scholarly journals Hospital discharges-based search of acute flaccid paralysis cases 2007–2016 in Italy and comparison with the National Surveillance System for monitoring the risk of polio reintroduction

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Stefanelli ◽  
◽  
Stefania Bellino ◽  
Stefano Fiore ◽  
Stefano Fontana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Polio Eradication ◽  
Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
National Surveillance ◽  
Hospital Discharges ◽  
Diagnostic Codes ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Afp Surveillance ◽  
National Surveillance System

Abstract Background Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance has been adopted globally as a key strategy for monitoring the progress of the polio eradication initiative. Hereby, to evaluate the completeness of the ascertainment of AFP cases in Italy, a hospital-discharges based search was carried out. Methods AFP cases occurring between 2007 and 2016 among children under 15 years of age were searched in the Italian Hospital Discharge Records (HDR) database using specific ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes. AFP cases identified between 2015 and 2016 were then compared with those notified to the National Surveillance System (NSS). Results Over a 10-year period, 4163 hospital discharges with diagnosis of AFP were reported in Italy. Among these, 956 (23.0%) were acute infective polyneuritis, 1803 (43.3%) myopathy, and 1408 (33.8%) encephalitis, myelitis and encephalomyelitis. During the study period, a decreasing trend was observed for all diagnoses and overall the annual incidence rate (IR) declined from 5.5 to 4.5 per 100,000 children. Comparing NSS with HDR data in 2015–2016, we found a remarkable underreporting, being AFP cases from NSS only 14% of those recorded in HDR. In particular, the acute infective polyneuritis cases reported to NSS accounted for 42.6% of those detected in HDR, while only 0.9% of myopathy cases and 13.1% of encephalitis/myelitis/encephalomyelitis cases have been notified to NSS. The highest AFP IRs per 100,000 children calculated on HDR data were identified in Liguria (17.4), Sicily (5.7), and Veneto (5.1) Regions; regarding the AFP notified to the NSS, 11 out of 21 Regions failed to reach the number of expected cases (based on 1/100,000 rate), and the highest discrepancies were observed in the Northern Regions. Overall, the national AFP rate was equal to 0.6, therefore did not reach the target value. Conclusions AFP surveillance data are the final measure of a country’s progress towards polio eradication. The historical data obtained by the HDR have been useful to assess the completeness of the notification data and to identify the Regions with a low AFP ascertainment rate in order to improve the national surveillance system.

scholarly journals Acute Flaccid Paralysis surveillance in Polio Eradication and Beyond: Learning from Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Humayra Binte Anwar ◽  
Yameen Mazumder ◽  
Sanjana Nujhat ◽  
Bushra Zarin Islam ◽  
Anna Kalbarczyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Polio Eradication ◽  
Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance ◽  
Afp Surveillance

Abstract IntroductionGlobal Polio Eradication Initiative, GPEI led by the World Health Organization (WHO), helped to develop standard acute flaccid paralysis surveillance (AFP) system worldwide, including Bangladesh, which comprises infrastructure, knowledge, expertise, funding, technical assistance, and trained personnel. AFP surveillance can complement any disease surveillance systems, and many countries are now utilizing these polio surveillance assets for monitoring other vaccine-preventable diseases. This paper outlines how AFP surveillance has evolved in Bangladesh over time, its success and challenging factors, and its potential to accomplish other health goals.MethodologyThis mixed-method study includes a grey literature review, a survey for quantitative and qualitative information on barriers and facilitators, and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather relevant in-depth information on AFP surveillance in Bangladesh. Grey literature was collected online and paper documentation from different stakeholders. Online and in-person surveys were conducted in six divisions of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Khulna, to map tacit knowledge ideas, approaches, and experiences. KIIs were conducted at global, national, and sub-national levels. Data were then combined on focused emerging themes, including history, challenges, and successes of the AFP surveillance system in Bangladesh.ResultsAFP surveillance in Bangladesh was first introduced in 1990 at the district and Upazila level major hospitals. High population growth, low performance, hard-to-reach areas, and groups of people residing in risky zones were major challenges to implementing this surveillance system. Surveillance was gradually enriched by establishing certification standards and community-based AFP surveillance and improved Surveillance Immunization Medical Officer (SIMO) network activities, laboratory activities, and proper monitoring and evaluation. In Bangladesh, a national disease surveillance system and a laboratory are now being used for multiple diseases, including polio, measles, Japanese Encephalitis, Neonatal Tetanus etc.ConclusionIn Bangladesh, it is evident that the AFP surveillance system is supporting the health system more broadly by building knowledge, experience, and assets and forming a strong platform for other health programs. In addition, its strengths can be leveraged for combating new and emerging diseases like COVID-19. However, the sustainability of the AFP surveillance in Bangladesh still needs collaborative support from partners, mainly technical assistance.

scholarly journals Surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Lombardy, Northern Italy, from 1997 to 2011 in the context of the national AFP surveillance system

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 277-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Pellegrinelli ◽  
Valeria Primache ◽  
Lucia Fiore ◽  
Concetta Amato ◽  
Stefano Fiore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Afp Surveillance

scholarly journals ACUTE FLACCID PARALYSIS SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM: CURRENT STATUS IN AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR- 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-56
Author(s):  
Syed Nadeem-ur-Rehman ◽  
Uzma Hafeez ◽  
Mumtaz Ahmad Khan ◽  
Masood Ahmad Bukhari
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Adjacent Area ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance ◽  
Afp Surveillance

Background: The State of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) is polio free since October 2000.The objectives of our study is to review of existing Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance System in Azad Jammu &Kashmir, identify the strong & weak points of the existing system and suggest course of action for efficient performance of the existing system. Methods: This qualitative & quantitative evaluation was conducted at Provincial Disease Surveillance &Response Unit (PDSRU) Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu & Kashmir during March -April 2019. The database of AFP cases during 2018 was reviewed and relevant stakeholder's interviews were conducted consulting guidelines formulated by the Centre for Disease Control & prevention(CDC) in 2001 for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems. Results: In 2018, a total of 265 AFP cases were registered. The mean age was 65 months (range 01 - 180 months). 59 % (n=157) were male children. 58% of cases were under 05 year's age. Standardized case definition and data format with simple information flow was found. System was flexible enough to incorporate measles and neonatal tetanus cases since 2009. Data quality was excellent (100% zero and monthly reports). A close coordination was observed amongst all relevant stakeholders. Sensitivity was 200%. No polio case was identified and therefore, PPV was zero. Majority of cases were reported by public sector (93%).Sufficient financial as well as skilled human resources were available and hence system found stable. Timeliness of reporting found 90%. Conclusion: The performance of AFP surveillance system in AJ&K is up to the mark. However, there is constant threat of reintroduction of polio virus from adjacent area of Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Highly vigilant AFP surveillance system with capacity of rapid response is the solution. Furthermore, it is vital to sustain the AFP Surveillance till the goal of global polio eradication is achieved.

scholarly journals Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance: challenges and opportunities from 18 years’ experience, Spain, 1998 to 2015

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (47) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josefa Masa-Calles ◽  
Nuria Torner ◽  
Noemí López-Perea ◽  
María de Viarce Torres de Mier ◽  
Beatriz Fernández-Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Polio Eradication ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Notification Rate ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Afp Surveillance ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Annual Proportion

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance is key for global polio eradication. It allows detecting poliovirus (PV) reintroductions from endemic countries. This study describes AFP surveillance in Spain from 1998 to 2015. During this time, 678 AFP cases were reported to the Spanish National Surveillance Network. The mean notification rate was 0.58 AFP cases/100,000 population under 15 years old (range: 0.45/100,000–0.78/100,000). Two periods (P) are described: P1 (1998–2006) with the AFP notification rate ranging from 0.66/100,000 to 0.78/100,000, peaking in 2001 (0.84/100,000); and P2 (2007–2015) when the AFP rate ranged from 0.43/100,000 to 0.57/100,000, with the lowest rate in 2009 (0.31/100,000). No poliomyelitis cases were caused by wild PV infections, although two Sabin-like PVs and one imported vaccine-derived PV-2 were detected. Overall, 23 (3.4%) cases met the hot case definition. Most cases were clinically diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome (76.9%; 504/655). The adequate stool collection rate ranged from 33.3% (7/21) to 72.5% (29/40). The annual proportion of AFP cases with non-polio enterovirus findings varied widely across the study period. AFP surveillance with laboratory testing for non-polio enteroviruses must be maintained and enhanced both to monitor polio eradication and to establish sensitive surveillance for prompt detection of other enteroviruses causing serious symptoms.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance system in Mwenezi district, Masvingo, 2018: a descriptive study

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgen Muzondo ◽  
Amadeus Shamu ◽  
Gerald Shambira ◽  
Notion Tafara Gombe ◽  
Tsitsi Patience Juru ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Afp Surveillance

scholarly journals Evaluation of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system, Kebbi State, Nigeria, 2013-2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hashim Abdulmumin Bala ◽  
Yahaya Mohammed ◽  
Nyampa Barau ◽  
Lukman Surajudeen ◽  
Polycarp Uche Ori
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Performance Standards ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Wild Poliovirus ◽  
Afp Surveillance

Abstract Background Since 1988, the incidence of polio has reduced by more than 99 percent, worldwide, according to the WHO. Each year, more than 350,000 children were paralyzed, in more than 125 endemic countries. Today, only two countries are still having transmission of polio: Pakistan and Afghanistan. No wild poliovirus has been reported anywhere in Africa since 2016. A good and effective Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system is necessary to detect any suspected case of polio to interrupt the transmission of polio within any country. We evaluated the AFP surveillance system to identify gaps in its operations. Methods We used the updated CDC guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems and the WHO performance standards to assess the system. We also interviewed stakeholders using an adapted questionnaire, and a key informant interview. We also reviewed AFP surveillance data from 2013–2018. We summarized data using means, frequencies, and proportion. Results We interviewed a total of 49 respondents. Of these, 47 (98%) reported case definitions as being easy to use, and case investigation forms as being easy to fill, 46 (97%) reported data tools could easily accommodate changes, and all the surveillance officers understand the case definition of AFP. All respondents were willing to continue with the system. The non-polio AFP rate (24.6–55.2), stool adequacy (95-99.7%), timeliness, and completeness of reporting were found to be consistently above the WHO minimum standard. Conclusion The AFP surveillance system in Kebbi State was found to be useful, simple, flexible, acceptable, sensitive, representative, timely, and stable, though donor-driven. Absence of data on 60-day follow up and feedback from the laboratory was a major problem with the system.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal distribution and determinants of measles incidence during a large outbreak, Italy, September 2016 to July 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (17) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xanthi D Andrianou ◽  
Martina Del Manso ◽  
Antonino Bella ◽  
Maria Fenicia Vescio ◽  
Melissa Baggieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Spatiotemporal Distribution ◽  
National Surveillance ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Large Outbreak ◽  
Measles Incidence ◽  
National Surveillance System

Background Measles is still endemic in Italy and outbreaks are frequent. From 2016 to 2018, more than 7,000 measles cases were reported to the national integrated measles and rubella surveillance system, the largest outbreak since implementation of this system. Aim We aimed to describe the characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of measles cases in Italy and explore determinants of incidence at municipality level. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study, mapping by municipality all measles cases reported to the national surveillance system with symptom onset between 1 September 2016 and 31 July 2018. We also analysed measles–mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage (VC) data (2000–2017) for the first and second dose, collected from the Ministry of Health. We used regression analysis to explore factors associated with measles incidence at municipality level. Results We analysed 7,854 cases, 3,927 (50%) female. Median age was 26 years; 475 cases (6%) were younger than 1 year. The outbreak occurred in two epidemic waves. The first started in central/northern regions (end of 2016), the second (mostly within 2018) was concentrated in southern regions. In 2016 and 2017, national VC was below 95% for both MMR doses. In 2017, only one region reported VC above 95% for the first dose. At municipality level, incidence was associated with higher urbanisation, less deprivation and fewer adults. Conclusion The spread of measles between September 2016 and July 2018 in Italy indicates the need to improve VC and to explore further how societal and other parameters might be linked to incidence.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system, Kebbi State, Nigeria, 2013-2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hashim Abdulmumin Bala ◽  
Yahaya Mohammed ◽  
Nyampa Barau ◽  
Lukman Surajudeen ◽  
Polycarp Uche Ori
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Acute Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Performance Standards ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Flaccid Paralysis ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Wild Poliovirus ◽  
Afp Surveillance

Abstract Background: Since 1988, the incidence of polio has reduced by more than 99 percent, worldwide, according to the WHO. Each year, more than 350,000 children were paralyzed, in more than 125 endemic countries. Today, only two countries are still having transmission of polio: Pakistan and Afghanistan. No wild poliovirus has been reported anywhere in Africa since 2016. A good and effective Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system is necessary to detect any suspected case of polio to interrupt the transmission of polio within any country. We evaluated the AFP surveillance system to identify gaps in its operations.Methods: We used the updated CDC guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems and the WHO performance standards to assess the system. We also interviewed stakeholders using an adapted questionnaire, and a key informant interview. We also reviewed AFP surveillance data from 2013-2018. We summarized data using means, frequencies, and proportion. Results: A total of 49 respondents were interviewed. Of these, 47 (98%) reported case definitions as being easy to use, and case investigation forms as being easy to fill, 46 (97%) reported data tools could easily accommodate changes, and all the surveillance officers understand the case definition of AFP. All respondents were willing to continue with the system. The non-polio AFP rate (24.6-55.2), stool adequacy (95-99.7%), timeliness, and completeness of reporting were found to be consistently above the WHO minimum standard.Conclusion: The AFP surveillance system in Kebbi State was found to be useful, simple, flexible, acceptable, sensitive, representative, timely, and stable, though donor-driven. The absence of data on 60-day follow up and feedback from the laboratory was a major problem with the system.

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