scholarly journals Denominators count: supplementing surveillance data for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection with testing data, Norway, 2007 to 2013

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (36) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilde Kløvstad ◽  
Preben Aavitsland
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Chlamydia Infection ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Aggregated Data ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection ◽  
Testing Data ◽  
Testing Coverage

As genital Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) infection is often asymptomatic, surveillance of diagnosed cases is heavily influenced by the rate and distribution of testing. In 2007, we started supplementing case-based surveillance data from the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases (MSIS) with aggregated data on age group and sex of individuals tested. In this report, annual testing rates, diagnosis rates and proportion positive for chlamydia in Norway between 1990 and 2013 are presented. From 2007, rates are also stratified by age group and sex. The annual testing rate for chlamydia culminated in the early 1990s, with 8,035 tested per 100,000 population in 1991. It then declined to 5,312 per 100,000 in 2000 after which it remained relatively stable. Between 1990 and 2013 the annual rate of diagnosed cases increased 1.5 times from ca 300 to ca 450 per 100,000 population. The proportion of positive among the tested rose twofold from ca 4% in the 1990s to 8% in 2013. Data from 2007 to 2013 indicate that more women than men were tested (ratio: 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.56–2.58) and diagnosed (1.54; 95% CI: 1.52–1.56). Among tested individuals above 14 years-old, the proportion positive was higher in men than women for all age groups. Too many tests are performed in women aged 30 years and older, where 49 of 50 tests are negative. Testing coverage is low (15%) among 15 to 24 year-old males. Information on sex and age-distribution among the tested helps to interpret surveillance data and provides indications on how to improve targeting of testing for chlamydia. Regular prevalence surveys may address remaining limitations of surveillance.

scholarly journals Estimating effective infection fatality rates during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Staerk ◽  
Tobias Wistuba ◽  
Andreas Mayr
Keyword(s):  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Temporary Increase ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Fatality Rate ◽  
Substantial Fraction ◽  
Second Wave

Abstract Background The infection fatality rate (IFR) of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the most discussed figures in the context of this pandemic. In contrast to the case fatality rate (CFR), the IFR depends on the total number of infected individuals – not just on the number of confirmed cases. In order to estimate the IFR, several seroprevalence studies have been or are currently conducted. Methods Using German COVID-19 surveillance data and age-group specific IFR estimates from multiple international studies, this work investigates time-dependent variations in effective IFR over the course of the pandemic. Three different methods for estimating (effective) IFRs are presented: (a) population-averaged IFRs based on the assumption that the infection risk is independent of age and time, (b) effective IFRs based on the assumption that the age distribution of confirmed cases approximately reflects the age distribution of infected individuals, and (c) effective IFRs accounting for age- and time-dependent dark figures of infections. Results Effective IFRs in Germany are estimated to vary over time, as the age distributions of confirmed cases and estimated infections are changing during the course of the pandemic. In particular during the first and second waves of infections in spring and autumn/winter 2020, there has been a pronounced shift in the age distribution of confirmed cases towards older age groups, resulting in larger effective IFR estimates. The temporary increase in effective IFR during the first wave is estimated to be smaller but still remains when adjusting for age- and time-dependent dark figures. A comparison of effective IFRs with observed CFRs indicates that a substantial fraction of the time-dependent variability in observed mortality can be explained by changes in the age distribution of infections. Furthermore, a vanishing gap between effective IFRs and observed CFRs is apparent after the first infection wave, while an increasing gap can be observed during the second wave. Conclusions The development of estimated effective IFR and observed CFR reflects the changing age distribution of infections over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Further research is warranted to obtain timely age-stratified IFR estimates, particularly in light of new variants of the virus.

scholarly journals Use of the moving epidemic method (MEM) to assess national surveillance data for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the Netherlands, 2005 to 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M Vos ◽  
Anne C Teirlinck ◽  
José E Lozano ◽  
Tomás Vega ◽  
Gé A Donker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Cumulative Number ◽  
Laboratory Surveillance ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Background To control respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes acute respiratory infections, data and methods to assess its epidemiology are important. Aim We sought to describe RSV seasonality, affected age groups and RSV-type distribution over 12 consecutive seasons in the Netherlands, as well as to validate the moving epidemic method (MEM) for monitoring RSV epidemics. Methods We used 2005−17 laboratory surveillance data and sentinel data. For RSV seasonality evaluation, epidemic thresholds (i) at 1.2% of the cumulative number of RSV-positive patients per season and (ii) at 20 detections per week (for laboratory data) were employed. We also assessed MEM thresholds. Results In laboratory data RSV was reported 25,491 times (no denominator). In sentinel data 5.6% (767/13,577) of specimens tested RSV positive. Over 12 seasons, sentinel data showed percentage increases of RSV positive samples. The average epidemic length was 18.0 weeks (95% confidence intervals (CI):  16.3–19.7) and 16.5 weeks (95% CI: 14.0–18.0) for laboratory and sentinel data, respectively. Epidemics started on average in week 46 (95% CI: 45–48) and 47 (95% CI:  46–49), respectively. The peak was on average in the first week of January in both datasets. MEM showed similar results to the other methods. RSV incidence was highest in youngest (0–1 and >1–2 years) and oldest (>65–75 and > 75 years) age groups, with age distribution remaining stable over time. RSV-type dominance alternated every one or two seasons. Conclusions Our findings provide baseline information for immunisation advisory groups. The possibility of employing MEM to monitor RSV epidemics allows prospective, nearly real-time use of surveillance data.

The Gynecologic Health Consequences of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Military Servicewomen

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (06) ◽  
pp. 340-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Nadeau ◽  
Dennis Fujii ◽  
Jessica Lentscher ◽  
Amanda Haney ◽  
Richard Burney
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Chlamydia Infection ◽  
Tubal Infertility ◽  
Military Health ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
The Military

Abstract Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the United States. Within the U.S. military, the age- and race-adjusted chlamydia infection rates among female service members are consistently higher than civilian rates, with a 20% annual acquisition rate among young active-duty women. The sequelae of chlamydia disproportionately impact women in terms of severity and cost. Untreated chlamydia progresses to pelvic inflammatory disease in 40% of cases, and is a leading cause of fallopian tube damage and pelvic adhesive disease resulting in ectopic pregnancy, tubal infertility, and acute and chronic pelvic pain. Tubal infertility is among the leading indications for in vitro fertilization (IVF) nationally and rates among couples undergoing IVF at military treatment centers are double the national average. Collectively, chlamydia infection represents a significant resource burden to the military health care system and, in view of the serious gynecologic health sequelae, a significant threat to the readiness of servicewomen. In this review, we discuss the gynecologic impact of chlamydia infection within the military, the critical gaps for research funding, and opportunities for intervention.

Epidemiological shift in the prevalence of pertussis in Taiwan: implications for pertussis vaccination

2007 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 533-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Chi Lin ◽  
Shu-Man Yao ◽  
Jer-Jea Yan ◽  
Ying-Yan Chen ◽  
Chuen-Sheue Chiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Pertussis Vaccine ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Acellular Pertussis Vaccine ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Waning Immunity ◽  
Low Incidence

In Taiwan, routine pertussis immunization has been implemented for more than 40 years and a low incidence of pertussis was maintained until an 80-fold increase in cases occurred in 1992. The unexpected increase emphasized the significance of pertussis. This study evaluated a total of 2452 reported cases of pertussis during 1993–2004 and surveillance data on incidence, age distribution and seasonality. The highest morbidity was in infants aged <1 year, and upward trends in the incidence of pertussis were significant for infants aged <1 year and adolescents aged 10–14 years. The highest mean number of cases was observed in August and upward trends were in colder months. This study indicates that the epidemiology of pertussis may have been changed by waning immunity in Taiwan. Increased surveillance activities, especially in older age groups, and additional booster doses of acellular pertussis vaccine for children aged 6–8 years and adolescents/young adults aged 15–20 years are necessary to control and prevent pertussis.

scholarly journals Prevalence estimates of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Belgium: results from two cross-sectional studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Fischer ◽  
Ilse Peeters ◽  
Sofieke Klamer ◽  
Marion Montourcy ◽  
Vicky Cuylaerts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Chlamydia Infection ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Heterogeneous Distribution ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Belgian Population

Abstract Background Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) is the most diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in Belgium. Screening programs focus on young women, due to the implications of chronic asymptomatic infections for reproductive health. Thereby, the frequency of infections in men and older adults is underestimated. This study aimed to estimate the point-prevalence of chlamydia in the broader Belgian population, to inform evidence-based prevention and control strategies. Methods We conducted two cross-sectional prevalence studies of chlamydia infection in the population of Belgium aged 16–59 years, 2018–2020. In the CT1 study 12,000 representative individuals were randomly selected from the national register and invited by letter to collect a urine sample at home. The CT2 study used urine samples collected through the Belgian Health Examination Survey. Molecular detection of chlamydia DNA was performed using Xpert® or Abbott Real-Time CT/NG assays. Weighted estimated prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated per gender and age groups of 16/18–29, 30–44 and 45–59 years, relative to the general Belgian population. Data collected on sociodemographic variables and sexual behavior were used to identify potential risk factors for chlamydia infection through calculation of the odds ratio (OR). Results The population-wide weighted estimated prevalence was 1.54% (95% CI 0.78–3) in CT1 and 1.76% (95% CI 0.63–4) in CT2. We observed no statistically significant difference between men and women or age groups. Civil relationship status (OR = 14.1 (95% CI 1.78–112), p < 0.01), sexual intercourse with a casual partner (OR = 6.31 (95% CI 1.66–24.1), p < 0.01) and > 3 sexual partners in the last 12 months (OR = 4.53 (95% CI 1.10–18.6), p = 0.02) were associated with higher relative risk for chlamydia infection. Conclusion Nationwide prevalence studies are relevant to assess the distribution of chlamydia and inform public health actions. The overall low prevalence and heterogeneous distribution of chlamydia in the general Belgian population needs to be considered for future strategies and potential harm of testing and treating asymptomatic individuals need to be taken into account. Effective case management should include appropriate treatment of symptomatic patients and partner notification, and prevention strategies should encourage behaviors such as condom use.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Among Gynecological Outpatients Attendees at Central Basra Hospitals Using One-Step Chlamydia Test

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Ali Falih Al-Assadi
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Prevalence Rate ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Chlamydia Infection ◽  
P Value ◽  
High Parity ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection ◽  
One Step ◽  
Child Hospital

Objective: The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence rate of chlamydia infection among gynecological outpatients attendees at central Basra hospitals and assessing the predisposing factors and clinical features. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted at central Basra hospitals during the period from 15 February 2018 to 10 May 2019. The distribution of cases according to the hospitals was 290 patients from Basra maternity and child hospital, 85 patients from Basra general hospital, 75 patients from AL Mawani hospital and 50 patients from AL Fayhaa hospital, this variation in the number depend on outpatient clinics attendees. participants were assessed according to a predesigned questionnaire and screening test for Chlamydia Trachomatis was done for all patients under study by using one-step chlamydia test (Chlamydia Rapid Test Device). Results: Among 500 patients 60% of them were from the age group 20-40 year, 62% were P2-4 and 89% from multipara and grand multipara, 60% were illiterate and 38% were having primary and secondary school, 61% from low socioeconomic class, nonusers of contraception were 23.7% and about 90% of patients were living at the central areas of Basra. Several factors have a statistically significant effect on the Chlamydia Trachomatis infection like being infertile p-value 0.000 or having high parity p-value 0.013 or non-barrier contraceptives users p-value 0.035. While other factors have no statistically significant effect like age p-value 0.506, socioeconomic state p-value 0.779, and level of education p-value 0.986. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of Chlamydia infection is low among the population in the central areas of Basra city compare to other countries. Being infertile or of high parity are among the significant risk factors. Barrier contraceptives significantly reduced the risk of infection and can be used to protect against the transmission of infection.

scholarly journals Epidemiology study of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in India, the first and second wave

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dwaipayan Chaudhuri ◽  
Joyeeta Datta ◽  
Satyabrata Majumder ◽  
Kalyan Giri
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Epidemic Model ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Salient Feature ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sir Epidemic Model ◽  
Sir Epidemic ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Second Wave

Background and objectives: SARS-CoV-2 has wrecked the world for the past 17 months. India has been hit by the second wave of the virus which has been characterized by new symptoms. This study focuses on the pattern of infection over the last 13 months utilizing epidemic model to predict course of the pandemic. Material and methods: The data was collected from covid19india.org to perform analysis based on age and gender distribution. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the relation between confirmed and recovered cases while SIR epidemic model was used to determine the course of the pandemic in the country and the changes that have occurred from the first to the second wave. Results and discussions: Results show infectivity rate to be higher in ages 20-50 while mortality is higher in 50-80 age group while 60-70% of the infected population are males. Each of the 9 states have their own salient feature curves of infection. It was seen that the confirmed and recovered cases are more correlated at present than previous wave. The curves for both waves show a polynomial distribution while the reproduction number data shows an almost U-shaped curve indicating decrease of infection spread in the middle phase when the first wave was on a decline before picking up again owing to the second wave. Interpretations and conclusion: The gender and age distribution shows that although lower age group is more infected, mortality is high for higher age groups, on the other hand males are more prone to the infection. The statistical analysis shows the nature of spread of the disease, the data of which is quantified by the SIR model based study.

scholarly journals Can age-distribution be an indicator of the goodness of COVID-19 testing?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirhoshang Hoseinpour Dehkordi ◽  
Reza Nemati ◽  
Pouya Tavousi
Keyword(s):  
Lower Bound ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Mitigation Policies

AbstractIt has been evident that the faster, more accurate, and more comprehensive testing can help policymakers assess the real impact of COVID-19 and help them with when and how strict the mitigation policies should be. Nevertheless, the exact number of infected ones could not be measured due to the lack of comprehensive testing. In this paper, first of all, we will investigate the relation of transmission of COVID-19 with age by observing timed data in multiple countries. Then, we compare the COVID-19 CFR with the age-demography data. and as a result, we have proposed a method for estimating a lower bound for the number of positive cases by using the reported data on the oldest age group and the regions’ population age-distributions. The proposed estimation method improved the expected similarity between the age-distribution of positive cases and regions’ populations. Thus, using the publicly accessible data for several developed countries, we show how the improvement of testing over the course of several months has made it clear for the community that different age groups are equally prone to becoming COVID positive. The result shows that the age demography of COVID-19 gets similar to the age-demography of the population, together with the reduction of CFR over time. In addition, countries with less CFR have more similar COVID-19’s age-distribution, which is caused by more comprehensive testing, than ones who have higher CFR. This leads us to a better estimation for positive cases in different testing strategies. Having knowledge of this fact helps policymakers enforce more effective policies for controlling the spread of the virus.

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