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Bokhary H, Research Team H, Barasheed O, Othman HB, Saha B, Rashid H, Hill-Cawthorne GA, Abd El Ghany M. Evaluation of the rate, pattern and appropriateness of antibiotic prescription in a cohort of pilgrims suffering from upper respiratory tract infection during the 2018 Hajj season. Access Microbiol 2022; 4:000338. [PMID: 35812707 PMCID: PMC9260093 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hajj is associated with an increased risk of the transmission of infectious diseases including upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). It can be a focal point for the emergence, persistence and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. The overuse of antibiotics during Hajj can promote the development of antimicrobial resistance. Little information is known regarding the true appropriateness of prescribing antibiotics for treating URTIs during Hajj. Here we studied the rate, patterns and appropriateness of antibiotic prescription among a cohort of pilgrims who were treated for URTIs during the 2018 Hajj season. Adult pilgrims who sought medical services for URTIs [presenting with coryza, runny nose, nasal irritation, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, headache or fever (even if subjective)] within the Holy sites were enrolled in this study and consented to provide swabs and medical information. A total of 121 pilgrims were enrolled, with the majority (60.3 %) originating from North African Arab countries. Most were male (89.3 %) with a median age of 45 years. Bacterial infections were detected in 7.3 % (n=9) of the URTI cases. The identified bacteria included
Haemophilus influenzae
(n=6, all resistant to ampicillin),
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(n=2),
Staphylococcus aureus
(n=1, resistant to oxacillin) and
Moraxella catarrhalis
(n=1, resistant to ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). The antibiotic prescription rate was 52.1%, most of which was amoxicillin (81 %). The data demonstrated that the proportion of appropriate practices in treating bacterial URTIs in this cohort was 45.5 %. This study highlights the need for implementing laboratory identification of the aetiological agents and related AMR profiles when treating URTIs in Hajj, rather than relying on clinical assessment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Bokhary
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University Medical Centre, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Hala B. Othman
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Harunor Rashid
- National Centre for Immunization Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Kids Research Institute, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Moataz Abd El Ghany
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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A Longitudinal Study Regarding the Health Profile of the 2017 South African Hajj Pilgrims. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073607. [PMID: 33807142 PMCID: PMC8036399 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Hajj mass gathering annually attracts over two million Muslim pilgrims worldwide to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We aimed to establish demographics and health profiles for the South African pilgrims performing the 2017 Hajj. Methods: This is a longitudinal survey-based study conducted on 1138 adult South African pilgrims in two phases (during and post-Hajj). Data on demographics, vaccination status, underlying health conditions, pre-Hajj training, health promotion, travel history, and health issues during and post-Hajj were collected using pre-designed questionnaires. Results: Participants had a mean age of 49.2 years (SD = 13.3; range 18–81), with a male: female ratio of 1.2:1. The majority of pilgrims were married (88.2%), of Indian/Asian background (73%), and literate (>99%). Nearly all pilgrims were vaccinated against meningococcal disease and yellow fever, but only 23.7% were vaccinated against Influenza. Hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels were the most common underlying health conditions reported by 22.6%, 13.2%, and 11.5% of pilgrims, respectively. One month after return to South Africa, nearly 65% of pilgrims reported illness during Hajj, while 40% reported falling ill post event upon return to South Africa. Nevertheless, only a few were admitted to hospitals (12 during Hajj and 15 post-Hajj). Among ill pilgrims, respiratory symptoms were the most commonly experienced symptoms during (70.2%) and post-Hajj (82.2%). Other symptoms such as walking-related symptoms include symptoms directly related or mainly caused by walking (e.g., leg pain, sore feet, blisters on the feet), dehydration, and gastrointestinal tract symptoms reported during Hajj. Medication to treat respiratory symptoms and antibiotics were the most commonly used medications during and post-Hajj. Having an underlying health condition was an independent predictor of falling ill during or post Hajj. Conclusion: Our study indicates that a sizable proportion of South African pilgrims are elderly with underlying health conditions and most contract respiratory tract infections during and post Hajj. Our study highlights the need for systematic collection of prospective pilgrims’ demographics and health data and more attention to post-Hajj health follow-ups of pilgrims.
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Al-Tawfiq JA, Memish ZA. The Emergence, Persistence, and Dissemination of Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Environmental Hajj Settings and Implications for Public Health. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:33. [PMID: 33802167 PMCID: PMC8005974 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is causing the loss of what was once considered the miracle cure. The transmission of antimicrobial resistance during mass gathering is a potential threat in addition to other infectious diseases. Here, we review the English language literature on the rate and the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance during the Hajj. There is a variable incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacteriaceae. There had been no report of multi-drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance coupled with public health measures are needed to decrease the rate of emergence of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine and Quality Division, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia;
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21093, USA
| | - Ziad A. Memish
- Director Research and Innovation Center, King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 12746, Saudi Arabia
- Al-Faisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Yezli S, Mushi A, Almuzaini Y, Balkhi B, Yassin Y, Khan A. Prevalence of Diabetes and Hypertension among Hajj Pilgrims: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18031155. [PMID: 33525524 PMCID: PMC7908531 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The Hajj mass gathering is attended by over two million Muslims each year, many of whom are elderly and have underlying health conditions. Data on the number of pilgrims with health conditions would assist public health planning and improve health services delivery at the event. We carried out a systematic review of literature based on structured search in the MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among Hajj pilgrims. Twenty-six studies conducted between 1993 and 2018 with a total of 285,467 participants were included in the review. The weighted pooled prevalence rates of hypertension and diabetes among Hajj pilgrims in all included studies were 12.2% (95% CI: 12.0-12.3) and 5.0% (95% CI: 4.9-5.1), respectively. The reported prevalence of other underlying health conditions such as chronic respiratory, kidney or liver disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer and immune deficiency were generally low. Potentially a large number of pilgrims each Hajj have diabetes and/or hypertension and other underlying health conditions. Hajj could be a great opportunity to reduce the burden of these diseases within the over 180 countries participating in the event by identifying undiagnosed cases and optimizing patients' knowledge and management of their conditions. Prospero registration number: CRD42020171082.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Yezli
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 12341, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.); (Y.A.); (Y.Y.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Abdulaziz Mushi
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 12341, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.); (Y.A.); (Y.Y.); (A.K.)
| | - Yasir Almuzaini
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 12341, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.); (Y.A.); (Y.Y.); (A.K.)
| | - Bander Balkhi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Yara Yassin
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 12341, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.); (Y.A.); (Y.Y.); (A.K.)
| | - Anas Khan
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 12341, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.); (Y.A.); (Y.Y.); (A.K.)
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia
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Alqahtani AS, Tashani M, Heywood AE, Almohammed ABS, Booy R, Wiley KE, Rashid H. Tracking Australian Hajj Pilgrims' Health Behavior before, during and after Hajj, and the Effective Use of Preventive Measures in Reducing Hajj-Related Illness: A Cohort Study. PHARMACY 2020; 8:E78. [PMID: 32375320 PMCID: PMC7355622 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8020078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed Australian Hajj pilgrims' knowledge, attitude and practices throughout their Hajj journey to understand their health behaviors, use of preventative measures and development of illness symptoms. A prospective cohort study with data collection at three phases (before, during and after Hajj) was conducted among Australian pilgrims between August and December 2015. Baseline data were collected from 421 pilgrims before Hajj, with 391 providing follow-up data during Hajj and 300 after their home return. Most participants (78% [329/421]) received one or more recommended vaccines; travel agents' advice was the main factor affecting vaccination uptake. Most participants (69% [270/391]) practiced hand hygiene with soap and sanitizers frequently, followed by disposable handkerchief use (36% [139/391]) and washing hands with water only (28% [111/391]). During Hajj 74% (288/391) of participants reported one or more illness symptoms, 86% (248/288) of these symptoms were respiratory. Cough was less often reported among pilgrims who received vaccinations, cleaned their hands with soap or alcoholic hand rubs, while a runny nose was less common among those who frequently washed their hands with plain water but was more common among those who used facemasks. This study reveals that most Australian Hajj pilgrims complied with key preventative measures, and that tour group operators' advice played an important role in compliance. Pilgrims who were vaccinated and practiced hand hygiene were less likely to report infection symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Salem Alqahtani
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (A.S.A.); (M.T.); (R.B.)
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Executive Department of Research and Studies, Riyadh 22332, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Tashani
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (A.S.A.); (M.T.); (R.B.)
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Ain Zara 13275, Libya
| | - Anita Elizabeth Heywood
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | | | - Robert Booy
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (A.S.A.); (M.T.); (R.B.)
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Mass Gatherings and High Consequence/High Visibility Events, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Kerrie Elizabeth Wiley
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Harunor Rashid
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (A.S.A.); (M.T.); (R.B.)
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, the Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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Alqahtani AS, Althimiri NA, BinDhim NF. Saudi Hajj pilgrims' preparation and uptake of health preventive measures during Hajj 2017. J Infect Public Health 2019; 12:772-776. [PMID: 31023600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have reported the uptake of health preventive measures among Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. Yet, none of these studies have explored their perceptions of health risks at Hajj or pretravel health-advice-seeking behavior. METHODS A cross-sectional survey conducted among Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. RESULTS Of 344 pilgrims who completed the survey, 44% sought some form of pretravel health information; among them, 38% from non-medical sources. About 67% of participants received an influenza vaccine, and 8.7% received a pneumococcal vaccine. Lack of aware of vaccine availability was the main reason for nonreceipt (26%). Being employed and having a high level of education were significant factors in vaccine uptake. Two thirds of pilgrims carried some medications to use during Hajj; analgesics, antipyretics and antibiotics were the most reported drugs. Various methods of hand hygiene were the most used preventive measures (≈65%) followed by facemask use (53%). Those who concerned about food poisoning at Hajj were more likely to cleaned their hands with hand sanitizers (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1-5.4, p = 0.01) and avoid eating food from street vendors (aOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-7.5, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Pretravel health-advice-seeking behavior and the use of preventive measures during Hajj were suboptimal among Saudi Hajj pilgrims.
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Edouard S, Al-Tawfiq JA, Memish ZA, Yezli S, Gautret P. Impact of the Hajj on pneumococcal carriage and the effect of various pneumococcal vaccines. Vaccine 2018; 36:7415-7422. [PMID: 30236632 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Islamic Hajj pilgrimage is the largest annual mass gathering in the world. The overcrowding of people promotes the acquisition, spread and transmission of respiratory pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae. METHODS We conducted a methodological review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The objective was to summarize the available data regarding the prevalence of pneumococcal carriage among Hajj pilgrims and about carriage acquisition and circulation of S. pneumoniae among pilgrims before and after participating in the Hajj according to their vaccination status. RESULTS Eight articles met eligibility criteria for pneumococcal carriage and impact of pneumococcal vaccination on carriage. Seven of them showed a significant increase in nasopharyngeal carriage of pneumococci following the pilgrimage, with acquisition rates ranging from 18 to 36%. Serotypes 3, 19F and 34 are the most common. A significant increase in antibiotic resistant strains was observed following participation in the Hajj. A lower prevalence was found in pilgrims treated with antibiotics, those who used a hand sanitizer, or those who washed their hands more frequently than usual. An increased carriage of pneumococcal serotypes included in pneumococcal vaccines (10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10), 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23)) was observed following participation in the Hajj. To date, no study has shown a significant reduction in pneumococcal carriage among pilgrims after vaccination with PPV23 or PCV. In fact, no significant difference was currently observed in the prevalence ratio of pneumococcal carriage between vaccinated and unvaccinated pilgrims. CONCLUSION The studies analyzed in this review showed an increased carriage of pneumococcus in post-Hajj pilgrims compared to pre-Hajj pilgrims, including vaccine serotypes. Further studies are needed to investigate the possible relationships between carriage, disease and vaccine in pilgrims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Edouard
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine Unit, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ziad A Memish
- Ministry of Health and College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saber Yezli
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Philippe Gautret
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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Edouard S, Al-Tawfiq JA, Memish ZA, Yezli S, Gautret P. WITHDRAWN: Impact of the Hajj on pneumococcal carriage and the effect of various pneumococcal vaccines. Vaccine 2017:S0264-410X(17)31028-9. [PMID: 28780980 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.03.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Edouard
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INSERM, AP-HM, URMITE, IHU Méditerranée-Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Specialty Internal Medicine Unit, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ziad A Memish
- Ministry of Health and College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saber Yezli
- The Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Philippe Gautret
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INSERM, AP-HM, URMITE, IHU Méditerranée-Infection, Marseille, France.
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Azeem MI, Tashani M, Badahdah AM, Heron L, Pedersen K, Jeoffreys N, Kok J, Haworth E, Dwyer DE, Hill-Cawthorne G, Rashid H, Booy R. Surveillance of Australian Hajj pilgrims for carriage of potentially pathogenic bacteria: Data from two pilot studies. World J Clin Cases 2017; 5:102-111. [PMID: 28352634 PMCID: PMC5352958 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v5.i3.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To estimate the pharyngeal carriage rate of Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) among Australian Hajj pilgrims.
METHODS In 2014, surveillance was conducted in two phases among Australian Hajj pilgrims: The first phase during Hajj in Mina, and the second phase soon after returning home to Australia. Nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs were taken from participants then tested, firstly by nucleic acid testing, and also by standard culture.
RESULTS Of 183 participants recruited in the first phase, 26 (14.2%) tested positive for S. pneumoniae; 4 had received pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). Only one tested positive for N. meningitidis (W). Of 93 2nd phase samples cultured, 17 (18.3%) grew S. aureus, all methicillin sensitive, 2 (2.2%) grew N. meningitidis (on subculture; one serotype B, one negative), and 1 (1%), from an unvaccinated pilgrim, grew S. pneumoniae.
CONCLUSION Relatively high carriage of S. pneumoniae and little meningococcal carriage was found. This indicates the importance of a larger study for improved infection surveillance and possible vaccine evaluation.
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Razavi SM, Saeednejad M, Salamati P. Vaccination in Hajj: An Overview of the Recent Findings. Int J Prev Med 2016; 7:129. [PMID: 28105294 PMCID: PMC5200976 DOI: 10.4103/2008-7802.195826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: About two million people annually travel to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. The pilgrims may be at risk of exposure to communicable diseases in this mass gathering and their vaccination against contagious diseases can prevent many morbidities and mortalities. The aim of our study was to review the papers which evaluated effectiveness and compliance of the vaccines applied in Hajj. Methods: We used PubMed and Scopus to search international medical databases. The key words were as follows: Hajj, Haj, vaccine, vaccination, and immunization. The time interval of the search was from the beginning of 2010 to May 23, 2016. One hundred and thirty papers were extracted, and their contents were subsequently reviewed after title and abstract screenings. The original articles were included in the study and non-English articles were excluded from the study. Results: Considering the extracted papers, almost all pilgrims were vaccinated against meningococcal diseases. Using of influenza and pneumococcal vaccine rates were different among the pilgrims. The other vaccines have been taking according to specific conditions. Conclusions: The findings regarding influenza vaccine effectiveness are contradictory. A few studies confirmed the flu vaccine effectiveness while some others rejected its usefulness. Meningococcal immunization is an effective preventive tool with high compliance for Hajj pilgrims. Further investigations are recommended for the other vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mansour Razavi
- Department of Community Medicine, Research Center for Rational Use of Drugs, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Saeednejad
- Faculty of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Payman Salamati
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Tashani M, Alfelali M, Azeem MI, Fatema FN, Barasheed O, Alqahtani AS, Tekin H, Rashid H, Booy R. Barriers of vaccinations against serious bacterial infections among Australian Hajj pilgrims. Postgrad Med 2016; 128:541-7. [PMID: 27233684 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2016.1191956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vaccination against serious bacterial infections is recommended for Hajj pilgrims. Although the uptake of mandatory vaccines among Hajj pilgrims is acceptable, the uptake of other recommended vaccines remains suboptimal. In this study, we have explored the barriers to vaccination against serious bacterial infections among Australian Hajj pilgrims. METHODS Travellers aged 18 years and older planning to attend Hajj in the years 2014 and 2015 were surveyed at the immunization clinic of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to explore pilgrims' vaccination histories for their previous visits to Mecca, the reasons for non-receipt of vaccination, and to assess knowledge about the transmission of infections. RESULTS A total of 300 participants aged 18-76 (median 41) years completed the survey. Most (233 [77.7%]) were born outside Australia. Overall, 113 (37.7%) had performed pilgrimage in the past; 19 (16.8%) of them reported receiving pneumococcal vaccine and 16 (14.1%) diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. Lack of awareness about the availability of the vaccines was the main reason for non-receipt of pneumococcal and DTP vaccines (respectively 41.1% and 44.7%). Most pilgrims (266 [88.7%]) believed that travel vaccines are necessary before embarking on a journey; however, some expressed concerns about adverse reactions (156 [52.0%]), cost (114 [38.0%]), and permissibility of the vaccine according to their religion (6 [2.0%]). Respectively, 187 (62.3%), 145 (48.3%) and 86 (28.7%) respondents did not correctly know how meningococcal and pneumococcal diseases and pertussis transmit. Nevertheless, most (256 [85.3%]) indicated that they trust their family doctor for medical information and most (203 [67.7%]) preferred to receive the medical information in English. CONCLUSION The uptake of recommended vaccines against serious bacterial infections among Australian Hajj pilgrims is low. Lack of awareness about the availability of vaccines, misperceptions surrounding the safety of vaccines and high cost are key barriers of uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Tashani
- a National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) , The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney , Australia.,b Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Mohammad Alfelali
- a National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) , The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney , Australia.,b Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,c Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh , King Abdulaziz University , Jeddah , Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Irfan Azeem
- a National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) , The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney , Australia.,b Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Fayeza Nusrat Fatema
- a National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) , The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney , Australia
| | - Osamah Barasheed
- a National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) , The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney , Australia.,b Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,d The Executive Administration of Research , King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) , Makkah , Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Salem Alqahtani
- a National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) , The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney , Australia.,e School of Public Health , The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Hatice Tekin
- a National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) , The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney , Australia
| | - Harunor Rashid
- a National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) , The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney , Australia.,b Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,f Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Robert Booy
- a National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) , The Children's Hospital at Westmead , Sydney , Australia.,b Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,f Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,g WHO Collaborating Centre for Mass Gatherings and High Consequence/High Visibility Events , Flinders University , Adelaide , Australia
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Alqahtani AS, Wiley KE, Tashani M, Willaby HW, Heywood AE, BinDhim NF, Booy R, Rashid H. Exploring barriers to and facilitators of preventive measures against infectious diseases among Australian Hajj pilgrims: cross-sectional studies before and after Hajj. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 47:53-9. [PMID: 26875699 PMCID: PMC7110465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE For reasons that have yet to be elucidated, the uptake of preventive measures against infectious diseases by Hajj pilgrims is variable. The aim of this study was to identify the preventive advice and interventions received by Australian pilgrims before Hajj, and the barriers to and facilitators of their use during Hajj. METHODS Two cross-sectional surveys of Australians pilgrims aged ≥18 years were undertaken, one before and one after the Hajj 2014. RESULTS Of 356 pilgrims who completed the survey (response rate 94%), 80% had the influenza vaccine, 30% the pneumococcal vaccine, and 30% the pertussis vaccine. Concern about contracting disease at Hajj was the most cited reason for vaccination (73.4%), and not being aware of vaccine availability was the main reason for non-receipt (56%). Those who obtained pre-travel advice were twice as likely to be vaccinated as those who did not seek advice. Of 150 pilgrims surveyed upon return, 94% reported practicing hand hygiene during Hajj, citing ease of use (67%) and belief in its effectiveness (62.4%) as the main reasons for compliance; university education was a significant predictor of hand hygiene adherence. Fifty-three percent used facemasks, with breathing discomfort (76%) and a feeling of suffocation (40%) being the main obstacles to compliance. CONCLUSION This study indicates that there are significant opportunities to improve awareness among Australian Hajj pilgrims about the importance of using preventive health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani S Alqahtani
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Kerrie E Wiley
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mohamed Tashani
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Harold W Willaby
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anita E Heywood
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nasser F BinDhim
- Health Informatics Department, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert Booy
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; WHO Collaborating Centre for Mass Gatherings and High Consequence/High Visibility Events, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Harunor Rashid
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; WHO Collaborating Centre for Mass Gatherings and High Consequence/High Visibility Events, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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Al-Tawfiq JA, Memish ZA. Prevention of pneumococcal infections during mass gathering. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 12:326-30. [PMID: 26176306 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1058456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in mass gathering and its implications has been increasing due to globalization and international travel. The potential occurrence of infectious disease outbreaks during mass gathering is most feared. In this context, respiratory tract infections are of great concern due to crowding in a limited space which facilitates and magnifies the potential of disease spread among attendees. Pneumococcal disease is best described among pilgrims to Makkah and vaccination is one of the methods for the prevention of this disease. Pneumonia was described in a mass gathering with a prevalence of 4.8/100,000 pilgrims and contributes to 15-39% of hospitalizations. Various studies showed that 7-37% of pilgrims are 65 y of age or older. The uptake of pneumococcal vaccine among pilgrims is low at 5%. There is no available data to make strong recommendations for S. pneumoniae vaccination of all pilgrims, it is important that a high risk population receive the indicated vaccination. We reviewed the available literature on the burden of pneumococcal infections during mass gathering and evaluate the available literature on pneumococcal vaccinations for attendees of mass gathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- a Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare ; Dhahran , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,b Indiana University School of Medicine ; Indianapolis , IN USA
| | - Ziad A Memish
- c Ministry of Health and College of Medicine; Alfaisal University ; Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
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Alqahtani AS, Sheikh M, Wiley K, Heywood AE. Australian Hajj pilgrims' infection control beliefs and practices: Insight with implications for public health approaches. Travel Med Infect Dis 2015; 13:329-34. [PMID: 26028307 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hajj is one of the largest annual mass gatherings around the world. Although the Saudi Arabian health authority recommends vaccination and other infection control measures, studies identified variable uptake of these measures among pilgrims, and the reasons behind this variability remain unclear. This qualitative study aimed to addresses this knowledge gap. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with pilgrims over 18 years of age. RESULTS A total of 10 participants took part in the study. There was low perception of the potential severity of respiratory conditions and the need for influenza vaccination during Hajj. Different attitudes were found by age group with elderly participants believing that they were under Allah's protection, and were fatalistic about the risk of illness. While younger participants described the impact infections would have on their worship. Facemask use was infrequent with discomfort; difficulty in breathing and a feeling of isolation were commonly cited barriers to use of facemasks. Participants accepted and trusted preventative health advice from travel agents and friends who had previously undertaken the Hajj more so than primary care practitioners. CONCLUSIONS This study extended our understanding of how health beliefs influence uptake of preventive measures during the Hajj, and the gaps in the provision of Hajj-specific health information to pilgrims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani S Alqahtani
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Mohamud Sheikh
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kerrie Wiley
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (NCIRS), The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anita E Heywood
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Alqahtani AS, Rashid H, Heywood AE. Vaccinations against respiratory tract infections at Hajj. Clin Microbiol Infect 2014; 21:115-27. [PMID: 25682277 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2014.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The transmission of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) is very high among the Hajj congregation in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Despite recommendations for vaccinations, pilgrims remain at increased risk of RTIs. In this paper we systematically reviewed available studies assessing the uptake and effectiveness of vaccinations against RTIs among Hajj pilgrims and enumerated important demographic factors, if described, associated with vaccine uptake. Of the 42 included studies, 29 reported on the uptake and effectiveness of influenza vaccine among pilgrims, eight studies reported the uptake of other vaccines, notably pneumococcal, diphtheria and bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccines, and the remaining five studies described both influenza and non-influenza vaccines. The uptake of seasonal influenza vaccine ranged from 0.7% to 100% across the study populations, with coverage highest in the elderly and those with pre-existing co-morbidities. The effectiveness of influenza vaccine was variable across studies but was significantly effective against laboratory-confirmed influenza (risk ratio 0.56; 95% CI 0.41-0.75; p <0.001) in pooled metadata from six studies. Uptake of diphtheria and pneumococcal vaccines was low, and the only study reporting pertussis among Hajj pilgrims found the presence of pre-Hajj immunity to be significantly protective against disease. Despite favourable evidence of effectiveness, our review shows variable uptake of vaccines across a number of studies with few data available on the uptake of non-influenza vaccines. Mixed-method studies are needed to gauge knowledge, attitudes and practices of Hajj pilgrims regarding vaccination, and randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the efficacy of vaccines and improve uptake in this vulnerable travelling population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Alqahtani
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, The Children's Hospitals at Westmead, NSW, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - H Rashid
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, The Children's Hospitals at Westmead, NSW, Australia.
| | - A E Heywood
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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