Human Bartonellosis: An Underappreciated Public Health Problem?

Bartonella spp. bacteria can be found around the globe and are the causative agents of multiple human diseases. The most well-known infection is called cat-scratch disease, which causes mild lymphadenopathy and fever. As our knowledge of these bacteria grows, new presentations of the disease have been recognized, with serious manifestations. Not only has more severe disease been associated with these bacteria but also Bartonella species have been discovered in a wide range of mammals, and the pathogens’ DNA can be found in multiple vectors. This review will focus on some common mammalian reservoirs as well as the suspected vectors in relation to the disease transmission and prevalence. Understanding the complex interactions between these bacteria, their vectors, and their reservoirs, as well as the breadth of infection by Bartonella around the world will help to assess the impact of Bartonellosis on public health.

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Evolution of disease transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic: patterns and determinants

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-90347-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jie Zhu ◽

Blanca Gallego

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Clustering Algorithm ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Transmission Model ◽

Model Parameters ◽

Public Health Interventions ◽

Forecasting Accuracy ◽

Time Lagged ◽

The Impact

AbstractEpidemic models are being used by governments to inform public health strategies to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. They simulate potential scenarios by manipulating model parameters that control processes of disease transmission and recovery. However, the validity of these parameters is challenged by the uncertainty of the impact of public health interventions on disease transmission, and the forecasting accuracy of these models is rarely investigated during an outbreak. We fitted a stochastic transmission model on reported cases, recoveries and deaths associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection across 101 countries. The dynamics of disease transmission was represented in terms of the daily effective reproduction number ($$R_t$$ R t ). The relationship between public health interventions and $$R_t$$ R t was explored, firstly using a hierarchical clustering algorithm on initial $$R_t$$ R t patterns, and secondly computing the time-lagged cross correlation among the daily number of policies implemented, $$R_t$$ R t , and daily incidence counts in subsequent months. The impact of updating $$R_t$$ R t every time a prediction is made on the forecasting accuracy of the model was investigated. We identified 5 groups of countries with distinct transmission patterns during the first 6 months of the pandemic. Early adoption of social distancing measures and a shorter gap between interventions were associated with a reduction on the duration of outbreaks. The lagged correlation analysis revealed that increased policy volume was associated with lower future $$R_t$$ R t (75 days lag), while a lower $$R_t$$ R t was associated with lower future policy volume (102 days lag). Lastly, the outbreak prediction accuracy of the model using dynamically updated $$R_t$$ R t produced an average AUROC of 0.72 (0.708, 0.723) compared to 0.56 (0.555, 0.568) when $$R_t$$ R t was kept constant. Monitoring the evolution of $$R_t$$ R t during an epidemic is an important complementary piece of information to reported daily counts, recoveries and deaths, since it provides an early signal of the efficacy of containment measures. Using updated $$R_t$$ R t values produces significantly better predictions of future outbreaks. Our results found variation in the effect of early public health interventions on the evolution of $$R_t$$ R t over time and across countries, which could not be explained solely by the timing and number of the adopted interventions.

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Natural Experiment on Trade and Investment Liberalization and Soft Drink Consumption

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.359 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

Y Tcholakov

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

International Trade ◽

Natural Experiment ◽

Soft Drink ◽

Trade Agreement ◽

P Value ◽

Soft Drink Consumption ◽

Obesity And Diabetes ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Globalization is recognized to as a contributing factor to a health harming environment through a variety of mechanisms including through changes in food systems and food availability. Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is linked to obesity and diabetes and its regulation is a key priority for public health. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is an international trade agreement between 11 countries. Methods This project uses of natural experiment methods to predict the impact of the entry into force of the CPTPP on SSB consumption. These methods allow quantitative inferences to be drawn in the situations where the exposure is not randomly assigned. Soft drink consumption data was collected from the Euromonitor database for 80 countries from all regions. This data was used to estimate the effect of agreements similar to the TPP. Results Eleven country trade agreement pairs were identified. In 5 cases out of the 11, the exposed country had a higher soft drink consumption at five years after the trade agreement. The effect of the trade agreement exposure for an average country in the sample in a trade agreement was found to be 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01-1.18; p-value: 0.03) after adjusting for GDP and the involvement of the US. In 7 of the 11 member-countries soft drink consumption is expected to increase yielding an average increase of 9.0% in those countries; the changes did not yield statistically significant differences in others. Conclusions This projected extended the use of synthetic methods to the projection of future effects of policy implementation. While it showed that there may be increasing trend of SSB consumption in certain scenarios, this could not be generalized to all cases. This illustrates the wide range of effects of international trade liberalization and highlights that national policy probably plays a strong modulating role on the impact that it has on local food environments. Key messages Globalization can lead to health harming environments and its impacts should further be studied by public health professionals and researchers. Many global policies have the potential to lead to significant health impacts but are negotiated without involving public health experts.

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Informing the public health response to COVID-19: a systematic review of risk factors for disease, severity, and mortality

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-05992-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

M. Flook ◽

C. Jackson ◽

E. Vasileiou ◽

C. R. Simpson ◽

M. D. Muckian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

At Risk ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Disease Severity ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Public Health Response ◽

Wide Range ◽

Multivariable Analyses

Abstract Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has challenged public health agencies globally. In order to effectively target government responses, it is critical to identify the individuals most at risk of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), developing severe clinical signs, and mortality. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to present the current status of scientific knowledge in these areas and describe the need for unified global approaches, moving forwards, as well as lessons learnt for future pandemics. Methods Medline, Embase and Global Health were searched to the end of April 2020, as well as the Web of Science. Search terms were specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19. Comparative studies of risk factors from any setting, population group and in any language were included. Titles, abstracts and full texts were screened by two reviewers and extracted in duplicate into a standardised form. Data were extracted on risk factors for COVID-19 disease, severe disease, or death and were narratively and descriptively synthesised. Results One thousand two hundred and thirty-eight papers were identified post-deduplication. Thirty-three met our inclusion criteria, of which 26 were from China. Six assessed the risk of contracting the disease, 20 the risk of having severe disease and ten the risk of dying. Age, gender and co-morbidities were commonly assessed as risk factors. The weight of evidence showed increasing age to be associated with severe disease and mortality, and general comorbidities with mortality. Only seven studies presented multivariable analyses and power was generally limited. A wide range of definitions were used for disease severity. Conclusions The volume of literature generated in the short time since the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 has been considerable. Many studies have sought to document the risk factors for COVID-19 disease, disease severity and mortality; age was the only risk factor based on robust studies and with a consistent body of evidence. Mechanistic studies are required to understand why age is such an important risk factor. At the start of pandemics, large, standardised, studies that use multivariable analyses are urgently needed so that the populations most at risk can be rapidly protected. Registration This review was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42020177714.

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Hair loss in children in rural population

International Journal of Research in Dermatology ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4529.intjresdermatol20184771 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 13

Author(s):

Vimala Manne ◽

D. Subhash Reddy

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

School Children ◽

Tinea Capitis ◽

Action Plan ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Trichophyton Mentagrophytes ◽

Public Health Action ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Microsporum Ferrugineum ◽

Causative Agents

Background: Among children worldwide, dermatophyte infections are most common constituting a public health problem. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and causative agents of tinea capitis in school children attending primary school located in Hyderabad and to perform an analysis of risk factors associated with tinea capitis as the etiological factor.Methods: This is a school based, cross sectional, prospective study which was conducted in July 2015. This study was conducted in a school located near Hyderabad.Results: Out of 600 school children, 298 boys and 302 girls, 100 were diagnosed with a tinea capitis infection after clinical and microbiological examination, with an estimated prevalence rate of 15.0%. The most prevalent dermatophytes isolation in tinea capitis in children were Trichophyton verucosum (90), Trichophyton tonsurans (30), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (28), Microsporum audiouium (15), Trichophyton soudanese (9), Trichophyton violaceum (5), Microsporum ferrugineum (3), Trichophyton schoenleineii (3), Microsporum gallinae (2) and culture negative and KOH positive (10).Conclusions: This study concluded that the findings suggest that the practices resulting in entrenchment of dermatophyte infections and fungal infection. The promotion of public health action plan based on self hygiene education, which aimed to counteract the epidemiological burden specifically, and it should play an pivotal role in reduction of the prevalence in future of this common infection.

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Neonatal malformations: organization of information flows in the S. Anna Hospital of Torino

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.526 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

V Bordino ◽

A Musso ◽

F Bert ◽

R Siliquini

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Congenital Malformations ◽

Maternal Age ◽

Health Planning ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Quality Of Data ◽

Live Births ◽

Regional Health Planning ◽

Set Up ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Congenital malformations (CMs) represent a serious public health problem, both in terms of size (3% newborns/year) and severity of outcomes. The surveillance activity carried out by the Registers is an important tool for monitoring the frequency of events, to evaluate etiology, support research and public health actions. The aim is to evaluate the organization and the information network related to the diagnosis of malformation in the S. Anna presidium. Methods the retrospective study analyzed all newborns with one or more CM and all cases of TOPFA (Termination of Pregnancy for Fetal Anomaly) for CMs in the period 01/2020 - 01/2021. A forward-looking pilot study was then set up to assess the impact on the quality of data collection through the introduction of a MC sheet. Results 510 cases of CMs were found in live births, 180 in TOPFA for CMs and 4 in stillbirths. The duration of hospitalizations averaged 14.5 days (σ 36.56), with a median of 4 days. In the CMs group, an average maternal age of 33.40 years (σ 9.32), a median of 33 years and a mode of 33 years were calculated, in the TOPFA group an average maternal age of 34 years (σ 6.34), a median of 34 years and a mode of 32 years. In the live births group, 701 maternal diagnoses were detected, categorized and compared with the various national reports. The MC Sheet was compiled for 60 patients, 16 (4.30%) patients before the introduction of the sheet (01/2020 - 09/2020) and 44 (30.43%) after its introduction (10/2020 - 01/2021). Regarding the assessment of the proper use of ICD9CM an adequacy of 78% was observed in the first group vs one of 100% in the second. Conclusions Our preliminary data assess the need for a Regional registry, for a comparison with the main national and regional sources available (also with a view to possible participation in the EUROCAT and ICBDSR registers) and for regional health planning. Key messages The study underlines the need for a Regional Registry of congenital malformations. The clinical file is not always a complete source for analysing data on congenital malformations.

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The prevalence of scabies in Monrovia, Liberia: a population-based survey

10.1101/2020.06.25.20139808 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shelui Collinson ◽

Joseph Timothy ◽

Samuel K Zayay ◽

Karsor K Kollie ◽

Eglantine Lebas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Health Problem ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Quality Data ◽

Local Health ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

The Impact

AbstractBackgroundScabies is known to be a public health problem in many settings but the majority of recent data is from rural settings in the Pacific. There is a need for high quality data from sub-Saharan Africa and peri-Urban settings to inform scale up of scabies control efforts. There have been anecdotal reports of scabies being a public health problem in Liberia but robust data are lacking.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional cluster-randomised prevalence survey for scabies in a peri-urban community in Monrovia, Liberia in February-March 2020. Participants underwent a standardised examination conducted by trained local health care workers. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using age-appropriate dermatology life quality indices (DLQIs). Prevalence estimates were calculated accounting for clustering at community and household levels and associations with key demographic variables assessed through multivariable random-effects logistic regression.Results1,318 participants from 477 households were surveyed. The prevalence of scabies prevalence was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.5-13.2%), across 75 (19.7%) households; impetigo or infected scabies prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4-1.9%). The majority (52%) of scabies cases were classified as severe. Scabies prevalence was lower in females and higher in the youngest age group; no associations were found with other collected demographic or socio-economic variables. DLQI scores indicated a very or extremely large effect on HRQoL in 29% of adults and 18% of children diagnosed with scabies.ConclusionsOur study indicates a substantial burden of scabies in this peri-Urban population in Liberia. This was associated with significant impact on quality of life, highlighting the need for action to control scabies in this population. Further work is needed to assess the impact of interventions in this context on both the prevalence of scabies and quality of life.Plain English summaryScabies is an infestation with a microscopic mite which affects many people living in low-resource tropical countries. It causes intense itching, which can lead to complications through bacterial infection and poor quality of life. To help develop global scabies control programmes, we need a better understanding of how common it is across different tropical settings. We conducted a survey to assess the burden of scabies and bacterial skin infection in a random sample of people living in a community in Monrovia, Liberia. Information about participants and their household were collected and their skin was examined; those with skin conditions were asked about its impact on quality of life.We examined 1,318 participants and found that almost 10% of people had scanies. Scabies was more common in young children, and was more common in male children than female children. We found that there was a large impact on quality of life due mostly to the itching that scabies causes and to people feeling embarrassed or sad because of their skin condition. This scabies survey is one of the first conducted across all age groups in recent years in sub-Saharan Africa and indicates a substantial burden and impact on quality of life. More work is needed to understand how common scabies is in different settings and the impact that different treatment strategies may have.

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Readings in Medical Care

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.23.4.752 ◽

1959 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 752-752

Author(s):

CHARLES D. MAY

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Reference Material ◽

Home Care ◽

Medical Care ◽

The Social ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Impact ◽

Future Position

This is not a book that lends itself to review, but it should be known to those engaged in teaching diverse aspects of pediatrics. As the title implies, it is a collection of readings in medical care. The material covers a wide range of topics on the social and public health aspects of medicine and the hospital, office and home care of patients. It is a useful source of reference material to acquaint the student with his future position in the community and the impact of economic circumstances on medical care.

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International Symposium on Measles Immunization: Summary and Recommendations

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.71.4.653 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 71 (4) ◽

pp. 653-654

Author(s):

SAMUEL L. KATZ

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

International Symposium ◽

Health Problem ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Population Group ◽

Great Variability ◽

International Conference ◽

Environmental Setting ◽

Group A ◽

The Impact

The passage of 20 years since the first International Conference on Measles Immunization in November 1961 has been accompanied by very significant advances in our understanding of the impact of measles among different groups, in the development and the utilization of measles vaccines, and in the control of the disease. Throughout all these considerations, there remains great variability. This is manifest in the surveillance data on morbidity and mortality, the extent of vaccine utilization, and the attitudes about measles as a serious public health problem. Because of these variations it is obvious that any recommendations must be evaluated carefully and adapted appropriately to meet the needs of a given nation, a population group, a geographic locale, or an environmental setting.

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Tendency of Internet Search Data of Oral Neoplasms and Impact of Public Health Programs in European Union

10.21203/rs.3.rs-471560/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Romain LAN ◽

Fabrice CAMPANA ◽

Delphine TARDIVO ◽

Jean-Hugues CATHERINE ◽

Jean-Noel VERGNES ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Oral Cancer ◽

Strong Association ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Internet Research ◽

Health Programs ◽

Public Health Programs ◽

Prevention Campaign ◽

The Impact ◽

Tobacco Packaging

Abstract Background: Tobacco and alcohol are the main risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma, the low survival rate of which is a public health problem. European-wide health policies (prevention campaign, tobacco packaging) have been put in place to inform the population of the risks associated with their consumption. Due to the increase in smoking among women and changes in sexual practices, the incidence of this disease is still too high. The identification of data from internet research on the population could make it possible to measure the impact and better orient these preventive measures.The objective was to analyse the data on interest shown in oral cancers from several online databases, and to cross-reference them with the data on the introduction of European public health programs.Methods: A search of data from Google ©, Wikipedia © and Twitter © users in 28 European countries relating to oral cancer between 2004 and 2019 was carried out. Bibliometric analysis of press and scientific articles over the same period was also analysed. The association between these data and the introduction of public health programs in Europe has been studied.Results: Changes in tobacco packaging correlated with a significant increase in internet research on oral cancer in 7 countries. Unlike national policies and campaigns, the European awareness program Make Sense has had no influence on internet research. There was an asymmetric correlation in internet searches between publications on oral cancer from scientific articles or "traditional" media (weak association) and those from internet media such as Twitter © or Wikipedia © (strong association).Conclusion: Our work highlights 7 areas of work around which oral cancer awareness in Europe could be refocused.

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Leprosy (Hansen’s disease)

Oxford Textbook of Medicine ◽

10.1093/med/9780199204854.003.070627_update_002 ◽

2010 ◽

pp. 836-848

Author(s):

Diana N.J. Lockwood

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Chronic Granulomatous Disease ◽

Health Problem ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Mycobacterium Leprae ◽

Granulomatous Disease ◽

Important Public Health Problem ◽

Important Public Health

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast intracellular organism not yet cultivated in vitro. It is an important public health problem worldwide, with an estimated 4 million people disabled by the disease. Transmission of M. leprae is only partially understood, but untreated lepromatous patients discharge abundant organisms from their nasal mucosa into the environment....

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