission by 2007. Sustained efforts are required to improve coverage with two doses of MMR and to ensure elimination of indigenous measles transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, The New Children's Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex temporal variations in coronary deaths, including diurnal, weekly, and seasonal trends, have been reported worldwide. OBJECTIVE To describe the magnitude of seasonal changes in coronary artery deaths in New South Wales, Australia. DESIGN Hospital morbidity data, mortality statistics, and meteorological data were modelled using time series techniques to determine seasonality of coronary deaths. Data were also analysed to determine whether there was an increase in deaths before or after the Christmas and New Year holidays. RESULTS A clear seasonality of coronary deaths was shown, with a peak in July. A mean of 2.8 excess coronary deaths per 100 deaths was estimated to occur from June to August each year, with a mean annual excess of 224 winter deaths a year. Mortality data did not show an increase in coronary death ratios before (p = 0.626) or after (p = 0.813) the Christmas and New Year holidays in December. CONCLUSIONS There is a higher incidence of coronary deaths in winter, which may reflect winter respiratory infections, the direct effect of cold, seasonal changes in lipid concentration, and other factors associated with winter. Hospitals should have contingency plans during the winter months to manage larger numbers of cardiac admissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D P Weerasinghe
- STI Research Centre, Marian Villa, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
de Silva S, Saykao P, Kelly H, MacIntyre CR, Ryan N, Leydon J, Biggs BA. Chronic Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Laotian immigrants and refugees 7-20 years after resettlement in Australia. Epidemiol Infect 2002; 128:439-44. [PMID: 12113488 PMCID: PMC2869840 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268801006677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
During the period 1974-91 large numbers of Southeast Asian immigrants and refugees were resettled in Western countries, including Australia. Health screening during this period demonstrated that intestinal parasite infections were common. A cross-sectional survey of 95 Laotian settlers who arrived in Australia on average 12 years prior to the study was conducted to determine if chronic intestinal parasite infections were prevalent in this group. Twenty-three participants had positive Strongyloides stercoralis test results (22 with positive serology, including I with S. stercoralis larvae detected in faeces and another with larvae and equivocal serology). Of these 23 participants, 18 (78%) had an elevated eosinophil count. Two patients had eggs of Opisthorchis spp. identified by faecal microscopy. The detection of chronic strongyloidiasis in Laotian settlers is a concern because of the potential serious morbidity associated with this pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S de Silva
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare proportions of kindergarten children in Auburn presenting School Immunisation Certificates (SIC) or other school-entry immunisation documentation over time, and to examine the immunisation status of these children. METHODS Immunisation records of kindergarten children enrolled in all primary schools in the Auburn local government area were reviewed in 1994 and 1998. RESULTS Eight hundred and thirty-three and 737 school entry records of children enrolled in kindergarten were reviewed in 1998 and 1994 respectively. There was no change in the overall proportion of children with immunisation documentation and SICs. Sixty-nine per cent (571/833) of children had SICs in 1998, compared with 72% (531/737) in 1994. Thirteen per cent of children had other immunisation documentation in 1998, compared with 11% in 1994. The proportion of invalid certificates fell from 39.2% in 1994 to 12.6% in 1998 (p<0.001). The 1998 survey indicated that 80.2% of children provided a certificate indicating they were completely immunised compared with 56.7% in 1994 (p<0.001). IMPLICATIONS Although SICs play an important role in promoting the importance of immunisation among parents and in the school community, there continues to be a substantial number of children whose immunisation status is unknown. In the event of an outbreak, an effective public health response may need to incorporate the use of additional objective measures, such as the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register or personal health records.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Shah
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Sydney at Westmead, New South Wales.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
MacIntyre CR, Empson M, Boardman C, Sindhusake D, Lokan J, Brown GV. Risk factors for colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci in a Melbourne hospital. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2001; 22:624-9. [PMID: 11776348 DOI: 10.1086/501833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine risk factors for colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in a hospital outbreak. DESIGN Outbreak investigation and case-control study. SETTING A referral teaching hospital in Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Cases were inpatients colonized (with or without clinical disease) with VRE between July 26 and November 28, 1998; controls were hospitalized patients without VRE. METHODS Five cases of VRE were identified between July 26 and November 8, 1998, by growth of VRE from various sites. Active case finding by cultures of rectal swabs from patients surveyed in wards was commenced on July 26, after the first isolate of VRE. RESULTS There were 19 cases and 66 controls. All the VRE identified were vanB, and all were Enterococcus faecium. One molecular type predominated (18/19 cases). In a logistic-regression model, being on the same ward as a VRE case was the highest risk factor (odds ratio [OR], 82; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 5.7-1,176; P=.001). Having more than five antibiotics (OR, 11.9; CI95 1.1-129.6; P<.05), use of metronidazole (OR, 10.9; CI95, 1.7-69.8; P=.01), and being a medical patient (OR, 8.1; CI95, 1.4-47.6; P<.05) also were significant. Intensive care unit admission was associated with decreased risk (OR, 0.1; CI95, 0.01-0.8; P<.05). CONCLUSION Our findings are consistent with an acute hospital outbreak. Monitoring and control of antibiotic use, particularly metronidazole, may reduce VRE in our hospital. Ongoing surveillance and staff education also are necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- National Centre for Immunisation Research, New Children's Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
|
42
|
Abstract
Global eradication of hepatitis B, which has infected over 2000 million people worldwide, is an achievable goal. Hepatitis B vaccine is effective and safe, and is recommended in Australia as a four-dose childhood schedule commencing with a neonatal dose. A neonatal dose has a greater impact on carriage, the main reservoir of transmission, due to the inverse relationship of age and risk of chronic carriage. Universal vaccination is clearly cost-effective in countries of high hepatitis B endemicity but less so in countries of low endemicity. Other factors affecting the perceived benefits of universal vaccination in low-risk countries include the use of the preservative thiomersal in hepatitis B vaccines, and case reports of multiple sclerosis (MS) and unexplained fever in recipients. Careful epidemiological studies have failed to confirm any risk of MS or fever with the hepatitis B vaccine, which is now thiomersal-free. Other arguments against universal vaccination include 'unnecessary' vaccination of low-risk neonates. However, selective vaccination programmes targeting at-risk neonates are often poorly implemented and do not protect against horizontal transmission in early childhood. Universal vaccination, which is safe and effective, is the only practical means of achieving global eradication of hepatitis B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
MacIntyre CR, Plant AJ, Hendrie D. Shifting the balance between in-patient and out-patient care for tuberculosis results in economic savings. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2001; 5:266-71. [PMID: 11326826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
SETTING Although hospitalisation is not always necessary for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), in Australia 90% of TB patients have treatment initiated in hospital. OBJECTIVE To calculate and compare the costs of in-patient and out-patient tuberculosis treatment, and to measure the impact of shifting care from in-patient to out-patient settings. METHODS In a costing study performed in Victoria, Australia, the proportion of all notified TB cases who were hospitalised was calculated by matching coded state hospital morbidity data with the Victoria Notifiable Diseases database for the financial year 1994-1995. In-patient and out-patient costs were calculated using data obtained from a number of sources. The effect on health care costs of varying the proportion of TB cases treated as in-patients and out-patients was calculated using Excel. RESULTS Nearly 90% (239/269) of notified TB cases received hospitalised care in 1994-1995. The cost of treatment for hospitalised patients (mean length of stay 2 weeks) was AU$5447 per patient, with a total cost of $1,301,833. Hospitalisation comprised 60% of the total cost of treatment. The cost of out-patient treatment was $2260 per patient. If 90% of patients were treated on an out-patient basis, the total cost would be $693,670. We estimated that it would be feasible to treat at least 55% of TB patients as out-patients, reducing costs by nearly 30%. CONCLUSIONS Routine hospitalisation for patients with uncomplicated TB is not necessary, but is often used in industrialised countries. More cost-effective use of resources can be achieved by giving initial TB treatment on an out-patient basis rather than in hospital for a greater proportion of cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Western Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe drug utilization and cost in a large hospital and to compare the impact of different strategies on cost associated with drug prescribing. DESIGN Retrospective data on drug utilization and cost, linked to patient clinical data and prescriber data from November 1998 were analyzed and modelled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Impact of different strategies for cost control. SETTING A large hospital in Sydney, Australia. RESULTS The mean cost of drugs per episode of care was 28 Australian dollars. Of all drug costs, 79% was incurred by medical units and 14% by surgical units. Oncology accounted for 42% and inpatients for 91% of drug costs. Although section-100 (S-100) drugs incurred a high cost (640 dollars) per episode of care, there were only 41 episodes where S-100 drugs (expensive, restricted drugs) were used, and the total cost of S-100 drugs was only 3.7% of the total cost to the hospital. Antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed drug category, prescribed in 14% of all hospital episodes, and accounting for 14% of total drug costs. Anti-ulcer drugs were the next most costly group, accounting for 7% of total drug costs. A 20% reduction in use of antibiotics would save four times that (233,832 dollars pa) of a 20% reduction in use of S-100 drugs (61,392 dollars pa). DISCUSSION Our study suggests that reducing inappropriate use of high volume drugs such as antibiotics could be more effective in optimising health facility drug budgets than attempts concentrating solely on reducing use of high cost drugs alone. Moreover our study suggests that systematic measurement of drug utilisation patterns is a key element of drug cost control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- Department of Public Health & Community Medicine, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
MacIntyre CR, Ansari MZ, Carnie J, Hart WG. No evidence for multiple-drug prophylaxis for tuberculosis compared with isoniazid alone in Southeast Asian refugees and migrants: completion and compliance are major determinants of effectiveness. Prev Med 2000; 30:425-32. [PMID: 10845752 DOI: 10.1006/pmed.2000.0654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of multiple-drug prophylaxis for tuberculosis (TB) has not been shown to be more effective than prophylaxis with isoniazid alone. The boundary between inactive pulmonary TB (class 4 TB) and culture-negative "active" pulmonary TB (class 3 TB) is often unclear, as is the intention to treat such patients as a preventive measure or as a curative measure. METHODS We compared the effectiveness of single drug preventive therapy with isoniazid to the effectiveness of multiple drug preventive therapy for patients with asymptomatic, inactive TB, in a retrospective cohort study of 984 Southeast (SE) Asian migrants and refugees who received prophylaxis between 1978 and 1980. RESULTS The rate of TB developing in this cohort was 122 per 100,000 person-years. There was no significant difference in development of TB between people who received isoniazid only and those who received multiple drugs. The only significant predictor of TB was noncompletion of prophylaxis [relative risk (RR) = 62, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 20-194]. Subgroup analysis on people who had completed therapy showed noncompliance as a significant predictor of TB (RR = 16, 95% CI = 1.4-179). The risk of noncompletion (RR = 4.7, 95% CI = 2.37-9.39, P < 0.0001) and noncompliance (RR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.03-4.7, P = 0.03) was higher for patients who received multiple drugs compared with isoniazid alone. Multiple-drug therapy cost 30 times more than isoniazid alone. CONCLUSIONS We did not find evidence in support of the empirical practice of giving multiple drugs for prevention of TB. This practice is also more costly and more likely to result in noncompliance and adverse drug reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- Department of Public Health & Community Medicine, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
In a prison in Victoria, Australia, our objectives were contact tracing of inmates and staff at risk of exposure to an identified index case; and to determine risk factors for prevalent and incident infection. Inmates and staff who were potentially exposed to the index case were screened with a Mantoux skin test and a questionnaire. Inmate movements within the prison were compared to movements of the index case. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for infection. The index case had smear positive, cavitating pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), which was undiagnosed for 3 months. This was the period of potential exposure. The prevalence of positive skin test reactions in 190 inmates and staff at the prison was 10%. Significant predictors of a positive skin test were being an inmate (odds ratio (OR) 15.5), older age (OR 8.3) and being born overseas (OR 10.7). Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination, proximity to the index case in various prison sites, duration of incarceration, number of incarcerations and number of inmates per cell were not significant. There were three recent skin test conversions from negative to positive, representing a conversion rate of 3.5%. We did not find evidence of significant transmission of TB from a single index case. The prevalence of infection in this Australian prison was lower than published rates in other countries. Better prison conditions and different demographics of prison inmates in Australia may explain these differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health concern in correctional facilities. High turnover of inmate populations may preclude timely diagnosis of TB, so that unrecognised transmission may be common. OBJECTIVE To determine the proportion of inmates with new skin test conversions who had identifiable exposure to diagnosed cases of TB in the correctional system, and to test the hypothesis that source cases of TB may be undiagnosed during incarceration. SETTING Maryland Division of Corrections, USA. SUBJECTS All inmates whose skin test converted from negative to positive at annual screening. DESIGN All cases of TB in inmates, diagnosed in the prisons during the relevant time period, were identified. Movements of skin test converters and potential source cases within the prisons were matched. We then matched all inmates discharged from the prison system with all new cases of tuberculosis notified to the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene tuberculosis registry in 1994. RESULTS The inmate turnover was 21% per year. Probable exposure to a diagnosed source case was found in 13% of converters, possible exposure in 10% and no exposure in 72%. In a further 5% exposure status could not be determined. We identified four cases of pulmonary tuberculosis notified to the state in 1994, within 3 months of discharge in released inmates, who were not known to have tuberculosis whilst incarcerated. CONCLUSIONS Significant transmission of TB due to undiagnosed index cases may occur in prisons due to high population turnover. New skin test conversions in inmates should be treated as new infection, even in the absence of identifiable exposure to TB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- Department of Public Health & Community Medicine, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
MacIntyre CR, Plant AJ. Longitudinal incidence of tuberculosis in South-East Asian refugees after re-settlement. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 1999; 3:287-93. [PMID: 10206498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
SETTING A State refugee screening programme in Victoria. OBJECTIVE To determine the longitudinal incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in South-East Asian refugees in the first five years after re-settlement, and to determine predictors of risk. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study of 1101 refugees from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam screened for TB after arrival in Australia, in the 6-month period from July 1989 to January 1990. Incident cases of TB were identified by matching the refugee database with the TB notification database for 1989-1994, giving five years of follow-up data. Preventability was assessed for incident cases by reviewing medical records. MAIN OUTCOME The development of active tuberculosis in the first five years after re-settlement. RESULTS The incidence of active TB was 363/100000 during the first year after re-settlement, and 109/100000/year during the first five years. There were no incident cases of TB in refugees with initial skin test reactions <10 mm. Skin test reaction size was the only predictor of risk of TB. CONCLUSIONS There is a high risk of tuberculosis in South-East Asian refugees, particularly in the first year after re-settlement. This risk decreases with time. Migration stress, concurrent illnesses and poor nutrition may be explanations for this observation. Refugees are at high risk for TB, even after pre- and post-migration screening, emphasising the importance of preventive therapy and follow up in this group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ansari MZ, MacIntyre CR, Ackland MJ, Chandraraj E, Hailey D. Predictors of length of stay for transurethral prostatectomy in Victoria. Aust N Z J Surg 1998; 68:837-43. [PMID: 9885864 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1622.1998.01467.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) is among the top 10 surgical conditions that account for hospital admission in Victoria. Bed utilization for TURP is an increasing concern in current times. This paper describes trends in length of stay (LOS) and identifies predictors of LOS for TURP in Victoria. METHODS Trends in TURP were studied using ICD-9-CM coded Victorian hospital morbidity data from public hospitals from 1987/88 to 1994/95. Detailed morbidity data from the same source for the financial year 1995/96 were used to study predictors of LOS by logistic regression. RESULTS Length of stay decreased significantly between 1987 and 1995 from 10.6 to 6.1 days. The strongest predictor of increased LOS was admission through the emergency room (odds ratio (OR) 14.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.8-18.3). Other significant predictors were older age, lower socio-economic status, presence of comorbid conditions, occurrence of procedural morbidity, and hospital type and location. CONCLUSIONS The trend in decreasing LOS may be explained by increasingly efficient bed management in hospitals who are faced with an increasing need for cost control. Advances in surgical techniques and peri-operative care have also contributed to the decrease in LOS. Other factors that influence LOS can be divided into three categories: intrinsic patient factors, such as co-morbid conditions; procedure-specific factors such as peri-operative morbidity; and intrinsic hospital factors relating to capacity and resources. Such determinants of LOS may be of value to policy makers when considering the effective application of newer methods for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Z Ansari
- Epidemiology Unit, Health Care Evaluation, Department of Human Services, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether incident cases of tuberculosis (TB) in a cohort of South-East Asian refugees followed for 5 years after resettlement were potentially preventable and whether prevention of TB was optimal in a state refugee TB screening program in Victoria, Australia. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study of 1,101 refugees from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam screened for TB in the 6-month period from July 1989 to January 1990 was conducted. Incident cases of TB were identified by matching each refugee with the TB notification database for 5 years from the date of initial screening. Preventability was assessed for incident cases by reviewing medical records. Screening guidelines and practice were reviewed. RESULTS The main outcome was the preventability of cases of active tuberculosis that developed in the study population in the first 5 years after resettlement. The incidence of active TB was 363/100,000 during the first year and 109/100,000/year during the first 5 years. Five of six incident cases were assessed as potentially preventable, which if prevented would have resulted in an annual incidence of 18/100,000 over the first 5 years. Use of a more sensitive skin test definition of infection would have made an additional 245 refugees eligible for prevention and potentially prevented an additional 25 cases of TB over a lifetime. CONCLUSIONS There is a high incidence of tuberculosis among SE Asian refugees, particularly in the first year after resettlement. A large proportion of TB may be preventable. Improvement in case prevention may be possible with updated guidelines and better implementation of screening policy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R MacIntyre
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|