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Journal articles on the topic 'Spatial epidemiological investigation'
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Baumgarte, Sigrid, Felix Hartkopf, Martin Hölzer, Max von Kleist, Sabine Neitz, Martin Kriegel, and Kirsten Bollongino. "Investigation of a Limited but Explosive COVID-19 Outbreak in a German Secondary School." Viruses 14, no. 1 (January 4, 2022): 87. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/v14010087.
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The role of schools as a source of infection and driver in the coronavirus-pandemic has been controversial and is still not completely clarified. To prevent harm and disadvantages for children and adolescents, but also adults, detailed data on school outbreaks is needed, especially when talking about open schools employing evidence-based safety concepts. Here, we investigated the first significant COVID-19 school outbreak in Hamburg, Germany, after the re-opening of schools in 2020. Using clinical, laboratory, and contact data and spatial measures for epidemiological and environmental studies combined with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis, we examined the causes and the course of the secondary school outbreak. The potential index case was identified by epidemiological tracking and the lessons in classrooms with presumably high virus spreading rates and further infection chains in the setting. Sequence analysis of samples detected one sample of a different virus lineage and 25 virus genomes with almost identical sequences, of which 21 showed 100% similarity. Most infections occurred in connection with two lesson units of the primary case. Likely, 31 students (12–14 years old), two staff members, and three family members were infected in the school or the typical household. Sequence analysis revealed an outbreak cluster with a single source that was epidemiologically identified as a member of the educational staff. In lesson units, two superspreading events of varying degrees with airborne transmission took place. These were influenced by several parameters including the exposure times, the use of respiratory masks while speaking and spatial or structural conditions at that time.
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WHITE, P. S., F. F. GRAHAM, D. J. G. HARTE, M. G. BAKER, C. D. AMBROSE, and A. R. G. HUMPHREY. "Epidemiological investigation of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Christchurch, New Zealand: the value of spatial methods for practical public health." Epidemiology and Infection 141, no. 4 (June 15, 2012): 789–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0950268812000994.
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SUMMARYBetween April and August 2005 Christchurch, New Zealand experienced an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. There were 19 laboratory-confirmed case including three deaths.Legionella pneumophilaserogroup 1 (Lpsg1) was identified as the causative agent for all cases. A case-control study indicated a geographical association between the cases but no specific common exposures. Rapid spatial epidemiological investigation confirmed the association and identified seven spatially significant case clusters. The clusters were all sourced in the same area and exhibited a clear anisotropic process (noticeable direction) revealing a plume effect consistent with aerosol dispersion from a prevailing southwesterly wind. Four out of five cases tested had indistinguishable allele profiles that also matched environmental isolates from a water cooling tower within the centre of the clusters. This tower was considered the most probable source for these clusters. The conclusion would suggest a maximum dispersal distance in this outbreak of 11·6 km. This work illustrated the value of geostatistical techniques for infectious disease epidemiology and for providing timely information during outbreak investigations.
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Moutinho, Sandra, Jorge Rocha, Alberto Gomes, Bernardo Gomes, and Ana Isabel Ribeiro. "Spatial Analysis of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Europe: A Scoping Review." Sustainability 14, no. 15 (July 22, 2022): 8975. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su14158975.
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Mosquito-borne infections are increasing in endemic areas and previously unaffected regions. In 2020, the notification rate for Dengue was 0.5 cases per 100,000 population, and for Chikungunya <0.1/100,000. In 2019, the rate for Malaria was 1.3/100,000, and for West Nile Virus, 0.1/100,000. Spatial analysis is increasingly used in surveillance and epidemiological investigation, but reviews about their use in this research topic are scarce. We identify and describe the methodological approaches used to investigate the distribution and ecological determinants of mosquito-borne infections in Europe. Relevant literature was extracted from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until October 2021 and analysed according to PRISMA-ScR protocol. We identified 110 studies. Most used geographical correlation analysis (n = 50), mainly applying generalised linear models, and the remaining used spatial cluster detection (n = 30) and disease mapping (n = 30), mainly conducted using frequentist approaches. The most studied infections were Dengue (n = 32), Malaria (n = 26), Chikungunya (n = 26), and West Nile Virus (n = 24), and the most studied ecological determinants were temperature (n = 39), precipitation (n = 24), water bodies (n = 14), and vegetation (n = 11). Results from this review may support public health programs for mosquito-borne disease prevention and may help guide future research, as we recommended various good practices for spatial epidemiological studies.
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Halász, Tibor, Gábor Nagy, István Nagy, and Ágnes Csivincsik. "Micro-Epidemiological Investigation of Echinococcus multilocularis in Wild Hosts from an Endemic Area of Southwestern Hungary." Parasitologia 1, no. 3 (September 1, 2021): 158–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia1030017.
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Echinococcus multilocularis is a tapeworm causing severe zoonotic disease in temperate Europe. Between 2018 and 2020, 68 golden jackals and 94 red foxes were investigated to determine the prevalence of E. multilocularis infection and its driving factors. The overall prevalence (golden jackal: 41.2%; red fox: 12.5%) significantly differed, whereas the mean intensities did not. The spatial scan statistics revealed three significant clusters of E. multilocularis infection. The binary logistic and ordinal regression results revealed that the golden jackal is more likely to become infected than the red fox, and the probability of infection level was also higher in jackals. Our findings highlight the golden jackal’s role, which could be as important as the red fox in the spread of this severe zoonotic agent. This micro-epidemiological approach can advance the knowledge on local drivers which facilitate the spread of E. multilocularis and could cause a relevant public health problem on the continent.
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Poulin, L., P. Grygiel, M. Magne, L. Gagnevin, L. M. Rodriguez-R, N. Forero Serna, S. Zhao, et al. "New Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Tool for Surveillance and Local Epidemiology of Bacterial Leaf Blight and Bacterial Leaf Streak of Rice Caused by Xanthomonas oryzae." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 81, no. 2 (November 14, 2014): 688–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/aem.02768-14.
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ABSTRACTMultilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) is efficient for routine typing and for investigating the genetic structures of natural microbial populations. Two distinct pathovars ofXanthomonas oryzaecan cause significant crop losses in tropical and temperate rice-growing countries. Bacterial leaf streak is caused byX. oryzaepv. oryzicola, and bacterial leaf blight is caused byX. oryzaepv. oryzae. For the latter, two genetic lineages have been described in the literature. We developed a universal MLVA typing tool both for the identification of the threeX. oryzaegenetic lineages and for epidemiological analyses. Sixteen candidate variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) loci were selected according to their presence and polymorphism in 10 draft or complete genome sequences of the threeX. oryzaelineages and by VNTR sequencing of a subset of loci of interest in 20 strains per lineage. The MLVA-16 scheme was then applied to 338 strains ofX. oryzaerepresenting different pathovars and geographical locations. Linkage disequilibrium between MLVA loci was calculated by index association on different scales, and the 16 loci showed linear Mantel correlation with MLSA data on 56X. oryzaestrains, suggesting that they provide a good phylogenetic signal. Furthermore, analyses of sets of strains for different lineages indicated the possibility of using the scheme for deeper epidemiological investigation on small spatial scales.
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Abdul Rasam, Abdul Rauf, and Noresah Mohd Shariff. "Disease Mapping and Spatial Landscape Characterization of Tuberculosis Ecology in Malaysia." Abstracts of the ICA 1 (July 15, 2019): 1–2. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/ica-abs-1-1-2019.
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<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> This paper analyses the pattern distribution and influential risk factors of tuberculosis (TB) at 47 Sections of Shah Alam, Malaysia using spatial epidemiological (SE) approach. Quantifying environmental risk factors of the disease pattern can be a challenging task due to spatial environmental and transmission process, whereby each area may have its own unique risk factors and dynamics. A conceptual framework of spatial epidemiological data analysis (Pfieffer et al. 2008), and geographical information system (GIS) method (Chang 2011) are mainly adapted in this research method. Disease mapping of the 3-year datasets (2013 to 2015) was created using GIS analysis and satellite remote sensed land used in identifying the clustering areas of TB pattern. Meanwhile, the potential risk factors of TB in the clustering areas were assessed using spatial landscape ecology through site observation.</p><p>Figure 1 shows the spatial pattern of TB cases in the study area as a random medium, revealing that TB distribution is well distributed in the area. However, there is also some clustering concentration at the northern zone (Section U17 to Section U20) and some in U5 and U13, while in the central zone, the majority cases are concentrated at Section S7, S17, S18, S19 and S24. Section S27 and S28 are also indicated as high-case areas in the southern zone. It is interesting to note that in the recent years (2015), the disease was a little dispersed and scattered to the northern area especially in U13, U10, U15 and U17 due to the new township area, physical development and human mobility (Nava-Aguilera et al., 2011; Prussing et al., 2013). Furthermore, every zone or section may have its own risk factors; hence, there is a need for specific investigation to be conducted in a smaller area.</p>
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Levy, Benjamin, and Agricola Odoi. "Exploratory investigation of region level risk factors of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa." PeerJ 6 (November 19, 2018): e5888. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.5888.
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Background Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a highly infectious disease that has produced over 25,000 cases in the past 50 years. While many past outbreaks resulted in relatively few cases, the 2014 outbreak in West Africa was the most deadly occurrence of EVD to date, producing over 15,000 confirmed cases. Objective In this study, we investigated population level predictors of EVD risk at the regional level in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. Methods Spatial and descriptive analyses were conducted to assess distribution of EVD cases. Choropleth maps showing the spatial distribution of EVD risk across the study area were generated in ArcGIS. Poisson and negative binomial models were then used to investigate population and regional predictors of EVD risk. Results Results indicated that the risk of EVD was significantly lower in areas with higher proportions of: (a) the population living in urban areas, (b) households with a low quality or no toilets, and (c) married men working in blue collar jobs. However, risk of EVD was significantly higher in areas with high mean years of education. Conclusions The identified significant predictors of high risk were associated with areas with higher levels of urbanization. This may be due to higher population densities in the more urban centers and hence higher potential of infectious contact. However, there is need to better understand the role of urbanization and individual contact structure in an Ebola outbreak. We discuss shortcomings in available data and emphasize the need to consider spatial scale in future data collection and epidemiological studies.
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Toguzbayeva, Asem, Nurbek Igissinov, Gulnur Igissinova, Zarina Bilyalova, and Dariyana Kulmirzayeva. "Spatial assessment of breast cancer mortality in Kazakhstan." Journal "Medicine" 1-2, no. 211-212 (April 30, 2020): 26–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.31082/1728-452x-2020-211-212-1-2-26-30.
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Breast cancer (BC) mortality analysis at the regional level is important not only for assessing the current epidemiological situation, but also contributes to a better understanding of factors that may affect mortality. Aim. The purpose of the study is to assess the spatial deaths from BC in Kazakhstan. Material and methods. Investigation was retrospective between 2009-2018 years. The materials were collected by statistics Committee by the Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan concerning the deaths from BC (ICD-10-C50). A method of compiling a cartogram based on the determination of the standard deviation (σ) from the mean (x) was applied. Mortality rates calculated per 100,000 female population were used. Results and discussion. A spatial assessment of breast cancer mortality was presented based on the calculation of mortality rates: low up to 12.80/0000; average from 12.8 to 17.30/0000, and high – above 17.30/0000. It was established that the North Kazakhstan (18.20/0000), Akmola (18.90/0000), East Kazakhstan (20.30/0000) and Pavlodar (22.20/0000) regions, as well as the city of Almaty (21.70/0000) relate to regions with high mortality rates. Conclusion. Features of mortality from BC in the republic have been established, while a spatial assessment (cartogram) of mortality indicates regions with different mortality rates. The obtained data are recommended to be used for monitoring and evaluation of anti-cancer measures – BC screening. Keywords: mortality, breast cancer, cartogram, Kazakhstan.
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Jiang, Qi, Qingyun Liu, Lecai Ji, Jinli Li, Yaling Zeng, Liangguang Meng, Geyang Luo, et al. "Citywide Transmission of Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis Under China’s Rapid Urbanization: A Retrospective Population-based Genomic Spatial Epidemiological Study." Clinical Infectious Diseases 71, no. 1 (August 28, 2019): 142–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciz790.
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Abstract Background Population movement could extend multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) transmission and complicate its global prevalence. We sought to identify the high-risk populations and geographic sites of MDR-TB transmission in Shenzhen, the most common destination for internal migrants in China. Methods We performed a population-based, retrospective study in patients diagnosed with MDR-TB in Shenzhen during 2013–2017. By defining genomic clusters with a threshold of 12–single-nucleotide polymorphism distance based on whole-genome sequencing of their clinical strains, the clustering rate was calculated to evaluate the level of recent transmission. Risk factors were identified by multivariable logistic regression. To further delineate the epidemiological links, we invited the genomic-clustered patients to an in-depth social network investigation. Results In total, 105 (25.2%) of the 417 enrolled patients with MDR-TB were grouped into 40 genome clusters, suggesting recent transmission of MDR strains. The adjusted risk for student to have a clustered strain was 4.05 (95% confidence interval, 1.06–17.0) times greater than other patients. The majority (70%, 28/40) of the genomic clusters involved patients who lived in different districts, with residences separated by an average of 8.76 kilometers. Other than household members, confirmed epidemiological links were also identified among classmates and workplace colleagues. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that local transmission of MDR-TB is a serious problem in Shenzhen. While most transmission occurred between people who lived distant from each other, there was clear evidence that transmission occurred in schools and workplaces, which should be included as targeted sites for active case finding. The average residential distance between genomic-clustered cases was more than 8 kilometers, while schools and workplaces, identified as sites of transmission in this study, deserve increased vigilance for targeted case finding of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
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Andrees, Valerie, Sandra Wolf, Matthias Augustin, Nicole Mohr, and Jobst Augustin. "Regional variations and prevalence of psoriasis in Germany from 2010 to 2017: a cross-sectional, spatio-epidemiological study on ambulatory claims data." BMJ Open 11, no. 11 (November 2021): e047806. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047806.
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ObjectivesGlobal prevalence rates of psoriasis differ significantly, with lowest rates in the equator region and increasing tendencies towards the north but also differences within-country. Information on regional variations in Germany is missing. This study aims to analyse the change of psoriasis prevalence in Germany over time and to detect regional variations.DesignCross sectional, spatio-epidemiological study on regional psoriasis prevalence in Germany.SettingClaims data study based on nationwide outpatient billing data on county level.MethodsAnalyses based on outpatient billing data for 2010–2017 derived from all people insured in statutory health insurances (about 72.8 million). We performed descriptive spatio-temporal analyses of prevalence rates using probability mapping and statistical smoothing methods, identified spatial clusters and examined a north-south gradient using spatial statistics.ResultsThe prevalence increased from 147.4 per 10 000 in 2010 to 173.5 in 2017. In 2017, counties’ prevalence rates ranged between 93.8 and 340.9. Decreased rates occurred mainly in southern counties, increased rates in northern and eastern counties. Clusters of low rates occur in southern and south-western Germany, clusters of high rates in the north and north-east. The correlation between counties’ latitudes and their prevalence rates was high with Pearson’s r=0.65 (p<0.05).ConclusionIncreased prevalence of psoriasis over time and marked regional variations in Germany were observed which need further investigation.
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Ikejezie, Juniorcaius, Tessa Langley, Sarah Lewis, Donal Bisanzio, and Revati Phalkey. "The epidemiology of diphtheria in Haiti, December 2014–June 2021: A spatial modeling analysis." PLOS ONE 17, no. 8 (August 22, 2022): e0273398. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273398.
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Background Haiti has been experiencing a resurgence of diphtheria since December 2014. Little is known about the factors contributing to the spread and persistence of the disease in the country. Geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis were used to characterize the epidemiology of diphtheria in Haiti between December 2014 and June 2021. Methods Data for the study were collected from official and open-source databases. Choropleth maps were developed to understand spatial trends of diphtheria incidence in Haiti at the commune level, the third administrative division of the country. Spatial autocorrelation was assessed using the global Moran’s I. Local indicators of spatial association (LISA) were employed to detect areas with spatial dependence. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models were built to identify factors associated with diphtheria incidence. The performance and fit of the models were compared using the adjusted r-squared (R2) and the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc). Results From December 2014 to June 2021, the average annual incidence of confirmed diphtheria was 0.39 cases per 100,000 (range of annual incidence = 0.04–0.74 per 100,000). During the study period, diphtheria incidence presented weak but significant spatial autocorrelation (I = 0.18, p<0.001). Although diphtheria cases occurred throughout Haiti, nine communes were classified as disease hotspots. In the regression analyses, diphtheria incidence was positively associated with health facility density (number of facilities per 100,000 population) and degree of urbanization (proportion of urban population). Incidence was negatively associated with female literacy. The GWR model considerably improved model performance and fit compared to the OLS model, as indicated by the higher adjusted R2 value (0.28 v 0.15) and lower AICc score (261.97 v 267.13). Conclusion This study demonstrates that GIS and spatial analysis can support the investigation of epidemiological patterns. Furthermore, it shows that diphtheria incidence exhibited spatial variability in Haiti. The disease hotspots and potential risk factors identified in this analysis could provide a basis for future public health interventions aimed at preventing and controlling diphtheria transmission.
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Tan, Luong Minh, Doan Ngoc Hung, Do Thai My, Morgan A. Walker, Hoang Thi Thu Ha, Pham Quang Thai, Tran Thi Mai Hung, and Jason K. Blackburn. "Spatial analysis of human and livestock anthrax in Dien Bien province, Vietnam (2010–2019) and the significance of anthrax vaccination in livestock." PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 16, no. 12 (December 20, 2022): e0010942. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010942.
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Anthrax is a serious zoonosis caused by Bacillus anthracis, which primarily affects wild herbivorous animals with spillover into humans. The disease occurs nearly worldwide but is poorly reported in Southeast Asian countries. In Vietnam, anthrax is underreported, and little is known about its temporal and spatial distributions. This paper examines the spatio-temporal distribution and epidemiological characteristics of human and livestock anthrax from Dien Bien province, Vietnam from 2010 to 2019. We also aim to define the role of livestock vaccination in reducing human cases. Historical anthrax data were collected by local human and animal health sectors in the province. Spatial rate smoothing and spatial clustering analysis, using Local Moran’s I in GeoDa and space-time scan statistic in SaTScan, were employed to address these objectives. We found temporal and spatial overlap of anthrax incidence in humans and livestock with hotspots of human anthrax in the east. We identified three significant space-time clusters of human anthrax persisting from 2010 to 2014 in the east and southeast, each with high relative risk. Most of the human cases were male (69%), aged 15–59 years (80%), involved in processing, slaughtering, or eating meat of sick or dead livestock (96.9%) but environmental and unknown exposure were reported. Animal reports were limited compared to humans and at coarser spatial scale, but in areas with human case clusters. In years when livestock vaccination was high (>~25%), human incidence was reduced, with the opposite effect when vaccine rates dropped. This indicates livestock vaccination campaigns reduce anthrax burden in both humans and livestock in Vietnam, though livestock surveillance needs immediate improvement. These findings suggest further investigation and measures to strengthen the surveillance of human and animal anthrax for other provinces of Vietnam, as well as in other countries with similar disease context.
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Miller, Anna Kimberly, Jennifer Catherine Gordon, Jacqueline W. Curtis, Jayakrishnan Ajayakumar, Fredrick R. Schumacher, and Stefanie Avril. "The Geographic Context of Racial Disparities in Aggressive Endometrial Cancer Subtypes: Integrating Social and Environmental Aspects to Discern Biological Outcomes." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 14 (July 15, 2022): 8613. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148613.
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The number of Endometrial Carcinoma (EC) diagnoses is projected to increase substantially in coming decades. Although most ECs have a favorable prognosis, the aggressive, non-endometrioid subtypes are disproportionately concentrated in Black women and spread rapidly, making treatment difficult and resulting in poor outcomes. Therefore, this study offers an exploratory spatial epidemiological investigation of EC patients within a U.S.-based health system’s institutional cancer registry (n = 1748) to search for and study geographic patterns. Clinical, demographic, and geographic characteristics were compared by histotype using chi-square tests for categorical and t-tests for continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the impact of risks on these histotypes. Cox proportional hazard models measured risks in overall and cancer-specific death. Cluster detection indicated that patients with the EC non-endometrioid histotypes exhibit geographic clustering in their home address, such that congregate buildings can be identified for targeted outreach. Furthermore, living in a high social vulnerability area was independently associated with non-endometrioid histotypes, as continuous and categorical variables. This study provides a methodological framework for early, geographically targeted intervention; social vulnerability associations require further investigation. We have begun to fill the knowledge gap of geography in gynecologic cancers, and geographic clustering of aggressive tumors may enable targeted intervention to improve prognoses.
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SPLETTSTOESSER, W. D., I. PIECHOTOWSKI, A. BUCKENDAHL, D. FRANGOULIDIS, P. KAYSSER, W. KRATZER, P. KIMMIG, E. SEIBOLD, and S. O. BROCKMANN. "Tularemia in Germany: the tip of the iceberg?" Epidemiology and Infection 137, no. 5 (September 23, 2008): 736–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0950268808001192.
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SUMMARYTularemia is a rare, notifiable zoonosis in Germany. Since November 2004, several lines of evidence including outbreaks in humans or animals and confirmed infections in indigenous hare and rodent populations have indicated a re-emergence of tularemia in different German federal states. Unfortunately, reliable basic information on the seroprevalence in different geographical regions, permitting the identification of risk factors, does not exist. Combining a sensitive screening assay with a highly specific confirmative immunoblot test, we performed a serological investigation on 2416 sera from a population-based, cross-sectional health survey of the city population of Leutkirch, Baden-Wuerttemberg. A total of 56 sera gave positive results indicating a seroprevalence of 2·32%. Thus, the seroprevalence is tenfold higher than that previously reported in a nationwide study in 2004. Francisella tularensis can cause a wide variety of clinical syndromes including severe, sometimes fatal disease. Missing epidemiological data on its spatial and temporal distribution in an endemic country complicate an appropriate risk assessment necessary for public health authorities to be prepared for an adequate outbreak management. This is of special concern regarding the extraordinary potential of F. tularensis as an agent of bioterrorism. Our investigation performed in a presumed low-risk area demonstrated that tularemia might be seriously underestimated in Germany and probably in other central European countries as well.
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Hoffman, Ronald, Mingjiang Xu, Paul I. Roda, Aisha Jumaan, Brian Lewis, Carol A. Gotway, and Vincent Seaman. "Evidence for an Environmental Influence Leading to the Development of JAK2V617F-Positive Polycythemia Vera: A Molecular Epidemiological Study." Blood 110, no. 11 (November 16, 2007): 264. http://dx.doi.org/10.1182/blood.v110.11.264.264.
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Abstract Polycythema vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder (MPD) associated with an acquired mutation (JAK2V617F) in over 90% of patients. The incidence of PV in the US, based on national cancer registry data from 2001–03, is 0.9 persons/105population/year. In Oct. 2006, the PA Dept. of Health requested the assistance of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in confirming a suspected cluster of PV in the 3 counties (Carbon, Luzerne, & Schuylkill) surrounding the borough of Tamaqua, home to multiple Superfund and National Priorities Listing sites. These counties have a total population of ∼527,000 individuals. The ATSDR investigation identified a total of 131 possible PV cases, including 97 state cancer registry and 34 self-reported cases, of which 72 agreed to be interviewed and 63 were tested for JAK2V617F. The PV diagnosis was confirmed in 38 of the interviewed participants (53%) based on a JAK2V617F+ assay with granulocytes (37 cases) or a JAK2V617F− assay but satisfying WHO criteria for the diagnosis of PV (1 case). Of the 37 cases who met both clinical and molecular criteria (JAK2V617F+) for a diagnosis of PV, 18 (49%) had resided within a 13 mile radius of the McAdoo Associates Superfund Site (MASS) for >5 years during the period 1970–95. The MASS was the home of a hazardous waste recycling business from 1975–79 where large quantities of toxic chemicals were dumped directly into old mine shafts.The Environmental Protection Agency completed surface remediation in the early 90’s, but was unable to determine the extent and fate of the chemicals poured into the mine. A spatial scan statistical analysis identified this area as a significant cluster and individuals living within this area had a 4.5 times greater risk of developing PV compared to individuals residing in the remainder of the 3 counties (p<0.001). 4 cases of JAK2V617F+ PV were identified within the described area along a 2-mile stretch of a single street containing 70 homes, including 2 individuals who lived in the same dwelling. No familial inheritance patterns of PV were documented, nor were any correlations noted with regards to type of employment or recreational/leisure activities. The lack of traditional epidemiological explanations and the high degree of statistical certainty for the geographical association of the cases strongly suggests that an external influence led to the development of PV. Since the PV rates are based on both self-identified and cancer registry cases, direct comparisons to state and national rates can’t be made. However, it is likely that at least as many confirmed cases would have been found in the 61 “missing” registry cases as were found in the 20 “self-reporting” cases. Thus, the number of confirmed cases identified in this investigation should represent a conservative estimate of the total number of actual cases in the registry.The diagnosis of PV was confirmed in less than half of the registry participants, which highlights the utility of JAK2V617F analysis in epidemiological studies evaluating the incidence of MPD. Finally, the results of this investigation provide, for the first time, significant evidence for an association between an as yet uncharacterized external stimulus and the development of JAK2V617F+ PV.
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Amoatey, Patrick, Issa Al-Harthy, Khalifa Al-Jabri, Abdullah Al-Mamun, and Mahad Baawain. "INVESTIGATION OF NOISE EXPOSURES, PERCEPTION, AND HEALTH EFFECTS IN DIFFERENT MICROENVIRONMENTS IN A UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY." Journal of Engineering Research [TJER] 19, no. 1 (March 31, 2022): 22–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.53540/tjer.vol19iss1pp22-32.
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This study aims to assess noise levels in selected outdoor and indoor microenvironments in a University community in Oman. The perception of noise levels within the Sultan Qaboos University campus was investigated through a survey study. Also, the effect of exposed noise levels on annoyance and sleep disturbance were predicted including their potential risk on cardiovascular health. Among all the measured parameters, it was found that outdoor (41.6%-50%) and indoor (38.5%-46.2%) microenvironments have exceeded the critical levels of 55 dB during morning and afternoon periods. The respondents (698 people) identified traffic and indoor building-related activities as the main sources of noise levels but the majority (44%) of them rated their impact as low. However, more than 30% of the respondents considered traffic as the main contributor to University noise levels. The percentage of highly annoyed persons was predicted to be high in outdoor areas especially in the residential (25%) and near the hospital (13%) areas. However, indoor environments including construction materials and structures labs (14%) showed similar annoyance rates. Also, the percentage of high sleep disturbed persons was found higher in residential areas (7.4%) areas compared to hospital areas (5.3%) locations. The study concluded that there might be an association between the exposed noise levels and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This is the first study that has provided a high spatial variability noise exposure levels across a University environment in Oman, this will contribute to designing future sustainable mitigation strategies to improve the health and well-being of the exposed population. The study has provided a baseline knowledge needed for future epidemiological studies.
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Nasser, Jeanette Trigo, Rafael César Lana, Claudia Maria dos Santos Silva, Roberto Wagner Lourenço, Darllan Collins da Cunha e. Silva, and Maria Rita Donalísio. "Urbanization of Brazilian spotted fever in a municipality of the southeastern region: epidemiology and spatial distribution." Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia 18, no. 2 (June 2015): 299–312. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1980-5497201500020002.
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INTRODUCTION: Brazilian spotted fever is an emerging zoonosis notified mainly in the Southeast of Brazil, especially due to its high level of lethality. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological and spatial pattern of the disease in the municipality of Valinhos (106,793 inhabitants), São Paulo, Southeastern region of Brazil, in the period between 2001 and 2012. METHODS: All laboratory-confirmed cases with likely site of infection in the city (n = 49) notified in the Brazilian Case Registry Database were studied. Sites were geocoded using the cartographic base of the city and Google Earth (geographic coordinates) with correction according to the Brazilian Geodetic System. We used the Kernel estimator to analyze the density of the cases on the map. Land cover and distance to basins of all cases were analyzed. Information about tick species and primary hosts were obtained from reports of the Superintendence of Control of Endemic Diseases. RESULTS: Seasonality of the disease was observed with the highest incidence from June to November, and in 2005 and 2011. The most affected groups were men (79.6%) aged 20-49 years old (49%). Lethality was found to be 42.9%. Maps showed the progressive registration of cases in the urban area. Capybaras were reported as the main primary host, and Amblyomma cajennense was identified in probable sites of infection during field investigation. The likely sites of infection were mostly located near basins, dirty pastures, and bordering woods. CONCLUSIONS: The transmission pattern of Brazilian spotted fever in Valinhos is similar to that in other cities in the region, where capybara is the main primary host and an amplifier of R. rickettsii. Over the years, a higher occurrence of cases has been identified in the urban area of the city.
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Denzin, Nicolai, Franz J. Conraths, Thomas C. Mettenleiter, Conrad M. Freuling, and Thomas Müller. "Monitoring of Pseudorabies in Wild Boar of Germany—A Spatiotemporal Analysis." Pathogens 9, no. 4 (April 10, 2020): 276. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9040276.
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To evaluate recent developments regarding the epidemiological situation of pseudorabies virus (PRV) infections in wild boar populations in Germany, nationwide serological monitoring was conducted between 2010 and 2015. During this period, a total of 108,748 sera from wild boars were tested for the presence of PRV-specific antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The overall PRV seroprevalence was estimated at 12.09% for Germany. A significant increase in seroprevalence was observed in recent years indicating both a further spatial spread and strong disease dynamics. For spatiotemporal analysis, data from 1985 to 2009 from previous studies were incorporated. The analysis revealed that PRV infections in wild boar were endemic in all German federal states; the affected area covers at least 48.5% of the German territory. There were marked differences in seroprevalence at district levels as well as in the relative risk (RR) of infection of wild boar throughout Germany. We identified several smaller clusters and one large region, where the RR was two to four times higher as compared to the remaining areas under investigation. Based on the present monitoring intensity and outcome, we provide recommendations with respect to future monitoring efforts concerning PRV infections in wild boar in Germany.
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Cocco, Pierluigi, Luisa Bernardinelli, Pierfranco Biddau, Cristina Montomoli, Giulio Murgia, Maurizio Rapallo, and Roberto Targhetta. "Childhood. Leukemia in Southwest Sardinia (Italy)." Tumori Journal 79, no. 4 (August 1993): 244–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/030089169307900402.
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Aim and background Public concern on an increased incidence of childhood leukemia in SW Sardinia prompted the authors to an epidemiological investigation. Methods Incident childhood neoplasms observed in the Cagliari province (Sardinia - Italy) in 1974-1989 were registered. Expected cases of the most frequent childhood cancers were calculated for each town, based on the sex-and age-specific incidence rates in the province. Results An excess risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was observed in Carbonia, a town located in the SW part of the province. The risk was highest in 1983-85, when 7 cases occurred versus 0.8 expected (RR = 8.7; 95 % C.I. = 4.6, 16.3). No spatial clustering of ALL cases was observed within the town. Conclusions A significantly higher than expected incidence of childhood ALL was observed in the town of Carbonia in 1983-85. In alternative to chance, possible exposure to environmental pollutants from a near industrial settlement is discussed as the cause of the observed excess, but it is far to be proven. Other hypotheses, including a viral infection in a population with increased susceptibility, as suggested for new urban settlements, cannot be discarded.
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Stojanovska, Zdenka, Blažo Boev, and Ivan Boev. "RESULTS OF INDOOR RADON MEASUREMENTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA: – A REVIEW –." Contributions, Section of Natural, Mathematical and Biotechnical Sciences 38, no. 2 (December 20, 2017): 137. http://dx.doi.org/10.20903/csnmbs.masa.2017.38.2.109.
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Radon and its short lived decay products accumulated in indoor environment are the main source of public exposure to natural radiations. The health effects as well as a great number of natural and artificial factors affecting the radon accumulation in indoor environments are some of the motives for the scientific interest in radon issue. Following this global trend, many studies of indoor radon in the Balkan region, including the Republic of Macedonia have been conducted in the last decade. This paper is an overview of the published papers regarding indoor radon concentration measurements with nuclear track detectors in the Republic of Macedonia. It gives basic information about the spatial and temporal variability of indoor radon over the territory of the country, following by a description of the some factors which affect its variations. This review attempts: to organize available indoor radon results in order to show clear picture of the so far conducted surveys; to highlight the need for continuation of more extensive radon investigation in workplaces; to motivate the building professionals to create as much as possible mitigation methods for indoor radon reduction, to motivate the health professionals for epidemiological studies etc.
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Hu, X., L. A. Waller, A. Lyapustin, Y. Wang, and Y. Liu. "10 yr spatial and temporal trends of PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations in the southeastern US estimated using high-resolution satellite data." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions 13, no. 10 (October 7, 2013): 25617–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acpd-13-25617-2013.
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Abstract. Long-term PM2.5 exposure has been reported to be associated with various adverse health outcomes. However, most ground monitors are located in urban areas, leading to a potentially biased representation of the true regional PM2.5 levels. To facilitate epidemiological studies, accurate estimates of spatiotemporally continuous distribution of PM2.5 concentrations are essential. Satellite-retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) has been widely used for PM2.5 concentration estimation due to its comprehensive spatial coverage. Nevertheless, an inherent disadvantage of current AOD products is their coarse spatial resolutions. For instance, the spatial resolutions of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) are 10 km and 17.6 km, respectively. In this paper, a new AOD product with 1 km spatial resolution retrieved by the multi-angle implementation of atmospheric correction (MAIAC) algorithm was used. A two-stage model was developed to account for both spatial and temporal variability in the PM2.5-AOD relationship by incorporating the MAIAC AOD, meteorological fields, and land use variables as predictors. Our study area is in the southeastern US, centered at the Atlanta Metro area, and data from 2001 to 2010 were collected from various sources. The model was fitted for each year individually, and we obtained model fitting R2 ranging from 0.71 to 0.85, MPE from 1.73 to 2.50 μg m−3, and RMSPE from 2.75 to 4.10 μg m−3. In addition, we found cross validation R2 ranging from 0.62 to 0.78, MPE from 2.00 to 3.01 μg m−3, and RMSPE from 3.12 to 5.00 μg m−3, indicating a good agreement between the estimated and observed values. Spatial trends show that high PM2.5 levels occurred in urban areas and along major highways, while low concentrations appeared in rural or mountainous areas. A time series analysis was conducted to examine temporal trends of PM2.5 concentrations in the study area from 2001 to 2010. The results showed that the PM2.5 levels in the study area followed a generally declining trend from 2001 to 2010 and decreased about 20% during the period. However, there was an exception of an increase in year 2005, which is attributed to elevated sulfate concentrations in the study area in warm months of 2005. An investigation of the impact of wild and prescribed fires on PM2.5 levels in 2007 suggests a positive relationship between them.
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Wessely, Simon, and Christopher J. Wardle. "Mass Sociogenic Illness by Proxy: Parentally Reported Epidemic in an Elementary School." British Journal of Psychiatry 157, no. 3 (September 1990): 421–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.157.3.421.
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“In a cluster of illness reported among students at an elementary school parents mentioned many signs and symptoms including headache, pallor, dark circles under the eyes, nausea, and vomiting – which they attributed to exposure to recurrent leaks of natural gas at the school. It is likely that the parents spread among themselves the notion of toxic exposure at the school. A questionnaire revealed no spatial clustering, but increased reports of symptoms were related to intense media coverage. A thorough environmental and epidemiological investigation was negative, there being no evidence of a continuing gas leak or other potential causes. At a strictly biological level, the complaints in this reported ‘cluster’ apparently represented the sporadic occurrence of common childhood illnesses. The possibility of an epidemic from toxic exposure at the school caused intense parental concern and led to a major public health problem. The established term ‘mass sociogenic illness' seems inapplicable here because complaints did not come principally from the students and the apparent epidemic illness was not transmitted among them. The term ‘mass sociogenic illness by proxy’ is proposed to describe this incident, in which transmission in one group (the parents) resulted in reports of an epidemic in another group (students).”
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Zhan, Q., Z. Fan, and Y. Xiao. "ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE TO AMBIENT PM2.5 BASED ON GAP-FILLED AEROSOL OPTICAL DEPTH AT URBAN SCALE." ISPRS Annals of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences V-3-2020 (August 3, 2020): 363–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprs-annals-v-3-2020-363-2020.
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Abstract. Air pollution has been a crucial issue affecting human health and has drawn more and more attention in the world. The assessment of exposure to PM2.5 of urban residents based on remote sensing is challenging because of the data deficiency in aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the low spatial resolution. This article is devoted to adopt an approach with 2 gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) models to fill the gaps in AOD and derive continuous PM2.5 distribution at urban scale. Then, the assessment of exposure to PM2.5 in Beijing was conducted. First, Simplified High Resolution MODIS Aerosol Retrieval Algorithm (SARA) was employed to obtain daily AOD from September 2016 to February 2017 at 500m resolution. Then we used the first GBDT to derive the gap-filled SARA AOD and the second GBDT to estimate PM2.5 spatial distribution based on multi-source data. Furthermore, population weighted exposure (PWE) levels of PM2.5 and population proportion exposed to PM2.5 concentration were estimated by PM2.5 distribution and population density data. The result demonstrates that both two GBDT models performed well with cross validation (CV) R2 of 0.86 and 0.85 on AOD gap-filling and PM2.5 concentration estimation respectively. The areas with high PM2.5 concentration are mainly distributed in the east and south of the city but the areas with higher PM2.5 exposure are mainly distributed in the urban centre. Moreover, it is found that over 80% people in Beijing are affected by PM2.5 pollution in autumn and winter. Overall, the approach this article applied and the analysis results are very useful for epidemiological investigation and air pollution control policy formulation.
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Lo Iacono, Giovanni, Charlotte A. Robin, J. Richard Newton, Simon Gubbins, and James L. N. Wood. "Where are the horses? With the sheep or cows? Uncertain host location, vector-feeding preferences and the risk of African horse sickness transmission in Great Britain." Journal of The Royal Society Interface 10, no. 83 (June 6, 2013): 20130194. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2013.0194.
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Understanding the influence of non-susceptible hosts on vector-borne disease transmission is an important epidemiological problem. However, investigation of its impact can be complicated by uncertainty in the location of the hosts. Estimating the risk of transmission of African horse sickness (AHS) in Great Britain (GB), a virus transmitted by Culicoides biting midges, provides an insightful example because: (i) the patterns of risk are expected to be influenced by the presence of non-susceptible vertebrate hosts (cattle and sheep) and (ii) incomplete information on the spatial distribution of horses is available because the GB National Equine Database records owner, rather than horse, locations. Here, we combine land-use data with available horse owner distributions and, using a Bayesian approach, infer a realistic distribution for the location of horses. We estimate the risk of an outbreak of AHS in GB, using the basic reproduction number ( R 0 ), and demonstrate that mapping owner addresses as a proxy for horse location significantly underestimates the risk. We clarify the role of non-susceptible vertebrate hosts by showing that the risk of disease in the presence of many hosts (susceptible and non-susceptible) can be ultimately reduced to two fundamental factors: first, the abundance of vectors and how this depends on host density, and, second, the differential feeding preference of vectors among animal species.
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Akter, Mir Rowshan, Md Shahidur Rahman Khan, Md Mostafizer Rahman, SM Lutful Kabir, and Md Abu Sayed Khan. "Epidemic behavior of the etiological agent of infectious coryza in layer chicken of Bangladesh with isolation, identification and pathogenicity study." Asian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 2, no. 1 (May 15, 2016): 82–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ajmbr.v2i1.27573.
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The present study was selected as infectious coryza is one of the major problems affecting poultry industry in the developing country like Bangladesh and the reports regarding infectious coryza are yet not be documented considering epidemiological investigation, proper isolation, identification and pathogenicity study. The epidemic behavior of the etiological agent of this disease were studied based on age, sex, breed, spatial and temporal differences after collection of samples suspected to be infected with infectious coryza in layer chicken of Bangladesh. The incidence rate of infectious coryza from field cases were recorded as per information received from farmers by using a structured questionnaire and also clinical signs and symptoms. The disease was very high in laying hen (18.38%) in Sylhet and growing birds (7.25%) in Khulna in comparing with prelaying stage (2.07%) also in Sylhet region of Bangladesh. In this study no significant differences was observed as their location variation except Sylhet (9.2%) in comparison with other areas (Rangpur 8.76%, Rajshahi -8.82%, Khulna - 8.83%, Dhaka 8.72 and Chittagong - 8.65% respectively) of Bangladesh but significant differences was observed as their age group. However, the incidence rate of this disease was found to be very high during winter (8.77%) in compare with summer (0.42%) season. Moreover, during investigation a total of 122 samples were collected from different areas of Bangladesh for the period of March 2011 to February 2014. The higher rate of incidence of A. paragallinarum was found in Sylhet (66.66%) and lowest in Dhaka (43.75%). The association of A. paragallinarum with different seasons revealed that higher incidence rate was found in winter season (52.26%) in comparison with summer season (1.85%). The suspected positive isolates were subjected to experimental pathogenicity study in natural host for there isolation of A. paragallinarum was done as per Kotch postulates.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2016, 2(1): 82-94
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WERNECK, G. L., C. H. N. COSTA, A. M. WALKER, J. R. DAVID, M. WAND, and J. H. MAGUIRE. "Multilevel modelling of the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in Teresina, Brazil." Epidemiology and Infection 135, no. 2 (July 7, 2006): 195–201. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0950268806006881.
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Epidemics of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in major Brazilian cities are new phenomena since 1980. As determinants of transmission in urban settings probably operate at different geographic scales, and information is not available for each scale, a multilevel approach was used to examine the effect of canine infection and environmental and socio-economic factors on the spatial variability of incidence rates of VL in the city of Teresina. Details on an outbreak of greater than 1200 cases of VL in Teresina during 1993–1996 were available at two hierarchical levels: census tracts (socio-economic characteristics, incidence rates of human VL) and districts, which encompass census tracts (prevalence of canine infection). Remotely sensed data obtained by satellite generated environmental information at both levels. Data from census tracts and districts were analysed simultaneously by multilevel modelling. Poor socio-economic conditions and increased vegetation were associated with a high incidence of human VL. Increasing prevalence of canine infection also predicted a high incidence of human VL, as did high prevalence of canine infection before and during the epidemic. Poor socio-economic conditions had an amplifying effect on the association between canine infection and the incidence of human VL. Focusing interventions on areas with characteristics identified by multilevel analysis could be a cost-effective strategy for controlling VL. Because risk factors for infectious diseases operate simultaneously at several levels and ecological data usually are available at different geographical scales, multilevel modelling is a valuable tool for epidemiological investigation of disease transmission.
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Siddiqui, Anwer H., Maury E. Mulligan, Eshwar Mahenthiralingam, Joan Hebden, Jeanine Brewrink, Sadaf Qaiyumi, Judith A. Johnson, and John J. LiPuma. "An Episodic Outbreak of Genetically RelatedBurkholdebja cepaciaAmong Non-Cystic Fibrosis Patients at a University Hospital." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 22, no. 7 (July 2001): 419–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/501927.
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AbstractObjective:To investigate an outbreak ofBurkholderia cepacia.Design:Observational study and chart review.Patients:Adult non-cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.Setting:Intensive care units (ICUs) at a university-affiliated teaching hospital.Methods:As part of the epidemiological investigation, we conducted a chart review and collected environmental samples. A review of work schedules of healthcare workers also was performed. We usedB cepaciaselective agar for preliminary screening for all isolates, which subsequently were confirmed as members of theB cepaciacomplex by polyphasic analysis employing conventional biochemical reactions and genus- and species-specific polymerase chain reaction assays. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA typing, and automated ribotyping were used to genotype the isolates. As part of the intervention, contact isolation precautions were initiated for all patients identified as having had a culture positive forB cepacia.Results:Between September 1997 and September 1999,B cepaciawas isolated from 31 adult patients without CF in ICUs at a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Based on geographic clustering and genotypic analysis, three distinct clusters were observed involving 20 patients. Isolates from 17 of these patients were available for testing and were found to be of the same strain (outbreak strain). Further taxonomic analysis indicated that the outbreak strain wasB cepaciacomplex genomovar III. Twelve (71%) of the 17 patients were judged to be infected, and 5 (29%) were colonized with this strain. Six of 200 environmental cultures from multiple sources in the hospital's ICUs yieldedB cepacia.Two of these isolates, both recovered from rooms of colonized patients, were the same genotype as the outbreak strain recovered from patients.Conclusion:Despite an extensive investigation, the source of theB cepaciaclone involved in this outbreak remains unknown. The spatial and temporal pattern of cases suggests that cross-transmission of a genetically related strain contributed to clustering among patients. The initiation of contact isolation may have limited the extent of this transmission. Additional studies are needed to elucidate better the epidemiology of nosocomialB cepaciainfection among non-CF adult patients.
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Negrão, Glauco Nonose, Iara Rodrigues Vieira, Elisa Midori Yamaguti Katayama, and Marlene Terezinha Borecki. "Variáveis Epidemiológicas Intervenientes na Ocorrência da Hanseníase no Município de Guarapuava, PR Epidemiological aspects involved in the occurrence of hanseniasis in the municipality of Guarapuava, PR." GEOGRAFIA (Londrina) 25, no. 2 (December 1, 2016): 110. http://dx.doi.org/10.5433/2447-1747.2016v25n2p110.
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A hanseníase é uma doença de notificação compulsória e investigação obrigatória, considerada problema de saúde pública no Brasil; de caráter infecto contagioso crônico causada pela Mycobacterium leprae, manifestando-se por sinais e sintomas dermatoneurológicos, favorecida por más condições de vida, desnutrição e insalubridade ambiental. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a distribuição espacial e focos de hanseníase em Guarapuava/PR entre 2001 a 2013, conforme levantamento preliminar de dados junto à Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, com a equipe de referência no Atendimento das Ações de Controle da Hanseníase - AMPDS (Ambulatório Municipal de Pneumologia e Dermatologia Sanitária). Foram diagnosticados 394 casos novos residentes no município, sendo considerados para este estudo 331 casos no perímetro urbano para estabelecimento de Sistemas de Informações Geográficas, sendo avaliadas por atividades in loco 56 residências quanto à faixa etária até 15 anos, recidiva e predominância da forma tuberculóide. Observa-se uma tendência descendente do coeficiente de incidência populacional e nas faixas etárias entre 0 a 15 anos entre 2001 a 2013, indicando a diminuição de expansão da endemia na área proposta de estudo. A doença é endêmica no município e persistem focos da hanseníase em bairros específicos devido às condições ambientais insalubres, indicadores socioeconômicos associados à pobreza e provável subnotificação. Medidas de operacionalização adotadas pelo AMPDS, do município de Guarapuava/PR vêm auxiliando os pacientes portadores da hanseníase pelo diagnóstico precoce, tratamento e acompanhamento individual dos casos; e na detecção ativa em possíveis fontes de infecção pelo Mycobacterium leprae. A análise da distribuição espacial da hanseníase utilizando técnicas de SIG mostrou-se eficaz para o entendimento epidemiológico da doença no município. AbstractConsidered a health problem in Brazil, Hansen's disease is of compulsory notification and mandatory investigation. Its chronic infectious-contagious characteristic caused by Mycobacterium Leprae, manifests itself through signs and dermatologic-neurological symptoms led by bad life conditions, malnutrition and environmental insalubrity. This project aims to analyze the spatial distribution and centers of Hanseniasis in Guarapuava-Pr between 2001 and 2013 according to the preliminary data from the Health Secretary of the city, and the team that is a reference in the Actions to Control Hansen's Disease - MAPSD (Municipal Ambulatory of Pneumonia and Sanitary Dermatology). It was diagnosed 394 new cases in this city, in which 331 from the urban area were researched in this study for the establishment of the Geographic Information System. Assessed by activities in loco, individuals aged until 15 years old from 56 dwellings had recurrence and predominance of the tuberculoid leprosy. Nevertheless, it was observed a tendency of reduction in the population incidence coefficient and a decrease in the endemic expansion among individuals aged between 0 to 15 years old in the aforementioned period and area of study. The disease is endemic in the city and reservoirs of Hanseniasis persist in specific neighborhoods due to insalubrious environmental conditions, socioeconomic indexes associated with poverty and possible sub notification. Operational measures adopted by MAPSD have been assisting the patients with Hansen's disease through early diagnosis, proper treatment and the individual follow up of the cases, along with active detection in sources where the infection by Mycobacterium Leprae is feasible to occur. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the disease applying GIS techniques showed efficacy for the epidemiologic understanding of the disease in the city.
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Anderson, N. H., and D. M. Titterington. "Some Methods for Investigating Spatial Clustering, with Epidemiological Applications." Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series A (Statistics in Society) 160, no. 1 (January 1997): 87–105. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-985x.00047.
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Siengsanan-Lamont, Jarunee, Watthana Theppangna, Phouvong Phommachanh, Syseng Khounsy, Paul W. Selleck, Nina Matsumoto, Laurence J. Gleeson, and Stuart D. Blacksell. "Abattoir-Based Serological Surveillance and Spatial Risk Analysis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Brucellosis, and Q Fever in Lao PDR Large Ruminants." Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 7, no. 5 (May 18, 2022): 78. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7050078.
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A national animal disease surveillance network initiated by the Lao PDR government is adopted and reinforced by a joint research project between the National Animal Health Laboratory (NAHL), the Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF), and the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU). The network is strengthened by staff training and practical exercises and is utilised to provide zoonotic or high-impact disease information on a national scale. Between January and December 2020, large ruminant samples are collected monthly from 18 abattoirs, one in each province, by provincial and district agriculture and forestry officers. The surveillance network collected a total of 4247 serum samples (1316 buffaloes and 2931 cattle) over this period. Samples are tested for antibodies against Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease Non-Structural Protein (FMD NSP) using commercial ELISA kits and the Rose Bengal test. Seroprevalences of Q fever and brucellosis in large ruminants are low at 1.7% (95% CI: 1.3, 2.1) and 0.7% (95% CI: 0.5, 1.0) respectively, while for FMD NSP it is 50.5% (95% CI: 49.0, 52.0). Univariate analyses show differences in seroprevalences of Q fever between destination (abattoir) province (p-value = 0.005), province of origin (p-value = 0.005), animal type (buffalo or cattle) (p-value = 0.0008), and collection month (p-value = 3.4 × 10−6). Similar to Q fever, seroprevalences of brucellosis were significantly different for destination province (p-value < 0.00001), province of origin (p-value < 0.00001), animal type (p-value = 9.9 × 10−5) and collection month (p-value < 0.00001), plus body condition score (p-value = 0.003), and age (p-value = 0.007). Additionally, risk factors of the FMD NSP dataset include the destination province (p-value < 0.00001), province of origin (p-value < 0.00001), sex (p-value = 7.97 × 10−8), age (p-value = 0.009), collection date (p-value < 0.00001), and collection month (p-value < 0.00001). Spatial analyses revealed that there is no spatial correlation of FMD NSP seropositive animals. High-risk areas for Q fever and brucellosis are identified by spatial analyses. Further investigation of the higher risk areas would provide a better epidemiological understanding of both diseases in Lao PDR. In conclusion, the abattoir serological survey provides useful information about disease exposure and potential risk factors. The network is a good base for field and laboratory staff training in practical technical skills. However, the sustainability of such a surveillance activity is relatively low without an external source of funding, given the operational costs and insufficient government budget. The cost-effectiveness of the abattoir survey could be increased by targeting hotspot areas, reducing fixed costs, and extending the focus to cover more diseases.
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Dolman, Paul M., and Kristin Wäber. "Ecosystem and competition impacts of introduced deer." Wildlife Research 35, no. 3 (2008): 202. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr07114.
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Numerous deer species have been introduced beyond their native range into ecosystems around the world. Their economic value leads to further accidental and deliberate releases and lack of control is contributing to range expansion in Australia, South America and Europe. Despite localised or regional concern, the scale and generality of detrimental impacts have not been widely recognised. We review the direct and indirect impacts on ecosystems and evidence for interspecific effects on native deer. In New Zealand, where large herbivores were previously absent, severe and novel impacts have been found in susceptible forests. Even where ecosystems contain native deer, invasion by taxonomically exotic deer species carries the risk of cascade effects on spatial plant dynamics and forest composition. In Patagonia, introduced deer have disrupted forest composition, whereas in Europe, ecosystem impacts of introduced species can differ from those of over-abundant native deer. Introduced Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) within a coniferous forestry landscape in eastern England differ from native European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in their distribution of herbivory among differing habitats, and provide much lower rates of endozoochorous seed dispersal. Frequent concern is expressed that introduced deer species may have detrimental effects on native deer and other ungulates, although potential epidemiological effects have not been investigated. Apparent competition, with introduced prey resulting in increased predation rates on native deer, may be occurring between South American huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) and southern pudu (Pudu puda). Habitat and dietary overlap is often substantial among native and introduced ungulates, including deer, and exploitation competition is likely. Evidence includes spatial responses of native to non-native deer and negatively correlated changes in population abundance, but demographic mechanisms have not been demonstrated previously. In a coniferous forestry landscape in eastern England, substantial habitat and dietary overlap occurs between native roe deer and high-density introduced Chinese muntjac. This roe deer population has shown a reduction in body weight and fertility following establishment and increasing abundance of non-native Chinese muntjac, compatible with interspecific competition. European roe deer also appear susceptible to competition from larger grazing deer, including native red deer (Cervus elaphus) and introduced fallow (Dama dama). The widely introduced fallow deer may be a particularly effective competitor in sympatry with intermediate or concentrate feeders. There is need for further investigation of potential interactions of introduced and native deer species, and a wider recognition of the ecological impacts of introduced deer.
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Werneck, Guilherme Loureiro. "Georeferenced data in epidemiologic research." Ciência & Saúde Coletiva 13, no. 6 (December 2008): 1753–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1413-81232008000600010.
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This paper reviews some conceptual and practical issues regarding the application of georeferenced data in epidemiologic research. Starting with the disease mapping tradition of geographical medicine, topics such as types of georeferenced data, implications for data analysis, spatial autocorrelation and main analytical approaches are heuristically discussed, relying on examples from the epidemiologic literature, most of them concerning mapping disease distribution, detection of disease spatial clustering, evaluation of exposure in environmental health investigation and ecological correlation studies. As for concluding remarks, special topics that deserve further development, including the misuses of the concept of space in epidemiologic research, issues related to data quality and confidentiality, the role of epidemiologic designs for spatial research, sensitivity analysis and spatiotemporal modeling, are presented.
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Ajayakumar, Jayakrishnan, Andrew J. Curtis, Vanessa Rouzier, Jean William Pape, Sandra Bempah, Meer Taifur Alam, Md Mahbubul Alam, Mohammed H. Rashid, Afsar Ali, and John Glenn Morris. "Spatial Video and EpiExplorer: A Field Strategy to Contextualize Enteric Disease Risk in Slum Environments." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 15 (July 22, 2022): 8902. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19158902.
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Disease risk associated with contaminated water, poor sanitation, and hygiene in informal settlement environments is conceptually well understood. From an analytical perspective, collecting data at a suitably fine scale spatial and temporal granularity is challenging. Novel mobile methodologies, such as spatial video (SV), can complement more traditional epidemiological field work to address this gap. However, this work then poses additional challenges in terms of analytical visualizations that can be used to both understand sub-neighborhood patterns of risk, and even provide an early warning system. In this paper, we use bespoke spatial programming to create a framework for flexible, fine-scale exploratory investigations of simultaneously-collected water quality and environmental surveys in three different informal settlements of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We dynamically mine these spatio-temporal epidemiological and environmental data to provide insights not easily achievable using more traditional spatial software, such as Geographic Information System (GIS). The results include sub-neighborhood maps of localized risk that vary monthly. Most interestingly, some of these epidemiological variations might have previously been erroneously explained because of proximate environmental factors and/or meteorological conditions.
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Wassilew, Nasstasja, Eveline Rolli, Yvonne Fietze, Carlo Casanova, Helena Seth-Smith, Adrian Egli, Jonas Marschall, and Niccolo Buetti. "1255. First Outbreak Due to Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Epidemic Clone ST796 in Europe." Open Forum Infectious Diseases 5, suppl_1 (November 2018): S382—S383. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofy210.1088.
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Abstract Background A large outbreak with different clones of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) affected the Bern University Hospital group for several months. The aim of this study was to describe the extent of the outbreak, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Methods Triggered by two cases of VRE bloodstream infections on our hemato-oncology ward, an outbreak investigation was started. Microbiological diagnosis of VRE was obtained by culture and PCR. Epidemiological links were assessed by meticulous chart review and supplemented with WGS analyses. Multiple infection control measures were implemented to avoid further transmissions. Results Between December 2017 and April 2018, 2,877 screening samples were obtained from 1,200 patients. Three out of six hospitals within the Bern University Hospital group were affected. Eighty-three patients (6.9%) were colonized with VR Enterococcus faecium. Of those, 76 (91.6%) had a strain carrying vanB, with 70 (84%) isolates virtually identical (separated by up to two alleles) by cgMLST and identified as MLST type ST796 (figure). The remaining seven patients (8.4%) were colonized with vanA carrying strains from five different STs. Five patients (7%) developed an invasive infection with VRE ST796. Temporo-spatial links were found in most patients carrying the outbreak strain. In order to control the outbreak, extensive infection control measures were implemented. By April 2018 the outbreak was contained with these specific measures. Conclusion This VRE outbreak was characterized by a rapid intra- and inter-institutional spread of the emergent clone ST796. This clone was recently described in Australia and New Zealand but never before in Europe.1,2 A multi-faceted infection control led to the containment of the outbreak. References 1. Mahony AA, et al. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium sequence type 796—rapid international dissemination of a new epidemic clone. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2018:7:44. 2. Leong KWC, et al. Emergence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium at an Australian Hospital: a whole genome sequencing analysis. Sci Rep. 2018:8(1):6274. 3. de Been M, et al. Core genome multilocus sequence typing scheme for high- resolution typing of Enterococcus faecium. J Clin Microbiol. 2015:53(12):3788–97. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
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MAZARAKI, Anatolii, Tetiana TKACHENKO, and Oleksandr HLADKYI. "WORLD TOURISM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC." Herald of Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics 133, no. 5 (October 20, 2020): 27–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.31617/visnik.knute.2020(133)03.
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Background. Tourism is one of the most affected sectors in global economy by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of hard sanitary constraints on visiting destinations has led to a sharp demand reduction for typical and related tourist services. In addition, these sanitary constraints identified negative trends in the development of domestic and international tourism in general. Significant restrictions on the functioning of the infrastructure of the tourist services market such as entertainment and recreation, public transport (including international traffic), hospitality and restaurants have affected the dynamics of performance of tourism entities and led to significant losses. Research on ways to restore the functioning of the tourism sector in the COVID-19 pandemic and after the removal of strict quarantine restrictions, as well as finding ways out of the systemic crisis, substantiation of mechanisms for regulating tourism in the new realities of the world community are especially relevant. Analysis of recent researches and publications. The works of many domestic and foreign scientists are devoted to investigations of modern tourism development problems. Thus, it is worth to note the fundamental works of M. Boiko [1], M. Bosovska [2], N. Vedmid’ [3], O. Liubitseva [4], S. Melnychenko [5], G. Mykhailychenko [6] and others. However, the peculiarities of tourism development in the conditions of complex epidemiological situation in the world and in the context of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in scientific papers have not yet been described in detail. The analytical conclusions of the official representations of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the World Tourism& Travel Council (WTTC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), as well as a number of journalistic materials of the world news agencies CNN Travel, The Guardian, The New York Times, National Geographic magazine, and professional domestic periodicals deserve attention. The aim of the article is to analyze the consequences of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on tourism development as well as to determine the main mechanisms for restoring of tourism sector functioning using different forecast scenarios. The specific objectives of the article are to analyze the dynamics of tourist flows before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, to systematize the consequences of the pandemic for tourism business, to determine the prospects for tourism development in the post-quarantine period as well as to highlight the different regulatory mechanisms to ensure the functioning of tourism enterprises in pandemic frames. Materials and methods. This investigation is based on analytical, statistical and forecast materials of UNWTO, WHO, OECD, WTTC. Literary, analytical, statistical, forecastting, comparative and geographical, modeling, and graphic methods have been used in the research. Results. The dynamics of tourism development indicators before and during the COVID-19 pandemic has been analyzed. The positive and negative effects of quarantine in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism are presented. The forecasts for the development of tourism after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic have been made. Regulatory mechanisms for ensuring the functioning of tourism enterprises in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic have been proposed. Conclusion. The difficult epidemiological situation in the world during the pandemic of acute respiratory disease COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has formed a tendency to reduce sharply the number of international tourist arrivals and revenues from international tourism, and identified the need to introduce unprecedented restrictions on the operation of travel and leisure, tourism and recreation, entertainment and recreation, public transport, hospitality and restaurants. As a result, the development of the world tourism industry has slowed down significantly. Structural crises have begun to worsen due to the sharp decline in economic development and limited sources of income and employment indicators. Structural spatial changes of the tourist flow mainly in favor of domestic tourism are characterized by discreteness. In order to counteract the COVID-19 pandemic, international and domestic professional organizations have developed a number of recommendations for the organization of anti-epidemic measures in carrying out permitted activities, which include rules for receiving visitors and organizing the work of staff in offices, tourism, trade, catering establishments, etc. Adherence to medical and sanitary-epidemiological recommendations, self-discipline and self-organization, administration and education will accelerate recovery from systemic crisis the tourism industry, restore the functioning of tourism enterprises in the COVID-19 pandemic, prevent the spread of epidemiological diseases and infectious diseases among tourists and population, resumption of tourism on a qualitatively new service and information basis.
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Кандрычын and S. Kandrychyn. "Geography of ascariasis in Belarus: cultural and anthropological issues (Part 1)." Russian Journal of Parasitology 3, no. 3 (September 25, 2016): 337–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.12737/21658.
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Objective of research: The analysis of spatial distribution of ascariasis among the population in different regions of the republic of Belarus with respect to anthropological and cultural aspects. Investigations for regional differences in ascariasis conducted in the USSR were focused rather on climatic, hygienic and economic factors and didn’t consider the causative role of cultural and anthropological factors in epidemiological process. The study is aimed at correlation of regional indices of ascariasis with the previously defined spatial historical gradient manifested in Belarus. Materials and methods: The effect of social and cultural spatial gradient was assessed by comparison of difference in ascariasis morbidity between eastern and western regions of Belarus. Thus, the effect of ethnic and anthropological spatial gradient was considered in comparison of epidemiological indices between the Brest region (south-western part of Belarus) and Vitebsk region (north-eastern part). The analysis was conducted with the historical perspective; the regional epidemiological statistics were provided for two periods 1970-1989 and 2000-2014. Regional statistical materials of the republic of Belarus presented in the annual reports of the national Ministry of Health were used as an empirical basis. Results and discussion: The analysis showed, that the differentiation trend in distribution of ascariasis in Belarus correlates both with historical-cultural and anthropological spatial gradients. The identified pattern of regional differentiation allows to evaluate the complex effect of sociocultural and anthropogenic components on epidemiological features of ascariasis.
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Le Moal, Joëlle, Annabel Rigou, Alain Le Tertre, Perrine De Crouy-Channel, Juliane Léger, and Jean-Claude Carel. "Marked geographic patterns in the incidence of idiopathic central precocious puberty: a nationwide study in France." European Journal of Endocrinology 178, no. 1 (January 2018): 33–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/eje-17-0379.
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Objectives Precocious puberty seems to be increasing but epidemiological data are scarce. Our objective was to improve the epidemiologic knowledge on this disease. We analyzed the national incidence and spatial trends of idiopathic central precocious puberty in France in 2011–2013 in a cross-sectional descriptive study. Design We used an indicator based on treatment reimbursements recorded in the national insurance database, in girls under the age of nine years and in boys under the age of 10 years. We considered a time lag of up to one year from the onset of puberty to first drug delivery. We tested four different predictive spatial models at the département scale, selecting the model best fitting the data. We carried out semi-structured interviews with qualified hospital teams in five selected regions to investigate spatial differences in medical practices. Results The national annual incidence was 2.68 (95% CI: 2.55, 2.81) per 10 000 girls under the age of 9 years and 0.24 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.27) per 10 000 boys under the age of 10 years. Incidence rates conformed to a purely spatial heterogeneity model in girls, consistent between age groups, with a large incidence range. A similar pattern was observed for boys, with peaks in the South West and Center East. Differences in medical practices may have slightly affected incidence locally, but could not entirely explain the marked geographic pattern. Conclusions The results suggest that the risk factors are similar for boys and girls and justify further investigations of the role of the environment.
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Hinckley, A. F. "Identifying public water facilities with low spatial variability of disinfection by-products for epidemiological investigations." Occupational and Environmental Medicine 62, no. 7 (July 1, 2005): 494–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/oem.2004.017798.
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Whitfield, J. T., W. H. Pako, J. Collinge, and M. P. Alpers. "Cultural factors that affected the spatial and temporal epidemiology of kuru." Royal Society Open Science 4, no. 1 (January 2017): 160789. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.160789.
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Kuru is a prion disease which became epidemic among the Fore and surrounding linguistic groups in Papua New Guinea, peaking in the late 1950s. It was transmitted during the transumption (endocannibalism) of dead family members at mortuary feasts. In this study, we aimed to explain the historical spread and the changing epidemiological patterns of kuru by analysing factors that affected its transmission. We also examined what cultural group principally determined a family's behaviour during mortuary rituals. Our investigations showed that differences in mortuary practices were responsible for the initial pattern of the spread of kuru and the ultimate shape of the epidemic, and for subsequent spatio-temporal differences in the epidemiology of kuru. Before transumption stopped altogether, the South Fore continued to eat the bodies of those who had died of kuru, whereas other linguistic groups, sooner or later, stopped doing so. The linguistic group was the primary cultural group that determined behaviour but at linguistic boundaries the neighbouring group's cultural practices were often adopted. The epidemiological changes were not explained by genetic differences, but genetic studies led to an understanding of genetic susceptibility to kuru and the selection pressure imposed by kuru, and provided new insights into human history and evolution.
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Curtis, Andrew, Jason Blackburn, Sarah Smiley, Minmin Yen, Andrew Camilli, Meer Alam, Afsar Ali, and J. Morris. "Mapping to Support Fine Scale Epidemiological Cholera Investigations: A Case Study of Spatial Video in Haiti." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 2 (February 3, 2016): 187. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13020187.
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Lamnisos, Demetris, Nicos Middleton, Nikoletta Kyprianou, and Michael A. Talias. "Geodemographic Area Classification and Association with Mortality: An Ecological Study of Small Areas of Cyprus." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 16 (August 15, 2019): 2927. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16162927.
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Geographical investigations are a core function of public health monitoring, providing the foundation for resource allocation and policies for reducing health inequalities. The aim of this study was to develop geodemographic area classification based on several area-level indicators and to explore the extent of geographical inequalities in mortality. A series of 19 area-level socioeconomic indicators were used from the 2011 national population census. After normalization and standardization of the geographically smoothed indicators, the k-means cluster algorithm was implemented to classify communities into groups based on similar characteristics. The association between geodemographic area classification and the spatial distribution of mortality was estimated in Poisson log-linear spatial models. The k-means algorithm resulted in four distinct clusters of areas. The most characteristic distinction was between the ageing, socially isolated, and resource-scarce rural communities versus metropolitan areas with younger population, higher educational attainment, and professional occupations. By comparison to metropolitan areas, premature mortality appeared to be 44% (95% Credible Intervals [CrI] of Rate Ratio (RR): 1.06–1.91) higher in traditional rural areas and 36% (95% CrI of RR: 1.13–1.62) higher in young semi-rural areas. These findings warrant future epidemiological studies investigating various causes of the urban-rural differences in premature mortality and implementation policies to reduce the mortality gap between urban and rural areas.
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Khundi, McEwen, James R. Carpenter, Marriott Nliwasa, Ted Cohen, Elizabeth L. Corbett, and Peter MacPherson. "Effectiveness of spatially targeted interventions for control of HIV, tuberculosis, leprosy and malaria: a systematic review." BMJ Open 11, no. 7 (July 2021): e044715. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044715.
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BackgroundAs infectious diseases approach global elimination targets, spatial targeting is increasingly important to identify community hotspots of transmission and effectively target interventions. We aimed to synthesise relevant evidence to define best practice approaches and identify policy and research gaps.ObjectiveTo systematically appraise evidence for the effectiveness of spatially targeted community public health interventions for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), leprosy and malaria.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesWe searched Medline, Embase, Global Health, Web of Science and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews between 1 January 1993 and 22 March 2021.Study selectionThe studies had to include HIV or TB or leprosy or malaria and spatial hotspot definition, and community interventions.Data extraction and synthesisA data extraction tool was used. For each study, we summarised approaches to identifying hotpots, intervention design and effectiveness of the intervention.ResultsTen studies, including one cluster randomised trial and nine with alternative designs (before–after, comparator area), satisfied our inclusion criteria. Spatially targeted interventions for HIV (one USA study), TB (three USA) and leprosy (two Brazil, one Federated States of Micronesia) each used household location and disease density to define hotspots followed by community-based screening. Malaria studies (one each from India, Indonesia and Kenya) used household location and disease density for hotspot identification followed by complex interventions typically combining community screening, larviciding of stagnant water bodies, indoor residual spraying and mass drug administration. Evidence of effect was mixed.ConclusionsStudies investigating spatially targeted interventions were few in number, and mostly underpowered or otherwise limited methodologically, affecting interpretation of intervention impact. Applying advanced epidemiological methodologies supporting more robust hotspot identification and larger or more intensive interventions would strengthen the evidence-base for this increasingly important approach.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019130133.
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BRUNKER, K., K. HAMPSON, D. L. HORTON, and R. BIEK. "Integrating the landscape epidemiology and genetics of RNA viruses: rabies in domestic dogs as a model." Parasitology 139, no. 14 (July 20, 2012): 1899–913. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s003118201200090x.
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SUMMARYLandscape epidemiology and landscape genetics combine advances in molecular techniques, spatial analyses and epidemiological models to generate a more real-world understanding of infectious disease dynamics and provide powerful new tools for the study of RNA viruses. Using dog rabies as a model we have identified how key questions regarding viral spread and persistence can be addressed using a combination of these techniques. In contrast to wildlife rabies, investigations into the landscape epidemiology of domestic dog rabies requires more detailed assessment of the role of humans in disease spread, including the incorporation of anthropogenic landscape features, human movements and socio-cultural factors into spatial models. In particular, identifying and quantifying the influence of anthropogenic features on pathogen spread and measuring the permeability of dispersal barriers are important considerations for planning control strategies, and may differ according to cultural, social and geographical variation across countries or continents. Challenges for dog rabies research include the development of metapopulation models and transmission networks using genetic information to uncover potential source/sink dynamics and identify the main routes of viral dissemination. Information generated from a landscape genetics approach will facilitate spatially strategic control programmes that accommodate for heterogeneities in the landscape and therefore utilise resources in the most cost-effective way. This can include the efficient placement of vaccine barriers, surveillance points and adaptive management for large-scale control programmes.
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Da Silva de Sousa, Giana Gislanne, Mellina Yamamura, Márcio Flávio Moura de Araújo, Antônio Carlos Vieira Ramos, Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio, Ana Cristina Pereira de Jesus Costa, Livia Maia Pascoal, et al. "Vulnerable territories to tuberculosis-diabetes mellitus comorbidity in a northeastern Brazilian scenario." Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 16, no. 05 (May 30, 2022): 813–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.3855/jidc.15797.
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Introduction: Epidemiological investigations on tuberculosis-diabetes comorbidity using spatial analysis should be encouraged towards a more comprehensive view of the health of individuals affected by such comorbidity in different contexts. This study analyzes the territories vulnerable to tuberculosis-diabetes comorbidity in a municipality in northeastern Brazil using spatial analysis techniques.
Methods: An ecological study was carried out in Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil. Tuberculosis-diabetes cases reported in the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System between 2009 and 2018 were analyzed. Kernel density estimation and spatial scanning techniques were used to identify the areas with the greatest occurrence of spatial clusters.
Results: A heterogeneous spatial distribution was found, ranging from 0.00 to 4.12 cases/km2. The spatial scanning analysis revealed three high-risk spatial clusters with statistical significance (p < 0.05), involving eleven strictly urban sectors with a relative risk of 4.00 (95% CI: 2.60–6.80), 5.10 (95% CI: 2.75–7.30), and 6.10 (95% CI: 3.21–8.92), indicating that the population living in these areas had a high risk of tuberculosis-diabetes comorbidity.
Conclusions: The highest concentration of cases/km2, as well as risk clusters, were found in areas with high circulation of people and socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities. Such findings reinforce the need for public health interventions to reduce social inequalities.
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Lung-Escarmant, Brigitte, and Dominique Guyon. "Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Primary and Secondary Infection by Armillaria ostoyae in a Pinus pinaster Plantation." Phytopathology® 94, no. 2 (February 2004): 125–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/phyto.2004.94.2.125.
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Epidemiological investigations were performed in a 3-ha maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) plantation established on a site heavily infested by Armillaria ostoyae. Geostatistics were used to examine the density and the distribution of the initial inoculum. Disease dynamics were monitored for 17 years after planting. On the whole site, the cumulative mortality rate reached 35% over this period, plateauing at 12 years. Disease progress curves differed according to the density of the initial inoculum, although in all the cases, the Gompertz model described the epidemics well. The epidemiological contributions of both primary (initially colonized stumps) and secondary inoculum (newly dead pines) were evaluated by analyzing their spatial relation to annual mortality. Newly dead pines acted as secondary inoculum from year 3 and their role increased with time. When the initial inoculum density was low, the contribution of secondary inoculum to epidemic development increased faster and halted sooner than when the density of primary inoculum was high. Regardless of its density, the primary inoculum acted throughout the dynamic phase of the epidemic. When the inoculum density was low, the probability of mortality during the first 6 years of the epidemic depended on the tree distance from the nearest stumps colonized by Armillaria sp. When the inoculum density was high, the probability of mortality was higher and not related to the distance between trees and colonized stumps.
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Stafoggia, Massimo, Christer Johansson, Paul Glantz, Matteo Renzi, Alexandra Shtein, Kees de Hoogh, Itai Kloog, Marina Davoli, Paola Michelozzi, and Tom Bellander. "A Random Forest Approach to Estimate Daily Particulate Matter, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Ozone at Fine Spatial Resolution in Sweden." Atmosphere 11, no. 3 (February 29, 2020): 239. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/atmos11030239.
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Air pollution is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. An accurate assessment of its spatial and temporal distribution is mandatory to conduct epidemiological studies able to estimate long-term (e.g., annual) and short-term (e.g., daily) health effects. While spatiotemporal models for particulate matter (PM) have been developed in several countries, estimates of daily nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) concentrations at high spatial resolution are lacking, and no such models have been developed in Sweden. We collected data on daily air pollutant concentrations from routine monitoring networks over the period 2005–2016 and matched them with satellite data, dispersion models, meteorological parameters, and land-use variables. We developed a machine-learning approach, the random forest (RF), to estimate daily concentrations of PM10 (PM<10 microns), PM2.5 (PM<2.5 microns), PM2.5–10 (PM between 2.5 and 10 microns), NO2, and O3 for each squared kilometer of Sweden over the period 2005–2016. Our models were able to describe between 64% (PM10) and 78% (O3) of air pollutant variability in held-out observations, and between 37% (NO2) and 61% (O3) in held-out monitors, with no major differences across years and seasons and better performance in larger cities such as Stockholm. These estimates will allow to investigate air pollution effects across the whole of Sweden, including suburban and rural areas, previously neglected by epidemiological investigations.
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Gustafson, Kyle B., and Joshua L. Proctor. "Identifying spatio-temporal dynamics of Ebola in Sierra Leone using virus genomes." Journal of The Royal Society Interface 14, no. 136 (November 2017): 20170583. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2017.0583.
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Containing the recent West African outbreak of Ebola virus (EBOV) required the deployment of substantial global resources. Despite recent progress in analysing and modelling EBOV epidemiological data, a complete characterization of the spatio-temporal spread of Ebola cases remains a challenge. In this work, we offer a novel perspective on the EBOV epidemic in Sierra Leone that uses individual virus genome sequences to inform population-level, spatial models. Calibrated to phylogenetic linkages of virus genomes, these spatial models provide unique insight into the disease mobility of EBOV in Sierra Leone without the need for human mobility data. Consistent with other investigations, our results show that the spread of EBOV during the beginning and middle portions of the epidemic strongly depended on the size of and distance between populations. Our phylodynamic analysis also revealed a change in model preference towards a spatial model with power-law characteristics in the latter portion of the epidemic, correlated with the timing of major intervention campaigns. More generally, we believe this framework, pairing molecular diagnostics with a dynamic model selection procedure, has the potential to be a powerful forecasting tool along with offering operationally relevant guidance for surveillance and sampling strategies during an epidemic.
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Afonso, A. "Avis scientifique sur la fièvre catarrhale ovine du groupe scientifique sur la santé et le bien-être des animaux de l'EFSA (2007−2008)." Revue d’élevage et de médecine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux 62, no. 2-4 (February 1, 2009): 147. http://dx.doi.org/10.19182/remvt.10056.
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The first outbreak of bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) in the European Union (EU) was officially declared in the area of Maastricht on August 17, 2006. The infection spread extensively in the summer and beginning of autumn; The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) adopted a statement on the significance of these recent outbreaks in September 2006. It expressed concerns about the appearance of vector-borne viruses never seen before in the EU and recommended: i) harmonising the collection of epidemiological data and sampling procedures [blood for antibodies and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing]; ii) monitoring and studying spatial and temporal patterns of potential and known vector occurrences; and iii) sharing information between Member States. Furthermore, it recommended the investigation of the routes of BTV-8 introduction in the EU. In October, EFSA was requested by the European Commission (EC) to describe the evolution of the disease during the outbreaks as well as to conduct a global epidemiological analysis. A working group, including relevant experts from the affected countries, provided a weekly overview of the epidemic and a final report containing all information and analysis. In December 2006, the EFSA–AHAW Panel received a mandate from the EC focusing on the control of vectors and vaccines for all BT serotypes. Comprehensive analyses of the role of vectors as well as possible control measures were reviewed. The opinion identified important knowledge gaps and provided recommendations for future research. As part of EFSA approach, a consultation meeting with the International Federation for Animal Health (IFAH) and vaccine manufacturers was held. A letter requesting information on outbreaks of BT and vaccination campaigns against BT was sent to chief veterinary officers. All information was reviewed and the Panel concluded that vaccines were suitable for the control of the infection in endemic/epizootic areas: vaccination, preferably using an inactivated virus, was recommended as a first line of defence but within a set of measures, including animal movement control and Culicoides control. The Panel also considered the option of vaccination in high risk areas of virus free countries. BTV-8 was a wake-up call to the possibility of further emerging diseases in the EU. The Panel decided to address the origin and occurrence of BT serotypes exotic to the EU in order to obtain a better understanding of their evolution and subsequent spread, and to make recommendations as to the potential preventive measures that could be implemented in order to minimise the reoccurrence of such events in the future. An update of previous EFSA scientific opinions on BT was concluded in September 2008 as regards: i) vector ecology and criteria for the determination of the seasonally free period; ii) the over-wintering mechanisms of BT virus; iii) the length of viraemia of all BTV serotypes relevant to the EU situation; iv) scientific advice on the effectiveness and suitability of insecticides and repellents for Culicoides species; and v) the different measures that can be used to protect animals against attacks by vectors. The work conducted by EFSA during 2007-2008 represents a coordinated effort of expertise and communication without precedent in the European risk assessment community and a valuable experience on what can be done when facing emerging issues.
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Sikorski, Michael J., Jianguo Ma, Tracy H. Hazen, Sachin N. Desai, Siaosi Tupua, Susana Nimarota-Brown, Michelle Sialeipata, et al. "Spatial-temporal and phylogenetic analyses of epidemiologic data to help understand the modes of transmission of endemic typhoid fever in Samoa." PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 16, no. 10 (October 17, 2022): e0010348. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010348.
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Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) is either widely distributed or proximally transmitted via fecally-contaminated food or water to cause typhoid fever. In Samoa, where endemic typhoid fever has persisted over decades despite water quality and sanitation improvements, the local patterns of S. Typhi circulation remain unclear. From April 2018-June 2020, epidemiologic data and GPS coordinates were collected during household investigations of 260 acute cases of typhoid fever, and 27 asymptomatic shedders of S. Typhi were detected among household contacts. Spatial and temporal distributions of cases were examined using Average Nearest Neighbor and space-time hotspot analyses. In rural regions, infections occurred in sporadic, focal clusters contrasting with persistent, less clustered cases in the Apia Urban Area. Restrictions to population movement during nationwide lockdowns in 2019–2020 were associated with marked reductions of cases. Phylogenetic analyses of isolates with whole genome sequences (n = 186) revealed one dominant genotype 3.5.4 (n = 181/186) that contains three Samoa-exclusive sub-lineages: 3.5.4.1, 3.5.4.2, and 3.5.4.3. Variables of patient sex, age, and geographic region were examined by phylogenetic groupings, and significant differences (p<0.05) associated genetically-similar isolates in urban areas with working ages (20–49 year olds), and in rural areas with age groups typically at home (<5, 50+). Isolates from asymptomatic shedders were among all three sub-lineages. Whole genome sequencing provided evidence of bacterial genetic similarity, which corroborated 10/12 putative epidemiologic linkages among cases and asymptomatic shedders, as well as 3/3 repeat positives (presumed relapses), with a median of one single nucleotide polymorphism difference. These findings highlight various patterns of typhoid transmission in Samoa that differ between urban and rural regions as well as genomic subtypes. Asymptomatic shedders, detectable only through household investigations, are likely an important reservoir and mobile agent of infection. This study advances a “Samoan S. Typhi framework” that supports current and future typhoid surveillance and control efforts in Samoa.
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Tate, William F., and Brittni D. Jones. "2015 Wallace Foundation Distinguished Lecture: Anonymity No More: Seeing Our Neighbors in Ferguson and the Implications for Social Policy." Educational Researcher 46, no. 5 (June 2017): 223–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.3102/0013189x17721701.
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Ferguson, Missouri, has been characterized as an archetype of structural inequality and segregation. Several questions guide this investigation of Ferguson and its surrounding region. How did policies, practices, and folkways help to create the conditions in Ferguson and the broader metropolitan region? The regional segregation regime’s history provides a background to better understand current conditions. What is the existing state of affairs for young persons and their families in the region? To address this question, social epidemiological methods and geospatial analysis inform the development of a set of visuals to determine if racial segregation, economic opportunity, health and developmental outcomes, and education-related outcomes are spatially arranged. The authors found that these indicators of well-being are spatially arranged and concentrated; thus, they raise another question: How does a politically fragmented region intervene to disrupt concentrated disadvantage? As Ferguson and the region seek social and education reform, the final section offers several recommendations to improve education outcomes through broader economic strategy and social policy.