scholarly journals Etiology, Clinical Presentation and Incidence of Infectious Meningitis and Encephalitis in Polish Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2324
Author(s):  
Kacper Toczylowski ◽  
Ewa Bojkiewicz ◽  
Marta Barszcz ◽  
Marta Wozinska-Klepadlo ◽  
Paulina Potocka ◽  
...  

Little is known about the causes and the frequency of meningitis and encephalitis in Poland. We did a retrospective single-center cohort study of children under 18 years old hospitalized with infectious meningitis or encephalitis. Incidence rates were calculated using collected data from patients from the North-East Poland only. A total of 374 children hospitalized between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 were included in the study. A total of 332 (89%) children had meningitis, and 42 (11%) had encephalitis. The etiology of the infection was established in 331 (89%) cases. Enteroviruses accounted for 224 (60%) of all patients. A total of 68 (18%) cases were tick-borne infections. Bacterial pathogens were detected in 26 (7%) children. The median length of hospital stay for children with enteroviral meningitis was 7 days (IQR 7–9), increasing to 11 days (8–13) in those treated with antibiotics. The incidence of meningitis was estimated to be 32.22 (95% CI, 25.33–40.98) per 100,000 and that of encephalitis to be 4.08 (95% CI, 2.07–8.02) per 100,000. By the broad use of molecular diagnostic methods, we managed to identify etiology of the infection in the majority of children. Our data suggest that thorough diagnostics of central nervous system infections are needed to rationalize treatment.

Italy is considered a low-incidence country for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Europe.1 Areas at higher risk for TBE in Italy are geographically clustered in the forested and mountainous regions and provinces in the north east part of the country, as suggested by TBE case series published over the last decade.2-5 A national enhanced surveillance system for TBE has been established since 2017.6 Before this, information on the occurrence of TBE cases at the national level in Italy was lacking. Both incidence rates and the geographical distribution of the disease were mostly inferred from endemic areas where surveillance was already in place, ad hoc studies and international literature.1


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e000409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Wood ◽  
Bob Brown ◽  
Annette Bartley ◽  
Andreia Margarida Batista Custódio Cavaco ◽  
Anthony Paul Roberts ◽  
...  

In the UK, over 700 000 patients are affected by pressure ulcers each year, and 180 000 of those are newly acquired each year. The occurrence of pressure ulcers costs the National Health Service (NHS) more than 3.8 million every day. In 2004, pressure ulcers were estimated to cost the NHS £1.4–£2.4 billion per year, which was 4% of the total NHS expenditure.The impact on patients can be considerable, due to increased pain, length of hospital stay and decreased quality of life. However, it is acknowledged that a significant number of these are avoidable.In early 2015, it was identified that for the North East and North Cumbria region the incidence of pressure ulcers was higher than the national average. Because of this, a 2-year Pressure Ulcer Collaborative was implemented, involving secondary care, community services, care homes and the ambulance service, with the aim of reducing the percentage of pressure ulcers developed by patients within their care.The Breakthrough Series Collaborative Model from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement provided the framework for this Collaborative.In year 1, pressure ulcers were reduced by 36%, and in year 2 by 33%, demonstrating an estimated cost saving during the lifespan of the Collaborative of £513 000, and a reduction in the number of bed days between 220 and 352.


1970 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. L. Davidson

SUMMARYThis report, based largely on 1258 laboratory proven cases of infectious mononucleosis (IM) detected in the North-Eastern Regional Board area of Scotland during the years 1960–9 inclusive, describes and discusses some of the epidemio-logical and diagnostic aspects of the disease.During the period of study, the annual rate of incidence increased fourfold from 11·1 to 44·3 cases per 100,000 population. Evidence is presented to indicate that this does not represent a true increase in prevalence but reflects improvements in disease detection. The annual incidence rates as reported by the C.D.S. for 1967–9 inclusive are regarded as a considerable underestimation of the ‘true’ incidence of the disease. Over a 3-year period an annual incidence equivalent to 100 per 100,000 population was found in each of two selected group practices. This value was constant and is thought to approximate the ‘ true’ incidence of symptomatic, seropositive IM in the general community.Of the 1258 seropositive cases, 48·7 % were males and 51·3 % females. The peak age incidence was 15–19 years for both sexes. Twenty-one per cent of the cases were in children under 15 years and only 8·1 % in adults older than 25 years. No significant variation was found in the seasonal or urban/rural incidence. Marked differences were found in the leucocyte patterns of seropositive and ‘seronegative’ cases.


Author(s):  
Chien-Yu Lin ◽  
Harriet Bickley ◽  
Caroline Clements ◽  
Roger T. Webb ◽  
David Gunnell ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims To investigate the spatial distribution of self-harm incidence rates, their socioeconomic correlates and sex/age differences using data on self-harm presentations to emergency departments from The Manchester Self-Harm Project (2003–2013). Methods Smoothed standardised incidence ratios for index self-harm episodes (n = 14 771) and their associations with area-level socioeconomic factors across 258 small areas (median population size = 1470) in the City of Manchester municipality were estimated using Bayesian hierarchical models. Results Higher numbers and rates of self-harm were found in the north, east and far southern zones of the city, in contrast to below average rates in the city centre and the inner city zone to the south of the centre. Males and females aged 10–24, 25–44 and 45–64 years showed similar geographical patterning of self-harm. In contrast, there was no clear pattern in the group aged 65 years and older. Fully adjusted analyses showed a positive association of self-harm rates with the percentage of the unemployed population, households privately renting, population with limiting long-term illness and lone-parent households, and a negative association with the percentage of ethnicity other than White British and travel distance to the nearest hospital emergency department. The area-level characteristics investigated explained a large proportion (four-fifths) of the variability in area self-harm rates. Most associations were restricted to those aged under 65 years and some associations (e.g. with unemployment) were present only in the youngest age group. Conclusions The findings have implications for allocating prevention and intervention resources targeted at high-risk groups in high incidence areas. Targets for area-based interventions might include tackling the causes and consequences of joblessness, better treatment of long-term illness and consideration of the accessibility of health services.


ZooKeys ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1039 ◽  
pp. 139-176
Author(s):  
Maël Grosse ◽  
María Capa ◽  
Torkild Bakken

Using molecular markers and species delimitation analyses, a high diversity of bi-tentaculate Cirratulidae was discovered from the North-East Atlantic. Five new species are described: Chaetozone pseudosetosasp. nov., Chaetozone quintasp. nov., Chaetozone barentsensissp. nov., Chaetozone monteverdiisp. nov., and Chaetozone chambersaesp. nov. Several morphogroups are also described, even though the presence of cryptic diversity prevented naming of individual species. For each species presented, a molecular diagnostic is given from the universal barcode COI and, when available, the D1–D2 domains of the 28S rRNA. This increases the number of species in Chaetozone in northern European waters from ten to at least 17 species, the exact number of species remaining uncertain as taxonomic issues with older names remain unresolved.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (40) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Rezza ◽  
Francesca Farchi ◽  
Patrizio Pezzotti ◽  
Maurizio Ruscio ◽  
Alessandra Lo Presti ◽  
...  

Italy is considered at low incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and the occurrence of human cases of TBE appears to be geographically restricted to the north east of the country. However, most information to date derives from case series, with no systematic data collection. To estimate incidence rates (IR) and spatial distribution of TBE cases, we conducted a retrospective study in north-eastern Italy. Data were collected through the infectious disease units and public health districts of three regions (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto) between 2000 and 2013. Overall, 367 cases were identified (IR: 0.38/100,000). The cases’ median age was 56 years and 257 (70%) were male. Central nervous system involvement was reported in 307 cases (84%). Annual fluctuations in case numbers occurred, with peaks in 2006 and in 2013, when 44 and 42 cases were respectively observed. A strong seasonality effect was noted, with the highest number of cases in July. In terms of geographical location, three main endemic foci with high TBE IR (> 10/100,000) were identified in three provinces, namely Belluno (Veneto region), Udine (Friuli Venezia Giulia) and Trento (Trentino Alto-Adige). When investigating the whole study area in terms of altitude, the IR between 400 and 600 m was greater (2.41/100,000) than at other altitudes (p< 0.01). In conclusion, the incidence of TBE in Italy is relatively low, even considering only the three known affected regions. However, three endemic foci at high risk were identified. In these areas, where the risk of TBEV infection is likely high, more active offer of TBE vaccination could be considered.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 900-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Neiverth ◽  
Lucas Rodrigues Prim ◽  
Cláudio Luciano Franck ◽  
Renato Nisihara

Abstract Sepsis is currently the leading cause of death in burned patients. There are few studies on sepsis in burned patients at intensive care unit (ICU). To determine demographic profile, clinical presentation, evolution, procedures, and treatments used for burned patients affected by sepsis. Retrospective study in medical records of severe burned adult patients who developed sepsis between November 2015 and May 2018 in a university hospital in Curitiba, Brazil. Patients’ details about hospitalization and sepsis were collected. Were included 44 patients, 75% men, and mean age of 42.1±16.88 years. The median TBSA was 50% that was significantly associated with mortality (P = .013). Outcome of death was observed in 50% of the patients. The median duration of hospitalization was 35 days, and in the ICU was 21.5 days. Orotracheal intubation and tracheostomy were the most prevalent aggravating procedures conducted during the hospitalization (77.2% and 56.8%, respectively). The median time to the first sepsis episode was 7 days, and the average total time in sepsis was 13.2 days. The median length of hospital stay among patients with septic shock who died was significantly lower than that of patients who did not die (P = .031). Blood culture was positive in 79.5% of cases, with the majority being typical ICU bacteria. Sepsis occurs more frequently in patients with higher TBSA and long hospitalization time accompanied by aggravating procedures and complications. Infections were caused by typical ICU bacteria, resulting in 50% patient mortality primarily due to septic shock.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1863
Author(s):  
Blaine A. Mathison ◽  
Bobbi S. Pritt

Cyclospora cayetanensis is an intestinal coccidian parasite transmitted to humans through the consumption of oocysts in fecally contaminated food and water. Infection is found worldwide and is highly endemic in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation. Disease in developed countries is usually observed in travelers and in seasonal outbreaks associated with imported produce from endemic areas. Recently, summertime outbreaks in the United States have also been linked to locally grown produce. Cyclosporiasis causes a diarrheal illness which may be severe in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The increased adoption of highly sensitive molecular diagnostic tests, including commercially available multiplex panels for gastrointestinal pathogens, has facilitated the detection of infection and likely contributed to the increased reports of cases in developed countries. This manuscript reviews important aspects of the biology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations of C. cayetanensis and provides an in-depth discussion of current laboratory diagnostic methods.


Author(s):  
Valentina Tagliapietra ◽  
Flavia Riccardo ◽  
Martina Del Manso ◽  
Giovanni Rezza

Italy is considered a low-incidence country for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Europe.1 Areas at higher risk for TBE in Italy are geographically clustered in the forested and mountainous regions and provinces in the north east part of the country, as suggested by TBE case series published over the last decade.2-5 A national enhanced surveillance system for TBE has been established since 2017.6 Before this, information on the occurrence of TBE cases at the national level in Italy was lacking. Both incidence rates and the geographical distribution of the disease were mostly inferred from endemic areas where surveillance was already in place, ad hoc studies and international literature.


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