1
|
Chew F, Palmer S. Establishing an Internet-Based Tobacco-Control Network for Czech Health Professionals. Health Promot Pract 2016; 6:109-16. [PMID: 15574536 DOI: 10.1177/1524839903260593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article describes the background, implementation, and evaluation of an Internet-based health promotion network in the Czech Republic. The network was intended to build the indigenous capacity of Czech health professionals in the use of the Internet for tobacco control to organize and coordinate public health campaigns, heighten public awareness, and catalyze policy change. Multiple methods of evaluation included three needs assessment surveys, three training workshop evaluations, an Internet survey of participating member organizations, and quarterly reports from the project partners. The evaluation showed that an Internet-based network was established with 40 health professionals from 30 organizations. A grassroots heart disease prevention and tobacco-control advocacy group was formed. Network participants utilized and continue to utilize the Internet to communicate, research, coordinate outreach, and advocate tobacco-control issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Chew
- S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, in Syracuse, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Savulescu C, Jiménez-Jorge S, de Mateo S, Pozo F, Casas I, Breña PP, Galmés A, Vanrell JM, Rodriguez C, Vega T, Martinez A, Torner N, Ramos JM, Serrano MC, Castilla J, Cenoz MG, Altzibar JM, Arteagoitia JM, Quiñones C, Perucha M, Larrauri A. Using surveillance data to estimate pandemic vaccine effectiveness against laboratory confirmed influenza A(H1N1)2009 infection: two case-control studies, Spain, season 2009-2010. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:899. [PMID: 22129083 PMCID: PMC3262832 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physicians of the Spanish Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System report and systematically swab patients attended to their practices for influenza-like illness (ILI). Within the surveillance system, some Spanish regions also participated in an observational study aiming at estimating influenza vaccine effectiveness (cycEVA study). During the season 2009-2010, we estimated pandemic influenza vaccine effectiveness using both the influenza surveillance data and the cycEVA study. METHODS We conducted two case-control studies using the test-negative design, between weeks 48/2009 and 8/2010 of the pandemic season. The surveillance-based study included all swabbed patients in the sentinel surveillance system. The cycEVA study included swabbed patients from seven Spanish regions. Cases were laboratory-confirmed pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009. Controls were ILI patients testing negative for any type of influenza. Variables collected in both studies included demographic data, vaccination status, laboratory results, chronic conditions, and pregnancy. Additionally, cycEVA questionnaire collected data on previous influenza vaccination, smoking, functional status, hospitalisations, visits to the general practitioners, and obesity. We used logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR), computing pandemic influenza vaccine effectiveness as (1-OR)*100. RESULTS We included 331 cases and 995 controls in the surveillance-based study and 85 cases and 351 controls in the cycEVA study. We detected nine (2.7%) and two (2.4%) vaccine failures in the surveillance-based and cycEVA studies, respectively. Adjusting for variables collected in surveillance database and swabbing month, pandemic influenza vaccine effectiveness was 62% (95% confidence interval (CI): -5; 87). The cycEVA vaccine effectiveness was 64% (95%CI: -225; 96) when adjusting for common variables with the surveillance system and 75% (95%CI: -293; 98) adjusting for all variables collected. CONCLUSION Point estimates of the pandemic influenza vaccine effectiveness suggested a protective effect of the pandemic vaccine against laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H1N1)2009 in the season 2009-2010. Both studies were limited by the low vaccine coverage and the late start of the vaccination campaign. Routine influenza surveillance provides reliable estimates and could be used for influenza vaccine effectiveness studies in future seasons taken into account the surveillance system limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Savulescu
- Institute of Health Carlos III, National Centre of Epidemiology, c/Monforte de Lemos no.5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- EpiConcept, 47, rue de Charenton 75012 Paris, France
| | - Silvia Jiménez-Jorge
- Institute of Health Carlos III, National Centre of Epidemiology, c/Monforte de Lemos no.5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
| | - Salvador de Mateo
- Institute of Health Carlos III, National Centre of Epidemiology, c/Monforte de Lemos no.5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
| | - Francisco Pozo
- Institute of Health Carlos III, National Centre for Microbiology, National Influenza Centre, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Casas
- Institute of Health Carlos III, National Centre for Microbiology, National Influenza Centre, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Pérez Breña
- Institute of Health Carlos III, National Centre for Microbiology, National Influenza Centre, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonia Galmés
- Service of Epidemiology, General Directorate of Public Health, Baleares, c/Cecilio Metelo 18. 07003 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Juana M Vanrell
- Service of Epidemiology, General Directorate of Public Health, Baleares, c/Cecilio Metelo 18. 07003 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Carolina Rodriguez
- Dirección General de Salud Pública e Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación. Consejería de Sanidad de Castilla y León, Paseo Zorrilla 1, 47071 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Tomas Vega
- Dirección General de Salud Pública e Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación. Consejería de Sanidad de Castilla y León, Paseo Zorrilla 1, 47071 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ana Martinez
- Department of Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, C/Roc Boronat 81-95, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Torner
- Department of Health, Generalitat of Catalonia, C/Roc Boronat 81-95, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
| | - Julián M Ramos
- Sub-directorate of Epidemiology, Public Health Directorate, Avda América 2, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Maria C Serrano
- Sub-directorate of Epidemiology, Public Health Directorate, Avda América 2, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Jesús Castilla
- Institute of Public Health of Navarra, Leyre 15, 31003 Pamplona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
| | - Manuel García Cenoz
- Institute of Public Health of Navarra, Leyre 15, 31003 Pamplona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
| | - Jone M Altzibar
- Sub-directorate of Public Health, Gipuzkoa, Avda Navarra 4, 20013 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
| | - Jose M Arteagoitia
- Public Health Service, Department of Health, Basque Government, C/Donostia-San Sebastian 1, 01010, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Carmen Quiñones
- General Directorate of Public Health and Consumption, Consejería de Salud. La Rioja Government, C/Gran Vía del rey D. Juan Carlos, no 18, 26071 Logroño, Spain
| | - Milagros Perucha
- General Directorate of Public Health and Consumption, Consejería de Salud. La Rioja Government, C/Gran Vía del rey D. Juan Carlos, no 18, 26071 Logroño, Spain
| | - Amparo Larrauri
- Institute of Health Carlos III, National Centre of Epidemiology, c/Monforte de Lemos no.5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Arranz Izquierdo J, Leiva Rus A, Carandell Jäger E, Pujol Buades A, Méndez Castell MC, Salvà Fiol A, Esteva Cantó M. [Syndromic surveillance of Influenza-like illness in primary care: a complement to the sentinel surveillance network for periods of increased incidence of Influenza]. Aten Primaria 2011; 44:258-64. [PMID: 21924796 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2011.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epidemiological data on influenza is essential for resource management when the incidence of the disease in the population is very high, but not easily available in real-time. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a syndromic surveillance system for influenza-like illness in Primary Care (ILIsPC) and assess its level of agreement with the epidemiological data from the Influenza Sentinel Network. LOCALIZATION Health centres and deputising medical services in the Balearic Islands. PARTICIPANTS Data from 122 epidemiological weeks for each system were included. MAIN MEASURES Data from January 1, 2007 to January 31, 2010 were compared. ILIsPC rates were obtained from the diagnoses registered in electronic health records of Primary Care clinics and deputising medical services. Data from Sentinel Network were obtained from weekly epidemiological reports. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated and Bland - Altman plot constructed. RESULTS There was good agreement between both measures, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.83-0.91). After constructing a Bland-Altman plot, the precision between both rates was greater during the periods of the highest influenza incidence. CONCLUSIONS We believe that the syndromic surveillance system ILIsPC, provides access to very useful data in real-time, especially during periods of high influenza incidence, such as during epidemics or the recent pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Arranz Izquierdo
- Unidad de Sistemas de Información, Gerencia de Atención Primaria, Mallorca, España.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Reina J, Gimenez J. Papel de la Red Centinela de Vigilancia de la Gripe (RCVG) en la pandemia de gripe A (H1N1). Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2011; 29:240-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2010.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
5
|
Truyers C, Lesaffre E, Bartholomeeusen S, Aertgeerts B, Snacken R, Brochier B, Yane F, Buntinx F. Computerized general practice based networks yield comparable performance with sentinel data in monitoring epidemiological time-course of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illness. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2010; 11:24. [PMID: 20307266 PMCID: PMC2856540 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-11-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2009] [Accepted: 03/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Computerized morbidity registration networks might serve as early warning systems in a time where natural epidemics such as the H1N1 flu can easily spread from one region to another. Methods In this contribution we examine whether general practice based broad-spectrum computerized morbidity registration networks have the potential to act as a valid surveillance instrument of frequently occurring diseases. We compare general practice based computerized data assessing the frequency of influenza-like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory infections (ARI) with data from a well established case-specific sentinel network, the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS). The overall frequency and trends of weekly ILI and ARI data are compared using both networks. Results Detection of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illness occurs equally fast in EISS and the computerized network. The overall frequency data for ARI are the same for both networks, the overall trends are similar, but the increases and decreases in frequency do not occur in exactly the same weeks. For ILI, the overall rate was slightly higher for the computerized network population, especially before the increase of ILI, the overall trend was almost identical and the increases and decreases occur in the same weeks for both networks. Conclusions Computerized morbidity registration networks are a valid tool for monitoring frequent occurring respiratory diseases and the detection of sudden outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Truyers
- Department of General Practice, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Meijer A, Lackenby A, Hungnes O, Lina B, van-der-Werf S, Schweiger B, Opp M, Paget J, van-de-Kassteele J, Hay A, Zambon M. Oseltamivir-resistant influenza virus A (H1N1), Europe, 2007-08 season. Emerg Infect Dis 2009; 15:552-60. [PMID: 19331731 DOI: 10.3201/eid1504.181280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In Europe, the 2007-08 winter season was dominated by influenza virus A (H1N1) circulation through week 7, followed by influenza B virus from week 8 onward. Oseltamivir-resistant influenza viruses A (H1N1) (ORVs) with H275Y mutation in the neuraminidase emerged independently of drug use. By country, the proportion of ORVs ranged from 0% to 68%, with the highest proportion in Norway. The average weighted prevalence of ORVs across Europe increased gradually over time, from near 0 in week 40 of 2007 to 56% in week 19 of 2008 (mean 20%). Neuraminidase genes of ORVs possessing the H275Y substitution formed a homogeneous subgroup closely related to, but distinguishable from, those of oseltamivir-sensitive influenza viruses A (H1N1). Minor variants of ORVs emerged independently, indicating multiclonal ORVs. Overall, the clinical effect of ORVs in Europe, measured by influenza-like illness or acute respiratory infection, was unremarkable and consistent with normal seasonal activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Meijer
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Meerhoff TJ, Fleming D, Smith A, Mosnier A, van Gageldonk-Lafeber AB, Paget WJ. Surveillance recommendations based on an exploratory analysis of respiratory syncytial virus reports derived from the European Influenza Surveillance System. BMC Infect Dis 2006; 6:128. [PMID: 16899110 PMCID: PMC1560143 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-6-128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2006] [Accepted: 08/09/2006] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important pathogen that can cause severe illness in infants and young children. In this study, we assessed whether data on RSV collected by the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS) could be used to build an RSV surveillance system in Europe. Methods Influenza and RSV data for the 2002–2003 winter season were analysed for England, France, the Netherlands and Scotland. Data from sentinel physician networks and other sources, mainly hospitals, were collected. Respiratory specimens were tested for influenza and RSV mainly by virus culture and polymerase chain reaction amplification. Results Data on RSV were entered timely into the EISS database. RSV contributed noticeably to influenza-like illness: in England sentinel RSV detections were common in all age groups, but particularly in young children with 20 (40.8%) of the total number of sentinel swabs testing positive for RSV. Scotland and France also reported the highest percentages of RSV detections in the 0–4 year age group, respectively 10.3% (N = 29) and 12.2% (N = 426). In the Netherlands, RSV was detected in one person aged over 65 years. Conclusion We recommend that respiratory specimens collected in influenza surveillance are also tested systematically for RSV and emphasize the use of both community derived data and data from hospitals for RSV surveillance. RSV data from the EISS have been entered in a timely manner and we consider that the EISS model can be used to develop an RSV surveillance system equivalent to the influenza surveillance in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara J Meerhoff
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), EISS-coordination centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ann Smith
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - W John Paget
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), EISS-coordination centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
de Mateo S, Larrauri A, Mesonero C. [Influenza surveillance. New solutions to an old problem]. GACETA SANITARIA 2006; 20:67-73. [PMID: 16539998 DOI: 10.1157/13084132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic potential of influenza has made this disease the principal target of both national and international surveillance systems. The intrinsic characteristics of sentinel networks enable them to integrate epidemiological and virological information of a high incidence disease such as influenza, so helping in the early detection and characterization of the circulating influenza viruses and in evaluating their spread capacity in the population. A sentinel network, which covers 75% of the population, was created in Spain more than ten years ago. This provides a new approach to human influenza surveillance based on the individualized reporting of each case and the linkage of clinical, epidemiological and virological data. This system has contributed to a more accurate evaluation of influenza activity in Spain. In spite of the limitations of this sentinel system, which mainly derive from the lack of representativeness that any surveillance system based on population samples can encounter, it provides data which have proved useful for the follow-up and control of influenza. Rapid information transmission is one of the main advantages of the system, allowing its integration in the international disease surveillance networks and improving the timeliness of both information spread and formulation of recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvador de Mateo
- Area de Vigilancia de la Salud Pública, Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Meijer A, Valette M, Manuguerra JC, Pérez-Breña P, Paget J, Brown C, van der Velden K. Implementation of the community network of reference laboratories for human influenza in Europe. J Clin Virol 2006; 34:87-96. [PMID: 16157259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2005.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2005] [Accepted: 02/09/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increased need for accurate influenza laboratory surveillance data in the European Union required formalisation of the existing network of collaborating national influenza reference laboratories participating in the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS). OBJECTIVE To establish a Community Network of Reference Laboratories for Human Influenza in Europe (CNRL). METHODS Virologists in EISS defined the objective and tasks of the CNRL. Performance of the laboratories in the tasks was monitored by questionnaire-based inventories and quality control assessments (QCA). Subsequently, actions were defined to improve the performance of the CNRL. RESULTS The CNRL started in April 2003 and included as of May 2004 32 laboratories in 24 European countries. The objective is to provide high quality reference services for human influenza surveillance, early warning and pandemic preparedness in Europe. The defined basic tasks are direct detection, culture, typing, subtyping and strain characterisation of influenza virus, diagnostic influenza serology and storage of clinical specimens and virus isolates. The questionnaire-based inventories and QCAs revealed that the majority of CNRL laboratories perform well in most of the basic tasks, although improvements are needed in certain areas of virus testing. Therefore, task groups have been established to further improve the methods used in the network. The CNRL has proven its usefulness during the 2003-2004 season by the reporting of accurate data concerning the flu epidemic caused by A/Fujian/411/2002 (H3N2)-like viruses and by the rapid sharing of information, protocols and reagents during the A(H5N1) and A(H7N3) epizootics in Asia and Canada. CONCLUSION EISS has established a functioning Community Network of Reference Laboratories for Human Influenza in Europe and laid the foundation for further enhancement and collaborations. Important next steps include improving the laboratories to carry out all basic tasks and collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Meijer
- European Influenza Surveillance Scheme Co-ordination Centre, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), 3500 BN Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Case Detection, Outbreak Detection, and Outbreak Characterization. HANDBOOK OF BIOSURVEILLANCE 2006:27-50. [PMCID: PMC7148617 DOI: 10.1016/b978-012369378-5/50005-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
|
11
|
Abstract
We describe aims, usage and evaluation of the computer-based early warning system telecommunication on medical events (TeCoMed), which achieves tracking down of temporal and spatial spread of epidemics for seasonal communicable diseases. It uses experiences from former waves of communicable diseases down to fine-grained local areas. Data is delivered by the biggest German insurance scheme. The results are presented by means of a commercial, geomedical information system. The evaluation of the system's performance concerning influenza shows that timely risk assessment and warnings are possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lothar Gierl
- Department for Medical Informatics and Biometry, University of Rostock, Institut für Medizinische Informatik und Biometrie, Rembrandtstr. 16/17, D-18055 Rostock, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cohen JM, Mosnier A, Valette M, Bensoussan JL, Van Der Werf S. [General practice and surveillance: the example of influenza in France]. Med Mal Infect 2005; 35:252-6. [PMID: 15878816 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2005.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2005] [Accepted: 02/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Data registration by the GROG national network (Regional Group for the Surveillance of Influenza) since 1984 has helped to identify methodological problems. The choice of sentinels and the selection of indicators depend on the analysis of actual influenza consequences. Various sentinels may be concerned: health insurance companies, private companies, schools, physicians, pharmacists. Health care organization modifies the validity of indicators. In France, for instance, home visits were an excellent indicator for early warning before 1995 but this indicator is no longer as efficient as before. The virological detection of Influenza depends on the organization of transportation (samples, results). The predictive value of cases definitions depends on the incidence of infection. The level of choice between specificity and sensibility modifies the perception of outbreaks. Sentinel participation rate influences the sample representativity. The farther this rate is from 100%, the more result validity decreases (in the same way that patients lost to follow-up compromise the validity of results in clinical trials). The publication of results can modify health expenses and behaviors. CONCLUSION The GROG network stresses the important role that general practitioners play in health surveillance; it also raises questions in the field of mathematics, statistics, professional organization, training, education, and politics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M Cohen
- Coordination nationale des GROG, open Rome, 67 rue du Poteau, 75018 Paris, France.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Meerhoff TJ, Paget WJ, Aguilera JF, van der Velden J. Harmonising the virological surveillance of influenza in Europe: results of an 18-country survey. Virus Res 2004; 103:31-3. [PMID: 15163485 PMCID: PMC7127619 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2004.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The European influenza surveillance scheme (EISS) is based on a surveillance model that combines clinical and virological data in the general population. Eighteen countries in Europe report weekly influenza activity to EISS (http://www.eiss.org). A questionnaire on the virological data collection was sent electronically to the EISS members. Questions on the specimen collection, representativity, laboratory diagnosis of influenza, reporting of variants, testing for other respiratory infections, serological testing, near-patient tests and preparedness for a pandemic were included. The results of the survey showed that for the typing of influenza, the methods polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) methods are used most frequently. For the subtyping of influenza, HAI and PCR are used most often. An east-west divide was seen for the use of PCR in typing and subtyping (more PCR use in the west). Differences in the virological surveillance systems in Europe can make direct comparisons difficult because detection rates may differ by test. For the reporting of other respiratory infections besides influenza, many networks (68%) collect information on RSV. This is important because RSV causes similar clinical symptoms as influenza and can have a similar impact in terms of burden of disease. With the collection of RSV data, EISS is moving to a broader spectrum of viral respiratory diseases. The findings of this survey will be used to better harmonise laboratory methods in EISS in order to obtain more reliable and comparable information on influenza activity in Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T J Meerhoff
- EISS Co-ordination Centre, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Postbus 1568, 3500 BN Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Viboud C, Boëlle PY, Pakdaman K, Carrat F, Valleron AJ, Flahault A. Influenza epidemics in the United States, France, and Australia, 1972-1997. Emerg Infect Dis 2004; 10:32-9. [PMID: 15078594 PMCID: PMC3322745 DOI: 10.3201/eid1001.020705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza epidemics occur once a year during the winter in temperate areas. Little is known about the similarities between epidemics at different locations. We have analyzed pneumonia and influenza deaths from 1972 to 1997 in the United States, France, and Australia to examine the correlation over space and time between the three countries. We found a high correlation in both areas between France and the United States (correlation in impact, Spearman’s ρ = 0.76, p < 0.001, and test for synchrony in timing of epidemics, p < 0.001). We did not find a similar correlation between the United States and Australia or between France and Australia, when considering a systematic half-year lead or delay of influenza epidemics in Australia as compared with those in the United States or France. These results support a high correlation at the hemisphere level and suggest that the global interhemispheric circulation of epidemics follows an irregular pathway with recurrent changes in the leading hemisphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Viboud
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Inoue M, Hasegawa S, Suyama A, Meshitsuka S. Automated graphic image generation system for effective representation of infectious disease surveillance data. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2003; 72:251-256. [PMID: 14554138 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-2607(02)00129-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Infectious disease surveillance schemes have been established to detect infectious disease outbreak in the early stages, to identify the causative viral strains, and to rapidly assess related morbidity and mortality. To make a scheme function well, two things are required. Firstly, it must have sufficient sensitivity and be timely to guarantee as short a delay as possible from collection to redistribution of information. Secondly, it must provide a good representation of the results of the surveillance. To do this, we have developed a database system that can redistribute the information via the Internet. The feature of this system is to automatically generate the graphic images based on the numerical data stored in the database by using Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) script and Graphics Drawing (GD) library. It dynamically displays the information as a map or bar chart as well as a numerical impression according to the real time demand of the users. This system will be a useful tool for medical personnel and researchers working on infectious disease problems and will save significant time in the redistribution of information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Inoue
- Department of Medical Environmentology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-machi, Yonago, Japan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vigilancia epidemiológica de la gripe en España. Semergen 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s1138-3593(01)73674-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
17
|
Myers MF, Rogers DJ, Cox J, Flahault A, Hay SI. Forecasting disease risk for increased epidemic preparedness in public health. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2000; 47:309-30. [PMID: 10997211 PMCID: PMC3196833 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(00)47013-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases pose a growing threat to human populations. Many of the world's epidemic diseases (particularly those transmitted by intermediate hosts) are known to be highly sensitive to long-term changes in climate and short-term fluctuations in the weather. The application of environmental data to the study of disease offers the capability to demonstrate vector-environment relationships and potentially forecast the risk of disease outbreaks or epidemics. Accurate disease forecasting models would markedly improve epidemic prevention and control capabilities. This chapter examines the potential for epidemic forecasting and discusses the issues associated with the development of global networks for surveillance and prediction. Existing global systems for epidemic preparedness focus on disease surveillance using either expert knowledge or statistical modelling of disease activity and thresholds to identify times and areas of risk. Predictive health information systems would use monitored environmental variables, linked to a disease system, to be observed and provide prior information of outbreaks. The components and varieties of forecasting systems are discussed with selected examples, along with issues relating to further development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M F Myers
- NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Snacken R, Kendal AP, Haaheim LR, Wood JM. The next influenza pandemic: lessons from Hong Kong, 1997. Emerg Infect Dis 1999; 5:195-203. [PMID: 10221870 PMCID: PMC2640700 DOI: 10.3201/eid0502.990202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The 1997 Hong Kong outbreak of an avian influenzalike virus, with 18 proven human cases, many severe or fatal, highlighted the challenges of novel influenza viruses. Lessons from this episode can improve international and national planning for influenza pandemics in seven areas: expanded international commitment to first responses to pandemic threats; surveillance for influenza in key densely populated areas with large live-animal markets; new, economical diagnostic tests not based on eggs; contingency procedures for diagnostic work with highly pathogenic viruses where biocontainment laboratories do not exist; ability of health facilities in developing nations to communicate electronically, nationally and internationally; licenses for new vaccine production methods; and improved equity in supply of pharmaceutical products, as well as availability of basic health services, during a global influenza crisis. The Hong Kong epidemic also underscores the need for national committees and country-specific pandemic plans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Snacken
- Scientific Institute of Public Health Louis Pasteur, Brussels,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|