Pneumococcal bacteremia in Charleston County, South Carolina: a decade later
Article Abstract:
Trends in the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia, infection of the blood by pneumococcal bacteria, are often monitored by community-based studies. Results of the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia in Charleston County, South Carolina between 1974 and 1976 were used to develop economical pneumococcal vaccine programs for the elderly. The incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia in Charleston County between 1986 and 1987 were re-assessed in view of changes in medical practice. The results show that the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia in Charleston County increased 2.3-fold between 1974 and 1987, and this coincided with a 2.2-fold increase in the annual number of blood cultures tested. The annual incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia increased 2.3-fold for adults aged 65 years and older and 4.6-fold for children less than two years of age. The death rate for this infection was 18 percent in the period of 1986 to 1987 as compared to 21 percent in the period of 1974 to 1976. The death rate was 44 percent among persons aged 65 years and older. At least one underlying condition suggesting the need for pneumococcal vaccine was identified in 91 percent of adults aged 19 to 64 years having bacteremia, and in all the adults between the ages of 55 to 64 years who had it. The reported increases in incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia may be due to increased frequency of testing by blood culture for this infection. These results indicate the need for pneumococcal vaccine programs for high-risk groups, particularly among persons aged 65 years and older. In addition, a vaccine that is more immunogenic or causes a greater immune response, is required for children less than two years of age. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9926
Year: 1990
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Screening for HIV and hepatitis B virus in Los Angeles County prenatal clinics: a demonstration project
Article Abstract:
Incorporating HIV and hepatitis B testing into existing prenatal care services may be a practical means of ensuring routine screening of people at high risk for infection. Six prenatal clinics in Los Angeles county began offering HIV and hepatitis B testing to all pregnant women. Of 9,103 women who attended the clinics, 76% agreed to HIV antibody testing. Ten of the 6,943 women tested were HIV-positive, and overall 23 women were positive for hepatitis B virus antigen (HbsAg). Only five of eight HIV-positive women and eight of 20 HbsAg-positive women interviewed reported high risk behaviors associated with HIV or hepatitis B infections. This suggests routine screening at prenatal clinics is useful in reaching women who otherwise do not know they are at risk. Also, because group sessions were used for pretest counseling instead of one-on-one sessions, there was little disruption in clinic services.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1993
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