Abstract
Connecticut established telephone-based gram-positive rod (GPR) reporting primarily to detect inhalational anthrax cases more quickly. From March to December 2003, annualized incidence of blood isolates was 21.3/100,000 persons; reports included 293 Corynebacterium spp., 193 Bacillus spp., 73 Clostridium spp., 26 Lactobacillus spp., and 49 other genera. Around-the-clock GPR reporting has described GPR epidemiology and enhanced rapid communication with clinical laboratories.
Highlights
Connecticut established telephone-based gram-positive rod (GPR) reporting primarily to detect inhalational anthrax cases more quickly
The Connecticut inhalational anthrax patient was intubated for mechanical ventilation during the 2-day delay between preliminary identification of gram-positive rods in blood culture and laboratory results suggesting B. anthracis
The Study At the end of January 2003, Connecticut clinical laboratories were notified by mail that GPR isolates identified from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood within 72 hours of culture inoculation must be reported to Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDPH) Epidemiology Program
Summary
Connecticut established telephone-based gram-positive rod (GPR) reporting primarily to detect inhalational anthrax cases more quickly. The Connecticut inhalational anthrax patient was intubated for mechanical ventilation during the 2-day delay between preliminary identification of gram-positive rods in blood culture and laboratory results suggesting B. anthracis. Since January 1, 2003, Connecticut laboratories and physicians have been required to report any gram-positive rod (GPR) identified from blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to CDPH.
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