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Chen TY, Zhu JD, Tsai SJ, Yang AC. Exploring morphological similarity and randomness in Alzheimer's disease using adjacent grey matter voxel-based structural analysis. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:88. [PMID: 38654366 PMCID: PMC11036786 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01448-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is characterized by large-scale structural changes in a specific pattern. Recent studies developed morphological similarity networks constructed by brain regions similar in structural features to represent brain structural organization. However, few studies have used local morphological properties to explore inter-regional structural similarity in Alzheimer's disease. METHODS Here, we sourced T1-weighted MRI images of 342 cognitively normal participants and 276 individuals with Alzheimer's disease from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. The relationships of grey matter intensity between adjacent voxels were defined and converted to the structural pattern indices. We conducted the information-based similarity method to evaluate the structural similarity of structural pattern organization between brain regions. Besides, we examined the structural randomness on brain regions. Finally, the relationship between the structural randomness and cognitive performance of individuals with Alzheimer's disease was assessed by stepwise regression. RESULTS Compared to cognitively normal participants, individuals with Alzheimer's disease showed significant structural pattern changes in the bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, and olfactory cortex. Additionally, individuals with Alzheimer's disease showed that the bilateral insula had decreased inter-regional structural similarity with frontal regions, while the bilateral hippocampus had increased inter-regional structural similarity with temporal and subcortical regions. For the structural randomness, we found significant decreases in the temporal and subcortical areas and significant increases in the occipital and frontal regions. The regression analysis showed that the structural randomness of five brain regions was correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination scores of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that individuals with Alzheimer's disease alter micro-structural patterns and morphological similarity with the insula and hippocampus. Structural randomness of individuals with Alzheimer's disease changed in temporal, frontal, and occipital brain regions. Morphological similarity and randomness provide valuable insight into brain structural organization in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Chen
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Digital Medicine and Smart Healthcare Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Ding Zhu
- Digital Medicine and Smart Healthcare Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Albert C Yang
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Digital Medicine and Smart Healthcare Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Minahan NT, Yen TY, Guo YLL, Shu PY, Tsai KH. Concatenated ScaA and TSA56 Surface Antigen Sequences Reflect Genome-Scale Phylogeny of Orientia tsutsugamushi: An Analysis Including Two Genomes from Taiwan. Pathogens 2024; 13:299. [PMID: 38668254 PMCID: PMC11054523 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Orientia tsutsugamushi is an obligate intracellular bacterium associated with trombiculid mites and is the causative agent of scrub typhus, a life-threatening febrile disease. Strain typing of O. tsutsugamushi is based on its immunodominant surface antigen, 56-kDa type-specific antigen (TSA56). However, TSA56 gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis is only partially congruent with core genome-based phylogenetic analysis. Thus, this study investigated whether concatenated surface antigen sequences, including surface cell antigen (Sca) proteins, can reflect the genome-scale phylogeny of O. tsutsugamushi. Complete genomes were obtained for two common O. tsutsugamushi strains in Taiwan, TW-1 and TW-22, and the core genome/proteome was identified for 11 O. tsutsugamushi strains. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using maximum likelihood (ML) and neighbor-joining (NJ) methods, and the congruence between trees was assessed using a quartet similarity measure. Phylogenetic analysis based on 691 concatenated core protein sequences produced identical tree topologies with ML and NJ methods. Among TSA56 and core Sca proteins (ScaA, ScaC, ScaD, and ScaE), TSA56 trees were most similar to the core protein tree, and ScaA trees were the least similar. However, concatenated ScaA and TSA56 sequences produced trees that were highly similar to the core protein tree, the NJ tree being more similar. Strain-level characterization of O. tsutsugamushi may be improved by coanalyzing ScaA and TSA56 sequences, which are also important targets for their combined immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas T. Minahan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100025, Taiwan; (N.T.M.); (Y.-L.L.G.)
| | - Tsai-Ying Yen
- Centers for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 115210, Taiwan; (T.-Y.Y.); (P.-Y.S.)
| | - Yue-Liang Leon Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100025, Taiwan; (N.T.M.); (Y.-L.L.G.)
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) College of Medicine and NTU Hospital, Taipei 100025, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yun Shu
- Centers for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei 115210, Taiwan; (T.-Y.Y.); (P.-Y.S.)
| | - Kun-Hsien Tsai
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100025, Taiwan; (N.T.M.); (Y.-L.L.G.)
- Global Health Program, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100025, Taiwan
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Chen HL, Lee CN, Chang CH, Lai MW, Tsai MC, Mu SC, Liu CJ, Shih JC, Wen WH, Hu RT, Huang CP, Hu KC, Chen CP, Lee CL, Chien RN, Chang KC, Hsu HY, Lee CC, Ni YH, Chang MH. Tenofovir alafenamide or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in pregnancy to prevent HBV transmission: Maternal ALT trajectory and infant outcomes. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38456620 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of antiviral agents, specifically tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), in pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child HBV transmission is a key step towards hepatitis elimination. However, data on using tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is insufficient. The frequent occurrence of postpartum ALT flares may impact the clinical implementation. METHODS The maternal and infant outcomes were compared in multi-centre trials of high viral load HBsAg/HBeAg+ pregnant women receiving TAF or TDF from the third trimester until 2 weeks postpartum with intensive follow-ups. To explore the dynamic pre- and postpartum changes in ALT levels, we used a group-based trajectory model for analysing data of 332 women from three prospective studies. RESULTS After treatment, the maternal HBV DNA levels significantly decreased from baseline to delivery: 7.87 ± 0.59 to 3.99 ± 1.07 Log10 IU/mL TAF (n = 78) and 8.30 ± 0.36 to 4.47 ± 0.86 Log10 IU/mL (TDF, n = 53), with viral load reductions of 3.87 versus 3.83 Log10 IU/mL. The HBsAg-positive rates among 12-month-old infants were 1.28% (1/78) versus 1.82% (1/55) respectively (p = 1.00). Of the TAF or TDF-treated mothers, 25.64% versus 16.98% experienced ALT > 2X ULN, and 11.54% versus 1.89% received extended antiviral treatment. Our model revealed four distinct ALT patterns: stable ALT (87.2%), moderate (8.0%) or marked (2.4%) postpartum flares, or prepartum elevations (2.4%). CONCLUSIONS TAF effectively reduces mother-to-child HBV transmission, but prophylaxis failure still occurred in few cases. Postpartum ALT flares are common in women receiving TAF or TDF during pregnancy. Approximately 12.8% of mothers may require extended postpartum antiviral treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT03695029 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey-Ling Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Bioethics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Nan Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hao Chang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chieh Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hsinchu Cathay General Hospital, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chi Mu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Chung Shih
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Hsin Wen
- Department of Pediatrics, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Rui-Ting Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Pin Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hsinchu Cathay General Hospital, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Chun Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chie-Pein Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chyi-Long Lee
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Liver Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chi Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yuan Hsu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Bioethics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chang Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center of Intelligent Healthcare, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hwei Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Liao JR, Liao YH, Liao KM, Wu HH, Tu WC, Lin YH. Nationwide survey of ticks on domesticated animals in Taiwan: Revealing the hidden threat to animal and public health. Med Vet Entomol 2024; 38:99-107. [PMID: 37715613 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are not only bloodsucking ectoparasites but also important vectors of tick-borne diseases (TBDs), posing significant threats to public and animal health. Domesticated animals serve as critical hosts for numerous ticks, highlighting the importance of understanding tick infestations in Taiwan. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a nationwide survey to identify ticks on domesticated animals and associated environments in 2018 and 2019. A total of 6,205 ticks were collected from 1,337 host animals, revealing the presence of seven tick species, with Rhipicephalus microplus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus being the dominant species. High infestation rates and widespread distribution of ticks were observed on domesticated animals, especially on dogs and cattle (yellow cattle and angus cattle), and the neighbouring grassland of yellow cattle. While this study has certain limitations, it provides valuable insights into the distribution and prevalence of ticks on domesticated animals in Taiwan and their implications for controlling TBDs. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the complex interactions among ticks, hosts and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhih-Rong Liao
- Systematic Zoology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yi-Hao Liao
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Min Liao
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huai-Hui Wu
- Department of Biotechnology, Tajen University, Yanpu Township, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chun Tu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ying-Hsi Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
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Kuo YM, Kang CM, Lai ZY, Huang TY, Tzeng SJ, Hsu CC, Chen SY, Hsieh SC, Chia JS, Jung CJ, Hsueh PR. Temporal changes in biomarkers of neutrophil extracellular traps and NET-promoting autoantibodies following adenovirus-vectored, mRNA, and recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccination. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29556. [PMID: 38511554 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a role in innate pathogen defense and also trigger B-cell response by providing antigens. NETs have been linked to vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia. We postulated a potential link between NET biomarkers, NET-promoting autoantibodies, and adverse events (AEs) after COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Healthy donors (HDs) who received ChAdOx1-S (A), mRNA-1273 (M), or recombinant protein (MVC-COV1901) vaccines at the National Taiwan University Hospital between 2021 and 2022 were recruited. We measured serial NET-associated biomarkers, citrullinated-histone3 (citH3), and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-DNA. Serum citH3 and MPO-DNA were significantly or numerically higher in HDs who reported AEs (n = 100, booster Day 0/Day 30, p = 0.01/p = 0.03 and p = 0.30/p = 0.35, respectively). We also observed a positive correlation between rash occurrence in online diaries and elevated citH3. A linear mixed model also revealed significantly higher citH3 levels in mRNA-1273/ChAdOx1-S recipients than MVC-COV1901 recipients. Significant positive correlations were observed between the ratios of anti-heparin platelet factor 4 and citH3 levels on Booster Day 0 and naïve and between the ratios of anti-NET IgM and citH3 on Booster Day 30/Day 0 in the AA-M and MM-M group, respectively. The increased levels of citH3/MPO-DNA accompanied by NET-promoting autoantibodies suggest a potential connection between mRNA-1273/ChAdOx1-S vaccines and cardiovascular complications. These findings provide insights for risk assessments of future vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Min Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Min Kang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Yun Lai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infection, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiang-Jong Tzeng
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chieh Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infection, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shey-Ying Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Song-Chou Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jean-San Chia
- Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiau-Jing Jung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Su JM, Huang WL, Huang HC, Tseng YL, Li MJ. A scenario-based web app to facilitate patient education in lung tumor patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: Development and usability testing. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241239244. [PMID: 38495861 PMCID: PMC10944589 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241239244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Patient education (PE) is essential for improving patients' knowledge, anxiety, and satisfaction, and supporting their postoperative recovery. However, the advantages of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)-smaller incisions and faster recovery-can result in shorter hospital stays, making PE more challenging to implement effectively. Multimedia PE can potentially enhance PE, but its effectiveness for patients undergoing VATS is unclear. Objective This study developed a scenario-based PE web app for lung tumor patients undergoing VATS (SPE-VATS) to facilitate the PE process and evaluated its usability through a clinical trial. Methods The SPE-VATS provided the experimental group (EG: 32 participants) with interactive scenario, query guidance, diagnostic analysis, experience sharing, and active reminder, while the control group (CG: 32 participants) used pamphlets and videos. The usability of SPE-VATS in terms of postoperative anxiety reduction and patient satisfaction with the app was evaluated using self-reported questionnaires based on the state-trait anxiety inventory, technology acceptance model, system usability scale, and task load index. Results There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative anxiety reduction between the EG and CG, possibly because 90% of the participants underwent a low-risk surgical type, and VATS is known to be advantageous in alleviating surgical anxiety. However, females and higher educated EG participants showed a non-significant but favorable reduction than their CG counterparts. Moreover, the EG was highly satisfied with the app (rated 4.2 to 4.4 out of 5.0), with no significant gender and education level difference. They particularly valued the interactive scenario, experience sharing, and diagnostic analysis features of SPE-VATS. Conclusions The SPE-VATS demonstrated its usability and high patient satisfaction, particularly for female and higher educated patients. Low-risk patient predominance and VATS's advantages may explain non-significant postoperative anxiety reduction, warranting further studies on high-risk patients to evaluate the impact of SPE-VATS on clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ming Su
- Department of Information and Learning Technology, National University of Tainan, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Huang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chen Huang
- Department of Nursing, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Lin Tseng
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Jhen Li
- Institute of Learning Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Strong C, Hsu J, Chung A, Wu M, Wu Y, Lo K, Hsu S, Ko N. Transition of a community- and person-centred design for providing healthcare services to gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men who engage in chemsex from a facility-based setting to a community-led setting in Taiwan. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26188. [PMID: 37926576 PMCID: PMC10625891 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carol Strong
- Department of Public HealthCollege of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - Jing‐Hao Hsu
- Department of Public HealthCollege of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
| | - An‐Chun Chung
- Taiwan Love and Hope AssociationKaohsiungTaiwan
- Healing, Empowerment, Recovery of Chemsex (HERO) Health CenterHÉROSKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Meng‐Tzu Wu
- Taiwan Love and Hope AssociationKaohsiungTaiwan
- Healing, Empowerment, Recovery of Chemsex (HERO) Health CenterHÉROSKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Yi‐Hui Wu
- Healing, Empowerment, Recovery of Chemsex (HERO) Health CenterHÉROSKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Kuo‐Wei Lo
- Healing, Empowerment, Recovery of Chemsex (HERO) Health CenterHÉROSKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Su‐Ting Hsu
- Department of Community PsychiatryKaohsiung Municipal Kai‐Syuan Psychiatric HospitalKaohsiungTaiwan
| | - Nai‐Ying Ko
- Taiwan Love and Hope AssociationKaohsiungTaiwan
- Healing, Empowerment, Recovery of Chemsex (HERO) Health CenterHÉROSKaohsiungTaiwan
- Department of NursingCollege of MedicineNational Cheng Kung UniversityTainanTaiwan
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Hsu JY, Hung CC, Tsou TP, Chen WC. Epidemiology and risk factors of Japanese encephalitis in Taiwan, 2010-2022. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011421. [PMID: 37782654 PMCID: PMC10569588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Taiwan introduced a two-dose inactivated Japanese encephalitis (JE) mouse brain-derived (JE-MB) vaccine into routine childhood immunization in 1968, with booster vaccination implemented in 1974 and 1983. In 2017, JE-MB vaccine was replaced by a two-dose live-attenuated chimeric vaccine (JE-CV). After implementation of JE vaccination programs, JE cases have shifted from children to adults. In this study, we described the JE epidemiology and identify high-risk groups to further inform vaccine policy. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We extracted data from Taiwan's notifiable disease surveillance database, vital statistics, and employment statistics from 2010 to 2022. Diagnosis of JE was confirmed by JE seroconversion, a four-fold increase in virus-specific antibodies, a positive JE viral nucleic-acid test, or JE virus isolation. From 2010 to 2022, a total of 313 cases of JE were diagnosed, resulting in an overall incidence rate of 0.10 cases per 100,000 person-years and a mortality rate of 0.006 per 100,000 population per year. Among these patients, 64% were male, and the median age was 51 years (range 0-82). Compared with people born in or after 1976 (vaccinated with four doses of JE-MB vaccine or two doses of JE-CV), those born in or before 1962 (unvaccinated) and those born during 1963-1975 (vaccinated with two or three doses of JE-MB vaccine) had a 4.2-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-5.7) and 5.9-fold (95% CI 4.3-8.1) higher risk of JE, respectively. The relative risk of working in agriculture, forestry, fishing, or animal husbandry, compared to other occupations, was 5.0 (95% CI 3.5-7.0). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In Taiwan, individuals born before 1976 and those employed in agriculture, forestry, fishing, or animal husbandry had a higher risk of JE. We recommend JE vaccination for people in these high-risk groups who have not been fully vaccinated or have an unknown vaccination history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Yu Hsu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Pei Tsou
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chin Chen
- Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
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Su CH, Chien LJ, Fang CT, Chang SC. Excess mortality and long-term disability from healthcare-associated carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections: A nationwide population-based matched cohort study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291059. [PMID: 37695791 PMCID: PMC10495011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carbapenem resistance is perceived as a clinical challenge in the management of debilitated and immunocompromised patients who eventually will die from underlying diseases. We aimed to examine whether carbapenem resistance per se, rather than the underlying diseases, negatively affect outcomes, by comparing the excess mortality and morbidity from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and carbapenem-susceptible A. baumannii (CSAB). METHODS This was a nationwide retrospective matched cohort study of hospitalized patients in 96 hospitals which participated in Taiwan Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (TNIS). A total of 2,213 patients with A. baumannii HAIs were individually matched to 4,426 patients without HAIs. Main outcomes were excess risks for one-year all-cause mortality and one-year new-onset chronic ventilator dependence or dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease. RESULTS Excess one-year mortality was 27.2% in CRAB patients, compared with their matched uninfected inpatients, as well as 15.4% in CSAB patients (also compared with their matched uninfected inpatients), resulting in an attributable mortality of 11.8% (P <0.001) associated with carbapenem resistance. The excess risk associated with carbapenem resistance for new-onset chronic ventilator dependence was 5.2% (P <0.001). Carbapenem resistance was also associated with an extra cost of $2,511 per case of A. baumannii HAIs (P <0.001). CONCLUSION Carbapenem resistance is associated with a significant disease burden in terms of excess mortality, long-term ventilator dependence, and medical cost. Further studies on effects of antimicrobial stewardship programs in decreasing this burden are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiu-Hsia Su
- Division of Infection Control and Biosafety, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jung Chien
- Division of Infection Control and Biosafety, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tai Fang
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Chwen Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chen YJ, Huang JC, Yang CP, Hsu KF, Liu HF. A Comprehensive Phylogenetic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2: Utilizing a Novel and Convenient In-House RT-PCR Method for Characterization without Virus Culture and BSL-3 Facilities. Viruses 2023; 15:1562. [PMID: 37515248 PMCID: PMC10383548 DOI: 10.3390/v15071562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed a convenient method for amplifying the complete SARS-CoV-2 sequence using in-house RT-PCR without virus culture. Forty-one stored throat swabs and blood specimens were collected from eight SARS-CoV-2 infections at multiple time points. Total RNA was extracted using the QIAamp viral RNA mini kit and pooled for higher RNA levels. Only those positive specimens by commercial real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) were selected and amplified by in-house RT-PCR for complete sequences, followed by sequencing. Phylogenetic trees and exploratory analyses were performed using MEGA 11 and Simplot 3.5.1 software. Swab samples had significantly higher total RNA concentrations than plasma (p < 0.01). Positive results were found mainly in swabs, but one was found in plasma. Successful gene amplification depended on Ct values (Ct < 38). A non-synonymous substitution was found in ORF1ab/Nsp3 (at NC045512.2 position 6312, C to A) and most spike protein mutations occurred in the S1 subunit (residues 14-685). The proposed method is time-saving and reliable for rapid genomic analysis. Increasing sample volume and pooling them for RNA extraction increases RNA concentration without culture. Combining nucleotide sequences from specific variable regions of the genome is more efficient than conventional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ju Chen
- Research Assistant Center, Tainan Municipal Hospital (Managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), Tainan 701033, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Jason C Huang
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Technology, Jenteh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli 356006, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Feng Hsu
- Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114202, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Fu Liu
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei 25169, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 252005, Taiwan
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11
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Wang HC, Hsieh MI, Choi PC, Wu WL, Wu CJ. Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility of clinical Aspergillus isolates: A multicentre study in Taiwan, 2016-2020. Mycoses 2023. [PMID: 37186489 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological knowledge is important to guide antifungal therapy. OBJECTIVE This multicentre study aimed to investigate the species distribution and antifungal susceptibility of Aspergillus isolates in Taiwan. METHOD Four hundred and ninety-two clinical Aspergillus isolates, collected during 2016-2020, were identified by calmodulin sequencing and tested for antifungal susceptibility using CLSI M38-A3. The Cyp51A sequences of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus isolates were analysed. RESULTS This collection comprised 30 species from eight Aspergillus sections-Flavi (33.5%), Nigri (26.0%), Fumigati (24.2%), Terrei (10.0%), Nidulantes (5.1%), Circumdati (0.8%), Restricti (0.2%) and Aspergillus (0.2%). Sections Fumigati, Flavi and Terrei were primarily represented by A. fumigatus (99.2%), A. flavus (95.8%) and A. terreus (100%), respectively. Section Nigri comprised nine species, mostly A. welwitschiae (60.2%), A. niger (12.5%), A. brunneoviolaceus (10.9%) and A. tubingensis (10.2%). A. fumigatus (39.6%) and A. flavus (26.4%) predominated among 53 isolates from lower respiratory samples, whereas section Nigri species (46.2%) and A. terreus (29.2%) predominated among 65 isolates from ear samples. Reduced susceptibility to amphotericin B (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 1 μg/mL) was noted in A. flavus (7.0%), A. terreus (6.1%), A. nidulans and section Circumdati (A. flocculosus, A. subramanianii and A. westerdijkiae) isolates. Acquired azole resistance was observed in seven A. fumigatus (5.9%), all of which carried TR34 /L98H or TR34 /L98H/S297T/F495I mutation, and three A. flavus (1.9%), one of which carried G441S mutation. Reduced susceptibility to itraconazole (MIC >1 μg/mL) was noted in 55.5% of section Nigri isolates, mainly in A. welwitschiae, A. niger and A. tubingensis, whereas A. brunneoviolaceus, A. aculeatinus and A. japonicus were hypersusceptible to azoles. Anidulafungin was active against all isolates except for one isolate. CONCLUSIONS This study depicted the molecular epidemiology and species-specific characteristics of Aspergillus in Taiwan, which aids in appropriate antifungal therapy and underlines the need of speciation and susceptibility testing of disease-causing Aspergillus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Chen Wang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-I Hsieh
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pui-Ching Choi
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Lin Wu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jung Wu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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12
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Yang HH, Huang IT, Wu RC, Chen LK. A highly efficient and accurate method of detecting and subtyping Influenza A pdm H1N1 and H3N2 viruses with newly emerging mutations in the matrix gene in Eastern Taiwan. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283074. [PMID: 36952488 PMCID: PMC10035893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid identification of Influenza A virus and its variants, which cause severe respiratory diseases, is imperative to providing timely treatment and improving patient outcomes. Conventionally, two separate assays (total test duration of up to 6 h) are required to initially differentiate Influenza A and B viruses and subsequently distinguish the pdm H1N1 and H3N2 serotypes of Influenza A virus. In this study, we developed a multiplex real-time RT-PCR method for simultaneously detecting Influenza A and B viruses and subtyping Influenza A virus, with a substantially reduced test duration. Clinical specimens from hospitalized patients and outpatients with influenza-like symptoms in Eastern Taiwan were collected between 2011 and 2015, transported to Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, and analyzed. Conventional RT-PCR was used to subtype the isolated Influenza A viruses. Thereafter, for rapid identification, the multiplex real-time RT-PCR method was developed and applied to identify the conserved regions that aligned with the available primers and probes. Accordingly, a multiplex RT-PCR assay with three groups of primers and probes (MAF and MAR primers and MA probe; InfAF and InfAR primers and InfA probe; and MBF and MBR primers and MB probe) was established to distinguish these viruses in the same reaction. Thus, with this multiplex RT-PCR assay, Influenza B, Influenza A pdm H1N1, and Influenza A H3N2 viruses were accurately detected and differentiated within only 2.5 h. This multiplex RT-PCR assay showed similar analytical sensitivity to the conventional singleplex assay. Further, the phylogenetic analyses of our samples revealed that the characteristics of these viruses were different from those reported previously using samples collected during 2012–2013. In conclusion, we developed a multiplex real-time RT-PCR method for highly efficient and accurate detection and differentiation of Influenza A and B viruses and subtyping Influenza A virus with a substantially reduced test duration for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hua Yang
- Bioinnovation Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Taiwan CDC Collaborating Laboratories of Virology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - I-Tsong Huang
- Taiwan CDC Collaborating Laboratories of Virology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ren-Chieh Wu
- Branch of Clinical Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kuang Chen
- Taiwan CDC Collaborating Laboratories of Virology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Branch of Clinical Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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13
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Wu SH, Xiao YX, Hsiao HC, Jou R. Development and Assessment of a Novel Whole-Gene-Based Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Assay for Detecting the Susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to 14 Drugs. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0260522. [PMID: 36255328 PMCID: PMC9769975 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02605-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) has emerged as an alternative method for detecting drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). To provide comprehensive drug susceptibility information and to address mutations missed by available commercial molecular diagnostics, we developed and evaluated a tNGS panel with 22 whole-gene targets using the Ion Torrent platform to predict drug resistance to 14 drugs, namely, rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), pyrazinamide (PZA), moxifloxacin (MFX), levofloxacin (LFX), amikacin (AMK), capreomycin (CM), kanamycin (KM), streptomycin (SM), bedaquiline (BDQ), clofazimine (CFZ), linezolid (LZD), and delamanid (DLM). We selected 50 and 35 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates with various DR profiles as the training set and the challenge set, respectively. Comparative variant analyses of the DR genes were performed using Sanger sequencing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) results were used as gold standards. Regarding the limit of detection, the tNGS assay detected 2.9 to 3.8% minority variants in 4% mutant mixtures. The sensitivity and specificity of tNGS were 97.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 93.1 to 98.7%) and 99.1% (95% CI = 97.7 to 99.7%), respectively. The concordance of tNGS with pDST was 98.5% (95% CI = 97.2 to 99.2%), which was comparable to that of WGS (98.7%, 95% CI = 97.4 to 99.3%) and better than that of Sanger sequencing (96.9%, 95% CI = 95.3 to 98.0%). The agreement between tNGS and pDST was almost perfect for RIF, INH, EMB, MFX, LFX, AMK, CM, KM, SM, BDQ, and LZD (kappa value = 0.807 to 1.000) and substantial for PZA (kappa value = 0.791). Our customized novel whole-gene-based tNGS panel is highly consistent with pDST and WGS for comprehensive and accurate prediction of drug resistance in a strengthened and streamlined DR-TB laboratory program. IMPORTANCE We developed and validated a tNGS assay that was the first to target 22 whole genes instead of regions of drug resistance genes and comprehensively detected susceptibility to 14 anti-TB drugs, with great flexibility to include new or repurposed drugs. Notably, we demonstrated that our custom-designed Ion AmpliSeq TB research panel platform had high concordance with pDST and could significantly reduce turnaround time (by approximately 70%) to meet a clinically actionable time frame. Our tNGS assay is a promising DST solution for providing needed clinical information for precision medicine-guided therapies for DR-TB and allows the rollout of active pharmacovigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Han Wu
- Tuberculosis Research Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Xin Xiao
- Tuberculosis Research Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hseuh-Chien Hsiao
- Tuberculosis Research Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ruwen Jou
- Tuberculosis Research Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
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14
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Silalahi CN, Tu WC, Chang NT, Singham GV, Ahmad I, Neoh KB. Insecticide Resistance Profiles and Synergism of Field Aedes aegypti from Indonesia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010501. [PMID: 35666774 PMCID: PMC9203003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on the insecticide resistance profiles of Aedes aegypti in Indonesia is fragmentary because of the lack of wide-area insecticide resistance surveillance. We collected Ae. aegypti from 32 districts and regencies in 27 Indonesian provinces and used WHO bioassays to evaluate their resistance to deltamethrin, permethrin, bendiocarb, and pirimiphos-methyl. To determine the possible resistance mechanisms of Ae. aegypti, synergism tests were conducted using piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and S,S,S-tributylphosphorotrithioates (DEF). The Ae. aegypti from all locations exhibited various levels of resistance to pyrethroids. Their resistance ratio (RR50) to permethrin and deltamethrin ranged from 4.08× to 127× and from 4.37× to 72.20×, respectively. In contrast with the findings of other studies, most strains from the highly urbanized cities on the island of Java (i.e., Banten, Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya) exhibited low to moderate resistance to pyrethroids. By contrast, the strains collected from the less populated Kalimantan region exhibited very high resistance to pyrethroids. The possible reasons are discussed herein. Low levels of resistance to bendiocarb (RR50, 1.24–6.46×) and pirimiphos-methyl (RR50, 1.01–2.70×) were observed in all tested strains, regardless of locality. PBO and DEF synergists significantly increased the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti to permethrin and deltamethrin and reduced their resistance ratio to less than 16×. The synergism tests suggested the major involvement of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and esterases in conferring pyrethroid resistance. On the basis of our results, we proposed a 6-month rotation of insecticides (deltamethrin + synergists ➝ bendiocarb ➝ permethrin + synergists ➝ pirimiphos-methyl) and the use of an insecticide mixture containing pyrethroid and pyrimiphos-methyl to control Ae. aegypti populations and overcome the challenge of widespread Ae. aegypti resistance to pyrethroid in Indonesia. Insecticide resistance is a major impediment to the successful management of vector-transmitted diseases because it increases the vector’s chances of surviving under insecticide treatment. In Indonesia, the implementation of insecticide resistance management at the national level is particularly challenging due to the vast area and regional disparities in terms of population, health, and socioeconomic status. Previous studies on determining insecticide resistance of Aedes mosquito only focused on several cities in some provinces of Indonesia, making resistance monitoring results difficult to interpret and arguably reflect the generality in Indonesia. To complicate the matter, data released by the Ministry of Agriculture of Indonesia in 2022 showed that approximately 82% of insecticides registered to control Ae. aegypti in Indonesia are pyrethroid-based products. Principally, we found that the synergists PBO and DEF significantly reduce the resistance of field Ae. aegypti from Indonesia toward permethrin and deltamethrin. Bendiocarb and pirimiphos-methyl remain highly toxic to the field strains of Ae. aegypti. We suggest the feasible choice of insecticide group for Ae. aegypti vector management based on the currently registered insecticide inventory. The finding also underscores the urgent need to approve other non-pyrethroid-based insecticides as alternative tools for reducing the risk of resistance development during an outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wu-Chun Tu
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Niann-Tai Chang
- Department of Plant Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - G. Veera Singham
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Intan Ahmad
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
- * E-mail: (IA); (KBN)
| | - Kok-Boon Neoh
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (IA); (KBN)
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15
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Chen PY, Chuang PN, Chiang CH, Chang HH, Lu CW, Huang KC. Impact of Coronavirus Infectious Disease (COVID-19) pandemic on willingness of immunization-A community-based questionnaire study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262660. [PMID: 35030220 PMCID: PMC8759632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a great impact on global health, but with relatively few confirmed cases in Taiwan. People in Taiwan showed excellent cooperation with the government for disease prevention and faced social and behavioral changes during this period. This study aimed to investigate people’s knowledge of COVID-19, attitudes and practices regarding vaccinations for influenza, pneumococcus and COVID-19. Methods We conducted a community-based, cross-sectional questionnaire survey from September 2020 to October 2020 among adults in northern Taiwan. The four-part questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19. Results Among a total of 410 respondents, 58.5% were categorized as having “good knowledge” responding to COVID-19. Among the total respondents, 86.6% were willing to receive influenza or pneumococcal vaccines, and 76% of them acted to receive COVID-19 immunization once the vaccine became available. Compared with the respondents with poor knowledge of COVID-19, those with good knowledge had a more positive attitude toward receiving influenza or pneumococcal immunization (OR 3.26, 95% CI = 1.74–6.12). Conclusions Participants with good knowledge of COVID-19 had greater intent to receive immunization for influenza or pneumococcal vaccine. The promotion of correct knowledge of both COVID-19 and immunization preparations is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yun Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Training Center for Travel Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ni Chuang
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Training Center for Travel Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University BioMedical Park Hospital, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsieh Chiang
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Training Center for Travel Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Hsiang Chang
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Training Center for Travel Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wen Lu
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Training Center for Travel Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chin Huang
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Training Center for Travel Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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16
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Chidambaram V, Tun NL, Majella MG, Ruelas Castillo J, Ayeh SK, Kumar A, Neupane P, Sivakumar RK, Win EP, Abbey EJ, Wang S, Zimmerman A, Blanck J, Gupte A, Wang JY, Karakousis PC. Male Sex Is Associated With Worse Microbiological and Clinical Outcomes Following Tuberculosis Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort Study, a Systematic Review of the Literature, and Meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:1580-1588. [PMID: 34100919 PMCID: PMC8563313 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the incidence of tuberculosis is higher in men than in women, the relationship of sex with tuberculosis treatment outcomes has not been adequately studied. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study and a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies during the last 10 years to assess sex differences in clinical and microbiological outcomes in tuberculosis. RESULTS In our cohort of 2894 Taiwanese patients with drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis (1975 male and 919 female), male patients had higher adjusted hazards of 9-month mortality due to all causes (hazard ratio, 1.43 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.98]) and infections (1.70 [1.09-2.64]) and higher adjusted odds of 2-month sputum culture positivity (odds ratio [OR], 1.56 [95% CI, 1.05-2.33]) compared with female patients. Smear positivity at 2 months did not differ significantly (OR, 1.27 [95% CI, .71-2.27]) between the sexes. Among 7896 articles retrieved, 398 were included in our systematic review describing a total of 3 957 216 patients. The odds of all-cause mortality were higher in men than in women in the pooled unadjusted (OR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.19-1.34]) and adjusted (1.31 [1.18-1.45]) analyses. Men had higher pooled odds of sputum culture (OR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.14-1.81]) and sputum smear (1.58 [1.41-1.77]) positivity, both at the end of the intensive phase and on completion of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our retrospective cohort showed that male patients with tuberculosis have higher 9-month all-cause and infection-related mortality, with higher 2-month sputum culture positivity after adjustment for confounding factors. In our meta-analysis, male patients showed higher all-cause and tuberculosis-related mortality and higher sputum culture and smear positivity rates during and after tuberculosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Chidambaram
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nyan Lynn Tun
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marie Gilbert Majella
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Jennie Ruelas Castillo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Samuel K Ayeh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amudha Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas, USA
| | - Pranita Neupane
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ranjith Kumar Sivakumar
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ei Phyo Win
- Department of Pathology, Yangon Children’s Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Enoch J Abbey
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Siqing Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alyssa Zimmerman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jaime Blanck
- Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Akshay Gupte
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jann-Yuan Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Petros C Karakousis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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17
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Sasmita HI, Neoh KB, Yusmalinar S, Anggraeni T, Chang NT, Bong LJ, Putra RE, Sebayang A, Silalahi CN, Ahmad I, Tu WC. Ovitrap surveillance of dengue vector mosquitoes in Bandung City, West Java Province, Indonesia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009896. [PMID: 34710083 PMCID: PMC8577782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Larval surveillance is the central approach for monitoring dengue vector populations in Indonesia. However, traditional larval indices are ineffective for measuring mosquito population dynamics and predicting the dengue transmission risk. We conducted a 14-month ovitrap surveillance. Eggs and immature mosquitoes were collected on a weekly basis from an urban village of Bandung, namely Sekejati. Ovitrap-related indices, namely positive house index (PHI), ovitrap index (OI), and ovitrap density index (ODI), were generated and correlated with environmental variables, housing type (terraced or high-density housing), ovitrap placement location (indoor or outdoor; household or public place), and local dengue cases. Our results demonstrated that Aedes aegypti was significantly predominant compared with Aedes albopictus at each housing type and ovitrap placement location. Ovitrap placement locations and rainfall were the major factors contributing to variations in PHI, OI, and ODI, whereas the influences of housing type and temperature were subtle. Indoor site values were significantly positively correlated to outdoor sites’ values for both OI and ODI. OI and ODI values from households were best predicted with those from public places at 1- and 0-week lags, respectively. Weekly rainfall values at 4- and 3-week lags were the best predictors of OI and ODI for households and public places, respectively. Monthly mean PHI, OI, and ODI were significantly associated with local dengue cases. In conclusion, ovitrap may be an effective tool for monitoring the population dynamics of Aedes mosquitoes, predicting dengue outbreaks, and serving as an early indicator to initiate environmental clean-up. Ovitrap surveillance is easy for surveyors if they are tasked with a certain number of ovitraps at a designated area, unlike the existing larval surveillance methodology, which entails identifying potential breeding sites largely at the surveyors’ discretion. Ovitrap surveillance may reduce the influence of individual effort in larval surveillance that likely causes inconsistency in results. The dengue virus, transmitted by Aedes vectors, has been continuously spreading in tropical and subtropical countries, causing illness and fatality. Given the lack of a cost-effective dengue vaccine, the vector control approach for reducing the Aedes population remains the key method for mitigating dengue transmission. For a successful vector control program, an effective vector surveillance system is crucial for precisely predicting the spatial and temporal risk of a dengue outbreak. The ovitrap system improves data collection efficiency, aiding long-term dengue vector monitoring activities. This study is one of the few long-term dengue vector surveillance programs in Indonesia and provides compelling evidence of the need to improve the existing conventional larval surveillance system. The results demonstrated that two dengue vector mosquitoes, A. aegypti and A. albopictus, were present in the study area, and A. aegypti was more prevalent than A. albopictus. We observed an interactive relationship between ovitrap placement and rainfall in the dynamics of ovitrap-related indices; understanding this relationship allows for timely initiation of vector control and intervention strategies. We conclude that the ovitrap surveillance system is a sensitive tool for monitoring the population dynamics of Aedes vectors, predicting dengue outbreaks, and potentially improving community-based conventional larval surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadian Iman Sasmita
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Center for Isotopes and Radiation Application, National Nuclear Energy Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kok-Boon Neoh
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sri Yusmalinar
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Tjandra Anggraeni
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Niann-Tai Chang
- Department of Plant Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Jin Bong
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ramadhani Eka Putra
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Amelia Sebayang
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Intan Ahmad
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
- * E-mail: (IA); (W-CT)
| | - Wu-Chun Tu
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (IA); (W-CT)
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Huang HL, Huang WC, Lin KD, Liu SS, Lee MR, Cheng MH, Chin CS, Lu PL, Sheu CC, Wang JY, Lee IT, Chong IW. Completion Rate and Safety of Programmatic Screening and Treatment for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Elderly Patients With Poorly Controlled Diabetic Mellitus: A Prospective Multicenter Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e1252-e1260. [PMID: 33677558 PMCID: PMC8442788 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor control of diabetes mellitus (DM) increases active tuberculosis (TB) risk. Understanding risk factors for latent TB infection (LTBI) in this population and intervention completion rates is crucial for policy making. METHODS Under a collaborative multidisciplinary team consisting of public health professionals, endocrinologists, and pulmonologists, patients aged >45 years with poorly controlled DM (pDM), defined as having a glycated hemoglobin level of ≥9% within the preceding year, were enrolled by endocrinologists from 2 hospitals; these patients underwent LTBI screening by using QuantiFERON (QFT). Once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine for 12 weeks (3HP) or daily isoniazid for 9 months (9H) was administered by pulmonologists. QFT-positivity predictors were evaluated using logistic regression. Completion rates and safety were also investigated. RESULTS Among 980 patients with pDM (age: 64.2 ± 9.7 years), 261 (26.6%) were QFT-positive. Age, DM duration, chronic kidney disease stage ≥3, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor use, not using metformin, were associated with QFT-positivity. Preventive therapy (3HP: 138; 9H: 62) was administered in 200 (76.6%) QFT-positive patients. The completion rates of 3HP and 9H were 84.1% and 79.0%, respectively (P = .494). Nine (6.5%) and zero patients in the 3HP and 9H groups, respectively, developed systemic drug reactions (P = .059); 78.3% and 45.2% had ≥1 adverse drug reactions (P < .001); and post-treatment QFT conversion rates were 32% and 20%, respectively (P = .228). CONCLUSIONS LTBI prevalence exceeds 25% in elderly patients with pDM. Under care from a collaborative multidisciplinary team, the completion rate of preventive therapy, regardless of regimen could approach, or even exceed 80% in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Ling Huang
- Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chang Huang
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Technology, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Der Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Shin Liu
- Nursing Department, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Rui Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsuan Cheng
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Shih Chin
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Chyun Sheu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jann-Yuan Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Te Lee
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan
- College of Science, Tunghai University, Taiwan
| | - Inn-Wen Chong
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Biological Science and Technology National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
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Kuo CC, Lee PL, Wang HC. Molecular detection of Rickettsia species and host associations of Laelaps mites (Acari: Laelapidae) in Taiwan. Exp Appl Acarol 2020; 81:547-559. [PMID: 32647905 PMCID: PMC7346847 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00522-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Various rickettsiae have recently been detected in Laelaps mites (Acari: Laelapidae), which are common ectoparasites of rodents; however, investigations on this topic remain very scarce, particularly in Asia. In the present study, shrews and rodents were trapped from 2006 to 2010 in eight lowland regions of Taiwan (< 500 m in elevation) to collect associated Laelaps mites, from which Rickettsia-a group of emerging pathogens-were detected and identified by assaying the gltA and ompB genes. A total of 853 Laelaps mites of at least four species were collected from a sample of 1004 small mammals that included one shrew and 10 rodent species. Rattus losea was the most common species (44.9% of total hosts) and hosted the highest percentage of mites (76.6% of total mites). Laelaps nuttalli was the most abundant mite species (51.7% of total mites), followed by Laelaps echidninus (24.2%), Laelaps sedlaceki (23.1%), and Laelaps myonyssognathus (0.2%). Notably, Rickettsia species with the highest similarity to spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae were identified from seven of the 72 pools of Laelaps mites. The presence of SFG rickettsiae in hematophagous Laelaps mites, particularly including species that are closely associated with commensal rodents in frequent contact with humans, calls for further investigation on the competence of Laelaps mites in transmitting rickettsiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chien Kuo
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lung Lee
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chieh Wang
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Lee CY, Jen IA, Lan YC, Yen YF, Chuang PH, Chen M, Lee Y, Chen YMA. AIDS incidence trends at presentation and during follow-up among HIV-at-risk populations: a 15-year nationwide cohort study in Taiwan. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:589. [PMID: 29720151 PMCID: PMC5932870 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5500-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Taiwan has implemented several important interventions for various HIV-at-risk populations to combat the HIV epidemic, little is known regarding AIDS incidence at presentation and during follow-up among the various HIV-at-risk populations in Taiwan. A better understanding of AIDS incidence trends would help improve patient care and optimize public health strategies aimed at further decreasing HIV-related morbidity and mortality. METHODS Data from Taiwan Centers for Disease Control-operated Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System and Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (1998-2012) was divided into five cohort periods (consecutive 3-year groups). Logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with AIDS incidence at presentation. Time-dependent Cox regression was used to identify factors associated with AIDS incidence during the follow-up period. RESULTS Of 22,665 patients [mean age: 32 years; male (93.03%)], 6210 (27.4%) had AIDS incidence over 2 (1.16) [median (interquartile range)] years of follow-up. AIDS developed in ≤3 months of HIV diagnosis in 73.6% AIDS patients. AIDS incidence trends at presentation and during follow-up differed according to HIV transmission routes over the five periods: AIDS at presentation increased in the sexual contact groups (P < 0.001 for homosexuals/heterosexuals; 0.648 for bisexuals) but decreased to a nadir in period 3 and then increased slightly in period 5 (P < 0.001) in people who injected drugs (PWIDs). AIDS incidence during the follow-up period increased from period 1 to a peak in period 3 or 4, before declining slightly in period 5, in the sexual contact groups (P < 0.001 for homosexuals/heterosexuals; 0.549 for bisexuals). However, it increased throughout the five periods in PWIDs (P < 0.001). Older age, sexual contact group versus PWIDs, high versus low income level, cohort periods, and HIV diagnosis regions helped predict AIDS at presentation and during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Disparities in AIDS incidence trends in various HIV-at-risk populations reflect different sociodemographic variables of HIV exposure and the adopted HIV prevention strategies. This study suggests the urgent need for tailored strategies aimed at specific populations at presentation and during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yuan Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807 Taiwan
| | - I-An Jen
- Department and Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Lan
- Department of Health Risk Management, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Feng Yen
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807 Taiwan
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Welfare, College of City Management, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hung Chuang
- Center for Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Injury and Diseases, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Clinical Toxicology and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Marcelo Chen
- Department of Urology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun Lee
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807 Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ming A. Chen
- Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Tzyou 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807 Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Institute of Medical Research, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Li CW, Yang CJ, Sun HY, Tsai MS, Lin SP, Lin TY, Cheng CY, Lee YC, Huang YS, Liu CE, Lee YT, Tang HJ, Wang NC, Cheng SH, Ko WC, Hung CC. Changing seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among HIV-positive patients in Taiwan. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194149. [PMID: 29547628 PMCID: PMC5856341 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aimed to describe the evolution of the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients included in two cohorts in Taiwan. Methods We retrospectively collected the information on demographic and clinical characteristics of 4,025 and 3,856 HIV-positive Taiwanese, who were aged 18 years or older at designated hospitals around Taiwan in 2004–2007, when an outbreak of HIV infection was occurring, and 2012–2016, when the outbreak was controlled with the implementation of harm reduction program, respectively. Comparisons of HCV seropositivity were made among different age and risk groups for HIV transmission between these two cohorts. Results The overall HCV seroprevalence of the 2004–2007 cohort and 2012–2016 cohort was 43.4% (1,288/2,974) and 18.6% (707/3,793), respectively (P<0.001). The HCV seroprevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs), though decreasing, was constantly high across the two cohorts, 96.4% and 94.0% (P = 0.02), respectively, and all age groups. In contrast, the corresponding figures among men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexuals in the two cohorts were 5.9% vs. 3.5% (P = 0.002) and 9.4% vs. 10.9% (P = 0.59), respectively. Among sexually transmitted HIV-positive patients, HCV seropositivity was significantly correlated with age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], per 1-year increase, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.05) and a rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer ≥1:8 (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.03–2.43) in a multivariate analysis including age, gender, route for HIV transmission, baseline CD4 count and plasma HIV RNA load, the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen, and an RPR titer ≥1:8. Compared with heterosexuals, the aOR for HCV seropositivity among MSM was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.31–0.72). Conclusions HCV seroprevalence among HIV-positive patients in Taiwan decreased with time, probably related to the inclusion of younger adults and more non-IDUs, and remained high among IDUs. HCV seropositivity was associated with age and an RPR titer ≥1:8 among patients who acquired HIV through sexual contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Song Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic Fu-Jen Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ping Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Te-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic Fu-Jen Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Eng Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ti Lee
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jen Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Sciences, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ning-Chi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsing Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (WCK); (CCH)
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (WCK); (CCH)
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Lee YL, Lin KY, Cheng CY, Li CW, Yang CJ, Tsai MS, Tang HJ, Lin TY, Wang NC, Lee YC, Lin SP, Huang YS, Sun HY, Zhang JY, Ko WC, Cheng SH, Lee YT, Liu CE, Hung CC. Evolution of hepatitis A virus seroprevalence among HIV-positive adults in Taiwan. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186338. [PMID: 29036227 PMCID: PMC5643057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to describe the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in HIV-positive adult patients in Taiwan between 2012 and 2016 and to examine the evolution of HAV seroprevalence between 2004-2007 and 2012-2016. METHODS Clinical information and data of anti-HAV antibody results were collected from 2,860 antiretroviral-naïve HIV-positive Taiwanese aged 18 years or older who initiated combination antiretroviral therapy at 11 hospitals around Taiwan between 2012 and 2016 (2012-2016 cohort). A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify independent variables associated with HAV seropositivity. Comparisons of HAV seroprevalences and associated clinical characteristics were made between this 2012-2016 cohort and a previous cohort of 1580 HIV-positive patients in 2004-2007 (2004-2007 cohort). RESULTS Of the 2,860 HIV-positive patients between 2012 and 2016, the overall HAV seropositivity rate was 21.2% (605/2860), which was independently associated with an older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], per 1-year increase, 1.13; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.11-1.15) and co-infection with hepatitis B virus (AOR 1.44; 95% CI, 1.08-1.93). Residence in southern Taiwan (AOR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34-0.72) was inversely associated with HAV seropositivity. The overall HAV seroprevalence in the 2012-2016 cohort was significantly lower than that in the 2004-2007 cohort (21.2% vs 60.9%, p<0.01). The decreases of HAV seropositivity rate were observed in nearly every age-matched group, which suggested the cohort effect on HAV seroepidemiology. However, among individuals aged 25 years or younger, the HAV seropositivity rate increased from 3.8% (2/52) in the 2004-2007 cohort to 8.5% (50/587) in the 2012-2016 cohort, with 95.4% (560/587) being MSM in this age group of the latter cohort. CONCLUSIONS HAV seroprevalence has decreased with time among HIV-positive adults in Taiwan. The cohort effect has increased the number of young HIV-positive patients that are susceptible to HAV infection in a country without nationwide childhood vaccination program against HAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wen Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Song Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jen Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Sciences, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Te-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ning-Chi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ping Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Yu Zhang
- Center of Infection Control, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsing Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ti Lee
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CEL); (YTL)
| | - Chun-Eng Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CEL); (YTL)
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Lee YC, Chang SY, Lin KY, Chang LH, Liu WC, Wu CH, Sun HY, Hung CC, Chang SC. Awareness and willingness towards pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV infection among individuals seeking voluntary counselling and testing for HIV in Taiwan: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015142. [PMID: 29042372 PMCID: PMC5652491 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the awareness and willingness towards pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among individuals seeking voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV in Taiwan, where PrEP is currently not reimbursed by the insurance. METHODS Between April and October 2016, a questionnaire interview was conducted among VCT clients to inquire about the attitudes towards PrEP against HIV infection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the associated factors with willingness to initiate PrEP. RESULTS During the 6-month period, 1173 VCT clients (99.8%) completed the interviews, with 67.4% being homosexual or bisexual male. While 67.2% of the clients knew of postexposure prophylaxis, 40.2% heard of PrEP. Overall, 546 clients (46.5%) were willing to initiate PrEP and 89.5% of them would choose event-driven PrEP. In multivariate analysis, male gender (OR 1.796; 95% CI 1.165 to 2.768), full-time job (OR 1.354; 95% CI 1.052 to 1.742), one-night stand (OR 1.374; 95% CI 1.043 to 1.810), having casual sex partners within 3 months (OR 1.329; 95% CI 1.031 to 1.714), condomless anal sex (OR 1.405; 95% CI 1.122 to 1.878) and ever having chemsex or attending a drug party in the past 1 year (OR 2.571; 95% CI 1.541 to 4.287), regular screening for HIV infection (OR 1.321; 95% CI 1.021 to 1.711) and knowledge of PrEP (OR 1.504; 95% CI, 1.159 to 1.953) were associated with willingness to initiate PrEP. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the willingness to initiate PrEP against HIV among the VCT clients in Taiwan, which was associated with male gender, risky sexual behaviours and awareness of PrEP, will help inform the implementation of PrEP programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chieh Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital, Medical Lo-Hsu Foundation, I-Lan, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jin-Shan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Lan-Hsin Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsin Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Chwen Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chuang PH, Wu MH, Fan SY, Lin KY, Jou R. Population-Based Drug Resistance Surveillance of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Taiwan, 2007-2014. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165222. [PMID: 27846235 PMCID: PMC5112772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine the extent of drug resistance in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases, we conducted a retrospective, population-based analysis using drug susceptibility testing (DST) results of MDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates obtained from 2007–2014 in Taiwan. Methods M. tuberculosis isolates collected from 1,331 MDR-TB cases were included in this survey. Treatment histories, age, sex, chest radiograph and bacteriological results of patients were analyzed. Standard DST was performed to assess resistance to the following drugs: isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), streptomycin (SM), ethambutol (EMB), amikacin (AM), kanamycin (KM), capreomycin (CAP), ofloxacin (OFX), moxifloxacin (MOX), levofloxacin (LVX), gatifloxacin (GAT), para-aminosalicylate (PAS), ethionamide (EA), and pyrazinamide (PZA). The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used for statistical analysis. Results We observed a significant increasing trend in portion of new MDR-TB cases, from 59.5% to 80.2% (p < 0.0001), and significant decreasing trend of portion in the 15-44-year-old age group (p < 0.05). Of the MDR M. tuberculosis isolates tested, 6.2% were resistant to AM, 8.6% were resistant to KM, 4.6% were resistant to CAP, 19.5% were resistant to OFX, 17.1% were resistant to MOX, 16.0% were resistant to LVX, 5.8% were resistant to GAT, 9.5% were resistant to PAS, 28.5% were resistant to EA and 33.3% were resistant to PZA. Fifty (3.8%) extensively drug-resistant TB cases were identified. No significant differences were found in drug resistance frequencies between new and previously treated MDR cases. However, we observed significant decreases in the rates of AM resistance (p < 0.05), OFX resistance (p < 0.00001), PAS resistance (p < 0.00001), EA resistance (p < 0.05) and PZA resistance (p < 0.05). Moreover, younger age groups had higher rates of resistance to fluoroquinolones. Conclusion A policy implemented in 2007 to restrict the prescription of fluoroquinolones was shown to be effective. Our survey revealed a decreasing trend of resistance to PZA, OFX and AM, which suggests the feasibility of adopting a short-course regimen and demonstrates the effectiveness of our management program for MDR-TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hua Chuang
- Tuberculosis Research Center, Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Mei-Hua Wu
- Tuberculosis Research Center, Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shin-Yuan Fan
- Tuberculosis Research Center, Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Keng-Yu Lin
- Tuberculosis Research Center, Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ruwen Jou
- Tuberculosis Research Center, Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- * E-mail:
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Bai KJ, Lee JJ, Chien ST, Suk CW, Chiang CY. The Influence of Smoking on Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156677. [PMID: 27270725 PMCID: PMC4896632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both smoking and diabetes can increase the risk and influence the manifestations and outcomes of tuberculosis (TB). It is not clear whether the influence of smoking on pulmonary TB differs between non-diabetic and diabetic patients. Herein, we assessed the manifestations and outcomes of TB in relation to smoking in both diabetic and non-diabetic TB patients. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS All diabetic culture-positive pulmonary TB patients notified from 2005-2010 at three teaching hospitals in Taiwan were enrolled. A culture-positive pulmonary TB patient without DM who was notified to the health authority immediately prior to each diabetic TB patient was selected for comparison. The 972 patients in this study cohort included 365 (37.6%) non-diabetic non-smokers, 149 (15.3%) non-diabetic smokers, 284 (29.2%) diabetic non-smokers, and 174 (17.9%) diabetic smokers. The adjusted relative risk of a pretreatment positive smear for a smoker compared with a non-smoker was 2.19 (95% CI 1.38-3.47) in non-diabetic patients and 2.23 (95% CI 1.29-3.87) in diabetic culture-positive pulmonary TB patients. The adjusted relative risk for a positive smear among diabetic smokers was 5.61 (95% CI 3.35-9.41) compared with non-diabetic non-smokers. Smoking was significantly associated with an increased frequency of bilateral lung parenchyma involvement (AdjOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.16-2.93), far-advanced pulmonary TB (AdjOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.04-3.50), cavitary lesions (AdjOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.29-3.20), and unfavorable outcomes of TB (AdjOR 2.35, 95% CI 1.02-5.41) in non-diabetic patients. However, smoking was not associated with cavitary lung parenchyma lesions regarding the location, number or size of the cavity in diabetic TB patients. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Smoking and diabetes have joint effects on a pretreatment positive smear. Diabetic smokers had more than a 5-fold increased risk of a pretreatment positive smear than did non-diabetic non-smokers, indicating remarkable joint effects of diabetes and smoking on the risk of TB transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Jen Bai
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Jyh Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Tien Chien
- Chest Hospital, Department of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Won Suk
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yuan Chiang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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