Emerging trends in the epidemiology of invasive group B streptococcal disease in England and Wales, 1991-2010.

Background: Few cross-population studies examining the epidemiology of invasive group B streptococcal (GBS) disease have been undertaken. To identify longitudinal trends in the burden and characteristics of infections, national surveillance data on diagnoses in England and Wales from 1991 to 2010 were analyzed.

Methods: A parallel review of laboratory-confirmed invasive GBS infection surveillance reports and isolates submitted to the national reference laboratory was undertaken.

Screening for carbon monoxide exposure in selected patient groups attending rural and urban emergency departments in England: a prospective observational study.

Objectives: Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure does not produce a classical toxidrome and so it is thought that it may easily be missed, allowing patients to continue to be exposed to CO. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of raised carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels in a targeted population of patients presenting to four emergency departments (EDs) in England.

Design: A prospective observational study undertaken over a 9-month period.

Multiple patients with carbon monoxide toxicity from water-pipe smoking.

This case report describes carbon monoxide toxicity from prolonged shisha (water-pipe) smoking. The evidence base for the source and pathway of toxicity is discussed. This practice has been increasing in the UK in recent years, and emergency physicians need to be aware of the high levels of CO, with the consequent risk of clinical poisoning from water-pipe smoking.

Frequency and predictors of mass psychogenic illness.

Background: Mass psychogenic illness refers to outbreaks of illness attributed to a toxic agent but for which no plausible organic cause is found. We determined the frequency and predictors of mass psychogenic illness within a sample of chemical incidents.

Methods: Information was collected on a random sample of 280 chemical incidents.

Predictors of death after severe Streptococcus pyogenes infection.

An evaluation of the relative importance of host and pathogen factors on the survival rate of patients with invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infection found a number of clinical and demographic factors to be associated with risk for death. Some evidence suggested a seasonal pattern to patient survival rate.

Severe Streptococcus pyogenes infections, United Kingdom, 2003-2004.

As part of a Europe-wide initiative to explore current epidemiologic patterns of severe disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, the United Kingdom undertook enhanced population-based surveillance during 2003-2004. A total of 3,775 confirmed cases of severe S. pyogenes infection were identified over 2 years, 3.