Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

About: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a government organization based out in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 58238 authors who have published 82592 publications receiving 4405701 citations. The organization is also known as: CDC & Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in the United States, 2001-2004; associations with symptoms, sexual behaviors, and reproductive health.

Abstract: Objectives:Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a disturbance of vaginal microflora, is a common cause of vaginal symptoms and is associated with an increased risk of acquisition of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We determined prevalence and associations with BV amon

State-Level Estimates of Annual Medical Expenditures Attributable to Obesity*

Abstract: FINKELSTEIN, ERIC A., IAN C. FIEBELKORN, AND GUIJING WANG. State-level estimates of annual medical expenditures attributable to obesity. Obes Res. 2004;12:18 –24. Objective: To provide state-level estimates of total, Medicare, and Medicaid obesity-attributable medical expenditures. Research Methods and Procedures: We developed an econometric model that predicts medical expenditures. We used this model and state-representative data to quantify obesity-attributable medical expenditures. Results: Annual U.S. obesity-attributable medical expenditures are estimated at $75 billion in 2003 dollars, and approximately one-half of these expenditures are financed by Medicare and Medicaid. State-level estimates range from $87 million (Wyoming) to $7.7 billion (California). Obesity-attributable Medicare estimates range from $15 million (Wyoming) to $1.7 billion (California), and Medicaid estimates range from $23 million (Wyoming) to $3.5 billion (New York). Discussion: These estimates of obesity-attributable medical expenditures present the best available information concerning the economic impact of obesity at the state level. Policy makers should consider these estimates, along with other factors, in determining how best to allocate scarce public health resources. However, because they are associated with large SE, these estimates should not be used to make comparisons across states or among payers within states.

Cytomegalovirus Seroprevalence in the United States: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 1988–2004

Abstract: BACKGROUND. Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection causes permanent disabilities in more than 5500 children each year in the United States. The likelihood of congenital infection and disability is highest for infants whose mothers were CMV seronegative before conception and who acquire infection during pregnancy. METHODS. To provide a current, nationally representative estimate of the seroprevalence of CMV in the United States and to investigate trends in CMV infection, serum samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004 were tested for CMV-specific immunoglobulin G antibody, and results were compared with those from NHANES III (1988-1994). Individuals aged 6-49 years (21,639 for NHANES III and 15,310 for NHANES 1999-2004) were included. RESULTS. For NHANES 1999-2004, the overall age-adjusted CMV seroprevalence was 50.4%. CMV seroprevalence was higher among non-Hispanic black and Mexican American children compared with non-Hispanic white children and increased more quickly in subsequent age groups. CMV seropositivity was independently associated with older age, female sex, foreign birthplace, low household income, high household crowding, and low household education. Compared with NHANES 1988-1994, the overall age-adjusted CMV seroprevalence for NHANES 1999-2004 was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS. Many women of reproductive age in the United States are still at risk of primary CMV infection during pregnancy. There is an urgent need for vaccine development and other interventions to prevent and treat congenital CMV. The substantial disparities in CMV risk among seronegative women suggest that prevention strategies should include an emphasis on reaching racial or ethnic minorities and women of low socioeconomic status.

A soluble form of CD4 (T4) protein inhibits AIDS virus infection.

Abstract: CD4 (T4) is a glycoprotein of relative molecular mass 55,000 (Mr 55K) on the surface of T lymphocytes which is thought to interact with class II MHC (major histocompatibility complex) molecules, mediating efficient association of helper T cells with antigen-bearing targets. The CD4 protein is also the receptor for HIV, a T-lymphotropic RNA virus responsible for the human acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (refs 4-7). To define the mechanisms of interaction of CD4 with the surface of antigen-presenting cells and with HIV, we have isolated the CD4 gene and expressed this gene in several different cellular environments. Here we describe an efficient expression system in which a recombinant, soluble form of CD4 (sCD4) is secreted into tissue culture supernatants. This sCD4 retains the structural and biological properties of CD4 on the cell surface, binds to the envelope glycoprotein (gp110) of HIV and inhibits the binding of virus to CD4+ lymphocytes, resulting in a striking inhibition of virus infectivity.

Emergence of Drug-Resistant Pneumococcal Infections in the United States

Abstract: Objective. —To estimate drug susceptibility patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae in selected hospitals in the United States and to characterize the epidemiology of invasive drug-resistant pneumococcal infections. Design. —Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for a variety of commonly used antimicrobial drugs were determined for pneumococcal isolates submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Risk factors for drug-resistant pneumococcal infection were evaluated. Setting. —Hospital laboratories in the United States submitting pneumococcal isolates to the CDC between October 1, 1991, and September 30, 1992. Participants. —A total of 544 persons with pneumococci isolated from normally sterile sites. Results. —A total of 13 hospitals in 12 states actively participated in an ongoing pneumococcal surveillance study. Resistance to penicillin was detected in 6.6% of isolates, including 1.3% of isolates with MICs of 2.0 μg/mL or more (compared with Conclusions. —Emergence of drug-resistant pneumococcal infections will present critical challenges to clinicians for treating patients with pneumococcal disease. Widened and intensified surveillance is needed. These data suggest that current recommendations for use of 23-valent pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccines should be aggressively promoted and that development and evaluation of new conjugate pneumococcal vaccines may be a crucial part of strategies for prevention. ( JAMA . 1994;271:1831-1835)