Publications by authors named "D B SWERDLOW"
Serogroup epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is constantly evolving, varying by time and location. Surveillance reports have indicated a rise in meningococcal serogroup Y (MenY) in some regions in recent years. This systematic literature review explores the evolving epidemiology of MenY IMD globally based on review of recent articles and national surveillance reports published between 1 January 2010 and 25 March 2021.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to upgrade systems for infectious disease surveillance and forecasting and modeling of the spread of infection, both of which inform evidence-based public health guidance and policies. Here, we discuss requirements for an effective surveillance system to support decision making during a pandemic, drawing on the lessons of COVID-19 in the U.S.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in older adults. Optimizing diagnosis could improve understanding of RSV burden.
Methods: We enrolled adults ≥50 years of age hospitalized with ARI and adults of any age hospitalized with congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations at 2 hospitals during 2 respiratory seasons (2018-2020).
Article Synopsis
- A study in Fulton County, Georgia, assessed the incidence of infections in 2017, focusing on all clinically relevant diseases from community and healthcare settings.
- The overall incidence of clinically relevant infections was found to be 405.7 cases per 100,000 people, with higher rates in the Black population (500.84 cases) compared to White patients (363.67 cases).
- Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) were the most common, with 30% of cases requiring hospitalization, influenced by factors like methicillin-resistant infections and homelessness.
Background: Data are limited on influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in the prevention of influenza-related hospitalizations in older adults and those with underlying high-risk comorbidities.
Methods: We conducted a prospective, test-negative, case-control study at 2 US hospitals from October 2018-March 2020 among adults aged ≥50 years hospitalized with acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) and adults ≥18 years admitted with congestive heart failure (CHF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. Adults were eligible if they resided in 1 of 8 counties in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia.