Implementation Of Control Measures Research Articles

Factors associated with underreporting of tuberculosis cases among private healthcare providers in Semarang City

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a global public health challenge, with accurate case reporting being crucial for the implementation of effective control measures. In Semarang City, Indonesia, private healthcare providers play a pivotal role, yet the under-reporting of TB cases in this sector compromises the management and containment of the disease. This study investigates the factors influencing the under-reporting of TB cases among private healthcare providers and explores their consequences for public health strategies. The primary aim of this research is to elucidate the relationship between various determinants such as physicians’ knowledge of TB notification protocols, their commitment to notification processes, the availability of dedicated staff for notification, incentive mechanisms, and the notification format used, and the phenomenon of TB case under-reporting. Methods: Employing the Spearman correlation coefficient, this study evaluates the associations between the identified factors and the under-reporting of TB cases. The findings indicate significant correlations between under-reporting of TB cases and several variables: the physicians' awareness of notification requirements, their commitment to notification procedures, the existence of incentives, the appointment of designated staff for notification tasks, and the format of the notification system (Sig < 0.05). Discussion: The under-reporting of TB cases hinders accurate disease surveillance and timely intervention, thereby perpetuating transmission and increasing the risk of drug-resistant TB strains. The results underscore the necessity for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing TB reporting practices among private healthcare providers. Enhancing these practices is crucial for strengthening the overall TB control strategy and protecting public health.

Knowledge, attitude, practices and treatment-seeking behaviour concerning cutaneous leishmaniasis among rural hyperendemic communities in western Yemen

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is a major public health problem in Yemen with widespread distribution in rural areas. Evaluating the knowledge and understanding of people’s beliefs towards the disease is essential to the implementation of effective control measures. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) and treatment-seeking behaviour concerning CL among rural populations in the western highlands of Yemen. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 289 household heads in four rural areas of the Utmah District. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. All the participants had heard about the disease; however, only 9.3% attributed it to sandflies. Nearly half (48.1%) of the participants could not mention any preventive measures for CL, and nearly two-thirds (65.4%) could not do so for sandflies. The overall ‘good’ knowledge about CL was found to be 51.2%, and it was 33.9% for sandflies. The participants’ attitude and prevention practices towards CL were not satisfactory, as only 38.1% and 16.3% had a positive attitude and good CL-related prevention practices, respectively. Moreover, 45.7% believed CL to be a stigmatising disease, and 50% had used traditional remedies to treat suspected CL lesions. Multivariate analyses showed that age, sex, presence of CL-confirmed cases in the same household, residency, occupation and monthly household income were the significant predictors associated with KAP concerning CL among the participants. The findings support an urgent need for integrated health education and community mobilisation interventions to improve awareness of these vulnerable populations about this devastating disease.

Prolonged multi‐country outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes ST173 linked to consumption of fish products

Abstract Between 2012 and 2024, a prolonged outbreak of 73 cases of L. monocytogenes ST173 infections (‘My2’ ‐cluster) has been ongoing in Belgium (5), Czechia (1), Germany (39), Finland (2), Italy (1), the Netherlands (20), and the United Kingdom (UK) (5). Fourteen deaths have been recorded as associated with this outbreak. Males aged over 60 years represent the most affected population group. Most patients with available information from case interviews report consuming various fish products before illness. Among 73 cases, an ongoing ‘My2’ sub‐cluster 1 was identified with 38 cases reported in six EU countries and the UK. The ‘My2’ sub‐cluster 1 includes 83 non‐human isolates, of which 48 are food isolates and six are environmental isolates with traceability data corresponding to 37 fish products (different typologies) and 12 fish manufacturers (located in six EU countries and one third country). The epidemiological and traceability information did not allow identification of a single common point or food business operator in the traceability of all products. Five countries reported the implementation of control measures. The whole genome analysis (WGS) analysis, the tracing evidence, and the detection in fish products between 2017 and 2024 suggest that the strain has been geographically spread in Europe for several years, most likely originated from a past single source high up in the production chain, and has been established in different fish processing plants. Overall, the evidence supports the hypothesis of fish products as the vehicle of infections. Given the detection of the outbreak strain in multiple types of fish products and its wide circulation in the EU/EEA fish production chain, new cases are likely to be reported. Corrective measures should be implemented in the plants where the contamination is detected, and further investigations should be carried out to identify the point of entry and prevent possible re‐contamination.

A new mobile diagnosis system for estimation of crop disease severity using deep transfer learning

Crop diseases pose as a major threat to global food security. Minimizing disease-induced damage during crop growth and optimizing crop yields are vital for agricultural sustainability. Therefore, advanced disease detection and prevention of such diseases are crucial and the detection must be prompt and efficient as it is essential for the implementation of appropriate control measures. In this work, a parallel deep learning framework based on deep feature fusion is developed to precisely identify the severity of crop diseases. The framework utilizes ResNet50 and Xception as separate branches for feature extraction. Convolutional layer weights are initialized through transfer learning techniques employing models pre-trained on the ImageNet dataset. A fine-tuning strategy is employed for the optimization of convolutional layers and the design of the top layer. This framework achieves an accuracy of 88.58% on the AI Challenger 2018 dataset, marking an enhancement of 2.8% and 13% over other influential deep learning models, and it also outperforms some recent works. Likewise, the framework exhibits a recognition accuracy of 99.53% on the PlantVillage dataset. Moreover, an Android-based application is developed to diagnose the severity of crop diseases in real-time. The diagnostic system swiftly procures results and provides control recommendations through the capture and upload of images to the platform. The advanced severity detection system reduces the expertise required from users, facilitating precise prevention and control measures whilst focusing on accessibility. This work aims to provide innovative approaches and solutions for disease detection in the agricultural field, utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance agricultural informatization and creating more sustainable farming methods.

Joint effects of traffic-related air pollution and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on maternal postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Ambient air pollution has been linked to postpartum depression. However, few studies have investigated the effects of traffic-related NOx on postpartum depression and whether any pregnancy-related factors might increase susceptibility. To evaluate the association between traffic-related NOx and postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms, and effect modification by pregnancy-related hypertension. This study included 453 predominantly low-income Hispanic/Latina women in the MADRES cohort. Daily traffic-related NOx concentrations by road class were estimated using the California LINE-source dispersion model (CALINE4) at participants' residential locations and averaged across pregnancy. Postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated by a validated questionnaire (Postpartum Distress Measure, PDM) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postpartum. Multivariate linear regressions were performed to estimate the associations at each timepoint. Interaction terms were added to the linear models to assess effect modification by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs). Repeated measurement analyses were conducted by using mixed effect models. We found prenatal traffic-related NOx was associated with increased PDM scores. Specifically, mothers exposed to an IQR (0.22 ppb) increase in NOx from major roads had 3.78% (95% CI: 0.53-7.14%) and 5.27% (95% CI: 0.33-10.45%) significantly higher 3-month and 12-month PDM scores, respectively. Similarly, in repeated measurement analyses, higher NOx from major roads was associated with 3.06% (95% CI: 0.43-5.76%) significantly higher PDM scores across the first year postpartum. Effect modification by HDPs was observed: higher freeway/highway and total NOx among mothers with HDPs were associated with significantly higher PDM scores at 12 months postpartum compared to those without HDPs. This study shows that prenatal traffic-related air pollution was associated with postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms. The study also found novel evidence of greater susceptibility among women with HDPs, which advances the understanding of the relationships between air pollution, maternal cardiometabolic health during pregnancy and postpartum mental health. Our study has potential implications for clinical intervention to mitigate the effects of traffic-related pollution on postpartum mental health disorders. The findings can also offer valuable insights into urban planning strategies concerning the implementation of emission control measures and the creation of green spaces.

With the best intentions: Implications on self-determination during Covid-19 restrictions.

In times of crisis, the interests of the individual might be sacrificed for the health and safety of others. The aim of this study was to explore the situation under Covid-19 for persons with intellectual disabilities, focusing on implications on the right to self-determination within health protection. To understand how the relevant legal framework was governed by authorities and service providers during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have performed semi-structured interviews with 19 service providers in municipal home care services. Many residents were provided adequate and adapted information about Covid-19, but very few were involved in the introduction and implementation of infection control measures. Our study has revealed how a crisis such as the pandemic not only puts the health of people with intellectual disabilities at risk, but also challenges their right to self-determination.

Long term variation of microphysical properties of black carbon in Beijing derived from observation and machine learning

The microphysical attributes of black carbon (BC) can determine its absorption and hygroscopic properties. However, long-term information is difficult to obtain from the field. In this study, the BC properties including mass concentration, the coating volume ratio (VR) relative to the refractory BC (rBC), the rBC diameter and the fraction of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), are derived from a number of field experiments using a random forest model. This model effectively derives the long-term BC microphysical properties in the Beijing region from 2013 to 2020 using continuous measurements of particulate matter, gas, BC mass concentration and meteorological parameters. The results reveal notably higher BC coatings (mean VR = 7.2) and a greater fraction of CCN-like BC (51%) in the winter compared to other seasons. Following the implementation of national air pollution control measures in 2017, BC mass exhibited a substantial reduction of 60% (29%) in the winter (summer), and VR decreased by 45% (24%). Apart from the influence of meteorological variations, these can be attributed to the declined primary emissions and the gas precursors which are associated with secondary formation of BC coatings. The reduction of both BC mass loading and coatings leads to its solar absorption decreasing by 50%, and the fraction of CCN-like BC (likely in clouds) decreasing by 23%. Environmental regulation will therefore continue to reduce both direct and indirect radiative impacts of BC in this region.

Flexible Resource Allocation-Efficient Water Use Strategies Facilitate Invasion of Invasive Vine Sicyos angulatus L.

The invasive vine Sicyos angulatus L. destroys the natural ecosystem of invaded areas. Understanding the differences in growth and development between S. angulatus and other plants is necessary to explore the invasion mechanisms of S. angulatus and implement appropriate prevention and control measures. Thus, this study compared the growth, photosynthesis, and root characteristics of invasive liana S. angulatus and other three vine plants, Ipomoea nil (L.) Roth, Ipomoea purpurea (L.), and Thladiantha dubia Bunge, at different growth stages: seedling, flowering, and fruiting. The results showed that the total biomass of S. angulatus in the fruiting stage was 3-6 times that of the other three plants, and the root biomass ratio and root-shoot ratio decreased throughout the growth stage. Throughout the growth stage, the total leaf area of S. angulatus was significantly higher than that of the other three plant types, and the specific leaf area of S. angulatus at the seedling and flowering stages was 2.5-3 and 1.4-3 times that of the other three plants, respectively. The photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of S. angulatus at the fruiting stage were significantly higher than those of the other three plants, and its water use efficiency was higher than that of the other three plants at the three growth stages, indicating its strong photosynthetic capacity. The root activity and root pressure of S. angulatus were also significantly higher than those of the other three plants at the seedling and flowering stages. These results show that S. angulatus flexibly allocates resources to its aboveground parts during the growth stage to ensure that the plant obtains the space necessary for its growth and development and that with the help of higher root pressure and root activity, S. angulatus can maintain higher photosynthesis and water use efficiency with fewer resources. Therefore, the prevention and control of S. angulatus requires a combination of aboveground and underground measures. Spraying conventional weedicide/herbicide and manually removing aboveground plants may lead to its resurgence.

Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Disease and Prey-Predator Interaction with Optimal Control

In this paper, the impact of viral illnesses on the predator-prey relationship with an optimal control analysis is studied. An ecoepidemiological model of four compartments, namely, susceptible prey, susceptible predator, infected prey, and infected predator populations, in the interaction of the prey-predator system is formulated. The fundamental tenet of our ecoepidemiology model is that sick predators do not engage in predation. It is confirmed that the system’s solution exists, is positive, and is bounded. The system’s equilibrium points are determined and computed. Lyapunov functions and a linearizing form are used for local and global stability analysis, respectively. The next generation matrix approach is used to calculate the threshold value for diseased predators and prey at the disease-free equilibrium point. Optimal treatment options for vulnerable and infected populations are established by applying optimal control theory to the ecoepidemiology model of a prey-predator system. MATLAB software is utilized to obtain numerical simulations that validate the analytical outcomes. The optimal control problem simulations demonstrate that the number of infected populations in a given prey-predator system can be decreased by implementing control measures.

A cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital in Taiwan: implications for protection against the Omicron variants

BackgroundTaiwan, deeply impacted by the 2003 SARS outbreak, promptly implemented rigorous infection control and prevention (ICP) measures in January 2020 to combat the global COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional serologic study was conducted among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary care hospital in Taiwan from August 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023. The study aimed to assess HCWs’ antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccination against Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.4, and BA.5, considering variations in prior infection. Additionally, it evaluated the effectiveness of ICP and vaccination policies within the hospital setting in Taiwan.MethodsA cross-sectional serology study was conducted in Taiwan to investigate the seroprevalence rates of Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.4, and BA.5 among HCWs. A total of 777 HCWs participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was collected to obtain the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for potential exposure. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect antibody responses. Serum samples were selected for protection against Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.4, and BA.5 by using a pseudotyped-based neutralization assay.ResultsMore than 99% of the participants had received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Overall, 57.7% had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, with some being asymptomatic. The SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike S1 protein IgG (Anti-S) distribution was 40,000 AU/mL for 20.2% (157/777) of participants, with a mean ± standard deviation of 23,442 ± 22,086. The decay curve for Anti-S was less than 20,000 AU/ml after 120 days. The probability curve of 50% neutralization showed an Anti-S of 55,000 AU/ml. The optimum Anti-S was 41,328 AU/mL (equal to 5,869 WHO’s standard BAU/mL), with 86.1% sensitivity and 63.5% specificity.ConclusionsIn this significant study, 20.2% of HCWs achieved seroprotection against Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.4, and BA.5. Their immunity against Omicron subvariants was further reinforced through recommended vaccinations and the development of natural immunity from SARS-CoV-2 exposure, collectively enhancing their protection against Omicron.

Occupational exposure, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment of formaldehyde in the pathology labs of hospitals in Iran

Formaldehyde, a known carcinogenic compound, is commonly used in various medical settings. The objective of this study was to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with occupational exposure to formaldehyde. This study was conducted in the pathology labs of four hospitals in Tehran. Cancer and non-cancer risks were evaluated using the quantitative risk assessment method proposed by the United States environmental protection agency (USEPA), along with its provided database known as the integrated risk information system (IRIS). Respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American thoracic society (ATS) questionnaire. The results indicated that 91.23% of exposure levels in occupational groups exceed the NIOSH standard of 0.016 ppm. Regarding carcinogenic risk, 41.03% of all the studied subjects were in the definite carcinogenic risk range (LCR > 10−4), 23.08% were in the possible carcinogenic risk range (10−5 < LCR < 10−4), and 35.90% were in the negligible risk range (LCR < 10−6). The highest index of occupational carcinogenesis was observed in the group of lab technicians with a risk number of 3.7 × 10−4, followed by pathologists with a risk number of 1.7 × 10−4. Furthermore, 23.08% of the studied subjects were within the permitted health risk range (HQ < 1.0), while 76.92% were within the unhealthy risk range (HQ > 1.0). Overall, the findings revealed significantly higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks among lab technicians and pathologists. Therefore, it is imperative to implement control measures across various hospital departments to mitigate occupational formaldehyde exposure levels proactively. These findings can be valuable for policymakers in the health sector, aiding in the elimination or reduction of airborne formaldehyde exposure in work environments.

Contamination, morphological and chemical characterization, and hazard risk analyses of microplastics in drinking water sourced from groundwater in a developing nation

Groundwater (GW) plays a crucial role as the primary source of potable water in numerous developing nations. However, the increasing presence of microplastics (MPs) represents a concealed danger, threatening activities that guarantee safe drinking water in these countries. Despite this, there is limited awareness about the widespread existence of MPs in these regions of the world. In this study, we investigated the contamination levels, distribution, morphological characteristics, chemical composition, and associated public health risk of MPs in groundwater samples from six coastal districts of Bangladesh using stereomicroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MPs were prevalent at all sampling stations, with average concentrations of 24.63 ± 16.13 items/L and a range of 4–75 items/L. The majority of MPs (97.6%) were fibers, indicating a likely origin from fabric disintegration during drying, washing, discarded fishing nets, personal care items, and municipal waste. Smaller-sized MPs (&amp;lt;0.5 mm), transparent and violet-colored, were predominantly observed. Additionally, FTIR confirmed the presence of plastic polymers, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PETE). Despite the high visibility observed or focus given for PETE, PE was found to be abundant. These are thought to have come from runoff from agricultural fields, seeping from landfills where plastic trash is disposed of, synthetic fabrics, and inappropriate plastic product disposal. Estimated dietary intake was recorded as 1.85 particles/person/day (i.e., 675 particles/year), suggesting the possible health risk to consumers. Hazard analyses based on the polymeric risk score revealed diverse risks associated with polymer levels, with PETE indicating a medium risk and other polymers, e.g., HDPE, LDPE, and EVA at 39%, 31%, and 17%, respectively, showing a minor risk to human health from drinking water from the studied sources. This is the first study from the regions, and the findings will be valuable for identifying sources, implementing control measures, shaping policies, and safeguarding public health against plastic pollution.

Evaluation of the impact of erosion control measures on dam siltation and upstream erosion using radioisotope technique 7Be and MUSLE model in the watershed upstream of Allal El Fassi dam, Morocco

Water erosion poses a significant threat to the sustainability of natural resources and hydro-agricultural infrastructure, particularly in the Mediterranean region, including Morocco. The Allal El Fassi watershed faced such challenges and underwent anti-erosion measures between 2008 and 2014. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures in mitigating dam siltation within the watershed. The methodologies employed include the utilization of the MUSLE model, optimized with bathymetric surveys of the dam, to estimate the amount of sediment reaching the dam and derive the P-factor associated with the implemented anti-erosion measures. Additionally, the radioisotope technique was utilized to assess erosion rates at managed and unmanaged sites within the watershed. The results obtained using the MUSLE model and bathymetric data revealed a noteworthy reduction in mean annual soil loss within the timeframe of 2002–2010 to 2010–2013, resulting in a 13.9% decrease in sediment reaching the dam. Furthermore, variations in the P-factor of erosion control measures were observed, ranging from 0.31 to 0.52 during the respective periods. Utilizing the radionuclide 7Be, erosion rates ranging from 6.8 to 25.3 t.ha−1 were determined for the studied plots, facilitating the calculation of P-factors for specific erosion control measures. Significantly, gabion check dams displayed a P-factor of 0.47, dry stone barriers had a P-factor of 0.41, fruit trees with basins showed a P-factor of 0.51, and enclosures exhibited a P-factor of 0.67. These findings suggest a causal relationship between the implementation of erosion control measures and the reduction in sedimentation rates at the Allal El Fassi Dam, highlighting the interdependence between the two phenomena.

Spatial distribution and environmental correlations of Culex pipiens pallens (Diptera: Culicidae) in Haidian district, Beijing.

Culex pipiens pallens Coquillett, 1898 (Diptera: Culicidae) was the dominant health threat to mosquito species in Beijing, and it is important to unravel the spatial distribution and environmental correlations of Cx. pipiens pallens in Beijing. 3S technology methods and spatial statistics were used to clarify the distribution pattern. Subsequently, linear and spatial regression were performed to detect the environmental factors linked with the density of Cx. pipiens pallens. The same "middle peak" spatial distribution pattern was observed for Cx. pipiens pallens density at the community, subdistrict, and loop area levels in our study area. In addition, there were various correlated environmental factors at the community and subdistrict scales. At the community scale, the summary values of the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) in 2 km buffer zone (MNDWI_2K) were negatively correlated, and the summary values of Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) in 800 m buffer zone (NDBI_800) was positively correlated to the Cx. pipiens pallens density. However, the summary values of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Nighttime Light Index significantly affected Cx. pipiens pallens density at the subdistrict scale. Our findings provide insight into the spatial distribution pattern of Cx. pipiens pallens density and its associated environmental risk factors at different spatial scales in the Haidian district of Beijing for the first time. The results could be used to predict the Cx. pipiens pallens density as well as the risk of lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection, which would help implement prevention and control measures to prevent future risks of biting and LF transmission in Beijing.

Sequencing analysis of SARS-CoV-2 cases in Slovenian long-term care facilities to support outbreak control.

Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are at high risk of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19, especially when new variants of concern (VOC) emerge. To provide intradisciplinary data in order to tailor public health interventions during future epidemics, available epidemiologic and genomic data from Slovenian LTCFs during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic was analyzed. The first part of the study included SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcription Real-Time PCR (rtRT-PCR) positive LTCF residents, from 21 facilities with COVID-19 outbreaks occurring in October 2020. The second part of the study included SARS-CoV-2 rtRT-PCR positive LTCF residents and staff between January and April 2021, when VOC Alpha emerged in Slovenia. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to acquire SARS-CoV-2 genomes, and lineage determination. In-depth phylogenetic and mutational profile analysis were performed and coupled with available field epidemiological data to assess the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 introduction and transmission. 370/498 SARS-CoV-2 positive residents as well as 558/699 SARS-CoV-2 positive residents and 301/358 staff were successfully sequenced in the first and second part of the study, respectively. In October 2020, COVID-19 outbreaks in the 21 LTCFs were caused by intra-facility transmission as well as multiple independent SARS-CoV-2 introductions. The Alpha variant was confirmed in the first LTCF resident approximately 1.5 months after the first Alpha case was identified in Slovenia. The data also showed a slower replacement of existing variants by Alpha in residents compared to staff and the general population. Multiple SARS CoV-2 introductions as well as intra-facility spreading impacted disease transmission in Slovenian LTCFs. Timely implementation of control measures aimed at limiting new introductions while controlling in-facility transmission are of paramount importance, especially as new VOCs emerge. Sequencing, in conjunction with epidemiological data, can facilitate the determination of the need for future improvements in control measures to protect LTCF residents from COVID-19 or other respiratory infections.

Genetic differentiation of wild boar populations in a region affected by African swine fever

In the European Union, African swine fever (ASF) affects wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations in several Member States. Knowledge of population connectivity is important for the implementation of control measures, in particular the establishment of effective barriers. Population genetic comparisons of neighbouring populations can be very helpful in this respect. The present study investigated the genetic differentiation of wild boar in eastern Germany. This region has been affected by ASF since September 2020. A total of 1,262 wild boars from 31 hunting grounds (populations) in ASF-affected and ASF-free districts were sampled over a total area of almost 100,000 km². The study area encompassed a network of geographical factors that promote (roads, rivers, cities) or inhibit (natural areas, habitat corridors) genetic differentiation between wild boar populations. The genetic differentiation of the areas was based on 12 microsatellite markers. Three different Bayesian algorithms were used to analyse the data. The results were combined into a common approach with 9 clusters. Based on the cluster distribution in each population, the connectivity between the areas was quantified. The strongest differentiation was found along an imaginary line along the lower Elbe valley through Berlin and the A11 freeway to the Szczecin Lagoon. In contrast, the Mecklenburg Lake District and the south-east of the study area showed strong connectivity between areas. The special features of the landscapes along the lower Elbe valley, which was assessed as highly connective, and the high barrier effect of the A11 freeway in contrast to the other freeways in the study area show that barrier effects cannot be generalised in principle, but are actually determined by the circumstances of individual structures. The results of the connectivity analysis were compared with the distribution of viral lineages and variants. The genotypes of the wild boar populations and the ASFV lineages and variants showed a good explanatory approach for the observed disease dynamics in the study area. The newly gained knowledge on barriers and regionally different connectivity between wild boar populations can support considerations and measures for the containment of ASF in the affected areas by improving the understanding of wild boar dispersal dynamics.

Evolution of Antimicrobial Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae over 3 Years (2019-2021) in a Tertiary Hospital in Bucharest, Romania.

The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Klebsiella pneumoniae recorded a steep upward trend over the last two decades, among which carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is one of the most concerning strains considering the development and spread of AMR. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of AMR for Klebsiella pneumoniae and to describe the risk factors of AMR for Klebsiella pneumoniae, including the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a retrospective study on Klebsiella pneumoniae non-duplicative isolates collected from patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Bucharest, Romania, from January 2019 to December 2021. We evaluated AMR changes by comparing resistance between 2019 and the mean of 2020-2021. The rates of AMR increased for third-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and colistin and decreased for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), 45.7% in 2019 vs. 28.3% in 2021. A longer length of hospital stay (ꭓ2 = 49.68, p < 0.01); recent antibiotic consumption, RR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.21, 1.57]; and recent contact with hospital settings, RR = 1.54, 95% CI [1.32, 1.8] were risk factors for multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae. The AMR of Klebsiella pneumoniae increased during 2020-2021 for most of the potential active antibiotics; only TMP/SMX resistance decreased, and it may represent a treatment option for CRKP or MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. Decreasing the excessive use of antibiotics and the implementation of prevention and control measures in healthcare settings are mandatory for avoiding further increases in the AMR rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Botulism Cases in Romania-An Overview of 14-Year National Surveillance Data.

Botulism is a priority disease worldwide because it has a very severe course of evolution that can lead to death. This paper aims to describe the main epidemiological characteristics of botulism cases confirmed in Romania over 14 years (2007-2020). We performed a retrospective study using the publicly available national surveillance data and reported to the National Institute of Public Health. A total of 325 cases of foodborne botulism were reported in Romania, with no infant or wound botulism. Most of the cases (125, 38.5%) were reported among young adults (25-44 years old), over half (205, 63%) of them living in rural areas. The incriminated food item was identified in 161 cases; in most cases (145, 90%) the food item was prepared in the household. The main food category was represented by meat and meat-based products (94, 68.6%). In almost all cases the identified type was BoNT/B (230/231, 99.5%). Fifteen deaths were recorded, and the case fatality rate was 4.6%. Botulism cases were reported annually in Romania. Surveillance data are essential for implementing control measures and adapting educational campaigns according to existing needs.

Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteremia: Counterbalance between the Endemic Load and the Infection Control Program in a Hospital

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) remains a significant public health threat, given the associated increased healthcare burden and mortality rate. The objective of the current study was to investigate the association between the incidence of CRKP bacteremia, antibiotic consumption, and infection control measures in a tertiary-care hospital spanning the years 2013–2018. The analyzed indices included the incidence of CRKP bacteremia, antibiotic consumption, the use of hand hygiene solutions, and isolation rates of multidrug-resistant (MDR) carriers. In the total hospital, the incidence of CRKP bacteremia exhibited an absolute decrease during the study period, although this decrease did not reach statistical significance. Antibiotics used to treat CRKP infections, including carbapenems, colistin, tigecycline, and fosfomycin, as well as all classes of antibiotics, correlated positively with an increased incidence of CRKP bacteremia. On the contrary, increased use of scrub disinfectant solutions correlated negatively with a decreased incidence of CRKP bacteremia (IRR: 0.74, 95%CI: 0.59–0.93, p-value: 0.008) in the Adults ICU. Additionally, increased isolation rates of MDR carrier patients correlated negatively with a decreased incidence of CRKP bacteremia (IRR: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.13–0.97, p-value: 0.044). In conclusion, the implementation of multimodal infection control measures in our hospital contributed to the containment of CRKP, particularly in specific hospital sectors. However, the study suggests the need for additional strategies to overcome the endemic plateau.

Influence of sticky trap color, host plant species, and weather factors on the population dynamics of thrips species in Southern Ghana.

It is essential to correctly identify and keep track of the abundance of thrips species on infested host crops to understand their population dynamics and implement control measures promptly. The current study was conducted to evaluate the performance of sticky traps in monitoring thrips species in exporters' eggplant and chili farms and to assess the impact of weather factors on thrips population dynamics. Thrips species were monitored using blue, yellow, and white sticky traps on chili and eggplant farms in Tuba, respectively, in 2020 and 2021. Each field was divided into 8 blocks, and in each replicate, all colors representing 3 treatments were randomly tied to stakes at the center of the respective crop. Data loggers were installed to record hourly weather variables. Three thrips species [Thrips parvispinus Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), Franklinella schultzei Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), and Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)] were identified from both farms and the different species showed varied attractiveness to trap color for both seasons, with white proving more attractive to T. parvispinus. The population dynamics of the species varied significantly with the season and weather but not with the crop. Optimum temperatures (28-31 °C) and relative humidity (60%-78%) showed a positive linear relationship between the trapped insects with temperature and RH, while extreme temperatures (35 °C) negatively affected their abundance. All sticky trap colors attracted several nontarget organisms; however, yellow colors had higher populations, including the predator, Orius insidiosus. White sticky traps are recommended for inclusion in the country-wide monitoring for thrips, especially T. parvispinus.