bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excess of infections due to a multi-drug sensitive Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium in France in June 2008
Authors: Grandesso F , Jourdan-da Silva N , Le Hello S , Roussel S , Rasson S , Rousseau C , Wyndels K , Robemanpianina I , Bourdeau I , Peyron C , Géhin R M , Moyano M B , Vogeleisen C
Published: March 2021

An unusually high number of cases of Salmonella Typhimurium was reported in France in June 2008. In the course of epidemiological investigations 112 cases were ascertained, of whom 75 were interviewed. Subtyping by PFGE and MLVA identified a strain named ""majority profile"". Subtyping results were available for 45 interviewed cases, 30 of whom (majority below 15 years of age) were found to be infected with the majority profile strain. Evidence suggested the occurrence of an outbreak due to a monoclonal S. Typhimurium strain with the single PFGE profile XTYM-50. Cases with identical PFGE profile were also detected in Switzerland but no link with outbreaks occurring in the same period in Denmark and in the Netherlands was found. Contamination of a product distributed nationally was suggested as the cause of the outbreak but investigations did not reveal any specific food source.
Setting up an enhanced surveillance of newly acquired hepatitis C infection in men who have sex with men: a pilot in London and South East region of England
Authors: Ruf M , Cohuet S , Maguire H , Brant L J , Ramsay M , Lattimore S , Delpech V , the SNAHC steering group Collective
Published: March 2021

We describe the implementation of an enhanced surveillance pilot for newly acquired hepatitis C (HCV) in men who have sex with men (MSM) in London and the South East region of England. Preliminary findings suggest ongoing HCV transmission among MSM infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and that enhanced surveillance for newly acquired HCV in MSM is feasible.
Situation of HIV infections and STIs in the United Kingdom in 2007
Authors: Lattimore S , Yin Z , Logan L , Rice B , Thornton A , Molinar D , Leong G , Presanis A , De Angelis D , Gill N , Delpech V
Published: March 2021

In the United Kingdom (UK) in 2007, an estimated 77,400 persons were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) of whom 28% are unaware of their infection. A total of 7,734 persons were newly diagnosed with HIV infection in 2007, of which 31% were diagnosed late. This highlights the need for wider HIV testing, especially in those areas with a high diagnosed prevalence, as recommended in recent national guidelines. Among newly diagnosed cases of HIV in 2007, 41% acquired their infection through sex between men (four in five of whom acquired their infection in the UK) and 55% through heterosexual contact (four in five of whom acquired their infection abroad, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa). Young persons aged 16 to 24 years are disproportionally affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) accounting for 65% of genital chlamydia infections, 50% of cases of genital warts and 50% of cases of gonorrhoea that were diagnosed in 2007.
Authors’ reply: Influenza vaccination coverage in the United Kingdom
Authors: Blank P R , Schwenkglenks M , Szucs T D
Published: March 2021

At a closer look, our coverage results for this age group and those reported by the HPA are quite similar for 2003-4 (70% vs. 71%, respectively) and 2005-6 (78% vs. 75%, respectively) while our coverage results for 2004-5 and 2006-7 are indeed substantially lower. Given confidence interval widths, as shown in Figure 2 of our report, chance alone does not appear to be a likely explanation for this discrepancy.
Malaria in travellers to Gambia
Authors: Bisoffi Z
Published: March 2021

Malaria incidence is reportedly declining steadily in many parts of the world, including in at least several African countries. The incidence of imported malaria is also declining in a number of European countries. However, incidence rates in travellers, both European tourists and the so called VFR (visiting friends and relatives) are difficult to estimate, due to problems with the numerator (many cases are not reported) and more importantly with the denominator, for which the information is generally lacking. An exception in the European Union is the United Kingdom (UK), where the International Passenger Survey provides a reliable denominator on the number of travellers to the different countries, duration of stay and reason for travel.
A human case of swine influenza virus infection in Europe – implications for human health and research
Authors: Van Reeth K , Nicoll A
Published: March 2021

Swine are susceptible to the same influenza A virus subtypes as humans – H1N1, H3N2 and H1N2 - and the histories of influenza in pigs and people are closely linked. Many swine influenza viruses are a result of reassortment and their genes are composed of human and avian and/or swine virus genes. Indeed, it is known that both human and avian influenza viruses occasionally transmit to pigs, and that pigs can serve as "mixing vessels" for these viruses, meaning that viruses can exchange genetic material and lead to the production of a new "hybrid" virus. This has led to the thinking that perhaps pandemic viruses could emerge following reassortment in pigs. However, since nobody has observed the start of a pandemic, there remains no direct evidence to make this more than a theory.
Surveillance for hepatitis B virus infection in pregnant women in Greece shows high rates of chronic infection among immigrants and low vaccination-induced protection rates: preliminary results of a single center study
Authors: Elefsiniotis I S , Glynou I , Zorou I , Magaziotou I , Brokalaki H , Apostolopoulou E , Vezali E , Kada H , Saroglou G
Published: March 2021

Epidemiological data on the prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnant women in Greece are limited. We evaluated the prevalence of HBV serological markers in a multinational population of pregnant women in Athens, Greece. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) was 4.1% with the highest rates among Albanian immigrants (12%). Relatively low vaccination-induced protection rates (32.5%) were observed, a finding suggesting that surveillance and immunisation programmes targeted at pregnant women are necessary.
Antenatal screening and prevalence of infection: surveillance in London, 2000-2007
Authors: Giraudon I , Forde J , Maguire H , Arnold J , Permalloo N
Published: March 2021

In the United Kingdom (UK), it is recommended to universally offer antenatal infection screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and syphilis infections, and susceptibility to rubella for the benefit of the mother and to reduce vertical transmission of infection. This paper describes the surveillance of antenatal infection including uptake of screening, and the results of testing in pregnant women in London between 2000 and 2007. Antenatal screening coordinators in liaison with midwifery heads and microbiologists at all thirty London National Health Service (NHS) Trust maternity units supplied quarterly data on the number of pregnant women booked for antenatal care, tests done, and tests results. The overall estimated uptake of screening increased since 2000 and reached 95.6% for HIV, 96.5% for syphilis, 96.2% for hepatitis B and 97% for rubella susceptibility by the second half of 2007. There is considerable variation in the performance between NHS Trusts. The overall estimated prevalence of HIV infection was 3.4/1,000 women (ranging from <1/1,000 to 10/1,000 across Trusts), of hepatitis B (HBsAg-positive) was 11.3/1,000 (2.6/1,000- 23.9/1,000), of syphilis was 4.4/1,000 (<1/1,000-16.3/1,000) and of rubella susceptibility was 39.3/1,000 (19-103/1,000). Antenatal infection screening has improved and there has been some success in implementation of national policy. However, screening uptake and prevalence of infection vary considerably across London NHS Trusts and some women are evidently disadvantaged. Improvements in information systems should help local partners to focus their interventions in those Trusts where work is still needed to increase testing as well as the capacity to monitor the uptake of screening.
The 2008 congenital cytomegalovirus conference, 5-7 November, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta
Authors: Vossen A , de Vries J , van der Zeijst B
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Epidemiological impact and disease burden of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Europe
Authors: Ludwig A , Hengel H
Published: March 2021

In Europe, congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading cause of neurological disabilities in children, causing severe sequelae such as sensorineural hearing loss, neurodevelopmental delay or blindness. The infection causes high disease burden and costs. Nevertheless, there is little awareness of CMV among medical officials and the general public. Although the individual risk of congenital CMV infection is greatest from a primary infection of the mother during pregnancy, maternal non-primary infections also account for a substantial disease burden associated with congenital CMV. Screening programmes for pregnant women and newborns are widely discussed, but have not been implemented by any public health authority in Europe so far. This article gives an overview about a variety of European and other relevant studies regarding CMV seroprevalence, congenital CMV infection and disease as well as screening strategies and preventive approaches.
Evaluation of a patient referral contact tracing programme for hepatitis B and C virus infection in drug injectors
Authors: Brewer D D , Hagan H
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Outbreak of hepatitis A among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, Spain, September 2008 – March 2009
Authors: Tortajada C , de Olalla P G , Pinto R M , Bosch A , Caylà J
Published: March 2021

Between 1 September 2008 and 9 March 2009, 150 cases of hepatitis A were reported in Barcelona, representing a threefold increase compared with the same period in the previous two years. The majority of the cases occurred in adult men, including 87 who reported having sex with men. This indicated the possibility of an outbreak ongoing in the population of men who have sex with men (MSM) and emphasised the need to target this community with more effective vaccination programmes.
Multilocus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) - a reliable tool for rapid investigation of Salmonella Typhimurium outbreaks
Authors: Heck M
Published: March 2021

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium is a frequently occurring foodborne pathogen which causes many sporadic cases worldwide and is frequently the responsible agent in outbreaks of gastroenteritis. In elucidating outbreaks involving consumption of contaminated food, source tracing in a timely manner is imperative. Furthermore, it is important for risk managers to be able to accurately attribute sporadic cases to specific animal host species and to understand transmission routes of S. Typhimurium. Epidemiological meaningful subdivision of this serotype is therefore indispensable.
Clinical and epidemiological aspects of parvovirus B19 infections in Ireland, January 1996-June 2008
Authors: Nicolay N , Cotter S
Published: March 2021

Parvovirus B19 infection may be mistakenly reported as measles or rubella if laboratory testing is not performed. As Europe is seeking to eliminate measles, an accurate diagnosis of fever/rash illnesses is needed. The main purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological pattern of parvovirus B19, a common cause of rash, in Ireland between January 1996 and June 2008, using times series analysis of laboratory diagnostic data from the National Virus Reference Laboratory. Most diagnostic tests for presumptive parvovirus B19 infection were done in children under the age of five years and in women of child-bearing age (between 20-39 years-old). As a consequence, most of the acute diagnoses of B19 infection were made in these populations. The most commonly reported reasons for testing were: clinical presentation with rash, acute arthritis, influenza-like symptoms or pregnancy. The time series analysis identified seasonal trends in parvovirus B19 infection, with annual cycles peaking in late winter/spring and a six-year cycle for parvovirus B19 outbreaks in Ireland.
Modelling of the influenza A(H1N1)v outbreak in Mexico City, April-May 2009, with control sanitary measures
Authors: Cruz-Pacheco G , Duran L , Esteva L , Minzoni A A , López-Cervantes M , Panayotaros P , Ahued Ortega A , Villaseñor Ruíz I
Published: March 2021

We use a time dependent modification of the Kermack and McKendrick model to study the evolution of the influenza A(H1N1)v epidemic reported in the Mexico City area under the control measures used during April and May 2009. The model illustrates how the sanitary measures postponed the peak of the epidemic and decreased its intensity. It provides quantitative predictions on the effect of relaxing the sanitary measures after a period of control. We show how the sanitary measures reduced the maximal prevalence of the infected population from 10% to less than 6% of the total population. We also show how the model predicts the time of maximal prevalence and explains the effect of the control measures.
Plague outbreak in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Authors: Tarantola A , Mollet T , Gueguen J , Barboza P , Bertherat E
Published: March 2021

Plague is circulating regularly in localised areas worldwide, causing sporadic cases outside Africa and remains endemic or causes limited outbreaks in some African countries. Furthermore, some notable outbreaks have been reported in Asia in the last 20 years. A limited outbreak with five cases has recently been notified by the health authorities of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.
Measures against transmission of pandemic H1N1 influenza in Japan in 2009: simulation model
Authors: Yasuda H , Suzuki K
Published: March 2021

The first outbreak of pandemic H1N1 influenza in Japan was contained in the Kansai region in May 2009 by social distancing measures. Modelling methods are needed to estimate the validity of these measures before their implementation on a large scale. We estimated the transmission coefficient from outbreaks of pandemic H1N1 influenza among school children in Japan in summer 2009; using this transmission coefficient, we simulated the spread of pandemic H1N1 influenza in a virtual community called the virtual Chuo Line which models an area to the west of metropolitan Tokyo. Measures evaluated in our simulation included: isolation at home, school closure, post-exposure prophylaxis and mass vaccinations of school children. We showed that post-exposure prophylaxis combined with isolation at home and school closure significantly decreases the total number of cases in the community and can mitigate the spread of pandemic H1N1 influenza, even when there is a delay in the availability of vaccine.
Differentiation of two distinct clusters among currently circulating influenza A(H1N1)v viruses, March-September 2009
Authors: Fereidouni S R , Beer M , Vahlenkamp T , Starick E
Published: March 2021

Analysis of all complete genome sequences of the pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v virus available as of 10 September 2009 revealed that two closely related but distinct clusters were circulating in most of the affected countries at the same time. The characteristic differences are located in genes encoding the two surface proteins - haemagglutinin and neuraminidase - and four internal proteins – the polymerase PB2 subunit, nucleoprotein, matrix protein M1 and the non-structural protein NS1. Phylogenetic inference was demonstrated by neighbour joining, maximum likelihood and Bayesian trees analyses of the involved genes and by tree construction of concatenated sequences.
Quantifying the risk of pandemic influenza in pregnancy and Indigenous people in Australia in 2009
Authors: Kelly H , Mercer G N , Cheng A  C
Published: March 2021

An increased relative risk of infection with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus associated with pregnancy and Indigenous status has been a common finding in many countries. Using publicly available data from May to October 2009 in Australia, we estimated the relative risk of hospitalisation, admission to intensive care unit and death as 5.2, 6.5 and 1.4 respectively for pregnant women, and as 6.6, 6.2 and 5.2, respectively for Indigenous Australians. Pregnancy and Indigenous status were associated with severe influenza. More complete analyses of risks in these groups are required to understand and prevent influenza morbidity and mortality.
An update on an ongoing measles outbreak in Bulgaria, April-November 2009
Authors: Marinova L , Muscat M , Mihneva Z , Kojouharova M
Published: March 2021

Earlier this year, an outbreak of measles was detected in Bulgaria, following an eight–year period without indigenous measles transmission, and continues to spread in the country. By the end of 48 week of 2009 (first week of November), 957 measles cases had been recorded. Most cases are identified among the Roma community living in the north-eastern part of the country. Measles has affected infants, children and young adults. The vaccination campaign that started earlier in the year in the affected administrative regions continues, targeting all individuals from 13 months to 30 years of age who have not received the complete two-dose regimen of the combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination.
Rubella seroprevalence in children in Dogankent, a rural area of Adana province in Turkey, January-February 2005
Authors: Aytac N , Yucel A B , Yapicioglu H , Kibar F , Karaomerlioglu O , Akbaba M
Published: March 2021

A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the rubella seroprevalence in 331 children aged between 0 and 59 months in Turkey who were not vaccinated for rubella and lived in the area covered by Dogankent Health Center, a rural area with a large proportion of residents of low socioeconomic status. Rubella seropositivity was found to be low, with 17.5%, increased with age and low socioeconomic level, and was particularly high in children who live in a household with one member going to school, and in children of uneducated parents (p<0.05). The asymptomatic infection rate was 98.3%. There was no significant difference in seropositivity with regards to the gender, history of rubella infection, size of the household, or number of children at home (p>0.05). Rubella vaccine has only been included into the national vaccination programme in the form of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine since 2006 and is performed at the age of 12 months, in the first year of primary school and at the age of about 15 years. In order to eliminate rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, it is necessary that use of MMR vaccine is expanded to include the children born before 2006.
Salmonella meningitis and septicaemia in an non-immunocompromised adult, associated with a cluster of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b, Ireland, November 2009
Authors: ÓhAiseadha C O , Dunne Ó M , Desmond F , O’Connor M
Published: March 2021

We report a fatal case of meningitis caused by Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 14b in a middle-aged man who had no history or findings to suggest he was immunocompromised. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Salmonella meningitis in an adult in Ireland, and the first case of meningitis in an adult caused by phage type 14b. This case was associated with a nationwide cluster of salmonellosis which is still under investigation at the time of writing.
Q fever outbreak in Cheltenham, United Kingdom, in 2007 and the use of dispersion modelling to investigate the possibility of airborne spread
Authors: Wallensten A , Moore P , Webster H , Johnson C , van der Burgt G , Pritchard G , Ellis-Iversen J , Oliver I
Published: March 2021

We describe the investigation of an outbreak of Q fever in the town of Cheltenham, England. The outbreak was detected in June 2007, and prospective and retrospective case finding identified 30 confirmed or probable human cases. The investigation identified windborne spread of Coxiella burnetii from nearby sheep farms as the most likely source of infection. A telephone survey was conducted to identify risk practices at local farms. Subsequently the atmospheric dispersion model NAME was used to identify whether air from the identified farms with high risk practices had been carried into Cheltenham town centre during the risk period. Three high risk farms were identified and the modelling showed that air from all of these farms was carried over Cheltenham in the estimated risk period. The investigation resulted in an information campaign to farmers and production of improved advice for livestock farmers on reducing the risks of transmitting Q fever to humans.
Prevalence and characteristics of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in humans in contact with farm animals, in livestock, and in food of animal origin, Switzerland, 2009
Authors: Huber H , Koller S , Giezendanner N , Stephan R , Zweifel C
Published: March 2021

A total of 2,662 samples, collected from March to September 2009 in Switzerland, were tested for the presence of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The collection comprised nasal swabs from 148 pig farmers, 133 veterinarians, 179 slaughterhouse employees, 800 pigs, 300 calves, 400 cattle, 100 pooled neck skin swabs from chicken carcasses, and 460 food samples of animal origin. Moreover, 142 S. aureus strains, isolated from bovine mastitis milk, were included in the study. Twenty samples (<1%; four veterinarians, 10 pigs, three calves, one young bull, and two mastitis milk samples) tested positive for MRSA. Genotyping of the MRSA strains was performed by multilocus sequence typing, spa- and SCCmec-typing, and revealed ST398 (n=18), ST8 (n=1), ST 1 (n=1), spa types t011 (n=7), t034 (n=11), t064 (n=1), t127 (n=1), and SCCmec types IV (n=4) and V (n=16). The 20 MRSA strains were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis using the restriction enzyme EagI. Supplementary PCR reactions were performed to investigate the presence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin and staphylococcal enterotoxins A to D.
Infection with Mayaro virus in a French traveller returning from the Amazon region, Brazil, January, 2010
Authors: Receveur M C , Grandadam M , Pistone T , Malvy D
Published: March 2021

Mayaro virus (MAYV) disease is a mosquito-borne zoonosis endemic in humid forests of tropical South America. MAYV is closely related to other alphaviruses that produce a dengue-like illness accompanied by long-lasting arthralgia. A French tourist developed high-grade fever and severe joint manifestations following a 15-day trip in the Amazon basin, Brazil, and was diagnosed with MAYV infection in January 2010. This case is the first reported in a traveller returning from an endemic South American country to Europe.
Update: A food-borne outbreak of hepatitis A in the Netherlands related to semi-dried tomatoes in oil, January-February 2010
Authors: Petrignani M , Harms M , Verhoef L , van Hunen R , Swaan C , van Steenbergen J , Boxman I , Peran i Sala R , Ober H J , Vennema H , Koopmans M , van Pelt W
Published: March 2021

Between 31 December 2009 and 10 February 2010, 13 patients were infected by an identical hepatitis A virus strain not previously detected in the Netherlands. They had not been abroad and were widely distributed over the Netherlands. A case-control study including 12 cases and 44 controls identified semi-dried tomatoes in oil as the source of the outbreak (odds ratio: 20.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.5-274). The virus was not detected in any of 81 tested food samples. International trace-back is still ongoing.
Event-based biosurveillance of respiratory disease in Mexico, 2007–2009: connection to the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic?
Authors: Nelson N P , Brownstein J S , Hartley D M
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Spotlight on measles 2010: Excretion of vaccine strain measles virus in urine and pharyngeal secretions of a child with vaccine associated febrile rash illness, Croatia, March 2010
Authors: Kaic B , Gjenero-Margan I , Aleraj B , Vilibić-Čavlek T , Santak M , Cvitković A , Nemeth-Blazic T , Ivic Hofman I
Published: March 2021

We describe excretion of measles vaccine strain Schwarz in a child who developed a febrile rash illness eight days after primary immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella. Throat swabs and urine specimens were collected on the fifth and sixth day of illness, respectively. Genotyping demonstrated measles vaccine strain Schwarz (genotype A). If measles and rubella were not under enhanced surveillance in Croatia, the case would have been either misreported as rubella or not recognised at all.
Onychomadesis outbreak linked to hand, foot, and mouth disease, Spain, July 2008
Authors: Guimbao J , Rodrigo P , Alberto M J , Omeñaca M
Published: March 2021

In July 2008 an onychomadesis outbreak in a nursery setting was reported in Saragossa (Spain). Some of the cases had previously suffered from hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). In order to study the outbreak and to determine the relation between the two diseases, two epidemiological studies were conducted: a descriptive study focused on cases and a retrospective cohort study. Samples from stool, pharynx and nails were obtained from cases for microbiological analysis. During the study period, 27 children fulfilled the case definition. The average age was 1.8 years. A case shed on average four nails (minimum one maximum twelve). Twenty-four of the 27 cases had previously presented with HFMD which started an average of 40 days before the onset of onychomadesis (relative risk: 14). Unidentified non-polio enterovirus (n=10), coxsackie B1 (n=4) and coxsackie B2 virus (n=3) were isolated in 28 specimens obtained from 14 cases. The analysis showed a strong association between HMFD and onychomadesis. Microbiological results have not been conclusive; consequently more studies are necessary to determine the causal agent of infectious onychomadesis.
Increased incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections detected by laboratory-based surveillance in Denmark in 2010
Authors: Rasmussen J N , Voldstedlund M , Andersen R L , Ellermann-Eriksen S , Jensen T G , Johansen H K , Kolmos B , Mølvadgaard M , Nielsen S  S , Olsen E , Schønning K , Uldum S  A
Published: March 2021

In Denmark recurrent epidemics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections have been described since the 1950s at intervals of approximately four to six years. The latest epidemic occurred in 2004/05 followed by two years of high incidence and more than three years of low incidence. Due to a recent increase in diagnosed cases since late summer 2010, we conducted a survey of positive M. pneumoniae PCR tests performed by clinical microbiology departments in Denmark, which indicated that a new epidemic may be underway.
Outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in a Finnish garrison - a serological survey
Authors: Aho M , Lyytikaïnen O , Nyholm J E , Kuitunen T , Rönkkö E , Santanen R , Ziegler T , Nikkari S
Published: March 2021

In September 2009, an outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) took place in a Finnish garrison. In November 2009, we performed a serological survey among 984 recruits undergoing their military service at the garrison and related the results to self-reported upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) with or without fever. Of 346 volunteers who donated a blood sample, 169 (49%) had pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus-specific antibodies. Of those, 84 (50%) reported no recent history of URTI, suggesting that a major part of those infected with pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus may be asymptomatic.
Two waves of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009 in Wales – the possible impact of media coverage on consultation rates, April – December 2009
Authors: Keramarou M , Cottrell S , Evans M R , Moore C , Stiff R E , Elliott C , Thomas D R , Lyons M , Salmon R L
Published: March 2021

In the United Kingdom, the influenza A(H1N1)2009 pandemic had a distinct two-wave pattern of general practice consultations for influenza-like illness (ILI). We describe the epidemiology of the influenza pandemic in Wales between April and December 2009 using integrated data from a number of independent sources: GP surveillance, community virology surveillance, hospital admissions and deaths, and media enquiries monitoring. The first wave peaked in late July at 100 consultations per 100,000 general practice population and attracted intensive media coverage. The positivity rate for the A(H1N1)2009 influenza did not exceed 25% and only 44 hospitalisations and one death were recorded. By contrast, the second wave peaked in late October and although characterised by lower ILI consultation rates (65 consultations per 100,000 general practice population) and low profile media activity, was associated with much higher positivity rates for pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009 (60%) and substantially more hospital admissions (n=379) and deaths (n=26). The large number of ILI-related consultations during the first wave in Wales probably reflected the intensive media activity rather than influenza virus circulating in the community. Data from community surveillance schemes may therefore have considerably overestimated the true incidence of influenza. This has implications for the future interpretation of ILI surveillance data and their use in policy making, and underlines the importance of using integrated epidemiological, virological and hospital surveillance data to monitor influenza activity.
Pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009: molecular characterisation and duration of viral shedding in intensive care patients in Bordeaux, south-west France, May 2009 to January 2010
Authors: Malato L , Llavador V , Marmier E , Youssef J , Balick Weber C , Rozé H , Bessede E , Fleury H J
Published: March 2021

From May 2009 to January 2010, the Virology Laboratory at the University Hospital of Bordeaux received more than 4,000 nasopharyngeal samples from the Aquitaine region (south-west France) for the diagnosis of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009. Eighty-three infected patients deteriorated and were admitted to intensive care units. Our study focused on 24 of these patients. Positivity for influenza A(H1N1)2009 was monitored by realtime PCR and duration of viral shedding was determined. The first available sample of each patient was analysed for bacterial, fungal and viral co-infection. We observed six bacterial (or bacterial/fungal) co-infections and one viral co-infection with respiratory syncytial virus. The samples were analysed for the presence of the neuraminidase H275Y (N1 numbering) mutation, which confers resistance to oseltamivir, by realtime PCR of the neuraminidase gene. No H275Y mutation was observed in any of the viral strains screened in this study. In parallel, a fragment of the haemagglutinin gene encoding amino acid residues 173 to 362 was sequenced to detect mutations that had been reported to increase the severity of the disease. Two patients were infected by strains bearing the D222G (H3 numbering) mutation. The viral shedding of A(H1N1)2009 in this study ranged from four to 28 days with a median of 11 days.
Childhood tuberculosis in the European Union/European Economic Area, 2000 to 2009
Authors: Sandgren A , Hollo V , Quinten C , Manissero D
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Influenza A(H1N1)2009 antibody seroprevalence in Scotland following the 2010/11 influenza season
Authors: Adamson W E , McGregor E C , Kavanagh K , McMenamin J , McDonagh S , Molyneaux P J , Templeton K E , Carman W F
Published: March 2021

Following the 2010/11 influenza season, we determined the age- and location-specific seroprevalence of antibodies against the influenza A(H1N1)2009 virus in Scotland. Samples were analysed by microneutralisation assay. Age/seropositivity profiles varied significantly between cities. The increases in seroprevalence relative to the previous influenza season (2009/10) were similar across age groups and geographic locations. However, the increased seropositivity in older adults appeared to be driven by exposure to vaccination, indicating significantly lower levels of infection than in younger age groups.
Large and ongoing outbreak of haemolytic uraemic syndrome, Germany, May 2011
Authors: Frank C , Faber M S , Askar M , Bernard H , Fruth A , Gilsdorf A , Höhle M , Karch H , Krause G , Prager R , Spode A , Stark K , Werber D ,   HUS investigation team
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
A venue-based HIV prevalence and behavioural study among men who have sex with men in Antwerp and Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, October 2009 to March 2010
Authors: Vanden Berghe W , Nöstlinger C , Buvé A , Beelaert G , Fransen K , Laga M
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
First isolation and outbreak of OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in an Irish hospital, March to June 2011
Authors: O’Brien D J , Wrenn C , Roche C , Rose L , Fenelon C , Flynn A , Murphy V , FitzGerald S F , Fenelon L E , Crowley B , Schaffer K
Published: March 2021

Five OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae were detected in a tertiary referral hospital in Ireland between March and June 2011. They were found in the clinical isolates of five cases that were inpatients on general surgical wards. None of the cases had received healthcare at a facility outside of Ireland in the previous 12 months. This is the first report of OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae in Ireland.
Surveillance of aseptic central nervous system infections in Poland: is it meeting its objectives?
Authors: Stefanoff P , Rogalska J , Zajkowska J , Czerska M , Seroka W , Czarkowski M  P
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Evidence of enzootic circulation of West Nile virus (Nea Santa-Greece-2010, lineage 2), Greece, May to July 2011
Authors: Chaskopoulou A , Dovas C I , Chaintoutis S C , Bouzalas I , Ara G , Papanastassopoulou M
Published: March 2021

A West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance network including sentinel chickens was deployed in Thessaloniki county, Greece, from May to July 2011. For the first time in summer 2011, a chicken WNV isolate from 6 July was molecularly identified. The partial NS3 sequence was identical to that of the Nea Santa-Greece-2010 WNV lineage 2, detected in central Macedonia in 2010. This suggests that WNV is actively circulating in central Macedonia and that it may have overwintered in northern Greece.
Salmonellosis outbreak due to Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 14b resistant to nalidixic acid, Austria, September 2010
Authors: Hrivniaková L , Schmid D , Luckner-Hornischer A , Lassnig H , Kornschober C. , Angermayer J , Allerberger F
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Plasmodium vivax malaria in a Romanian traveller returning from Greece, August 2011
Authors: Florescu S A , Popescu C P , Calistru P , Ceausu E , Nica M , Toderan A , Zaharia M , Parola P
Published: March 2021

In August 2011, a Plasmodium vivax malaria infection was diagnosed in a Romanian traveller returning from Greece. This case together with several reports over the past decade of autochthonous cases in Greece highlight that malaria should be considered as differential diagnosis in symptomatic travellers returning from this country. Travellers may serve as sentinels of emerging vector-borne diseases.
Human case of autochthonous West Nile virus lineage 2 infection in Italy, September 2011
Authors: Bagnarelli P , Marinelli K , Trotta D , Monachetti A , Tavio M , Del Gobbo R , Capobianchi M R , Menzo S , Nicoletti L , Magurano F , Varaldo P E
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Case report: Tick-borne encephalitis in two Dutch travellers returning from Austria, Netherlands, July and August 2011
Authors: Reusken C , Reimerink J , Verduin C , Sabbe L , Cleton N , Koopmans M
Published: March 2021

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is not endemic in the Netherlands and diagnostics are seldom requested. Here, we report about the rare event of TBE in two Dutch travellers returning from Austria in July and August 2011. This report serves to create awareness among physicians to consider travel-related TBE in their differential diagnosis of patients with neurological disease returning from TBE virus endemic regions and to promote awareness among professionals advising travellers.
Outbreak of Shigella sonnei infection in Norway linked to consumption of fresh basil, October 2011
Authors: Guzman-Herrador B , Vold L , Comelli H , MacDonald E , Heier B  T , Wester A L , Stavnes T  L , Jensvoll L , Lindegård Aanstad A , Severinsen G , Aasgaard Grini J , Werner Johansen Ø , Cudjoe K , Nygård K
Published: March 2021

We report a Shigella sonnei outbreak of 46 cases that occurred in Norway during October 2011. Two municipalities were involved. A large cluster (42 cases) was concentrated in north Norway, while a small cluster (4 cases) occurred in the south-east region. Epidemiological evidence and traceback investigations have linked the outbreak to the consumption of imported fresh basil. The product has been withdrawn from the market. No further cases have been reported since 25 October.
Human immunodeficiency virus in injecting drug users in Europe following a reported increase of cases in Greece and Romania, 2011
Authors: Pharris A , Wiessing L , Sfetcu O , Hedrich D , Botescu A , Fotiou A , Nikolopoulos G K , Malliori M , Salminen M , Suk J E , Griffiths P , van de Laar M J
Published: March 2021

Greece and Romania reported an increased number of HIV cases among injecting drug users (IDUs) during 2011. Most European countries reported no changes in the rate of newly diagnosed cases of HIV or HIV prevalence in IDUs; however, six countries did report increases and several additional countries reported increases in injecting risk indicators or low coverage of prevention services. These indicate a potential risk for increased HIV transmission and future outbreaks unless adequate prevention is implemented.
Increased reports of Mycoplasma pneumoniae from laboratories in Scotland in 2010 and 2011 – impact of the epidemic in infants
Authors: Gadsby N J , Reynolds A J , McMenamin J , Gunson R N , McDonagh S , Molyneaux P J , Yirrell D L , Templeton K E
Published: March 2021

In common with reports from other European countries, we describe a substantial increase in the number of laboratory reports of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Scotland in 2010 and 2011. The highest number of reports came from those aged one year and younger. However, reports from young children were more likely to come from PCR testing than serological testing.
Q fever outbreak in the village of Noćaj, Srem county, Vojvodina province, Serbia, January to February 2012
Authors: Medić S , Nitzan Kaluski D , Šeguljev Z , Obrenović J , Rudan P , Lazarević M , Jandrić Kočić J , Sajenković D , Pušić I , Bugarski D , Vidanović D , Šekler M
Published: March 2021

From 27 January to 10 February 2012, a total of 43 cases of Q fever were notified in the village of No?aj, Srem county, Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia. Q fever was laboratory confirmed in 37 notified cases. Alhough, the outbreak is considered over, the outbreak investigation is still ongoing in order to identify aetiologic factors relevant for this outbreak.
The Norwegian immunisation register – SYSVAK
Authors: Trogstad L , Ung G , Hagerup-Jenssen M , Cappelen I , Haugen I L , Feiring B
Published: March 2021

The Norwegian immunisation register, SYSVAK, is a national electronic immunisation register. It became nationwide in 1995. The major aim was to register all vaccinations in the Childhood Immunisation Programme to ensure that all children are offered adequate vaccination according to schedule in the programme, and to secure high vaccination coverage. Notification to SYSVAK is mandatory, based on personal identification numbers. This allows follow up of individual vaccination schedules and linkage of SYSVAK data to other national health registers for information on outcome diagnoses, such as the surveillance system for communicable diseases. Information from SYSVAK is used to determine vaccine coverage in a timely manner. Coverage can be broken down to regional / local levels and used for active surveillance of vaccination coverage and decisions about interventions. During the 2009 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic, an adaptation of SYSVAK enabled daily surveillance of vaccination coverage on national and regional levels. Currently, data from SYSVAK are used, among others, in studies on adverse events related to pandemic vaccination. Future challenges include maximising usage of collected data in surveillance and research, and continued improvement of data quality. Immunisation registers are rich sources for high quality surveillance of vaccination coverage, effectiveness, vaccine failure and adverse events, and gold mines for research.
Increased number of cases of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Slovenia, January to April 2012
Authors: Kraigher A , Frelih T , Korva M , Avsic T
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
W135 invasive meningococcal infections imported from Sub-Saharan Africa to France, January to April 2012
Authors: Parent du Châtelet I , Barboza P , Taha M  K
Published: March 2021

From January to April 2012, 16 cases of W135 invasive meningococcal infection were reported in France. Of these, eight were linked to a recent travel history to Sub-Saharan Africa. These cases were reported in France concomitantly with the meningitis epidemic season in Sub-Saharan Africa. Considering the high number of travellers between France and West-African countries belonging to the so-called meningitis belt, the French recommendations for travellers stress the importance of vaccination before travelling to these countries.
Healthcare workers’ role in keeping MMR vaccination uptake high in Europe: a review of evidence
Authors: Simone B , Carrillo-Santisteve P , Lopalco P L
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Syphilis on the rise again in Germany – results from surveillance data for 2011
Authors: Bremer V , Marcus U , Hamouda O
Published: March 2021

In Germany, syphilis is notified anonymously. In 2011, 3,698 cases (incidence 4.5/100,000 inhabitants) were notified, an increase of 22% over 2010. The increase was higher in men (23%) than women (13%) and 94% of the cases were male. Information on the possible way of transmission was available for 72% of cases. Of these, 84% were men who have sex with men, who seem to play a major role in the renewed increase in syphilis cases.
Using an outbreak to study the sensitivity of the surveillance of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli and other enteropathic Escherichia coli in Bavaria, Germany, January to October 2011
Authors: Englund H , Hautmann W
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Humidifier-associated paediatric Legionnaires' disease, Israel, February 2012
Authors: Moran-Gilad J , Lazarovitch T , Mentasti M , Harrison T , Weinberger M , Mordish Y , Mor Z , Stocki T , Anis E , Sadik C , Amitai Z , Grotto I
Published: March 2021

We report a fatal case of community-acquired Legionnaires' disease in an infant aged under six months. Epidemiological and microbiological investigations suggested that a free-standing cold water humidifier using domestic tap water contaminated with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 served as a vehicle for infection. These findings were corroborated by sequence-based typing (SBT). Humidifier-associated Legionnaires' disease can be prevented by appropriate control measures. This case also illustrates the emerging role of SBT in the investigation of legionellosis.
The continued emergence of hantaviruses: isolation of a Seoul virus implicated in human disease, United Kingdom, October 2012
Authors: Jameson L J , Logue C H , Atkinson B , Baker N , Galbraith S E , Carroll M W , Brooks T , Hewson R
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Contact investigation of a case of human novel coronavirus infection treated in a German hospital, October-November 2012
Authors: Buchholz U , Müller M A , Nitsche A , Sanewski A , Wevering N , Bauer-Balci T , Bonin F , Drosten C , Schweiger B , Wolff T , Muth D , Meyer B , Buda S , Krause G , Schaade L , Haas W
Published: March 2021

On 24 October 2012, a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome of unknown origin and symptom onset on 5 October was transferred from Qatar to a specialist lung clinic in Germany. Late diagnosis on 20 November of an infection with the novel Coronavirus (NCoV) resulted in potential exposure of a considerable number of healthcare workers. Using a questionnaire we asked 123 identified contacts (120 hospital and three out-of-hospital contacts) about exposure to the patient. Eighty-five contacts provided blood for a serological test using a two-stage approach with an initial immunofluorescence assay as screening test, followed by recombinant immunofluorescence assays and a NCoV-specific serum neutralisation test. Of 123 identified contacts nine had performed aerosol-generating procedures within the third or fourth week of illness, using personal protective equipment rarely or never, and two of these developed acute respiratory illness. Serology was negative for all nine. Further 76 hospital contacts also tested negative, including two sera initially reactive in the screening test. The contact investigation ruled out transmission to contacts after illness day 20. Our two-stage approach for serological testing may be used as a template for similar situations.
The burden of extrapulmonary and meningitis tuberculosis: an investigation of national surveillance data, Germany, 2002 to 2009
Authors: Ducomble T , Tolksdorf K , Karagiannis I , Hauer B , Brodhun B , Haas W , Fiebig L
Published: March 2021

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Anthrax among heroin users in Europe possibly caused by same Bacillus anthracis strain since 2000
Authors: Grunow R , Klee S R , Beyer W , George M , Grunow D , Barduhn A , Klar S , Jacob D , Elschner M , Sandven P , Kjerulf A , Jensen J S , Cai W , Zimmermann R , Schaade L
Published: March 2021

Injection anthrax was described first in 2000 in a heroin-injecting drug user in Norway. New anthrax cases among heroin consumers were detected in the United Kingdom (52 cases) and Germany (3 cases) in 2009-10. In June 2012, a fatal case occurred in Regensburg, Bavaria. As of December 2012, 13 cases had been reported in this new outbreak from Germany, Denmark, France and the United Kingdom. We analysed isolates from 2009-10 and 2012 as well as from the first injection anthrax case in Norway in 2000 by comparative molecular typing using a high resolution 31 marker multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and a broad single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Our results show that all cases may be traced back to the same outbreak strain. They also indicate the probability of a single source contaminating heroin and that the outbreak could have lasted for at least a decade. However, an additional serological pilot study in two German regions conducted in 2011 failed to discover additional anthrax cases among 288 heroin users.
Evidence of false-positive results in a commercially available rotavirus assay in the vaccine era, Australia, 2011 to 2012
Authors: Ye S , Roczo-Farkas S , Whiley D M , Lambert S B , Robson J , Heney C , Nimmo G , Grimwood K , Sloots T P , Kirkwood C D
Published: March 2021

Concerns were raised about specificity of the VIKIA Rota-Adeno immunochromatographic kit. Only 28-37% of samples positive with the VIKIA kit could be confirmed using two real-time RT-PCR assays and three ELISA kits. On re-analysis of a subset of the positive samples, 86% remained positive with the VIKIA kit, however, 90% remained negative in the other assays. In a highly vaccinated population we found a high number of false-positive rotavirus tests with a widely-used commercial kit.