Fatal Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis in Nebraska: Case Report and Environmental Investigation, August 2022.

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and lethal infection caused by Naegleria fowleri. We report an epidemiological and environmental investigation relating to a case of PAM in a previously healthy boy age 8 years. An interview of the patient's family was conducted to determine the likely exposure site and to assess risk factors.

A Public Health Laboratory Information System in Support of Health Emergencies: The Nebraska Public Health Laboratory COVID-19 Experience.

Objectives: Public health laboratories (PHLs) are essential components of US Public Health Service operations. The health information technology that supports PHLs is central to effective and efficient laboratory operations and overall public health response to infectious disease management. This analysis presents key information on how the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) information technology system evolved to meet the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Probable vertical transmission of Alpha variant of concern (B.1.1.7) with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the syncytiotrophoblast, a case report.

Introduction: Definitive vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been rarely reported. We present a case of a third trimester pregnancy with fetal distress necessitating cesarean section that demonstrated maternal, placental, and infant infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant/B.1.

Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Response to the Monkeypox Outbreak - Laboratory Response Network, United States, May 17-June 30, 2022.

As part of public health preparedness for infectious disease threats, CDC collaborates with other U.S. public health officials to ensure that the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) has diagnostic tools to detect Orthopoxviruses, the genus that includes Variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox.

Genotypic Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Using Whole-Genome Sequencing.

Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a serious threat worldwide causing health care-acquired infections and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This report describes the draft genome sequences of five multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from human infections.

Assessment of Specimen Pooling to Conserve SARS CoV-2 Testing Resources.

Objectives To establish the optimal parameters for group testing of pooled specimens for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Methods The most efficient pool size was determined to be 5 specimens using a web-based application. From this analysis, 25 experimental pools were created using 50 microliter from one SARS-CoV-2 positive nasopharyngeal specimen mixed with 4 negative patient specimens (50 microliter each) for a total volume of 250 microliter l.

Assessment of Specimen Pooling to Conserve SARS CoV-2 Testing Resources.

Objectives: To establish the optimal parameters for group testing of pooled specimens for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: The most efficient pool size was determined to be five specimens using a web-based application. From this analysis, 25 experimental pools were created using 50 µL from one SARS-CoV-2 positive nasopharyngeal specimen mixed with 4 negative patient specimens (50 µL each) for a total volume of 250 µL.

Genotyping and Subtyping Cryptosporidium To Identify Risk Factors and Transmission Patterns - Nebraska, 2015-2017.

Cryptosporidium is an enteric pathogen that is transmitted through animal-to-person or person-to-person contact or through ingestion of contaminated water or food. In the United States, Cryptosporidium affects an estimated 750,000 persons each year; however, only approximately 11,000 cases are reported nationally (1,2). Persons infected with Cryptosporidium typically develop symptoms within 2 to 10 days after exposure.

Genome Sequences of Uncommon Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Serotypes.

Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) is a foodborne disease with worldwide outbreaks. STEC serotypes O157, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145 cause the most outbreaks. There is little published information regarding the other serotypes.

Genome Sequence of a Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Corvallis Strain Isolated from Human Blood.

subsp. serovar Corvallis is commonly reported in avian populations and avian by-products. We report the draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant Corvallis strain (NPHL 15376).

Genome Sequences of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Dublin Isolates.

serovar Dublin, which can cause enteritis and systemic infections in humans, has been associated with antimicrobial resistance. Here, we report draft genome sequences of seven multidrug-resistant Dublin isolates from human samples. These sequences will contribute to an understanding of pathogenesis and resistance determinants in this serovar.

Whole genome sequencing to characterize shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 in a public health setting.

Background: Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O26:H11 is the second most common cause of severe diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome worldwide. The implementation of whole genome sequencing (WGS) enhances the detection and in-depth characterization of these non-O157 STEC strains. The aim of this study was to compare WGS to phenotypic serotyping and pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for characterization of STECO26 strains following a zoonotic outbreak from cattle to humans.