Showing papers by "Joseph S. Bresee published in 2002"
TL;DR: Fecal specimens from 284 outbreaks of nonbacterial gastroenteritis were submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing for "Norwalk-like viruses" (NLVs), and 217 of these were positive for NLVs.
Abstract: Between July 1997 and June 2000, fecal specimens from 284 outbreaks of nonbacterial gastroenteritis were submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing for "Norwalk-like viruses" (NLVs). Specimens were examined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and direct electron microscopy for the presence of NLVs. Adequate descriptive data were available from 233 of the outbreaks, and, of these, 217 (93%) were positive for NLVs. Restaurants and events with catered food were the most common settings, and contaminated food was the most common mode of transmission. Genogroup II (GII) strains were the predominant type (73%), with genogroup I strains causing 26% of all NLV-positive outbreaks. Certain GII clusters (GII/1,4,j) were more commonly associated with outbreaks in nursing home settings than with outbreaks in other settings. Strain diversity was great: one potential new sequence cluster was implicated in multiple outbreaks, and strains belonging to a tentative new genogroup were identified.
599 citations
TL;DR: This work has confirmed that norwalk-like viruses are a principal cause of outbreaks of acute-onset vomiting and diarrhea in all age groups not only via contamination of uncooked foods by infected foodhandlers, but also via foods contaminated at their sources, such as oysters and raspberries.
Abstract: Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) are estimated to be the most common causes of foodborne disease in the United States, accounting for two-thirds of all food-related illnesses. The epidemiologic features and disease burden associated with NLVs have, until recently, been poorly understood because of the lack of sensitive detection assays and the underuse of available diagnostic tools. However, the application of molecular techniques to diagnose and investigate outbreaks of infection during recent years has led to a growing appreciation of the importance of these agents. NLVs are a principal cause of outbreaks of acute-onset vomiting and diarrhea in all age groups-most commonly, via contamination of uncooked foods by infected foodhandlers, but also via foods contaminated at their sources, such as oysters and raspberries. NLVs may also account for >10% of sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in children and adults. Future research will focus on the development of easy-to-use diagnostic assays based on antigen and antibody detection as well as vaccine development. Implementation of simple prevention measures, including correct food-handling practices, will continue to be a priority.
107 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: This report describes five of the norovirus outbreaks that occurred during July 1-December 2, 2002, on cruise ships that were confirmed by laboratory analysis of stool specimens from affected persons to be associated with noroviruses.
Abstract: During January 1-December 2, 2002, CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which conducts surveillance for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) on cruise ships with foreign itineraries sailing into U.S. ports received reports of 21 outbreaks of AGE on 17 cruise ships. Of the 21 outbreaks, nine were confirmed by laboratory analysis of stool specimens from affected persons to be associated with noroviruses, three were attributable to bacterial agents, and nine were of unknown etiology. Seven outbreaks were reported in 2001, and of these, four were confirmed to be associated with norovirus (CDC, unpublished data, 2002). This report describes five of the norovirus outbreaks that occurred during July 1-December 2, 2002, on cruise ships.
73 citations
TL;DR: Issues relating to vaccine safety, efficacy, and cost, remain to be overcome before widespread introduction of rotavirus vaccines can be anticipated.
55 citations
TL;DR: Although astroviruses are not major causes of gastroenteritis among children admitted to hospital in Blantyre, concomitant HIV infection appears to be a risk factor for increased severity of disease.
Abstract: In a 2-year hospital-based study of paediatric gastroenteritis in Blantyre, Malawi, astroviruses were detected by enzyme immunoassay in 15 (1.9%) of 786 inpatients and in 9 (2.3%) of 400 outpatients. Greater disease severity was noted in children coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Six human astrovirus (HAstV) genotypes were identified, including HAstV-1 (25%), HAstV-2 (21%), HAstV-3 (25%), HAstV-4 (13%), HAstV-5 (4%), and HAstV-8 (13%). Although astroviruses are not major causes of gastroenteritis among children admitted to hospital in Blantyre, concomitant HIV infection appears to be a risk factor for increased severity of disease.
43 citations
TL;DR: Three different methods, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and in situ hybridization (ISH), were developed to detect rotavirus in infected cell lines that were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin and should prove valuable to detect Rotavirus antigens and nucleic acids in tissues from patients infected naturally with rotav virus.
19 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: This report describes an outbreak of NLV-associated gastroenteritis at a large youth encampment in Virginia and the successful use of control measures to limit spread of illness to other campers.
Abstract: SAFER • HEALTHIER • PEOPLE Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) are an important cause of gastro-enteritis in the United States, with approximately 23 million cases of NLV-associated gastroenteritis occurring each year (1). NLVs accounted for 96% of nonbacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks reported to CDC during January 1996– June 1997 (2). These outbreaks are common especially in settings of crowding and poor sanitation (2,3). Transmission of NLVs in these settings is facilitated by high attack rates (82%) (4), a low infectious dose (<100 virions), the absence of long-lasting immunity, the durability of the organism (5), and the potential for multiple modes of transmission (3,6). In 2001, outbreaks were reported from youth camps in Wisconsin and Florida, resulting in closure of the camps (7; CDC, unpublished data, 2001). This report describes an outbreak of NLV-associated gastroenteritis at a large youth encampment in Virginia and the successful use of control measures to limit spread of illness to other campers. Rapid, effective containment is a central goal of public health response when outbreaks of infectious diseases occur. In July 2001, a large encampment held every 4 years by a national youth organization began in rural Virginia. Approximately 40,000 campers arrived on July 23 from locations throughout the United States and from several other countries. The camp was divided into 20 subcamps comprising approximately 600 groups of 40–90 campers, who were housed in tents. Groups of campers shared water that was dispensed at multiple central locations, outdoor showers, and flush toilets that drained to septic systems. Meals were prepared in small groups of five to 10 campers. On arrival, each group of campers had a requisite health-screening examination before proceeding to a campsite. Medical and public health personnel screened each group by using a standard interview form that asked about the presence of rashes, Norwalk-Like Virus–Associated Gastroenteritis in a Large, High-Density Encampment — Virginia, July 2001
11 citations