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Medscape CME Activity

Medscape, LLC is pleased to provide online continuing medical education (CME) for selected journal articles, allowing clinicians the opportunity to earn CME credit. In support of improving patient care, these activities have been planned and implemented by Medscape, LLC and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Medscape, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

CME credit is available for one year after publication.

Volume 25—2019

Volume 25, Number 12—December 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 12—December 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Possibly Associated with Emerging Zoonotic Vaccinia Virus in a Farming Community, Colombia [PDF - 467 KB - 8 pages]
A. Styczynski et al.

In 2014, vaccinia virus (VACV) infections were identified among farmworkers in Caquetá Department, Colombia; additional cases were identified in Cundinamarca Department in 2015. VACV, an orthopoxvirus (OPXV) used in the smallpox vaccine, has caused sporadic bovine and human outbreaks in countries such as Brazil and India. In response to the emergence of this disease in Colombia, we surveyed and collected blood from 134 farmworkers and household members from 56 farms in Cundinamarca Department. We tested serum samples for OPXV antibodies and correlated risk factors with seropositivity by using multivariate analyses. Fifty-two percent of farmworkers had OPXV antibodies; this percentage decreased to 31% when we excluded persons who would have been eligible for smallpox vaccination. The major risk factors for seropositivity were municipality, age, smallpox vaccination scar, duration of time working on a farm, and animals having vaccinia-like lesions. This investigation provides evidence for possible emergence of VACV as a zoonosis in South America.

EID Styczynski A, Burgado J, Walteros D, Usme-Ciro J, Laiton K, Farias A, et al. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Possibly Associated with Emerging Zoonotic Vaccinia Virus in a Farming Community, Colombia. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(12):2169-2176. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2512.181114
AMA Styczynski A, Burgado J, Walteros D, et al. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Possibly Associated with Emerging Zoonotic Vaccinia Virus in a Farming Community, Colombia. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(12):2169-2176. doi:10.3201/eid2512.181114.
APA Styczynski, A., Burgado, J., Walteros, D., Usme-Ciro, J., Laiton, K., Farias, A....Petersen, B. (2019). Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Possibly Associated with Emerging Zoonotic Vaccinia Virus in a Farming Community, Colombia. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(12), 2169-2176. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2512.181114.

Medscape CME Activity
Streptococcus suis–Associated Meningitis, Bali, Indonesia, 2014–2017 [PDF - 982 KB - 8 pages]
N. Susilawathi et al.

Streptococcus suis is an emerging agent of zoonotic bacterial meningitis in Asia. We describe the epidemiology of S. suis cases and clinical signs and microbiological findings in persons with meningitis in Bali, Indonesia, using patient data and bacterial cultures of cerebrospinal fluid collected during 2014–2017. We conducted microbiological assays using the fully automatic VITEK 2 COMPACT system. We amplified and sequenced gene fragments of glutamate dehydrogenase and recombination/repair protein and conducted PCR serotyping to confirm some serotypes. Of 71 cases, 44 were confirmed as S. suis; 29 isolates were serotype 2. The average patient age was 48.1 years, and 89% of patients were male. Seventy-seven percent of patients with confirmed cases recovered without complications; 11% recovered with septic shock, 7% with deafness, and 2% with deafness and arthritis. The case-fatality rate was 11%. Awareness of S. suis infection risk must be increased in health promotion activities in Bali.

EID Susilawathi N, Tarini N, Fatmawati N, Mayura P, Suryapraba A, Subrata M, et al. Streptococcus suis–Associated Meningitis, Bali, Indonesia, 2014–2017. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(12):2235-2242. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2512.181709
AMA Susilawathi N, Tarini N, Fatmawati N, et al. Streptococcus suis–Associated Meningitis, Bali, Indonesia, 2014–2017. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(12):2235-2242. doi:10.3201/eid2512.181709.
APA Susilawathi, N., Tarini, N., Fatmawati, N., Mayura, P., Suryapraba, A., Subrata, M....Mahardika, G. (2019). Streptococcus suis–Associated Meningitis, Bali, Indonesia, 2014–2017. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(12), 2235-2242. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2512.181709.

Volume 25, Number 11—November 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 11—November 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Lack of Efficacy of High-Titered Immunoglobulin in Patients with West Nile Virus Central Nervous System Disease [PDF - 1004 KB - 10 pages]
J. W. Gnann et al.

West Nile Virus (WNV) can result in clinically severe neurologic disease. There is no treatment for WNV infection, but administration of anti-WNV polyclonal human antibody has demonstrated efficacy in animal models. We compared Omr-IgG-am, an immunoglobulin product with high titers of anti-WNV antibody, with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and normal saline to assess safety and efficacy in patients with WNV neuroinvasive disease as part of a phase I/II, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study in North America. During 2003–2006, a total of 62 hospitalized patients were randomized to receive Omr-IgG-am, standard IVIG, or normal saline (3:1:1). The primary endpoint was medication safety. Secondary endpoints were morbidity and mortality, measured using 4 standardized assessments of cognitive and functional status. The death rate in the study population was 12.9%. No significant differences were found between groups receiving Omr-IgG-am compared with IVIG or saline for either the safety or efficacy endpoints.

EID Gnann JW, Agrawal A, Hart J, Buitrago M, Carson P, Hanfelt-Goade D, et al. Lack of Efficacy of High-Titered Immunoglobulin in Patients with West Nile Virus Central Nervous System Disease. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(11):2064-2073. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2511.190537
AMA Gnann JW, Agrawal A, Hart J, et al. Lack of Efficacy of High-Titered Immunoglobulin in Patients with West Nile Virus Central Nervous System Disease. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(11):2064-2073. doi:10.3201/eid2511.190537.
APA Gnann, J. W., Agrawal, A., Hart, J., Buitrago, M., Carson, P., Hanfelt-Goade, D....Whitley, R. J. (2019). Lack of Efficacy of High-Titered Immunoglobulin in Patients with West Nile Virus Central Nervous System Disease. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(11), 2064-2073. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2511.190537.

Volume 25, Number 10—October 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 10—October 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Edwardsiella tarda Bacteremia, Okayama, Japan, 2005–2016 [PDF - 530 KB - 7 pages]
S. Kamiyama et al.

Edwardsiella tarda is primarily associated with gastrointestinal disease, but an increasing number of cases involving extraintestinal disease, especially E. tarda bacteremia, have been reported. Using clinical information of E. tarda bacteremia patients identified during January 2005–December 2016 in Japan, we characterized the clinical epidemiology of E. tarda bacteremia. A total of 182,668 sets of blood cultures were obtained during the study period; 40 (0.02%) sets from 26 patients were positive for E. tarda. The most common clinical manifestations were hepatobiliary infection, including cholangitis, liver abscess, and cholecystitis. Overall 30-day mortality for E. tarda bacteremia was 12%, and overall 90-day mortality was 27%. The incidence of E. tarda infection did not vary by season. We more frequently observed hepatobiliary infection in patients with E. tarda bacteremia than in patients with nonbacteremic E. tarda infections. E. tarda bacteremia is a rare entity that is not associated with high rates of death.

EID Kamiyama S, Kuriyama A, Hashimoto T. Edwardsiella tarda Bacteremia, Okayama, Japan, 2005–2016. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(10):1817-1823. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2510.180518
AMA Kamiyama S, Kuriyama A, Hashimoto T. Edwardsiella tarda Bacteremia, Okayama, Japan, 2005–2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(10):1817-1823. doi:10.3201/eid2510.180518.
APA Kamiyama, S., Kuriyama, A., & Hashimoto, T. (2019). Edwardsiella tarda Bacteremia, Okayama, Japan, 2005–2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(10), 1817-1823. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2510.180518.

Medscape CME Activity
Case Studies and Literature Review of Pneumococcal Septic Arthritis in Adults [PDF - 928 KB - 10 pages]
A. Dernoncourt et al.

We conducted a retrospective study on all cases of pneumococcal septic arthritis (SA) in patients >18 years of age reported to the Picardie Regional Pneumococcal Network in France during 2005–2016. Among 1,062 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease, we observed 16 (1.5%) SA cases. Although SA is uncommon in adult patients, the prevalence of pneumococcal SA in the Picardie region increased from 0.69% during 2005–2010 to 2.47% during 2011–2016 after introduction of the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine. We highlight the emergence of SA cases caused by the 23B serotype, which is not covered in the vaccine.

EID Dernoncourt A, El Samad Y, Schmidt J, Emond J, Gouraud C, Brocard A, et al. Case Studies and Literature Review of Pneumococcal Septic Arthritis in Adults. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(10):1824-1833. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2510.181695
AMA Dernoncourt A, El Samad Y, Schmidt J, et al. Case Studies and Literature Review of Pneumococcal Septic Arthritis in Adults. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(10):1824-1833. doi:10.3201/eid2510.181695.
APA Dernoncourt, A., El Samad, Y., Schmidt, J., Emond, J., Gouraud, C., Brocard, A....Hamdad, F. (2019). Case Studies and Literature Review of Pneumococcal Septic Arthritis in Adults. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(10), 1824-1833. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2510.181695.

Medscape CME Activity
Risk for Invasive Streptococcal Infections among Adults Experiencing Homelessness, Anchorage, Alaska, USA, 2002–2015 [PDF - 1.00 MB - 8 pages]
E. Mosites et al.

The risk for invasive streptococcal infection has not been clearly quantified among persons experiencing homelessness (PEH). We compared the incidence of detected cases of invasive group A Streptococcus infection, group B Streptococcus infection, and Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) infection among PEH with that among the general population in Anchorage, Alaska, USA, during 2002–2015. We used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Arctic Investigations Program surveillance system, the US Census, and the Anchorage Point-in-Time count (a yearly census of PEH). We detected a disproportionately high incidence of invasive streptococcal disease in Anchorage among PEH. Compared with the general population, PEH were 53.3 times as likely to have invasive group A Streptococcus infection, 6.9 times as likely to have invasive group B Streptococcus infection, and 36.3 times as likely to have invasive pneumococcal infection. Infection control in shelters, pneumococcal vaccination, and infection monitoring could help protect the health of this vulnerable group.

EID Mosites E, Zulz T, Bruden D, Nolen L, Frick A, Castrodale L, et al. Risk for Invasive Streptococcal Infections among Adults Experiencing Homelessness, Anchorage, Alaska, USA, 2002–2015. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(10):1903-1910. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2510.181408
AMA Mosites E, Zulz T, Bruden D, et al. Risk for Invasive Streptococcal Infections among Adults Experiencing Homelessness, Anchorage, Alaska, USA, 2002–2015. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(10):1903-1910. doi:10.3201/eid2510.181408.
APA Mosites, E., Zulz, T., Bruden, D., Nolen, L., Frick, A., Castrodale, L....Bruce, M. G. (2019). Risk for Invasive Streptococcal Infections among Adults Experiencing Homelessness, Anchorage, Alaska, USA, 2002–2015. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(10), 1903-1910. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2510.181408.

Volume 25, Number 9—September 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 9—September 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Classification of Trauma-Associated Invasive Fungal Infections to Support Wound Treatment Decisions [PDF - 748 KB - 9 pages]
A. Ganesan et al.

To evaluate a classification system to support clinical decisions for treatment of contaminated deep wounds at risk for an invasive fungal infection (IFI), we studied 246 US service members (413 wounds) injured in Afghanistan (2009–2014) who had laboratory evidence of fungal infection. A total of 143 wounds with persistent necrosis and laboratory evidence were classified as IFI; 120 wounds not meeting IFI criteria were classified as high suspicion (patients had localized infection signs/symptoms and had received antifungal medication for >10 days), and 150 were classified as low suspicion (failed to meet these criteria). IFI patients received more blood than other patients and had more severe injuries than patients in the low-suspicion group. Fungi of the order Mucorales were more frequently isolated from IFI (39%) and high-suspicion (21%) wounds than from low-suspicion (9%) wounds. Wounds that did not require immediate antifungal therapy lacked necrosis and localized signs/symptoms of infection and contained fungi from orders other than Mucorales.

EID Ganesan A, Shaikh F, Bradley W, Blyth DM, Bennett D, Petfield JL, et al. Classification of Trauma-Associated Invasive Fungal Infections to Support Wound Treatment Decisions. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(9):1639-1647. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2509.190168
AMA Ganesan A, Shaikh F, Bradley W, et al. Classification of Trauma-Associated Invasive Fungal Infections to Support Wound Treatment Decisions. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(9):1639-1647. doi:10.3201/eid2509.190168.
APA Ganesan, A., Shaikh, F., Bradley, W., Blyth, D. M., Bennett, D., Petfield, J. L....Tribble, D. R. (2019). Classification of Trauma-Associated Invasive Fungal Infections to Support Wound Treatment Decisions. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(9), 1639-1647. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2509.190168.

Medscape CME Activity
Risk for Clostridioides difficile Infection among Older Adults with Cancer [PDF - 821 KB - 7 pages]
M. Kamboj et al.

To assess whether risk for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is higher among older adults with cancer, we conducted a retrospective cohort study with a nested case–control analysis using population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare linked data for 2011. Among 93,566 Medicare beneficiaries, incident CDI and odds for acquiring CDI were higher among patients with than without cancer. Specifically, risk was significantly higher for those who had liquid tumors and higher for those who had recently diagnosed solid tumors and distant metastasis. These findings were independent of prior healthcare-associated exposure. This population-based assessment can be used to identify targets for prevention of CDI.

EID Kamboj M, Gennarelli RL, Brite J, Sepkowitz K, Lipitz-Snyderman A. Risk for Clostridioides difficile Infection among Older Adults with Cancer. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(9):1683-1689. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2509.181142
AMA Kamboj M, Gennarelli RL, Brite J, et al. Risk for Clostridioides difficile Infection among Older Adults with Cancer. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(9):1683-1689. doi:10.3201/eid2509.181142.
APA Kamboj, M., Gennarelli, R. L., Brite, J., Sepkowitz, K., & Lipitz-Snyderman, A. (2019). Risk for Clostridioides difficile Infection among Older Adults with Cancer. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(9), 1683-1689. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2509.181142.

Volume 25, Number 8—August 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 8—August 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Zika Virus Infection in Pregnant Women, Yucatan, Mexico [PDF - 1.23 MB - 8 pages]
Y. Romer et al.

We report demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical findings for a prospective cohort of pregnant women during the initial phase of Zika virus introduction into Yucatan, Mexico. We monitored 115 pregnant women for signs of active or recent Zika virus infection. The estimated cumulative incidence of Zika virus infection was 0.31 and the ratio of symptomatic to asymptomatic cases was 1.7 (range 1.3–4.0 depending on age group). Exanthema was the most sensitive clinical sign but also the least specific. Conjunctival hyperemia, joint edema, and exanthema were the combination of signs that had the highest specificity but low sensitivity. We did not find evidence of vertical transmission or fetal anomalies, likely because of the low number of pregnant women tested. We also did not find evidence of congenital disease. Our findings emphasize the limited predictive value of clinical features in areas where Zika virus cocirculates with other flaviviruses.

EID Romer Y, Valadez-Gonzalez N, Contreras-Capetillo S, Manrique-Saide P, Vazquez-Prokopec G, Pavia-Ruz N. Zika Virus Infection in Pregnant Women, Yucatan, Mexico. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(8):1452-1460. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2508.180915
AMA Romer Y, Valadez-Gonzalez N, Contreras-Capetillo S, et al. Zika Virus Infection in Pregnant Women, Yucatan, Mexico. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(8):1452-1460. doi:10.3201/eid2508.180915.
APA Romer, Y., Valadez-Gonzalez, N., Contreras-Capetillo, S., Manrique-Saide, P., Vazquez-Prokopec, G., & Pavia-Ruz, N. (2019). Zika Virus Infection in Pregnant Women, Yucatan, Mexico. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(8), 1452-1460. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2508.180915.

Medscape CME Activity
Retrospective Cohort Study of Lassa Fever in Pregnancy, Southern Nigeria [PDF - 757 KB - 7 pages]
S. Okogbenin et al.

Lassa fever in pregnancy causes high rates of maternal and fetal death, but limited data are available to guide clinicians. We retrospectively studied 30 pregnant Lassa fever patients treated with early ribavirin therapy and a conservative obstetric approach at a teaching hospital in southern Nigeria during January 2009–March 2018. Eleven (36.7%) of 30 women died, and 20/31 (64.5%) pregnancies ended in fetal or perinatal loss. On initial evaluation, 17/30 (56.6%) women had a dead fetus; 10/17 (58.8%) of these patients died, compared with 1/13 (7.7%) of women with a live fetus. Extravaginal bleeding, convulsions, and oliguria each were independently associated with maternal and fetal or perinatal death, whereas seeking care in the third trimester was not. For women with a live fetus at initial evaluation, the positive outcomes observed contrast with previous reports, and they support a conservative approach to obstetric management of Lassa fever in pregnancy in Nigeria.

EID Okogbenin S, Okoeguale J, Akpede G, Colubri A, Barnes KG, Mehta S, et al. Retrospective Cohort Study of Lassa Fever in Pregnancy, Southern Nigeria. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(8):1494-1500. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2508.181299
AMA Okogbenin S, Okoeguale J, Akpede G, et al. Retrospective Cohort Study of Lassa Fever in Pregnancy, Southern Nigeria. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(8):1494-1500. doi:10.3201/eid2508.181299.
APA Okogbenin, S., Okoeguale, J., Akpede, G., Colubri, A., Barnes, K. G., Mehta, S....Ogbaini-Emovon, E. (2019). Retrospective Cohort Study of Lassa Fever in Pregnancy, Southern Nigeria. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(8), 1494-1500. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2508.181299.

Volume 25, Number 7—July 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 7—July 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Prescribing Patterns for Treatment of Mycobacterium avium Complex and M. xenopi Pulmonary Disease in Ontario, Canada, 2001–2013 [PDF - 969 KB - 10 pages]
S. K. Brode et al.

Surveys suggest that clinicians diverge from guidelines when treating Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease (PD). To determine prescribing patterns, we conducted a cohort study of adults >66 years of age in Ontario, Canada, with MAC or Mycobacterium xenopi PD during 2001–2013. Using linked laboratory and health administrative databases, we studied the first treatment episode (>60 continuous days of >1 of a macrolide, ethambutol, rifamycin, fluoroquinolone, linezolid, inhaled amikacin, or, for M. xenopi, isoniazid). Treatment was prescribed for 24% MAC and 15% of M. xenopi PD patients. Most commonly prescribed was the recommended combination of macrolide, ethambutol, and rifamycin, for 47% of MAC and 36% of M. xenopi PD patients. Among MAC PD patients, 20% received macrolide monotherapy and 33% received regimens associated with emergent macrolide resistance. Although the most commonly prescribed regimen was guidelines-recommended, many regimens prescribed for MAC PD were associated with emergent macrolide resistance.

EID Brode SK, Chung H, Campitelli MA, Kwong JC, Marchand-Austin A, Winthrop KL, et al. Prescribing Patterns for Treatment of Mycobacterium avium Complex and M. xenopi Pulmonary Disease in Ontario, Canada, 2001–2013. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(7):1271-1280. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2507.181817
AMA Brode SK, Chung H, Campitelli MA, et al. Prescribing Patterns for Treatment of Mycobacterium avium Complex and M. xenopi Pulmonary Disease in Ontario, Canada, 2001–2013. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(7):1271-1280. doi:10.3201/eid2507.181817.
APA Brode, S. K., Chung, H., Campitelli, M. A., Kwong, J. C., Marchand-Austin, A., Winthrop, K. L....Marras, T. K. (2019). Prescribing Patterns for Treatment of Mycobacterium avium Complex and M. xenopi Pulmonary Disease in Ontario, Canada, 2001–2013. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(7), 1271-1280. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2507.181817.

Medscape CME Activity
Hospital-Associated Multicenter Outbreak of Emerging Fungus Candida auris, Colombia, 2016 [PDF - 866 KB - 8 pages]
P. A. Armstrong et al.

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungus that causes hospital-associated outbreaks of invasive infections with high death rates. During 2015–2016, health authorities in Colombia detected an outbreak of C. auris. We conducted an investigation to characterize the epidemiology, transmission mechanisms, and reservoirs of this organism. We investigated 4 hospitals with confirmed cases of C. auris candidemia in 3 cities in Colombia. We abstracted medical records and collected swabs from contemporaneously hospitalized patients to assess for skin colonization. We identified 40 cases; median patient age was 23 years (IQR 4 months–56 years). Twelve (30%) patients were <1 year of age, and 24 (60%) were male. The 30-day mortality was 43%. Cases clustered in time and location; axilla and groin were the most commonly colonized sites. Temporal and spatial clustering of cases and skin colonization suggest person-to-person transmission of C. auris. These cases highlight the importance of adherence to infection control recommendations.

EID Armstrong PA, Rivera SM, Escandon P, Caceres DH, Chow N, Stuckey MJ, et al. Hospital-Associated Multicenter Outbreak of Emerging Fungus Candida auris, Colombia, 2016. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(7):1339-1346. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2507.180491
AMA Armstrong PA, Rivera SM, Escandon P, et al. Hospital-Associated Multicenter Outbreak of Emerging Fungus Candida auris, Colombia, 2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(7):1339-1346. doi:10.3201/eid2507.180491.
APA Armstrong, P. A., Rivera, S. M., Escandon, P., Caceres, D. H., Chow, N., Stuckey, M. J....Pacheco, O. (2019). Hospital-Associated Multicenter Outbreak of Emerging Fungus Candida auris, Colombia, 2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(7), 1339-1346. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2507.180491.

Volume 25, Number 6—June 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 6—June 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Epidemiologic and Clinical Features of Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria, January 1–May 6, 2018 [PDF - 1.90 MB - 9 pages]
E. A. Ilori et al.

Lassa fever (LF) is endemic to Nigeria, where the disease causes substantial rates of illness and death. In this article, we report an analysis of the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of the LF outbreak that occurred in Nigeria during January 1–May 6, 2018. A total of 1,893 cases were reported; 423 were laboratory-confirmed cases, among which 106 deaths were recorded (case-fatality rate 25.1%). Among all confirmed cases, 37 occurred in healthcare workers. The secondary attack rate among 5,001 contacts was 0.56%. Most (80.6%) confirmed cases were reported from 3 states (Edo, Ondo, and Ebonyi). Fatal outcomes were significantly associated with being elderly; no administration of ribavirin; and the presence of a cough, hemorrhaging, and unconsciousness. The findings in this study should lead to further LF research and provide guidance to those preparing to respond to future outbreaks.

EID Ilori EA, Furuse Y, Ipadeola OB, Dan-Nwafor CC, Abubakar A, Womi-Eteng OE, et al. Epidemiologic and Clinical Features of Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria, January 1–May 6, 2018. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(6):1066-1074. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2506.181035
AMA Ilori EA, Furuse Y, Ipadeola OB, et al. Epidemiologic and Clinical Features of Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria, January 1–May 6, 2018. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(6):1066-1074. doi:10.3201/eid2506.181035.
APA Ilori, E. A., Furuse, Y., Ipadeola, O. B., Dan-Nwafor, C. C., Abubakar, A., Womi-Eteng, O. E....Ihekweazu, C. (2019). Epidemiologic and Clinical Features of Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria, January 1–May 6, 2018. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(6), 1066-1074. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2506.181035.

Medscape CME Activity
Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Musculoskeletal Infection Cases from a Tertiary Referral Center, Colorado, USA [PDF - 578 KB - 7 pages]
N. Goldstein et al.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria represent an uncommon but important cause of infection of the musculoskeletal system. Such infections require aggressive medical and surgical treatment, and cases are often complicated by delayed diagnosis. We retrospectively reviewed all 14 nonspinal cases of nontuberculous mycobacterial musculoskeletal infections treated over 6 years by orthopedic surgeons at a university-affiliated tertiary referral center. All patients required multiple antimicrobial agents along with aggressive surgical treatment; 13 of 14 patients ultimately achieved cure. Four patients required amputation to control the infection. Half these patients were immunosuppressed by medications or other medical illness when they sought care at the referral center. Six cases involved joint prostheses; all ultimately required hardware removal and placement of an antimicrobial spacer for eradication of infection. Our findings highlight the importance of vigilance for nontuberculous mycobacterial musculoskeletal infection, particularly in patients who are immunosuppressed or have a history of musculoskeletal surgery.

EID Goldstein N, St. Clair J, Kasperbauer SH, Daley CL, Lindeque B. Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Musculoskeletal Infection Cases from a Tertiary Referral Center, Colorado, USA. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(6):1075-1083. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2506.181041
AMA Goldstein N, St. Clair J, Kasperbauer SH, et al. Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Musculoskeletal Infection Cases from a Tertiary Referral Center, Colorado, USA. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(6):1075-1083. doi:10.3201/eid2506.181041.
APA Goldstein, N., St. Clair, J., Kasperbauer, S. H., Daley, C. L., & Lindeque, B. (2019). Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Musculoskeletal Infection Cases from a Tertiary Referral Center, Colorado, USA. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(6), 1075-1083. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2506.181041.

Volume 25, Number 5—May 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 5—May 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Age-Dependent Increase in Incidence of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia, Denmark, 2008–2015 [PDF - 1.04 MB - 8 pages]
L. Thorlacius-Ussing et al.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a major cause of illness and death worldwide. We analyzed temporal trends of SAB incidence and death in Denmark during 2008–2015. SAB incidence increased 48%, from 20.76 to 30.37 per 100,000 person-years, during this period (p<0.001). The largest change in incidence was observed for persons >80 years of age: a 90% increase in the SAB rate (p<0.001). After adjusting for demographic changes, annual rates increased 4.0% (95% CI 3.0–5.0) for persons <80 years of age, 8.4% (95% CI 7.0–11.0) for persons 80–89 years of age, and 13.0% (95% CI 9.0–17.5) for persons >90 years of age. The 30-day case-fatality rate remained stable at 24%; crude population death rates increased by 53% during 2008–2015 (p<0.001). Specific causes and mechanisms for this rapid increase in SAB incidence among the elderly population remain to be clarified.

EID Thorlacius-Ussing L, Sandholdt H, Larsen A, Petersen A, Benfield T. Age-Dependent Increase in Incidence of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia, Denmark, 2008–2015. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(5):875-882. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2505.181733
AMA Thorlacius-Ussing L, Sandholdt H, Larsen A, et al. Age-Dependent Increase in Incidence of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia, Denmark, 2008–2015. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(5):875-882. doi:10.3201/eid2505.181733.
APA Thorlacius-Ussing, L., Sandholdt, H., Larsen, A., Petersen, A., & Benfield, T. (2019). Age-Dependent Increase in Incidence of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia, Denmark, 2008–2015. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(5), 875-882. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2505.181733.

Medscape CME Activity
Novel Sequence Type in Bacillus cereus Strains Associated with Nosocomial Infections and Bacteremia, Japan [PDF - 2.53 MB - 8 pages]
R. Akamatsu et al.

Bacillus cereus is associated with foodborne illnesses characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. Although some B. cereus strains that cause severe extraintestinal infections and nosocomial infections are recognized as serious public health threats in healthcare settings, the genetic backgrounds of B. cereus strains causing such infections remain unknown. By conducting pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing, we found that a novel sequence type (ST), newly registered as ST1420, was the dominant ST isolated from the cases of nosocomial infections that occurred in 3 locations in Japan in 2006, 2013, and 2016. Phylogenetic analysis showed that ST1420 strains belonged to the Cereus III lineage, which is much closer to the Anthracis lineage than to other Cereus lineages. Our results suggest that ST1420 is a prevalent ST in B. cereus strains that have caused recent nosocomial infections in Japan.

EID Akamatsu R, Suzuki M, Okinaka K, Sasahara T, Yamane K, Suzuki S, et al. Novel Sequence Type in Bacillus cereus Strains Associated with Nosocomial Infections and Bacteremia, Japan. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(5):883-890. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2505.171890
AMA Akamatsu R, Suzuki M, Okinaka K, et al. Novel Sequence Type in Bacillus cereus Strains Associated with Nosocomial Infections and Bacteremia, Japan. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(5):883-890. doi:10.3201/eid2505.171890.
APA Akamatsu, R., Suzuki, M., Okinaka, K., Sasahara, T., Yamane, K., Suzuki, S....Higashi, H. (2019). Novel Sequence Type in Bacillus cereus Strains Associated with Nosocomial Infections and Bacteremia, Japan. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(5), 883-890. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2505.171890.

Volume 25, Number 4—April 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 4—April 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Clinical Manifestations and Molecular Diagnosis of Scrub Typhus and Murine Typhus, Vietnam, 2015–2017 [PDF - 994 KB - 5 pages]
N. Trung et al.

Rickettsioses are endemic to Vietnam; however, only a limited number of clinical studies have been performed on these vectorborne bacteria. We conducted a prospective hospital-based study at 2 national referral hospitals in Hanoi to describe the clinical characteristics of scrub typhus and murine typhus in northern Vietnam and to assess the diagnostic applicability of quantitative real-time PCR assays to diagnose rickettsial diseases. We enrolled 302 patients with acute undifferentiated fever and clinically suspected rickettsiosis during March 2015–March 2017. We used a standardized case report form to collect clinical information and laboratory results at the time of admission and during treatment. We confirmed scrub typhus in 103 (34.1%) patients and murine typhus in 12 (3.3%) patients. These results highlight the need for increased emphasis on training for healthcare providers for earlier recognition, prevention, and treatment of rickettsial diseases in Vietnam.

EID Trung N, Hoi L, Dien V, Huong D, Hoa T, Lien V, et al. Clinical Manifestations and Molecular Diagnosis of Scrub Typhus and Murine Typhus, Vietnam, 2015–2017. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(4):633-641. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2504.180691
AMA Trung N, Hoi L, Dien V, et al. Clinical Manifestations and Molecular Diagnosis of Scrub Typhus and Murine Typhus, Vietnam, 2015–2017. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(4):633-641. doi:10.3201/eid2504.180691.
APA Trung, N., Hoi, L., Dien, V., Huong, D., Hoa, T., Lien, V....Van Kinh, N. (2019). Clinical Manifestations and Molecular Diagnosis of Scrub Typhus and Murine Typhus, Vietnam, 2015–2017. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(4), 633-641. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2504.180691.

Volume 25, Number 3—March 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 3—March 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Treatment Outcomes in Global Systematic Review and Patient Meta-Analysis of Children with Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis [PDF - 965 KB - 10 pages]
M. Osman et al.

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) has extremely poor treatment outcomes in adults. Limited data are available for children. We report on clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes for 37 children (<15 years of age) with bacteriologically confirmed XDR TB in 11 countries. These patients were managed during 1999–2013. For the 37 children, median age was 11 years, 32 (87%) had pulmonary TB, and 29 had a recorded HIV status; 7 (24%) were infected with HIV. Median treatment duration was 7.0 months for the intensive phase and 12.2 months for the continuation phase. Thirty (81%) children had favorable treatment outcomes. Four (11%) died, 1 (3%) failed treatment, and 2 (5%) did not complete treatment. We found a high proportion of favorable treatment outcomes among children, with mortality rates markedly lower than for adults. Regimens and duration of treatment varied considerably. Evaluation of new regimens in children is required.

EID Osman M, Harausz EP, Garcia-Prats AJ, Schaaf H, Moore BK, Hicks RM, et al. Treatment Outcomes in Global Systematic Review and Patient Meta-Analysis of Children with Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(3):441-450. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2503.180852
AMA Osman M, Harausz EP, Garcia-Prats AJ, et al. Treatment Outcomes in Global Systematic Review and Patient Meta-Analysis of Children with Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(3):441-450. doi:10.3201/eid2503.180852.
APA Osman, M., Harausz, E. P., Garcia-Prats, A. J., Schaaf, H., Moore, B. K., Hicks, R. M....Hesseling, A. C. (2019). Treatment Outcomes in Global Systematic Review and Patient Meta-Analysis of Children with Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(3), 441-450. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2503.180852.

Medscape CME Activity
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Cases Reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System, United States, 2004–2015 [PDF - 1.01 MB - 6 pages]
Z. Wansaula et al.

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is used as a vaccine to protect against disseminated tuberculosis (TB) and as a treatment for bladder cancer. We describe characteristics of US TB patients reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System (NTSS) whose disease was attributed to BCG. We identified 118 BCG cases and 91,065 TB cases reported to NTSS during 2004–2015. Most patients with BCG were US-born (86%), older (median age 75 years), and non-Hispanic white (81%). Only 17% of BCG cases had pulmonary involvement, in contrast with 84% of TB cases. Epidemiologic features of BCG cases differed from TB cases. Clinicians can use clinical history to discern probable BCG cases from TB cases, enabling optimal clinical management. Public health agencies can use this information to quickly identify probable BCG cases to avoid inappropriately reporting BCG cases to NTSS or expending resources on unnecessary public health interventions.

EID Wansaula Z, Wortham JM, Mindra G, Haddad MB, Salinas JL, Ashkin D, et al. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Cases Reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System, United States, 2004–2015. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(3):451-456. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2503.180686
AMA Wansaula Z, Wortham JM, Mindra G, et al. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Cases Reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System, United States, 2004–2015. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(3):451-456. doi:10.3201/eid2503.180686.
APA Wansaula, Z., Wortham, J. M., Mindra, G., Haddad, M. B., Salinas, J. L., Ashkin, D....Langer, A. J. (2019). Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Cases Reported to the National Tuberculosis Surveillance System, United States, 2004–2015. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(3), 451-456. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2503.180686.

Volume 25, Number 2—February 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 2—February 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Acute and Delayed Deaths after West Nile Virus Infection, Texas, USA, 2002–2012 [PDF - 1.21 MB - 9 pages]
D. Philpott et al.

Infection with West Nile virus (WNV) has a well-characterized acute disease process. However, long-term consequences are less understood. We searched death records for 4,142 residents of Texas, USA, infected with WNV during 2002–2012 and identified 557 (13%) deaths. We analyzed all-cause and cause-specific deaths after WNV infection by calculating standardized mortality ratios and using statewide mortality data. Acute-phase deaths (<90 days after symptom onset) occurred in 289 (7%) of case-patients; of those deaths, 289 (92%) were cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND). Convalescent-phase deaths (>90 days after symptom onset) occurred in 268 (7%) of the remaining 3,853 case-patients; 210 (78%) of these deaths occurred in patients with WNND. Convalescent-phase WNND case-patients showed excess deaths from infectious and renal causes; case-patients <60 years of age had increased risk for all-cause death, specifically from renal, infectious, digestive, and circulatory causes. We provide population-level evidence of increased risk for death after WNV infection resulting in WNND.

EID Philpott D, Nolan MS, Evert N, Mayes B, Hesalroad D, Fonken E, et al. Acute and Delayed Deaths after West Nile Virus Infection, Texas, USA, 2002–2012. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(2):256-264. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2502.181250
AMA Philpott D, Nolan MS, Evert N, et al. Acute and Delayed Deaths after West Nile Virus Infection, Texas, USA, 2002–2012. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(2):256-264. doi:10.3201/eid2502.181250.
APA Philpott, D., Nolan, M. S., Evert, N., Mayes, B., Hesalroad, D., Fonken, E....Murray, K. O. (2019). Acute and Delayed Deaths after West Nile Virus Infection, Texas, USA, 2002–2012. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(2), 256-264. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2502.181250.

Medscape CME Activity
Human Pasteurellosis Health Risk for Elderly Persons Living with Companion Animals [PDF - 1.33 MB - 7 pages]
S. Körmöndi et al.
EID Körmöndi S, Terhes G, Pál Z, Varga E, Harmati M, Buzás K, et al. Human Pasteurellosis Health Risk for Elderly Persons Living with Companion Animals. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(2):229-235. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2502.180641
AMA Körmöndi S, Terhes G, Pál Z, et al. Human Pasteurellosis Health Risk for Elderly Persons Living with Companion Animals. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(2):229-235. doi:10.3201/eid2502.180641.
APA Körmöndi, S., Terhes, G., Pál, Z., Varga, E., Harmati, M., Buzás, K....Urbán, E. (2019). Human Pasteurellosis Health Risk for Elderly Persons Living with Companion Animals. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(2), 229-235. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2502.180641.

Medscape CME Activity
Zika Virus Epidemic in Pregnant Women, Dominican Republic, 2016–2017 [PDF - 2.59 MB - 9 pages]
F. Peña et al.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy may result in birth defects and pregnancy complications. We describe the Zika virus outbreak in pregnant women in the Dominican Republic during 2016–2017. We conducted multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with fetal losses and preterm birth. The Ministry of Health identified 1,282 pregnant women with suspected Zika virus infection, a substantial proportion during their first trimester. Fetal loss was reported for ≈10% of the reported pregnancies, and 3 cases of fetal microcephaly were reported. Women infected during the first trimester were more likely to have early fetal loss (adjusted odds ratio 5.9, 95% CI 3.5–10.0). Experiencing fever during infection was associated with increased odds of premature birth (adjusted odds ratio 1.65, 95% CI 1.03–2.65). There was widespread morbidity during the epidemic. Our findings strengthen the evidence for a broad range of adverse pregnancy outcomes resulting from Zika virus infection.

EID Peña F, Pimentel R, Khosla S, Mehta SD, Brito MO. Zika Virus Epidemic in Pregnant Women, Dominican Republic, 2016–2017. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(2):247-255. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2502.181054
AMA Peña F, Pimentel R, Khosla S, et al. Zika Virus Epidemic in Pregnant Women, Dominican Republic, 2016–2017. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(2):247-255. doi:10.3201/eid2502.181054.
APA Peña, F., Pimentel, R., Khosla, S., Mehta, S. D., & Brito, M. O. (2019). Zika Virus Epidemic in Pregnant Women, Dominican Republic, 2016–2017. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(2), 247-255. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2502.181054.

Volume 25, Number 1—January 2019

Cover of issue Volume 25, Number 1—January 2019

Medscape CME Activity
Enterovirus A71 Infection and Neurologic Disease, Madrid, Spain, 2016 [PDF - 1.02 MB - 8 pages]
C. Taravilla et al.

We conducted an observational study from January 2016 through January 2017 of patients admitted to a reference pediatric hospital in Madrid, Spain, for neurologic symptoms and enterovirus infection. Among the 30 patients, the most common signs and symptoms were fever, lethargy, myoclonic jerks, and ataxia. Real-time PCR detected enterovirus in the cerebrospinal fluid of 8 patients, nasopharyngeal aspirate in 17, and anal swab samples of 5. The enterovirus was genotyped for 25 of 30 patients; enterovirus A71 was the most common serotype (21/25) and the only serotype detected in patients with brainstem encephalitis or encephalomyelitis. Treatment was intravenous immunoglobulins for 21 patients and corticosteroids for 17. Admission to the pediatric intensive care unit was required for 14 patients. All patients survived. At admission, among patients with the most severe disease, leukocytes were elevated. For children with brainstem encephalitis or encephalomyelitis, clinicians should look for enterovirus and not limit testing to cerebrospinal fluid.

EID Taravilla C, Pérez-Sebastián I, Salido A, Serrano C, Extremera V, Rodríguez A, et al. Enterovirus A71 Infection and Neurologic Disease, Madrid, Spain, 2016. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(1):25-32. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2501.181089
AMA Taravilla C, Pérez-Sebastián I, Salido A, et al. Enterovirus A71 Infection and Neurologic Disease, Madrid, Spain, 2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(1):25-32. doi:10.3201/eid2501.181089.
APA Taravilla, C., Pérez-Sebastián, I., Salido, A., Serrano, C., Extremera, V., Rodríguez, A....González, A. (2019). Enterovirus A71 Infection and Neurologic Disease, Madrid, Spain, 2016. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(1), 25-32. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2501.181089.

Medscape CME Activity
Prescription of Antibacterial Drugs for HIV-Exposed, Uninfected Infants, Malawi, 2004–2010
A. C. Ewing et al.

Antimicrobial drug resistance is a serious health hazard driven by overuse. Administration of antimicrobial drugs to HIV-exposed, uninfected infants, a population that is growing and at high risk for infection, is poorly studied. We therefore analyzed factors associated with antibacterial drug administration to HIV-exposed, uninfected infants during their first year of life. Our study population was 2,152 HIV-exposed, uninfected infants enrolled in the Breastfeeding, Antiretrovirals and Nutrition study in Lilongwe, Malawi, during 2004–2010. All infants were breastfed through 28 weeks of age. Antibacterial drugs were prescribed frequently (to 80% of infants), and most (67%) of the 5,329 prescriptions were for respiratory indications. Most commonly prescribed were penicillins (43%) and sulfonamides (23%). Factors associated with lower hazard for antibacterial drug prescription included receipt of cotrimoxazole preventive therapy, receipt of antiretroviral drugs, and increased age. Thus, cotrimoxazole preventive therapy may lead to fewer prescriptions for antibacterial drugs for these infants.

EID Ewing AC, Davis NL, Kayira D, Hosseinipour MC, van der Horst C, Jamieson DJ, et al. Prescription of Antibacterial Drugs for HIV-Exposed, Uninfected Infants, Malawi, 2004–2010. Emerg Infect Dis. 2019;25(1):103-112. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2501.180782
AMA Ewing AC, Davis NL, Kayira D, et al. Prescription of Antibacterial Drugs for HIV-Exposed, Uninfected Infants, Malawi, 2004–2010. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2019;25(1):103-112. doi:10.3201/eid2501.180782.
APA Ewing, A. C., Davis, N. L., Kayira, D., Hosseinipour, M. C., van der Horst, C., Jamieson, D. J....Kourtis, A. P. (2019). Prescription of Antibacterial Drugs for HIV-Exposed, Uninfected Infants, Malawi, 2004–2010. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(1), 103-112. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2501.180782.

CME Articles by Volume

Page created: December 12, 2018
Page updated: November 15, 2019
The conclusions, findings, and opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.
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