Ahead of Print / In Press
Issues Available
Volume 25, Number 2—February 2019
Perspective
-
International Biological Reference Preparations for Epidemic Infectious Diseases
View Abstract
Recent years have seen unprecedented investment in research and development for countermeasures for high-threat pathogens, including specific and ambitious objectives for development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. The inadequate availability of biological reference materials for these pathogens poses a genuine obstacle in pursuit of these objectives, and the lack of a comprehensive and equitable framework for developing reference materials is a weakness. We outline the need for internationally standardized biological materials for high-threat pathogens as a core element of global health security. We also outline the key components of a framework for addressing this deficiency.
Email this Article
Synopses
-
Trends of Human Plague, Madagascar, 1998–2016
View Abstract
Madagascar is more seriously affected by plague, a zoonosis caused by Yersinia pestis, than any other country. The Plague National Control Program was established in 1993 and includes human surveillance. During 1998–2016, a total of 13,234 suspected cases were recorded, mainly from the central highlands; 27% were confirmed cases, and 17% were presumptive cases. Patients with bubonic plague (median age 13 years) represented 93% of confirmed and presumptive cases, and patients with pneumonic plague (median age 29 years) represented 7%. Deaths were associated with delay of consultation, pneumonic form, contact with other cases, occurrence after 2009, and not reporting dead rats. A seasonal pattern was observed with recrudescence during September–March. Annual cases peaked in 2004 and decreased to the lowest incidence in 2016. This overall reduction occurred primarily for suspected cases and might be caused by improved adherence to case criteria during widespread implementation of the F1 rapid diagnostic test in 2002.
Email this Article
-
Human Pasteurellosis, Health Risk for Elderly Persons Living with Companion Animals
-
Ebola Virus Infection Associated with Transmission from Survivors
View Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) can persist in immunologically protected body sites in survivors of Ebola virus disease, creating the potential to initiate new chains of transmission. From the outbreak in West Africa during 2014–2016, we identified 13 possible events of viral persistence–derived transmission of EBOV (VPDTe) and applied predefined criteria to classify transmission events based on the strength of evidence for VPDTe and source and route of transmission. For 8 events, a recipient case was identified; possible source cases were identified for 5 of these 8. For 5 events, a recipient case or chain of transmission could not be confidently determined. Five events met our criteria for sexual transmission (male-to-female). One VPDTe event led to at least 4 generations of cases; transmission was limited after the other events. VPDTe has increased the importance of Ebola survivor services and sustained surveillance and response capacity in regions with previously widespread transmission.
Email this Article
-
Atypical Cowpox Virus Infection in Smallpox-Vaccinated Patient, France
View Abstract
We report a case of atypical cowpox virus infection in France in 2016. The patient sought care for thoracic lesions after injury from the sharp end of a metallic guardrail previously stored in the ground. We isolated a cowpox virus from the lesions and sequenced its whole genome. The patient reported that he had been previously vaccinated against smallpox. We describe an alternative route of cowpox virus infection and raise questions about the immunological status of smallpox-vaccinated patients for circulating orthopoxviruses.
Email this Article
-
Zika Virus Epidemic in Pregnant Women, Dominican Republic, 2016–2017
-
Lassa Fever in Travelers Arriving from West Africa, 1969–2016
Research
-
Acute and Delayed Deaths after West Nile Virus Infection, Texas, USA, 2002–2012
-
Macrophage Activation Marker sCD163 Associated with Fatal and Severe Ebola Virus Disease in Humans
-
Epidemiologic and Ecologic Investigations of Monkeypox, Likouala Department, Republic of the Congo, 2017
View Abstract
Monkeypox, caused by a zoonotic orthopoxvirus, is endemic in central and west Africa. Monkeypox has been sporadically reported in the Republic of the Congo. During March 22–April 5, 2017, we investigated 43 suspected human monkeypox cases. We interviewed suspected case-patients and collected dried-blood strips and vesicular and crust specimens (active lesions), which we tested for orthopoxvirus antibodies by ELISA and monkeypox virus and varicella zoster virus DNA by PCR. An ecologic investigation was conducted around Manfouété, and specimens from 105 small mammals were tested for anti-orthopoxvirus antibodies or DNA. Among the suspected human cases, 22 met the confirmed, probable, and possible case definitions. Only 18 patients had available dried blood strips; 100% were IgG positive, and 88.9% (16/18) were IgM positive. Among animals, only specimens from Cricetomys giant pouched rats showed presence of orthopoxvirus antibodies, adding evidence to this species’ involvement in the transmission and maintenance of monkeypox virus in nature.
Email this Article
-
Zika Virus-Specific IgM Antibody Detection and Neutralizing Antibody Profiles 12–19 Months after Illness Onset
-
Oasis Malaria, Northern Mauritania
View Abstract
A malaria survey was conducted in Atar, the northernmost oasis city in Mauritania, during 2015–2016. All febrile patients in whom malaria was suspected were screened for malaria by using rapid diagnostic testing and microscopic examination of blood smears and later confirmed by PCR. Of 453 suspected malaria cases, 108 (23.8%) were positive by rapid diagnostic testing, 154 (34.0%) by microscopic examination, and 162 (35.7%) by PCR. Malaria cases were observed throughout the year and among all age groups. Plasmodium vivax was present in 120/162 (74.1%) cases, P. falciparum in 4/162 (2.4%), and mixed P. falciparum–P. vivax in 38/162 (23.4%). Malaria is endemic in northern Mauritania and could be spreading farther north in the Sahara desert, possibly because of human-driven environmental changes. Further entomologic and parasitologic studies and monitoring are needed to relate these findings to major Anopheles mosquito vectors and to design and implement strategies for malaria prevention and control.
Email this Article
-
Echinococcus multilocularis, Southern Ontario, Canada
View Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis, the disease caused by infection with the intermediate stage of the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm, is typically fatal in humans and dogs when left untreated. Since 2012, alveolar echinococcosis has been diagnosed in 5 dogs, 3 lemurs, and 1 chipmunk in southern Ontario, Canada, a region previously considered free of these tapeworms. Because of human and animal health concerns, we estimated prevalence of infection in wild canids across southern Ontario. During 2015–2017, we collected fecal samples from 460 wild canids (416 coyotes, 44 foxes) during postmortem examination and analyzed them by using a semiautomated magnetic capture probe DNA extraction and real-time PCR method for E. multilocularis DNA. Surprisingly, 23% (95% CI 20%–27%) samples tested positive. By using a spatial scan test, we identified an infection cluster (relative risk 2.26; p = 0.002) in the western-central region of the province. The cluster encompasses areas of dense human population, suggesting zoonotic transmission.
Email this Article
Historical Review
-
Killing Clothes Lice by Holding Infested Clothes away from Hosts for 10 Days to Control Louseborne Relapsing Fever, Bahir Dah, Ethiopia
View Abstract
Louseborne relapsing fever (LBRF) was once a cosmopolitan disease but it now occurs only in the Horn of Africa. Recent cases in refugees to Europe made LBRF topical again. Crowded boarding houses and church dwellings in Ethiopia are analogous to the crowded air-raid shelters of World War II. Thus, we might learn from experiments the London School of Tropical Hygiene and Medicine conducted during World War II. When the vector of Borrelia recurrentis (Pediculus humanus lice) were held away from the host for 10 days, 100% of nymphal and adult lice starved to death and 100% of eggs did not hatch. We hypothesize that holding infested clothes away from hosts in plastic shopping bags will kill enough lice to control LBRF in Ethiopia. Owning 2 sets of clothes might be useful; 1 set might be held in a plastic shopping bag for 10 days to kill lice and their eggs.
Email this Article
Dispatches
-
Identification of Leishmania Species in Naturally Infected Sand Flies from Refugee Camps, Greece
View Abstract
High infection rates of Leishmania donovani and L. tropica were detected in Phlebotomus spp. sand flies collected from refugee camps in Greece, indicating increased risk of infection among local populations. Detection and treatment of leishmaniasis, community education, and vector control are essential measures to prevent pathogen transmission and protect public health.
Email this Article
-
Seroprevalence of Heartland Virus Antibodies in Blood Donors, Northwestern Missouri, USA
View Abstract
We estimated the seroprevalence of Heartland virus antibodies to be 0.9% (95% CI 0.4%–4.2%) in a convenience sample of blood donors from northwestern Missouri, USA, where human cases and infected ticks have been identified. Although these findings suggest that some past human infections were undetected, the estimated prevalence is low.
Email this Article
-
Incidence and Prevalence of West Nile Virus Infections, Continental United States, 1999–2016
-
Rift Valley Fever Reemergence after 7 Years of Quiescence, South Africa, May 2018
View Abstract
Phylogenetic analysis of Rift Valley fever virus partial genomic sequences from a patient infected in South Africa in May 2018 suggests reemergence of an endemic lineage different from that of the epidemic in South Africa during 2010–2011. Surveillance during interepidemic periods should be intensified to better predict future epidemics.
Email this Article
-
Cytauxzoon felis Infection in Domestic Cats, Yunnan Province, China, 2016
View Abstract
We performed a molecular survey for Cytauxzoon felis infection in 311 domestic cats in Yunnan Province, China, in 2016 and found a prevalence of 21.5%. C. felis infection in domestic and wild cats in other provinces should be investigated to determine parasite prevalence and genetic diversity among cats throughout China.
Email this Article
-
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Antibodies in Roe Deer, the Netherlands
View Abstract
To increase knowledge of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) circulation in the Netherlands, we conducted serosurveillance in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) during 2017 and compared results with those obtained during 2010. Results corroborate a more widespread occurrence of the virus in 2017. Precautionary public health measures have been raised.
Email this Article
-
Vector Competence of Aedes caspius and Ae. albopictus Mosquitoes for Zika Virus, Spain
View Abstract
We assessed the vector competence of Aedes caspius and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in Spain for the transmission of Zika virus. Whereas Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were a competent vector, Ae. caspius mosquitoes were unable to transmit Zika virus. We also identified high levels of vertical transmission of Zika virus in Ae. albopictus mosquitoes.
Email this Article
-
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Kosovo, 2013–2016
View Abstract
During 2013–2016, a total of 32 patients were treated for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Prishtina, Kosovo; 11 died. In the 11 patients who died, findings included viral loads >1 × 108.5/mL, lactate dehydrogenase >2,700 U/mL, bleeding, and impaired consciousness. Ribavirin therapy had no noticeable effect in this small patient sample.
Email this Article
-
Bat Influenza A(HL18NL11) Virus in Fruit Bats, Brazil
View Abstract
Screening of 533 bats for influenza A viruses showed subtype HL18NL11 in intestines of 2 great fruit-eating bats (Artibeus lituratus). High concentrations suggested fecal shedding. Genomic characterizations revealed conservation of viral genes across different host species, countries, and sampling years, suggesting a conserved cellular receptor and wide-ranging occurrence of bat influenza A viruses.
Email this Article
-
Differential Shedding and Antibody Kinetics of Zika and Chikungunya Viruses, Brazil
View Abstract
In seroconversion panels for patients from Brazil, diagnostic testing for Zika virus infection was improved by combining multiple antibody isotypes, techniques, and antigens, but sensitivity remained suboptimal. In contrast, chikungunya virus diagnostic testing was unambiguous. Recurrent recent arbovirus infections suggested by serologic data and unspecific symptoms highlight the need for exhaustive virologic testing.
Email this Article
-
Submicroscopic Malaria in Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, Spain
View Abstract
In a screening program, we detected submicroscopic malaria in 8.9% of recent migrants to Spain from sub-Saharan Africa. Hemoglobinopathies and filarial infection occurred more frequently in newly arrived migrants with submicroscopic malaria than in those without. Our findings could justify systematic screening in immigrants and recent travelers from malaria-endemic areas.
Email this Article
-
Molecular Detection and Species Determination of Malaria Parasites, Venezuela
View Abstract
In southeastern Venezuela, malaria cases have increased since 2013. We found that 46% of 352 blood samples from symptomatic patients in 1 municipality tested positive for Plasmodium spp. In addition, the number of cases increased by 10 times in 4 years (2014–2017) and by 3 times in 1 year (2016–2017).
Email this Article
-
Clinical Manifestations, Antimicrobial Drug Susceptibility Patterns, and Outcomes in Melioidosis Cases, India
View Abstract
We studied the clinical manifestations and outcomes of 114 patients with culture-confirmed cases of melioidosis treated at a tertiary hospital in South India. Diabetes mellitus is the main risk factor, and chronic melioidosis mimicking tuberculosis was more common than acute disease. Septicemia and respiratory involvement were associated with poor outcomes.
Email this Article
-
Lyme Disease Emergence after Invasion of the Blacklegged Tick, Ixodes scapularis, Ontario, Canada, 2010–2016
View Abstract
Analysis of surveillance data from 2010–2016 in eastern Ontario, Canada, demonstrates the rapid northward spread of Ixodes scapularis ticks and Borrelia burgdorferi, followed by increasing human Lyme disease incidence. Most spread occurred during 2011–2013. Continued monitoring is essential to identify emerging risk areas in this region.
Email this Article
Research Letters
-
Little Evidence of Zika Virus Infection in Wild Long-Tailed Macaques, Peninsular Malaysia
View Abstract
We tested a sample of 234 wild long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) trapped in Peninsular Malaysia in 2009, 2010, and 2016 for Zika virus RNA and antibodies. None were positive for RNA, and only 1.3% were seropositive for neutralizing antibodies. Long-tailed macaques are unlikely to be reservoirs for Zika virus in Malaysia.
Email this Article
-
Clinical Characteristics of Ratborne Seoul Hantavirus Disease
View Abstract
Although Seoul orthohantavirus is the only globally spread hantavirus pathogen, few confirmed human infections with this virus have been reported in Western countries, suggesting lower medical awareness of the milder, transient, and often chameleon-like symptoms of this zoonosis. We describe lesser known clinical and laboratory characteristics to help improve underreporting of this virus.
Email this Article
-
Severe Respiratory Illness Associated with Human Metapneumovirus in Nursing Home, New Mexico, USA
View Abstract
Human metapneumovirus is an emerging pathogen that causes upper and lower respiratory illness. Nursing home outbreaks of infection with this virus can cause severe illness and lead to poor patient outcomes. We report an outbreak investigation in a nursing home during 2018 and infection control guidelines to assist in disease control.
Email this Article
-
Schistosoma haematobium–Schistosoma mansoni Hybrid Parasite in Migrant Boy, France, 2017
View Abstract
Schistosomiasis is frequently detected in persons entering Europe. In 2017, we detected a Schistosoma mansoni–Schistosoma haematobium hybrid parasite infection in a migrant boy from Côte d’Ivoire entering France. Because such parasites might be established in Europe, as illustrated by an outbreak on Corsica Island, vectors of these parasites should be investigated.
Email this Article
-
West Nile Virus Infection in Travelers Returning to United Kingdom from South Africa
View Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an arthropod-transmitted flavivirus that causes West Nile fever and may infrequently cause neuroinvasive disease in humans. We present 2 cases of confirmed WNV infection, 1 of severe encephalitis and 1 of mild febrile illness, in a couple returning to the United Kingdom from South Africa.
Email this Article
-
Dolphin Morbillivirus in Eurasian Otters, Italy
View Abstract
We report biomolecular evidence of dolphin morbillivirus in 4 wild Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) from southern Italy; 2 animals showed simultaneous immunohistochemical reactivity against morbilliviral antigen. These cases add further concern and support to the progressively expanding host range of dolphin morbillivirus in the western Mediterranean Sea.
Email this Article
-
Pin-Site Myiasis Caused by Screwworm Fly in Nonhealed Wound, Colombia
View Abstract
Pin-site myiasis is an underreported complication of surgical interventions. We present a case of myiasis caused by the New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in a pin site of a chronic nonhealed wound 12 years after the intervention. This infection apparently was the result of poor perfusion of the leg.
Email this Article
-
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in Dogs, South Korea
View Abstract
Of 103 serum samples collected from dogs in South Korea, 3 (2.9%) were positive for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) and 22 (21.4%) were positive for antibodies against SFTSV. A dog-derived isolate of SFTSV clustered with many South Korea SFTSV strains in the Japanese clade.
Email this Article
-
Oropouche Virus–Associated Aseptic Meningoencephalitis, Southeastern Brazil
View Abstract
Oropouche fever is a neglected arthropodborne disease and zoonosis responsible for several outbreaks of a febrile disease in Central and South America. We present a clinical case of aseptic meningoencephalitis in an immunocompetent patient that resulted from Oropouche virus acquired in northern Brazil but diagnosed in a nonendemic region.
Email this Article
-
Zoonotic Leishmaniasis, Bosnia and Herzegovina
View Abstract
Leishmania infantum causes potentially life-threatening disease in humans. To determine the extent of the animal reservoir for this pathogen in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we tested dogs and cats. We found that a large proportion of dogs were exposed to or infected with L. infantum, indicating endemicity in dogs and zoonotic risk for humans.
Email this Article
-
East/Central/South African Genotype in a Chikungunya Outbreak, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2017
View Abstract
In 2017, an unprecedented increase in febrile illness was observed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Real-time reverse transcription PCR confirmed that 603 (40.2%) of 1,500 cases were chikungunya fever. Phylogenetic analysis revealed circulation of the non-A226V East/Central/South African genotype of chikungunya virus in Bangladesh.
Email this Article
Letter
Etymologia
Online Report
-
Public Health–Driven Research and Innovation for Next-Generation Influenza Vaccines, European Union
View Abstract
Influenza virus infections are a major public health threat. Vaccination is available, but unpredictable antigenic changes in circulating strains require annual modification of seasonal influenza vaccines. Vaccine effectiveness has proven limited, particularly in certain groups, such as the elderly. Moreover, preparedness for upcoming pandemics is challenging because we can predict neither the strain that will cause the next pandemic nor the severity of the pandemic. The European Union fosters research and innovation to develop novel vaccines that evoke broadly protective and long-lasting immune responses against both seasonal and pandemic influenza, underpinned by a political commitment to global public health.
Email this Article
Volume 25, Number 3—March 2019
Synopses
-
Global Systematic Review and Patient Meta-Analysis of Encouraging Treatment Outcomes for Children with Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
-
University-Based Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease Outbreaks, United States, 2013–2018
-
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Cases Reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System, United States, 2004–2015
-
Cross-Border Movement of Highly Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain through Torres Strait, Australia, 2010–2015
-
Epidemiology of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis among Inpatients in China, 2008–2017
-
Donor-Derived Genotype 4 Hepatitis E Virus Infection, Hong Kong, China, 2018
Research
-
Utility of Whole-Genome Sequencing to Ascertain Locally Acquired Cases of Coccidioidomycosis, Washington, USA
-
Increased Risk for Invasive Group A Streptococcus Disease for Household Contacts of Scarlet Fever Cases, England, 2011–2016
View Abstract
The incidence of scarlet fever in England and Wales is at its highest in 50 years. We estimated secondary household risk for invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease within 60 days after onset of scarlet fever. Reports of scarlet fever in England during 2011–2016 were matched by residential address to persons with laboratory-confirmed iGAS infections. We identified 11 iGAS cases in ≈189,684 household contacts and a 60-day incidence rate of 35.3 cases/100,000 person-years, which was 12.2-fold higher than the background rate (2.89). Infants and contacts >75 years of age were at highest risk. Three cases were fatal; sepsis and cellulitis were the most common manifestations. Typing for 6 iGAS cases identified emm 1.0 (n = 4), emm 4.0 (n = 1), and emm 12.0 (n = 1). Although absolute risk in household contacts was low, clinicians assessing household contacts should be aware of the risk to expedite diagnosis and initiate life-saving treatment.
Email this Article
-
Window Prophylaxis for Children Exposed to Tuberculosis, Houston, Texas, USA, 2007–2017
-
Emergence and Spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with Mosaic penA alleles Associated with Decreased Susceptibility and Resistance to Cephalosporins, South Korea, 2012–2017
-
Human-Origin Influenza A(H3N2) Reassortant Viruses in Swine, Southeastern Mexico
-
Mycobacterium avium in Community and Household Water, Suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 2010–2012
-
SNP-IT Method for Identifying Subspecies and Associated Lineages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex
-
Cronobacter sakazakii in Clinical Samples, Europe, 2017
Dispatches
-
Acute Flaccid Myelitis Associated with Enterovirus D68 in Children, Argentina, 2016
View Abstract
After a 2014 outbreak of severe respiratory illness caused by enterovirus D68 in the United States, sporadic cases of acute flaccid myelitis have been reported worldwide. We describe a cluster of acute flaccid myelitis cases in Argentina in 2016, adding data to the evidence of association between enterovirus D68 and this polio-like illness.
Email this Article
-
Listeria monocytogenes Associated with Pasteurized Chocolate Milk, Ontario, Canada
-
Role of Backyard Flocks in Transmission Dynamics of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Clade 2.3.4.4, France, 2016–2017
-
Seroprevalence of Enterovirus D68 in Children and Adults before 2014 Outbreak, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
-
Response to Isoniazid-Resistant Tuberculosis in Homeless Shelters, Georgia, USA, 2015–2017
-
Multidrug and Extensively Drug Resistant Tuberculosis among Refugees, Migrant Workers and Residents in Lebanon: A 1-Year Nationwide Study
-
Genomic Analysis of Cardiac Surgery-Associated Mycobacterium chimaera Infections, United States
Research Letters
-
Exportation of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis from Peru to Europe
-
Confirmed Case of Buruli Ulcer, Senegal, 2018
-
Detection of Influenza C Virus Infection among Hospitalized Patients in Cameroon
-
Healthcare Provider Discrimination toward Pregnant Women with Rifampin-Resistant Tuberculosis
-
Mycobacterium chimaera Pulmonary Disease in Cystic Fibrosis Patients, France, 2010–2017
-
Rectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Buenos Aires, Argentina
-
Biomphalaria pfeifferi Snails and Intestinal Schistosomiasis, Lake Malawi, Africa, 2017–2018
View Abstract
Two surveys conducted in 2017 and 2018 demonstrated Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails in Lake Malawi in Africa. Epidemiologic examination of 175 local children at 3 primary schools confirmed emergence of intestinal schistosomiasis. These findings highlight autochthonous transmission of Schistosoma mansoni flukes in Lake Malawi and the need to revise international travel advice.
Email this Article
Books and Media
-
Infectious Diseases – A Geographic Guide
Volume 25, Number 4—April 2019
Dispatches
-
Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Powassan Virus in Residents Bitten by Ixodes Ticks, Maine, USA
-
Distribution, Host-Seeking Phenology, and Host and Habitat Associations of Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks, Staten Island, New York, USA
-
Pneumonic Plague in Dog with Widespread Potential Human Exposure in Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Volume 25, Number 5—May 2019
Research
-
Novel Sequence Type in Bacillus cereus Strains Associated with Nosocomial Infections and Bacteremia, Japan
Dispatch
-
Neonatal Conjunctivitis Caused by Neisseria meningitidis of US Urethritis Clade, New York City, New York, USA, August 2017