Use of invitations and reminders are associated with higher levels of Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccination uptake. A cross-sectional survey of general practices in Wales, and ecological analysis of uptake data, 2022.

In 2013, shingles vaccination was introduced in Wales as a routine immunisation programme for older adults. Invitation for this vaccination has historically been recommended but not mandated by vaccination policy. We surveyed general practices to investigate if invitations and reminders are associated with higher uptake of shingles vaccine.

Impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on the epidemiology of spp. in England and Wales, 2015-2021: a time series analysis.

In England and Wales, cryptosporidiosis cases peak in spring and autumn, associated with zoonotic/environmental exposures ( spring/autumn) and overseas travel/water-based activities ( autumn). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions prevented social mixing, overseas travel and access to venues (swimming pools/restaurants) for many months, potentially increasing environmental exposures as people sought alternative countryside activities. COVID-19 restrictions reduced incidence of cases and potentially increased incidence of cases.

A large outbreak of COVID-19 in a UK prison, October 2020 to April 2021.

Prisons are susceptible to outbreaks. Control measures focusing on isolation and cohorting negatively affect wellbeing. We present an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a large male prison in Wales, UK, October 2020 to April 2021, and discuss control measures.

Social, demographic and behavioural determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case-control study carried out during mass community testing of asymptomatic individuals in South Wales, December 2020.

Between 21 November and 22 December 2020, a SARS-CoV-2 community testing pilot took place in the South Wales Valleys. We conducted a case-control study in adults taking part in the pilot using an anonymous online questionnaire. Social, demographic and behavioural factors were compared in people with a positive lateral flow test (cases) and a sample of negatives (controls).

Surveillance data for human leishmaniasis indicate the need for a sustainable action plan for its management and control, Greece, 2004 to 2018.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) lists human leishmaniasis as a neglected tropical disease; it is not under surveillance at European level.AimWe present surveillance data for visceral (VL) and cutaneous (CL) leishmaniasis for the period 2004 to 2018 in Greece to assess their public health importance.MethodsWe extracted data from the mandatory notification system to analyse separately imported and domestic cases of VL and CL.

Epidemiology of Campylobacter infections in Ireland 2004-2016: What has changed?

Campylobacter is the most common notifiable cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans in Ireland. However, epidemiological information is limited. We aimed to describe Campylobacter epidemiology in Ireland and trends over time, to inform future surveillance and research.

Use of geosocial networking applications is independently associated with diagnosis of STI among men who have sex with men testing for STIs: findings from the cross-sectional MSM Internet Survey Ireland (MISI) 2015.

Objectives: MSM Internet Survey Ireland (MISI) 2015 was an anonymous, self-completed, cross-sectional internet survey assessing sexual behaviours and health needs among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ireland. We explored factors associated with self-reported STI diagnosis among MSM who were sexually active and had an STI test in the previous year.

Methods: We compared the study population (n=1158; 37% of total population), with the sexually active MISI population not testing for STIs (n=1620; 52% of total population).

[Elevated risk of HIV infection in homosexual men even after contact with the health system].

Objective: To determine the incidence of HIV seroconversion and to evaluate the characteristics associated with a greater risk of seroconversion in homosexual men in the period 2000-2003.

Methods: We performed a dynamic cohort study of all homosexual men tested for HIV in 20 ambulatory care centers specialized in diagnosing HIV, located in 19 cities in Spain. The characteristics of the men were analyzed and the seroconversion incidence rate was calculated among those who were followed up.

[Investigation of a foodborne intoxication in a high-density penitentiary center].

Background: On September 25 2005, more than 100 inmates (almost 5% of the 1,800 prison population) experienced sudden onset gastroenteritis. This outbreak was the largest foodborne outbreak described in a prison population in Spain. Our objective was to confirm the outbreak, identify risk factors, implement control measures, and provide recommendations.

[HIV prevalence among individuals having had serology performed in eight Spanish cities following heterosexual exposure, 1992-2003].

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in Spain was characterized throughout the first few years by the predominance of infections among injected drug users (IDU's), but everything currently points to a progressive predominance of sexual transmission. This study is aimed at describing the trend in HIV infection among several heterosexual populations groups and at characterizing the situations in which the infections occurred.

Methods: Descriptive study of the individualls who had the test conducted for the first time at nine HIV diagnosis centres within the 1992-2003 period due to high-risk heterosexual exposures, not including injected drug users.

Plasma stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 levels, SDF1-3'A genotype, and expression of CXCR4 on T lymphocytes: their impact on resistance to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection and its progression.

Plasma stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 levels, SDF1-3'A polymorphism, and CXCR4(+) T lymphocytes in relation to resistance to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection and its progression were investigated in a study of HIV-positive patients, exposed but uninfected (EU) subjects, and healthy control subjects, all lacking CCR5 Delta 32 homozygosity. SDF1-3'A homozygosity was associated with low plasma SDF-1 levels in uninfected persons and was not related to long-term nonprogression. HIV-1 infection involved increased plasma SDF-1 levels, which were not attributable to any kind of chronic viral infection, because all EU hemophiliacs were hepatitis C virus-positive but had normal SDF-1 levels.