A clinical epidemiology and molecular attribution evaluation of adenoviruses in pediatric acute gastroenteritis: A case-control study

The objective of this study was to characterize the etiological role of human adenovirus (HAdV) serotypes in pediatric gastroenteritis. Using a case-control design, we compared the frequencies of HAdV serotypes between children with ≥3 episodes of vomiting or diarrhea within 24 h and \u3c7 days of symptoms (i.e., cases) and those with no infectious symptoms (i.e., controls). Stool samples and/or rectal swabs underwent molecular serotyping with cycle threshold (Ct) values provided by multiplex real-time reverse transcription-PCR testing. Cases without respiratory symptoms were analyzed to calculate the proportion of disease attributed to individual HAdV serotypes (i.e., attributable fraction). Between December 2014 and August 2018, adenoviruses were detected in 18.8% (629/3,347) of cases and 7.2% (97/1,355) of controls, a difference of 11.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.6%, 13.5%). In 96% (95% CI, 92 to 98%) of HAdV F40/41 detections, the symptoms could be attributed to the identified serotype; when serotypes C1, C2, C5, and C6 were detected, they were responsible for symptoms in 52% (95% CI, 12 to 73%). Ct values were lower among cases than among controls

Community-Based Outbreaks in Vulnerable Populations of Invasive Infections Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotypes 5 and 8 in Calgary, Canada

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) typically occur within institutions. Beginning in 2005, we detected an increase in serotype (ST) 5 and ST8 IPD cases, predominantly in homeless persons living in an open community. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: CASPER (Calgary Area S. pneumoniae Epidemiology Research) surveillance study of all IPD (sterile site isolates) in our region (pop ~1,100,000). Interviews and chart reviews of all cases and all isolates phenotypically analyzed and selected isolated tested by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: During 2005-2007, 162 cases of ST5 IPD and 45 cases of ST8 IPD were identified. The isolates demonstrated phenotypic and genotypic clonality. The ST5 isolates were sequence type (ST) 289 and demonstrated intermediate susceptibility to TMP-SMX. The ST8 isolates were predominantly ST1268, with a susceptible antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Individuals with ST5 IPD were more likely to be middle aged (OR 2.6), homeless (OR 4.4), using illicit drugs(OR 4.8), and asthmatic(OR 2.6). Those with ST8 were more likely to be male (OR 4.4), homeless (OR 2.6), aboriginal (OR7.3), and a current smoker (OR 2.5). Overlapping outbreaks of ST5 and ST8 IPD occurred in an open community in Calgary, Canada and homelessness was a predominant risk factor. Homelessness represents a unique community in which pneumococcal outbreaks can occur

Immunogenicity, transplacental transfer of pertussis antibodies and safety following pertussis immunization during pregnancy: Evidence from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Pertussis immunization during pregnancy is recommended in many countries. Data from large randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the immunogenicity, reactogenicity and safety of this approach. Methods: This phase IV, observer-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial assessed immunogenicity, transplacental transfer of maternal pertussis antibodies, reactogenicity and safety of a reduced-antigen-content diphtheria-tetanus-three-component acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) during pregnancy. Women received Tdap or placebo at 27–36 weeks’ gestation with crossover 72-hourpostpartum immunization. Immune responses were assessed before the pregnancy dose and 1 month after, and from the umbilical cord at delivery. Superiority (primary objective) was reached if the lower limits of the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the pertussis geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratios (Tdap/control) in cord blood were 1.5. Solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) and pregnancy-/ neonate-related AEs of interest were recorded. Results: 687 pregnant women were vaccinated (Tdap: N = 341 control: N = 346). Superiority of the pertussis immune response (maternally transferred pertussis antibodies in cord blood) was demonstrated by the GMC ratios (Tdap/control): 16.1 (95% CI: 13.5–19.2) for anti-filamentous hemagglutinin, 20.7 (15.9–26.9) for anti-pertactin and 8.5 (7.0–10.2) for anti-pertussis toxoid. Rates of pregnancy-/ neonate-related AEs of interest, solicited general and unsolicited AEs were similar between groups. None of the serious AEs reported throughout the study were considered related to maternal Tdap vaccination. Conclusions: Tdap vaccination during pregnancy resulted in high levels of pertussis antibodies in cord blood, was well tolerated and had an acceptable safety profile. This supports the recommendation of Tdap vaccination during pregnancy to prevent early-infant pertussis disease.post-print502 K

Antimicrobial susceptibility of invasive and lower respiratory tract isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 1998 to 2007

Previous surveys of antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae have found differences depending on source of isolate (eg, higher resistance in lower respiratory tract [LRT] versus invasive isolate) and age (higher resistance in children versus adults). Susceptibility profiles in the Calgary Health Region (approximately 1.25 million population) over a 10-year period were studied. Prospective laboratory-based population surveillance for S pneumoniae disease has been conducted since 1998. Patient demographics and susceptibility testing were analyzed. In total, 2382 patient isolates were available for analysis from 1998 to 2007. Of these, 1170 isolates were invasive while 496 were LRT. Patient age distribution was: younger than five years, 14%; five to 17 years, 6%; 18 to 64 years, 56%; and 65 years or older, 24%. Mean patient age was 44.8 years and 60.0% were male. The overall incidence of nonsusceptibility was: penicillin, 8.2%; amoxicillin, 0.3%; cefuroxime, 6.2%; ceftriaxone, 1.7%; erythromycin, 8.8%; trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), 25.6%; clindamycin, 2.3%; and levofloxacin, 0.2%. Overall resistance rates were stable, except for increasing erythromycin resistance from 5.4% (1998) to a high of 14.2% (2004) (P=0.007). Isolates that were nonsusceptible to penicillin or TMP-SMX were more likely to be multidrug resistant (P<0.001) compared with penicillin- or TMP-SMX-susceptible isolates. Compared with invasive isolates, LRT isolates showed more resistance to penicillin, TMP-SMX, cefuroxime and erythromycin, and were more likely to be multidrug resistant. Isolates from children younger than five years of age are more likely to be multidrug resistant and resistant to erythromycin and cefotaxime. Ongoing surveillance of S pneumoniae isolates is important because resistance rates vary by source and patient age among health care regions

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Invasive and Lower Respiratory Tract Isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 1998 to 2007

Previous surveys of antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae have found differences depending on source of isolate (eg, higher resistance in lower respiratory tract [LRT] versus invasive isolate) and age (higher resistance in children versus adults). Susceptibility profiles in the Calgary Health Region (approximately 1.25 million population) over a 10-year period were studied. Prospective laboratory-based population surveillance for S pneumoniae disease has been conducted since 1998. Patient demographics and susceptibility testing were analyzed. In total, 2382 patient isolates were available for analysis from 1998 to 2007. Of these, 1170 isolates were invasive while 496 were LRT. Patient age distribution was: younger than five years, 14%; five to 17 years, 6%; 18 to 64 years, 56%; and 65 years or older, 24%. Mean patient age was 44.8 years and 60.0% were male. The overall incidence of nonsusceptibility was: penicillin, 8.2%; amoxicillin, 0.3%; cefuroxime, 6.2%; ceftriaxone, 1.7%; erythromycin, 8.8%; trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), 25.6%; clindamycin, 2.3%; and levofloxacin, 0.2%. Overall resistance rates were stable, except for increasing erythromycin resistance from 5.4% (1998) to a high of 14.2% (2004) (P=0.007). Isolates that were nonsusceptible to penicillin or TMP-SMX were more likely to be multidrug resistant (Pud_less_than0.001) compared with penicillin- or TMP-SMX-susceptible isolates. Compared with invasive isolates, LRT isolates showed more resistance to penicillin, TMP-SMX, cefuroxime and erythromycin, and were more likely to be multidrug resistant. Isolates from children younger than five years of age are more likely to be multidrug resistant and resistant to erythromycin and cefotaxime. Ongoing surveillance of S pneumoniae isolates is important because resistance rates vary by source and patient age among health care regions.Peer Reviewe

Rapid Online Identification of Adverse Events After Influenza Immunization in Children by PCIRN’s National Ambulatory Network

Background: A National Ambulatory Network was created in 2009 to rapidly assess the safety of influenza vaccines. In 2012, the network was expanded to monitor the safety of live attenuated influenza vaccine and trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in children. Methods: We used an online survey administered 7 days after influenza immunization to track new or exacerbated health problems that required medical consultation or prevented daily activities. Parents of immunized children completed the survey. Reported adverse events were followed up by telephone within 48 hours of the online report. A sample of nonresponders was contacted by telephone to ensure the online responder group was representative. Event rates after the 2 influenza vaccines were compared. Results: A total of 1230 parents completed an online or telephone survey, for a participation rate of 83%: 72% responded online and an additional 11% were reached by telephone. The rate of severe events in children immunized with an influenza vaccine was 4.7% (3.5–5.9%). The frequency and types of events reported were similar between online and telephone reports. Reported rates of severe events were similar after trivalent inactivated influenza or live attenuated influenza vaccine (4.0% vs. 5.1%, respectively). The online survey was easy to access and understand. Most respondents (94%) would participate next year. Conclusions: The rate and type of adverse events after immunization with trivalent inactivated influenza versus live attenuated influenza vaccine were similar and did not vary by reporting process (online vs. telephone). The electronic surveillance methodology provided rapid vaccine safety data in children. The electronic survey methodology was acceptable and feasible.Medicine, Faculty ofPediatrics, Department ofNon UBCReviewedFacult