Analysis of the genetic variability of the mumps SH gene in viruses circulating in the UK between 1996 and 2005

Genetic analysis (genotyping) of mumps viruses has been applied to the molecular epidemiology of mumps for over 10 years in the UK. To explore further the variation of mumps strains over time, in total, 965 sequences of the entire SH gene were analysed and compared, including 954 mumps virus strains collected in the UK between 1996 and 2005 were characterised as genotypes G2 (426), G5 (369), J (157) and F (2), which were compared with 11 F sequences found in China. Phylogenetic trees drawn for G2, G5 and J sequences showed that the diversities were greater between the sequences in earlier years (before 2001/2002) than those in later years and could be divided into two clusters within each of the three genotypes over the 10-year period. One transmission of G2, G5 and a J strain was sustained from earlier years with mutations and eventually became predominant strains. Divergences amongst the same genotype or sub-genotype was up to 4.6% for G2, 5.3% for G5 and 4.9% for J. Mutation rates per site per year based on the 316 nt of SH gene were 0.94, 1.3, 0.96 and 1.86 × 10^?2 for G2, G5, J and F respectively. The ratio of d_N/d_S was 0.556, 0.909, 0.357 and 0.811 calculated based on the sequences of G2, G5, J and F respectively. The results revealed that the possible mumps evolution process based on the SH gene was not driven by positive selection during the 10 years between 1996 and 2005.     

Differences between coverage of yellow fever vaccine and the first dose of measles-containing vaccine: A desk review of global data sources

IntroductionThe strategy to Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) is a global initiative that includes all countries with risk of yellow fever (YF) virus transmission. Of these, 40 countries (27 in Africa and 13 in the Americas) are considered high-risk and targeted for interventions to increase coverage of YF vaccine. Even though the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that YF vaccine be given concurrently with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) in YF-endemic settings, estimated coverage for MCV1 and YF vaccine have varied widely. The objective of this study was to review global data sources to assess discrepancies in YF vaccine and MCV1 coverage and identify plausible reasons for these discrepancies.MethodsWe conducted a desk review of data from 34 countries (22 in Africa, 12 in Latin America), from 2006 to 2016, with national introduction of YF vaccine and listed as high-risk by the EYE strategy. Data reviewed included procured and administered doses, immunization schedules, routine coverage estimates and reported vaccine stock-outs. In the 30 countries included in the comparitive analysis, differences greater than 3 percentage points between YF vaccine and MCV1 coverage were considered meaningful.ResultsIn America, there were meaningful differences (7–45%) in coverage of the two vaccines in 6 (67%) of the 9 countries. In Africa, there were meaningful differences (4–27%) in coverage of the two vaccines in 9 (43%) of the 21 countries. Nine countries (26%) reported MVC1 stock-outs while sixteen countries (47%) reported YF vaccine stock-outs for three or more years during 2006–2016.ConclusionIn countries reporting significant differences in coverage of the two vaccines, differences may be driven by different target populations and vaccine availability. However, these were not sufficient to completely explain observed differences. Further follow-up is needed to identify possible reasons for differences in coverage rates in several countries where these could not fully be explained.     

中国如何更好地应对甲型H1N1流感大流行

一、我国疫情形势的特点与发展趋势 1.疫情形势的特点:自2009年5月10日发现首例甲型H1N1流感输入性病例以来,我国疫情已经历了3个明显不同的发展阶段.第一阶段:只有输入性病例,无二代病例及本土发生的散在病例;第二阶段:出现输入性病例造成的二代病例,以及国内本土发生的散在病例,但仍以输入性病例为主,至6月12日,我国输入性病例仍占总病例的78%;第三阶段:出现社区水平的H1N1流感暴发.     

我国秋季型恙虫病地方特点及流行状况分析

恙虫病是由恙虫病东方体引起的自然疫源性疾病,根据其流行的季节特征大致分为夏季型、秋季型和冬季型3种类型,各种类型的恙虫病流行特征存在较大的差异。本文根据我国文献报道秋季型恙虫病疫情资料进行分析,归纳总结了我国秋季恙虫病的一些主要的流行特征,为制定秋季型恙虫病预防控制措施提供参考和依据。     

Association of community-level food insecurity and glycemic control among pregnant individuals with pregestational diabetes

AimTo evaluate whether pregnant individuals with pregestational diabetes who live in a food-insecure community have worse glycemic control compared to those who do not live in a food-insecure community.MethodsA retrospective analysis of pregnant individuals with pregestational diabetes enrolled in a multidisciplinary prenatal and diabetes care program. The exposure was community-level food insecurity per the Food Access Research Atlas. The outcomes were hemoglobin A1c (A1c) < 6.0 % in early and late pregnancy, and an absolute decrease in A1c ≥ 2.0 % and mean change in A1c across pregnancy.ResultsAmong 418 assessed pregnant individuals with pregestational diabetes, those living in a food-insecure community were less likely to have an A1c < 6.0 % in early pregnancy compared to those living in a community without food insecurity [16 % vs. 30 %; adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 0.55; 95 % CI: 0.33–0.92]. Individuals living in a food-insecure community were more likely to achieve a decrease in A1c ≥ 2.0 % [35 % vs. 21 %; aRR: 1.55; 95 % CI: 1.06–2.28] and a larger mean decrease in A1c across pregnancy [mean: 1.46 vs. 1.00; adjusted beta: 0.47; 95 % CI: 0.06–0.87)].ConclusionsPregnant individuals with pregestational diabetes who lived in a food-insecure community were less likely to enter pregnancy with glycemic control, but were more likely to have a reduction in A1c and achieve similar A1c status compared to those who lived in a community without food insecurity. Whether interventions that address food insecurity improve glycemic control and consequent perinatal outcomes remains to be studied.