scholarly journals Case-control study on risk factors for acute hepatitis E in Germany, 2012 to 2014

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirko Faber ◽  
Mona Askar ◽  
Klaus Stark

Background Notified cases of hepatitis E have increased 40-fold in the past 10 years in Germany. Food safety is a major concern as hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA has been detected in ready-to-eat retail-level food products. The objective of this case–control study was to assess risk factors for autochthonous symptomatic hepatitis E and explore reasons for delays in diagnosis. Methods: Demographic, clinical and exposure data from notified hepatitis E cases and individually matched population controls were collected in semi-standardised telephone interviews. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to calculate matched odds ratios (mOR) and population attributable fractions (PAF). Results: In total, 270 cases and 1,159 controls were included (mean age 53 years, 61% men in both groups). Associated with disease were: consumption of undercooked pork liver, pork, wild boar meat, frankfurters, liver sausage and raw vegetables; contact with waste water (occupational) and various host factors (mORs between 1.9 and 34.1, p value < 0.03). PAF for frankfurters and liver sausage were 17.6%, and 23.6%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the clinical presentation and hospitalisation proportion of acute hepatitis E in men and women. Diagnosis was preceded by more invasive procedures in 29.2% of patients, suggesting that hepatitis E was not immediately considered as a common differential diagnosis. Conclusions: Our study suggests that there are indeed sex-specific differences in disease development and lends important epidemiological evidence to specific ready-to-eat pork products as a major source for autochthonous hepatitis E. A review of existing consumer recommendations and production methods may be indicated.

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 373-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Dolores Tulen ◽  
Harry Vennema ◽  
Wilfrid van Pelt ◽  
Eelco Franz ◽  
Agnetha Hofhuis

1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. R. NEAL ◽  
R. C. B. SLACK

The epidemiology of notified cases of campylobacter gastroenteritis in adults in Nottingham Health District was investigated using a case-control study with a postal questionnaire to ascertain data on risk factors. Over a 14-month period 531 cases (a 73% response rate of all laboratory confirmed cases) and 512 controls replied.Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent associations with infection. These included foreign travel (odds ratio (OR) 3·4; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2·0–5·7), diabetes mellitus (OR 4·1, CI 1·1–17), medication with omeprazole (OR 3·5, CI 1·1–12) and H2 and H2 antagonists (OR 3·7, CI 1·3–15), contact with puppies (OR11·3, CI1·2–105), eating chicken (OR 1·4, CI 1·1–1·8) and drinking milk from bottles with tops damaged by a bird (OR 3·3, CI 1·0–11). Preparing main meals (OR 0·9, CI 0·8–1·0) and drinking delivered milk (OR 0·6, CI 0·4–0·9) were associated with a reduced risk of campylobacter infection.Foreign travel was reported in 25% of cases and another 15% had significant associations with other risk factors. The majority of cases, 60%, remained unexplained, indicating the need for further evolution of sporadic cases.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulkareem Ali Hussein Nassar ◽  
Amr Abdulaziz Torbosh ◽  
Yassin Abdulmalik Mahyoub ◽  
Mohammed Abdullah Al Amad

Abstract Background: Dengue Fever (DF) is a significant health problem in Yemen especially in the coastal areas. On November 6, 2018, Taiz governorates surveillance officer notified the Ministry of Public Health and Population on an increase in the number of suspected DF in Al Qahirah and Al Mudhaffar districts, Taiz governorate. On November 7, 2018, Field Epidemiology Training Program sent a team to perform an investigation. The aims were to confirm and describe the outbreak by person, place and time in Taiz governorate, and identify its risk factors.Methodology: Descriptive and case-control study (1:2 ratio) were conducted. WHO case definition was used to identify cases in Al Qahirah or Al Mudhaffar districts during August-November 2018. Control was selected from the same districts who did not suffer from DF. Predesigned questionnaire was used to collect data related to sociodemographic, behavioral and environmental characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate backward stepwise analyses were used. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. A P value < 0.05 was considered as the cut point for statistically significant. Epi info version 7.2 was used.Results: A total of 50 DF cases were found. Almost 52% were males and 76% were <30 years of age. The overall attack rate was 1/10,000 of the population. Case fatality rate was 4%. In multivariate analysis, not working (aOR = 26.6, 95% CI: 6.8–104.7), not using mosquito repellent (aOR = 13.9, 95% CI:1.4–136.8), wearing short sleeves/pants (aOR = 27.3, 95% CI: 4.8–156.8), poor sanitation (aOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 1.4–20.3), presence of outdoor trees (aOR = 13.2, 95% CI: 2.8–63.0) and houses without window nets (aOR = 15.7, 95% CI: 3.9–63.4) were statistically significant risk factors associated with DF outbreak. Eleven 11 (58%) of blood samples were positive for DF IgM.Conclusions: DF outbreak in Al Qahirah and Al Mudhaffar districts, Taiz governorate was confirmed. This study provides evidence-based information regarding the identified risk factors that contributed to the occurrence of this outbreak. Raising community awareness on the importance of personal protection measures and improving the sanitation services are strongly recommended.


2009 ◽  
Vol 67 (2a) ◽  
pp. 229-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kátia Regina Penha da Silva ◽  
Regina Maria Papais Alvarenga ◽  
Oscar Fernandez y Fernandez ◽  
Hélcio Alvarenga ◽  
Luiz Claudio Santos Thuler

PURPOSE: To evaluate potential risk factors for the development of multiple sclerosis in Brazilian patients. METHOD: A case control study was carried out in 81 patients enrolled at the Department of Neurology of the Hospital da Lagoa in Rio de Janeiro, and 81 paired controls. A standardized questionnaire on demographic, social and cultural variables, and medical and family history was used. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and conditional logistic regression models with the SPSS for Windows software program. RESULTS: Having standard vaccinations (vaccinations specified by the Brazilian government) (OR=16.2; 95% CI=2.3-115.2), smoking (OR=7.6; 95% CI=2.1-28.2), being single (OR=4.7; 95% CI=1.4-15.6) and eating animal brain (OR=3.4; 95% CI=1.2-9.8) increased the risk of developing MS. CONCLUSIONS: RESULTS of this study may contribute towards better awareness of the epidemiological characteristics of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanh Thi Duc Tran ◽  
Jan Hattendorf ◽  
Hung Manh Do ◽  
Thanh Tien Hoang ◽  
Hang Thi Hai Hoang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The risk factors for scrub typhus in Vietnam remain unknown. Scrub typhus caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi often presents as an undifferentiated febrile illness and remains under appreciated due to the limited availability of diagnostic tests. This tropical rickettsial illness is increasingly recognized as an important cause of non-malaria acute undifferentiated fever in Asia. This study aimed to investigate behavioural and ecological related risk factors of scrub typhus to prevent this potentially life-threatening disease in Vietnam. Methods We conducted a clinical hospital-based active surveillance study, and a retrospective residence-enrolment date-age-matched case–control study in Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam, from August 2018 to March 2020. Clinical examinations, polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IgM tests were applied to define cases and controls. All enrolled participants filled out a questionnaire including demographic socio-economic status, personal behaviors/protective equipment, habitat connections, land use, and possible exposure to the vector. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to define the scrub typhus associated risk factors. Results We identified 44 confirmed cases and matched them with 152 controls. Among cases and controls, the largest age group was the 41–50 years old and males accounted for 61.4% and 42.8%, respectively. There were similarities in demographic characteristics between the two groups, with the exception of occupation. Several factors were significantly associated with acquisition of scrub typhus, including sitting/laying directly on household floor [adjusted OR (aOR) = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.6–15.1, P = 0.006], household with poor sanitation/conditions (aOR = 7.9, 95% CI: 1.9–32.9, P = 0.005), workplace environment with risk (aOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2–7.6, P = 0.020), always observing mice around home (aOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.4–9.9, P = 0.008), and use of personal protective equipment in the field (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1–1.1, P = 0.076). Conclusions Ecological and household hygiene-related factors were more associated with scrub typhus infection, than individual-level exposure activities in the hyper-endemic area. These findings support local education and allow people to protect themselves from scrub typhus, especially in areas with limitations in diagnostic capacity. Graphical abstract


Author(s):  
Niaz Mustafa Kamal ◽  
Nasih Othman

Congenital anomalies comprise a wide range of abnormalities in body structure or function that are present at birth and are of prenatal origin. These are defined as structural changes that have significant medical, social or cosmetic consequences for the affected individual, and typically require medical intervention. According to our Knowledge, research is scarce on these conditions in Sulaimaniyah city. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate potential risk factors for congenital anomalies. A case-control study was carried out from March to August 2017 involving 400 children (200 cases and 200 controls) aged 0-5 years. Required data were obtained on the risk factors through face to face interviews with mothers of cases and controls. The data were using descriptive statistical methods, Chi-square and Logistic Regression using STATA 11, calculating odds ratios and condensing P value less than 0.05 as statistically significant. The mean age of the children was 1.9 years and age of their mothers at the time of pregnancy was 28 years. Congenital heart anomalies were the commonest type accounting for 27.5%. Significant risk factors for congenital anomalies were family history (OR=2.24, P= 0.007), maternal obesity (OR= 2.26, P= 0.001), mothers age over 30 (OR=2.78, P= 0.002) and mothers not using folic acid during pregnancy (OR=2.12, P= 0.0007). In general, in order to control and prevent the cases of CM, it is important to provide health education and policies to reduce environmental and maternal risk factors. Further, studies with larger sample size are needed to investigate incidence and risk factors of congenital anomalies.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe La Torre ◽  
Antonella Sferrazza ◽  
Maria Rosaria Gualano ◽  
Chiara de Waure ◽  
Gennaro Clemente ◽  
...  

The aims of the present research are to investigate the possible predictors of pancreatic cancer, in particular smoking status, alcohol consumption, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus, in patients with histologically confirmed pancreatic carcinoma and to examine the synergism between risk factors. A case-control study (80 patients and 392 controls) was conducted at the Teaching Hospital “Agostino Gemelli” in Rome. A conditional logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis and results were presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We also investigated the possible interactions between risk factors and calculated the synergism index (SI). The multivariate analysis revealed that hypercholesterolemia and alcohol consumption resulted in important risk factors for pancreatic cancer even after the adjustment for all variables (OR: 5.05, 95% CI: 2.94–8.66; OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.30–3.89, resp.). Interestingly, important synergistic interactions between risk factors were found, especially between ever smoking status and alcohol consumptions (SI = 17.61) as well as alcohol consumption and diabetes (SI = 17.77). In conclusion, the study confirms that hypercholesterolemia and alcohol consumption represent significant and independent risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Moreover, there is evidence of synergistic interaction between diabetes and lifestyle factors (drinking alcohol and eating fatty foods).


BMC Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Zhang ◽  
Lin Zhang ◽  
Qiu Wang ◽  
Jingwei Zhao ◽  
Jia Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Globally, rates of ischemic stroke (IS) have been rising among young adults. This study was designed to identify risk factors associated with IS incidence in young adults unaffected by hypertension or diabetes. Methods This was a retrospective case-control study of early-onset IS patients without diabetes and hypertension. Control patients were matched with healthy individuals based upon sex, age (±2 years), and BMI (±3 kg/m2) at a 1:3 ratio. Sociodemographic, clinical, and risk factor-related data pertaining to these patients was collected. The association between these risk factors and IS incidence was then assessed using conditional logistic regression models. Results We recruited 60 IS patients and 180 controls with mean ages of 44.37 ± 4.68 and 44.31 ± 4.71 years, respectively, for this study. Relative to controls, IS patients had significantly higher total cholesterol (TG), homocysteine (HCY), white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels, and significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride cholesterol (TC), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels (all P < 0.05). After controlling for potential confounding factors, HCY and ANC were found to be significantly positively associated with IS incidence (OR 1.518, 95%CI 1.165–1.977, P = 0.002 and OR 2.418, 95%CI 1.061–5.511, P = 0.036, respectively), whereas HDL-C and FT3 levels were negatively correlated with IS incidence (OR 0.001, 95%CI 0.000–0.083, P = 0.003 and OR 0.053, 95%CI 0.008–0.326, P = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions In young non-diabetic and non-hypertensive patients, lower HDL-C and FT3 levels and higher HCY and ANC levels may be associated with an elevated risk of IS. Additional prospective studies of large patient cohorts will be essential to validate these findings.


2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angèle Gayet-Ageron ◽  
Anne Iten ◽  
Christian van Delden ◽  
Natacha Farquet ◽  
Stavroula Masouridi-Levrat ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEImmunocompromised patients now benefit from a longer life expectancy due to advanced medical techniques, but they are also weakened by aggressive treatment approaches and are at high risk for invasive fungal disease. We determined risk factors associated with an outbreak of invasive filamentous fungal infection (IFFI) among hospitalized hemato-oncological patients.METHODSA retrospective, matched, case-control study was conducted between January 1, 2009, and April 31, 2011, including 29 cases (6 proven, 8 probable, and 15 possible) of IFFI and 102 matched control patients hospitalized during the same time period. Control patients were identified from the hospital electronic database. Conditional logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for IFFI.RESULTSOverall mortality associated with IFFI was 20.7% (8.0%–39.7%). Myelodysplastic syndrome was associated with a higher risk for IFFI compared to chronic hematological malignancies. After adjustment for major risk factors and confounders, >5 patient transfers outside the protected environment of the hematology ward increased the IFFI risk by 6.1-fold. The risk increased by 6.7-fold when transfers were performed during neutropenia.CONCLUSIONThis IFFI outbreak was characterized by a strong association with exposure to the unprotected environment outside the hematology ward during patient transfer. The independent associations of a high number of transfers with the presence of neutropenia suggest that affected patients were probably not sufficiently protected during transport in the corridors. Our study highlights that a heightened awareness of the need for preventive measures during the entire care process of at-risk patients should be promoted among healthcare workers.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–9


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