bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for giardiasis: a case-control study in Avon and Somerset
Authors: Gray S. F. , Gunnell D. J. , Peters T. J 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYGiardia lamblia is a common and increasing cause of gastrointestinal illness in the UK. We report a case-control study that examined risk factors for giardiasis. Patients with giardiasis were identified from reports to the Consultants in Communicable Disease in1 Avon and Somerset, and age-sex matched controls were obtained from their general practitioners' lists. Details of travel history, water consumption and recreational water use were collected by postal questionnaire. Over the period July 1992 to May 1993, 74 cases and 108 matched controls were obtained. The data were analysed using conditional logistic regression. Swimming appeared to be an independent risk factor for giardiasis (odds ratio 2·4, 95% CI 1·0 to 6·1, P = 0·050). Travel (P = 0·001), particularly to developing countries, and type of travel (P = 0·004) - that is, camping, caravanning or staying in holiday chalets - were also observed to be significant risk factors. Other recreational water use and drinking potentially contaminated water were found to be not statistically significant after adjustment for other factors.
Age-specific antibody prevalence to hepatitis A in England: implications for disease control
Authors: Gay N. J. , Morgan-Capner P. , Wright J. , Farrington C. P. , Miller E. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYSera from an age-stratified sample of 7196 individuals, submitted for diagnostic purposes to four public health laboratories in England in 1986/7, were tested for hepatitis A antibody. The serological profiles, which showed marked regional differences, were consistent with declining incidence in the past. The decline in the incidence of hepatitis A has resulted in an increase in susceptibility in adults. This has three main consequences: an increase in the average age of infection may be leading to an increase in morbidity; normal immunoglobulin may become less protective against hepatitis A; the risk of transmission through blood products contaminated by viraemic blood donors may rise.Current average annual incidence in 5–14-year olds was estimated to vary between regions from 0·5–1·9%. This supports the view that, in the absence of a vaccination programme, hepatitis A will remain endemic unless there are further improvements in living conditions and standards of hygiene. A vaccine giving long-lasting protection could eliminate hepatitis A transmission with modest coverage at a young age. Targeting childhood vaccination on economically deprived areas or using vaccine to control outbreaks might be more effective policies.
Survey of fox trappers in northern Alaska for rabies antibody
Authors: Follmann E. H. , Ritter D. G. , Beller M. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe purpose of this research was to determine whether trappers in northern Alaska acquired immunity to rabies virus from non-bite exposures while trapping and skinning arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus). In coastal Alaska recurring epizootics presumably provide trappers ample opportunity for contact with rabid animals. Serum neutralization analyses of blood samples collected from 26 individuals were conducted. All but three had negative rabies neutralizing antibody levels (< 0·05 I.U./ml). Two of these had previously received rabies vaccine but one individual who had trapped for about 47 years with an estimated harvest of over 3000 foxes and who had never received pre- or post-exposure rabies vaccination had a rabies serum neutralizing antibody concentration of 2·30 I.U./ml. This represents the first report of an unvaccinated person acquiring rabies virus antibody with a titre above the 0·5 I.U./ml level considered acceptable by the World Health Organization.
Flagellin gene polymorphism analysis ofCampylobacter jejuniinfecting man and other hosts and comparison with biotyping and somatic antigen serotyping
Authors: Owen R. J. , Fitzgerald C. , Sutherland K. , Borman P. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYFlagellin gene sequence polymorphisms were used to discriminate amongst 77 strains ofCampylobacter jejunifrom sporadic and outbreak-associated human enteric infections, and from chickens, sheep and calves. The results were assessed in relation to Lior biotyping and serotyping (Penner somatic antigens). Eight DNA PCR-RFLP patterns (genotypes) were identified by analysis ofHinfI fragment length polymorphisms in flagellin gene (flaA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. One genotype (F-l) was a feature of 55% of strains. Strains within the genotypes were heterogeneous with respect to somatic antigens with 12 serogroups represented amongst theC. jejuniisolates offlaA type F-l. Serogroups Pen 1. 2 and 23 were the commonest (45%) amongst the 20 different serogroups represented. Several unique clusters of isolates with diverse biotypes were defined, and one cluster (F-7/Pen 23) contained epidemiologically implicated outbreak strains as well as sheep and calf isolates. We conclude thatHinfIflaA typing is reproducible and offers high typability, and its combination with serogrouping provides a novel approach to characterizing isolates ofC. jejuniwith improved discrimination.
Toxin production, adherence and protein expression by clinicalAeromonasspp. isolates in broth and human pooled ileostomy fluid
Authors: Wilcox M. H. , Cook A. , Geary I. , Eley A. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe physiological behaviour of clinicalAeromonasspp. isolates was compared following culture in a conventional broth and human pooled ileostomy fluid (PIF). Protein expression was markedly affected by the growth medium, with an overall reduction in whole cell proteins in bacteria grown in ileostomy fluid. In addition, novel outer membrane proteins were produced in PIF but not in broth. The majority ofA. hydrophilaandA. sobriaisolates produced toxin in both broth and PIF. whereas no cytotoxin positiveA. caviaewere found. Toxin titres were at least two doubling dilutions higher in 40% and 21% ofA. hydrophilaandA. sobriaisolates, respectively, following culture in brain heart infusion broth compared with PIF. Bacterial adherence to Vero and A-549 cells was significantly more common inA. hydrophila(53%) andA. sobria(64%) than inA. caviae(15%) (P < 0·01). We observed increased adherence by 6 Aeromonas strains previously classified as adherence-positive, but not by 6 non-adherers, in PIF compared with brain heart infusion broth. The influence of growth medium on the expression of potential virulence determinants byAeromonasspp. provides a rationale for the use of human ileostomy fluid in futurein vitrostudies, in order to simulate the nutrient conditions foundin vivo.
Hereditary deficiency of the seventh component of complement and recurrent meningococcal infection: investigations of an Irish family using a novel haemolytic screening assay for complement activity and C7 M/N allotyping
Authors: Egan L. J. , Orren A. , Doherty J. , Würzner R. , McCarthy C. F. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYTerminal complement component deficiency predisposes to meningococcal infection and is inherited in an autosomal co-dominant manner. An Irish family is described, in which 2 of 3 brothers had recurrent meningococcal infection. A novel screening assay was used to investigate for terminal complement deficiency and the 2 affected brothers were found to be completely deficient in the seventh component of complement (C7). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for C7 revealed lower than normal levels in the remaining brother and parents. C7 M/N protein polymorphism allotyping, used to investigate the segregation of the C7 deficiency genes, showed that the apparently complement sufficient brother was heterozygous C7 deficient and a carrier of one of the deficiency genes. Complement screening should be carried out in any individual suffering recurrent meningococcal infection or infection with an uncommon meningococcal serogroup. Identification of complement deficient patients allows the implementation of strategies to prevent recurrent infection.
Contamination of hospital linen by Bacillus cereus
Authors: Barrie D. , Hoffman P. N. , Wilson J. A. , Kramer J. M. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYAn investigation into two cases of post-operative Bacillus cereus meningitis revealed that hospital linen laundered by a batch continuous washing machine was heavily contaminated by B. cereus spores. The washing machine, detergents, other chemical additives and the water supply were eliminated as the source of contamination.It was found that the linen introduced into the washing machine had a high B. cereus spore content and that this was still present after the wash process. The spores were not killed by either the heat disinfection stage of the wash or the addition of chemical disinfectants and were not removed by the dilution in the process.The multiplication of B. cereus was thought to have occurred on used, damp linen stored in plastic bags, particularly when ambient temperatures were high. An increase in the water flow through the washing machine was the only measure associated with a decrease in B. cereus on laundered linen.
Successful control of a school based measles outbreak by immunization
Authors: Lyons R. A. , Jones H. I. , Salmon R. L. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYIn an outbreak of measles in North Wales centred on a secondary school in 1991, 74 cases occurred over a period of 51 days. Before the outbreak started, 27 % pupils did not have a history of measles or immunization and were considered susceptible. Active case rinding and identification and vaccination of susceptible contacts commenced after the fourth generation of cases and further reduced the pool of susceptible schoolchildren from 17%, at the onset of the vaccination campaign, to 8%. A fifth generation of cases did not occur. Delays in diagnosis (mean 2·8 days) and notification (mean 6·1 days) hampered control. There was no evidence of primary vaccine failure (observed vaccine efficacy 97%). Sixty-nine (93%) cases were considered preventable. Reasons for the apparent success of the intervention are discussed.
Molecular characterization and antibiotic susceptibility ofVibrio choleraenon-O1
Authors: Dalsgaard A. , Serichantalergs O. , Pitarangsi C. , Echeverria P. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYA collection of 64 clinical and environmentalVibrio choleraenon-O1 strains isolated in Asia and Peru were characterized by molecular methods and antibiotic susceptibility testing. All strains were resistant to at least 1 and 80% were resistant to two or more antibiotics. Several strains showed multiple antibiotic resistance (≥ three antibiotics). Plasmids most often of low molecular weight were found in 21/64 (33%) strains. The presence of plasmids did not correlate with antibiotic resistance or influence ribotype patterns. In colony hybridization studies 63/64 (98%)V. choleraenon-O1 strains were cholera toxin negative, whereas only strains recovered from patients were heat-stable enterotoxin positive. Forty-sevenBglI ribotypes were observed. No correlation was shown between ribotype and toxin gene status. Ribotype similarity was compared by cluster analysis and two main groups of 13 and 34 ribotypes was found. Ribotyping is apparently a useful epidemiological tool in investigations ofV. choleraenon-O1 infections.
Meningococcal meningitis and carriage in western Zaire: A hypoendemic zone related to climate?
Authors: Cheesbrough J. S. , Morse A. P. , Green S. D. R. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYAn analysis of bacteria recovered from cerebrospinal fluid over a 16-year period at a rural hospital in western Zaire showed that Neisseria meningitidis accounted for only five (2·2%) isolates. A survey of naso-pharyngeal colonisation with N. meningitidis in 378 healthy children was undertaken to distinguish whether this low frequency was due to lack of carriage or, by inference, lack of the co-factors necessary to permit invasive disease. N. meningitidis was recovered from only three (0·78%) of the children. All isolates were non-typable strains of low pathogenicity.A review of studies examining the aetiology of bacterial meningitis and the geographical location of epidemics of meningococcal meningitis in and around Zaire reveals a ‘hypoendemic zone’, the limits of which correlate well with the area in which mean absolute humidity remains above 10 g m−3 of air throughout the year. Continuous high absolute humidity appears to reduce the transmission of meningococci.
The occurrence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle in and around an area subject to extensive badger (Meles meles) control
Authors: Clifton-Hadley R. S. , Wilesmith J. W. , Richards M. S. , Upton P. , Johnston S. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe occurrence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle herds during the period 1966–92 in two geographically related areas in South-West England is compared. In one area comprising 104 km2 all badgers were systematically destroyed from 1975–81, after which recolonization was allowed; in the other, comprising 116 km2, small scale, statutory badger removal operations were undertaken from 1975 onwards where specific herds were detected with M. bovis infection. In the area with total clearance, no further incidents with M. bovis isolation occurred from 1982–92. Survival analysis and proportional hazards regression indicated that the risk of herds being identified with infection was less once badgers had been cleared from their neighbourhood, whereas it was greater in herds with 50 or more animals, and once cattle in a herd had responded positively to the tuberculin skin test, even though infection with M. bovis was not confirmed subsequently. The study provides further evidence that badgers represent an important reservoir of M. bovis infection for cattle and that badger control is effective in reducing incidents of cattle infection with M. bovis if action is thorough and recolonization is prevented.
Sporadic isolates ofEscherichia coliO157.H7 investigated by pyrolysis mass spectrometry
Authors: Freeman R. , Sisson P. R. , Jenkins D. R. , Ward A. C. , Lightfoot N. F. , O'Brien S. J. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThirty-six encoded isolates ofEscherichia coli, 32 of which were of serotype O157. were examined by pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PyMS). Thirty-one of the serotype O157 isolates possessed the flagellar antigen H7 and produced Verocytotoxin (VT). the other isolate serotyped as H45 and was non-toxigenic. Eighteen of the VT-producingE. coli(VTEC) isolates were from sporadic disease in residents of the Northern Region. Standard principal component (PC) and canonical variate (CV) analysis of the data distinguished only the four non-O157 isolates from the remainder which were indistinguishable by this approach. A similarity matrix based on differences between individual CV means distinguished a further ten isolates. The matrix correctly clustered 2 pairs of isolates from siblings and 4 isolates from an affected family. A further 5 clusters of 3 or more isolates and 6 pairs of isolates were defined. These groupings proved to be homogenous for toxin phenotype but occasionally entrained isolates of dissimilar phage type. However, in general, PyMS-derived clustering of apparently sporadic isolates accorded with geographical locations as determined by postcode. PyMS, which is a quick and high volume capacity phenotypic technique. may be a useful addition to existing methods in the investigation of the epidemiology of sporadic VTEC disease.
Usefulness of the DNA-fingerprinting pattern and the multilocus enzyme electrophoresis profile in the assessment of outbreaks of meningococcal disease
Authors: Weis N. , Lind I. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe objective of the study was to assess whether genotypic characterization by means of DNA-fingerprinting pattern (DFP) and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MEE) profile as compared to phenotypic characterization would improve the differentiation ofNeisseria meningitidisstrains associated with outbreaks from strains associated with sporadic cases of meningococcal disease. In addition, the differentiation of serogroup C carrier strains from those associated with an outbreak of serogroup C meningococcal disease was investigated.A total of 118N. meningitidisstrains were available for the study: 59 from patients involved in outbreaks of meningococcal disease (2 serogroup B and 2 serogroup C), 37 from patients considered to be sporadic cases and 22 serogroup C carrier strains.Among the 59 strains from patients involved in outbreaks the 4 strains isolated from the patient registered as the first in each outbreak were designated the index strains. Among the remaining 55 outbreak strains 52 were either DFP-identical or DFP-indistinguishable when compared with the one relevant out of the 4 index strains. This was only the case for 17 of the 37 strains isolated from sporadic cases caused by the same serogroup of meningococci during the outbreak periods, and 5 of the 22 meningococcal strains isolated from healthy carriers. Among the 56 (52 + 4) DFP-identical or DFP-indistinguishable outbreak strains 5 different electrophoretic types were identified by MEE.Among 59 assumed outbreak strains a total of 4 were identified as genotypically distinct. Among the 37 mainly DFP-indistinguishable or DFP-different strains from sporadic cases 17 different ETs were identified, and among the 22 mainly DFP-different carrier strains 13 different ETs were identified. Two strains among those selected from sporadic cases were identical to the outbreak strain. None of the local serogroup C carrier strains isolated during the outbreak of serogroup C disease were identical to the outbreak strain.Both DNA-fingerprinting and MEE improved the differentiation of meningococci when compared with phenotypic characterization. The results indicate that tracing a virulent strain within an open group of contacts is irrelevant.
Specific detection ofSalmonella entericaserotype Enteritidis using the polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Lampel K. A. , Keasler S. P. , Hanes D. E. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYAn assay was developed for the specific detection ofSalmonella entericaserotype Enteritidis, using a novel application of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This PCR assay is based on the mismatch amplification mutation assay, an allele-specific reaction, and can discriminate Enteritidis from all other salmonella. PCR primers were selected to amplify a 351-base pair (bp) DNA fragment from the salmonella plasmid virulence A (spvA) gene of Enteritidis. A single base difference at position 272 is present between the nucleotide sequence of thespvAgene of Enteritidis and other salmonellae. The downstream PCR primer, that encompasses position 272 of the EnteritidisspvAgene, was designed to contain a single base mismatch at the penultimate position, resulting in a l-base mismatch with Enteritidis and a 2-base mismatch with other salmonellae that harbour the virulence plasmid. The upstream primer was completely homologous with the region immediately 5′ to thespvAgene. When these primers were used and the annealing and extension reactions were performed at the same temperature, the PCR assay was specific for Enteritidis; no PCR product was detected for 40 other serotypes and 28 different genera examined. In pure culture, 120 colony forming units (c.f.u.) could be detected; a PCR product was observed from template derived from a 5 h enrichment broth culture of chicken seeded with 1 c.f.u. per gram of Enteritidis. This PCR assay is specific, reproducible, and less time consuming than the standard bacteriological methods used to detect Enteritidis.
A hospital outbreak of salmonella food poisoning due to inadequate deep-fat frying
Authors: Evans M. R. , Hutchings P. G. , Ribeiro C. D. , Westmoreland D. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYIn an outbreak of plasmid-free Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 (PT4) food poisoning at a hospital for mentally handicapped people in July 1990, 101 residents and 8 staff were affected and a cohort study implicated beef rissoles cooked by deep-fat frying as the vehicle of infection (relative risk 2·92, 95% confidence interval 1·73–4·93, P ≪ 0·001). Replication of the cooking process demonstrated that the rissoles achieved core temperatures of only 48–60 °C despite external temperatures of 91–95 °C and an oil temperature of 142–154 °C. No residual food was available for microbiological testing but plasmid-containing S. enteritidis PT 4 was isolated in shell eggs from the hospital kitchen.
Parasite prevalence in free-ranging farm cats,Felis silvestris catus
Authors: Yamaguchi N. , Macdonald D. W. , Passanisi W. C. , Harbour D. A. , Hopper C. D. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYNo animals tested were positive for feline leukaemia virus antigen andChlamydia psittaciantibodies, but all were positive for antibodies to feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1) and rotavirus. They had antibodies to feline parvovirus (96%), feline coronavirus (84%) and cowpox virus (2%). Antibody to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was found in 53% of animals, which were less likely to be infected withHaemobartonella felis, and had higher FHV antibody titres than cats without FIV. FCV was isolated from 51% cats and FHV1 and feline reovirus each from 4%.H. feliswas present in 42% of animals, and antibody toToxoplasma gondiiin 62%. Clinical abnormality had a significant association with FIV and feline calicivirus infections, but sex, age, social status and feeding group had no significant association with prevalence of any parasites.Toxocara catiandToxascaris leoninaeggs were found, respectively, in 91% and 82% of animals tested.
A mixed outbreak of cryptosporidium and campylobacter infection associated with a private water supply
Authors: Duke L. A. , Breathnach A. S. , Jenkins D. R. , Harkis B. A. , Codd A. W. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYIn an outbreak of gastroenteritis affecting 43 people, cryptosporidium and campylobacter were isolated from stool specimens and in two cases dual infection was found. All the cases had drunk unboiled water from a private untreated water supply.Investigations revealed the carcasses of three lambs in a collection chamber connected with the water supply, and these, or run-off of slurry from surrounding fields, were the presumed source of contamination. Issues relating to the maintenance and monitoring of private water supplies are discussed. Problems with such supplies include old piping, proximity of livestock, inadequate knowledge of the layout and limited resources for monitoring and maintenance.
Nasal carriage of enterotoxin-producingStaphylococcus aureusamong restaurant workers in Kuwait City
Authors: Al Bustan M. A. , Udo E. E. , Chugh T. D. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYEnterotoxin-producingStaphylococcus aureusis a common cause of staphylococcal food poisoning. To determine the incidence of carriage of enterotoxin-producingS. aureusin a sample of the healthy population in Kuwait city, restaurant workers in the city were screened for nasal carriage ofS. aureus. 26·6% of 500 workers studied carriedS. aureusand 86·6% of theS. aureusproduced staphylococcal enterotoxins. 28 % produced enterotoxin A, 28·5 % produced enterotoxin B, 16·4% produced enterotoxin C and 3·5% produced enterotoxin D. Ten isolates produced both enterotoxins A and B or A and C. 73 % of the isolates were untypeable with standard phages. However, 17·1%, 3% and 6% belonged to phage groups I, II and III respectively. The results demonstrated a high level of enterotoxigenicS. aureuscarriage among restaurant workers which although lower than that reported for the general population and hospital workers may be important in the restaurant industry.