Foodborne and waterborne infections in elderly community and long-term care facility residents,Victoria, Australia.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Kirk MD
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3309568 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Similar Datasets
Project description:Buruli ulcer (BU) is a destructive soft-tissue infection caused by the environmental pathogen Mycobacterium ulcerans. In response to rising BU notifications in the state of Victoria, Australia, we reviewed all cases that occurred during 2011-2016 to precisely map the time and likely place of M. ulcerans acquisition. We found that 600 cases of BU had been notified; just over half were in residents and the remainder in visitors to defined BU-endemic areas. During the study period, notifications increased almost 3-fold, from 66 in 2013 to 182 in 2016. We identified 4 BU-endemic areas: Bellarine Peninsula, Mornington Peninsula, Frankston region, and the southeastern Bayside suburbs of Melbourne. We observed a decline in cases on the Bellarine Peninsula but a progressive increase elsewhere. Acquisitions peaked in late summer. The appearance of new BU-endemic areas and the decline in established areas probably correlate with changes in the level of local environmental contamination with M. ulcerans.
| S-EPMC6199991 | biostudies-other
Project description:African-born Australians are a recognised "priority population" in Australia's Sixth National HIV/AIDS Strategy. We compared exposure location and route for African-born people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Victoria, Australia, with HIV-1 pol subtype from drug resistance assays and geographical origin suggested by phylogenetic analysis of env gene. Twenty adult HIV positive African-born Victorian residents were recruited via treating doctors. HIV exposure details were obtained from interviews and case notes. Viral RNA was extracted from participant stored plasma or whole blood. The env V3 region was sequenced and compared to globally representative reference HIV-1 sequences in the Los Alamos National Library HIV Database. Twelve participants reported exposure via heterosexual sex and two via iatrogenic blood exposures; four were men having sex with men (MSM); two were exposed via unknown routes. Eight participants reported exposure in their countries of birth, seven in Australia, three in other countries and two in unknown locations. Genotype results (pol) were available for ten participants. HIV env amplification was successful in eighteen cases. HIV-1 subtype was identified in all participants: eight both pol and env; ten env alone and two pol alone. Twelve were subtype C, four subtype B, three subtype A and one subtype CRF02_AG. Reported exposure location was consistent with the phylogenetic clustering of env sequences. African Australians are members of multiple transnational social and sexual networks influencing their exposure to HIV. Phylogenetic analysis may complement traditional surveillance to discern patterns of HIV exposure, providing focus for HIV prevention programs in mobile populations.
| S-EPMC3877143 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundInfluenza C is usually considered a minor cause of respiratory illness in humans with many infections being asymptomatic or clinically mild. Large outbreaks can occur periodically resulting in significant morbidity.ObjectivesThis study aimed at analyzing the available influenza C clinical samples from two widely separated states of Australia, collected over a 7-year period and to compare them with influenza C viruses detected in other parts of the world in recent years.Patients/methodsBetween 2008 and 2014, 86 respiratory samples that were influenza C positive were collected from subjects with influenza-like illness living in the states of Victoria and Western Australia. A battery of other respiratory viruses were also tested for in these influenza C-positive samples. Virus isolation was attempted on all of these clinical samples, and gene sequencing was performed on all influenza C-positive cultures.Results and conclusionsDetections of influenza C in respiratory samples were sporadic in most years studied, but higher rates of infection occurred in 2012 and 2014. Many of the patients with influenza C had coinfections with other respiratory pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis of the full-length hemagglutinin-esterase-fusion (HE) gene found that most of the viruses grouped in the C/Sao Paulo/378/82 clade with the remainder grouping in the C/Kanagawa/1/76 clade.
| S-EPMC5059950 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Using a socio-ecological model, this study examines the influence of facility characteristics on the transition of nursing home residents to the community after a short stay (within 90 days of admission) or long stay (365 days of admission) across states with different long-term services and supports systems.Data were drawn from the Minimum Data Set, the federal Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting (OSCAR) database, the Area Health Resource File, and the LTCFocUs.org database for all free-standing, certified nursing homes in California (n = 1,127) and Florida (n = 657) from July 2007 to June 2008.Hierarchical generalized linear models were used to examine the impact of facility characteristics on the probability of transitioning to the community.Facility characteristics, including size, occupancy, ownership, average length of stay, proportion of Medicare and Medicaid residents, and the proportion of residents admitted from acute care facilities are associated with discharge but differed by state and whether the discharge occurred after a short or long stay.Short- and long-stay nursing home discharge to the community is affected by resident, facility, and sometimes market characteristics, with Medicaid consistently influencing discharge in both states.
| S-EPMC4799895 | biostudies-other
Project description:ObjectiveTo identify all the services that offer inpatient rehabilitation in Victoria, Australia, and to describe the buildings in which these services are housed, including their size, age, whether or not they were purpose-built, whether or not they are colocated with a tertiary hospital, the proportion of single-bed rooms, and ward layout.DesignCross-sectional survey of inpatient rehabilitation buildings. Data were collected via telephone questionnaire and websites.ParticipantsSixty-four rehabilitation facilities were identified and all participated in the survey (37 public, 27 private).ResultsResults revealed heterogeneity on most variables measured, including size (number of beds ranged from 2-104), age (oldest building built in 1860, and 26% built since 2010), purpose-built status (48% purpose-built), freestanding status (34% freestanding), percentage of single-bed rooms (ranged from 0%-100%), and layout. All facilities had a therapy gym, and most had a communal area (96%).ConclusionSince 2010, the proportion of buildings being purpose-built and colocated with a tertiary hospital has increased. The proportion of single-bed rooms has also increased and is especially high in privately funded facilities. Results suggest that rehabilitation design is influenced by norms and evidence from acute medical health care despite the purpose of care being different: acute care (short-term, medical illness) and rehabilitation (longer-term, recovery, relearning).
| S-EPMC7853350 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo determine nursing home characteristics associated with COVID-19 outbreak, outbreak size and mortality, during the second wave in Victoria, Australia.MethodPopulation-based cross-sectional study of all nursing homes in Victoria between 7 July and 13 November 2020.ResultsThere were one or more resident cases of COVID-19 in 9.7% of nursing homes (74/766). COVID-19 intrusion was more likely in larger metropolitan facilities, privately owned by large chains, with a past history of regulatory non-compliance, located close to high-risk industry. Larger outbreaks were associated with homes in metropolitan areas, accommodating 91 or more residents, with shared rooms, owned by private providers operating many (11 or more) facilities. The highest case-fatality rates were observed in homes owned by not-for-profit providers operating many facilities, located close to high-risk industry.ConclusionStratifying nursing homes according to characteristics associated with morbidity and mortality can inform risk management, prioritising emergency responses and optimising future nursing home operations.
| S-EPMC8420232 | biostudies-literature
Project description:COVID-19 is re-shaping cities and regions, as residents respond to large disruptions to employment and social interaction and threats to public health. While the impacts of COVID-19 are extensive, certain groups are more vulnerable than others. Our research examines the impact of COVID-19 on members of share houses in the state of Victoria, Australia. This cohort is more likely to be young, casually employed, living in informal arrangements and at risk of homelessness than the broader population. We propose a conceptual framework for investigating the factors driving vulnerability to shocks and the resources most likely to support individuals to respond to or recover from these shocks. We surveyed 1052 share house occupants in June 2020. We found dramatic results, with 74% losing their job or having their hours reduced, 47% experiencing a reduction in their financial situation and 50% reporting that their mental health had deteriorated. These outcomes were worse for young people, casual employees or immigrants. Our research highlights the positive influence of social support for low-income individuals. We find that government social welfare payments are the most impactful form of insurance, calling for a greater appreciation of the role of social welfare in supporting resilience following a disaster.
| S-EPMC8664763 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Older adults are susceptible to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes as a consequence of their age and, in some cases, underlying health conditions (1). A COVID-19 outbreak in a long-term care skilled nursing facility (SNF) in King County, Washington that was first identified on February 28, 2020, highlighted the potential for rapid spread among residents of these types of facilities (2). On March 1, a health care provider at a second long-term care skilled nursing facility (facility A) in King County, Washington, had a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, after working while symptomatic on February 26 and 28. By March 6, seven residents of this second facility were symptomatic and had positive test results for SARS-CoV-2. On March 13, CDC performed symptom assessments and SARS-CoV-2 testing for 76 (93%) of the 82 facility A residents to evaluate the utility of symptom screening for identification of COVID-19 in SNF residents. Residents were categorized as asymptomatic or symptomatic at the time of testing, based on the absence or presence of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms on the day of testing or during the preceding 14 days. Among 23 (30%) residents with positive test results, 10 (43%) had symptoms on the date of testing, and 13 (57%) were asymptomatic. Seven days after testing, 10 of these 13 previously asymptomatic residents had developed symptoms and were recategorized as presymptomatic at the time of testing. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing cycle threshold (Ct) values indicated large quantities of viral RNA in asymptomatic, presymptomatic, and symptomatic residents, suggesting the potential for transmission regardless of symptoms. Symptom-based screening in SNFs could fail to identify approximately half of residents with COVID-19. Long-term care facilities should take proactive steps to prevent introduction of SARS-CoV-2 (3). Once a confirmed case is identified in an SNF, all residents should be placed on isolation precautions if possible (3), with considerations for extended use or reuse of personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed (4).
| S-EPMC7119514 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Quantifying sporadic waterborne infections in community settings can be challenging. Salivary antibody immunoassays are a promising non-invasive tool that can be used in prospective studies of common infections, especially those involving children. This study was conducted in a Massachusetts city, which uses a microbiologically contaminated river as its water source, during summer-early winter periods before and after construction of a new drinking water treatment plant. Monthly saliva samples (7480 samples from 1170 children and 816 adults) were analyzed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to recombinant proteins of Cryptosporidium, one genogroup I (GI) and two GII noroviruses. Immunoconversion was defined as at least four-fold increase in specific antibody responses between two monthly samples with a post-conversion response above a flexible age-dependent cut-off. Episodes of gastroenteritis (diarrhea or vomiting or cramps) were associated with 3.2 (95% confidence limits 1.1; 9.5) adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of immunoconversion to Cryptosporidium; episodes of combined diarrhea and vomiting symptoms were associated with 3.5 (0.8; 15.0) and 4.6 (1.7; 12.6) aORs of an immunoconversion to GI and GII noroviruses, respectively. Swimming in natural water bodies or chlorinated pools was associated with 2.3 (0.4; 15.4) and 4.9 (1.6; 15.5) aORs of immunoconversion to Cryptosporidium, respectively. In a subset of study participants who did not use home water filters, consumption of at least some amount of non-boiled tap water reported in a monthly recall survey was associated with 11.1 (1.2; 100.0) and 0.6 (0.1; 2.5) aORs of immunoconversion to Cryptosporidium before and after the new water treatment plant construction, respectively. Among individuals who used home water filters, associations between non-boiled tap water consumption and Cryptosporidium immunoconversion were not significant before and after new plant construction with aORs of 0.8 (0.2; 3.3) and 0.3 (0.1; 1.6), respectively. The interaction effect of study phase and non-boiled tap water consumption on Cryptosporidium immunoconversions was statistically significant in the entire study population with aOR of 5.4 (1.1; 25.6). This was the first study that has used a salivary antibody immunoassay to demonstrate significant associations between gastrointestinal symptoms and Cryptosporidium and norovirus infections, and between water-related exposures and Cryptosporidium infections.
| S-EPMC6781621 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo investigate psychoactive medication use and risk of suicide in long-term care facility (LTCF) residents aged 75 and above. A second aim was to investigate the role of psychiatric and medical conditions in the occurrence of suicide in LTCF residents.MethodsA Swedish national register-based cohort study of LTFC residents aged ≥75 years between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2015, and followed until 31 December 2016 (N = 288,305). Fine and Gray regression models were used to analyse associations with suicide.ResultsThe study identified 110 suicides (15.8 per 100,000 person-years). Half of these occurred during the first year of residence. Overall, 54% of those who died by suicide were on hypnotics and 45% were on antidepressants. Adjusted sub-hazard ratio (aSHR) for suicide was decreased in those who were on antidepressants (aSHR 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.42-0.97), even after the exclusion of residents who had healthcare contacts for dementia or were on anti-dementia drugs. The aSHR for suicide was more than two-fold higher in those who were on hypnotics (2.20, 1.46-3.31). Suicide risk was particularly elevated in those with an episode of self-harm prior to LTCF admittance (15.78, 10.01-24.87). Specialized care for depression was associated with increased risk, while medical morbidity was not.ConclusionsA lower risk of suicide in LTCF residents was found in users of antidepressants, while elevated risk was observed in those on hypnotics. Our findings suggest that more can be done to prevent suicide in this setting.
| S-EPMC9306521 | biostudies-literature