Demographic and Epidemiological Characteristics Associated With Reduced Antimicrobial Susceptibility to Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the United States, Strengthening the US Response to Resistant Gonorrhea, 2018 to 2019.

Background: Jurisdictions participating in Strengthening the US Response to Resistant Gonorrhea (SURRG) implemented specimen collection for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing from a sample of persons of all genders (at multiple anatomic sites) attending sexually transmitted disease clinics and community clinics. We describe the percentage and characteristics of patients whose isolates demonstrated reduced susceptibility (RS) to azithromycin, ceftriaxone, or cefixime.

Methods: We included patients from clinics that participated in SURRG whose isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Etest.

Exploring and Comparing the Structure of Sexual Networks Affected by Neisseria gonorrhoeae Using Sexual Partner Services Investigation and Genomic Data.

Background: Sexual networks are difficult to construct because of incomplete sexual partner data. The proximity of people within a network may be inferred from genetically similar infections. We explored genomic data combined with partner services investigation (PSI) data to extend our understanding of sexual networks affected by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG).

Occupational hazardous drug exposure among non-oncology nurses.

Oncology units where patients with cancer receive chemotherapy are not the only settings where hazardous drugs are found. Because of increased use of antineoplastic agents for non-oncology indications, nurses' risk for occupational exposure is distributed more widely than in the past.

Sustainability of community-capacity to promote safer motherhood in northwestern Tanzania: what remains?

Objective: To examine the remains of the Community-Based Reproductive Health Project (CBRHP) implemented by CARE-Tanzania to address high maternal mortality in two rural districts.

Methods: In early 2007, data were collected from 29 villages and used to assess sustainability of emergency transport systems, retention of village health workers (VHWs), and their potential impact on maternal health. Surveillance data from the Ministry of Health were reviewed to assess changes in prenatal and service use indicators.

Multiple Sclerosis disease distribution and potential impact of environmental air pollutants in Georgia.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. Although the disease has been associated with some genetic and environmental factors, it has neither clear causes nor clear temporality with respect to exposure. The purpose of this study was to explore potential relationships between MS and outdoor air pollutants in GA.

The evidence base for public health informing policy at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Background: As part of a major re-examination of its organization, in 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assessed the evidence base for the effectiveness of population-based public health intervention programs.

Methods: For the leading causes of disease, injury, and disability, evidence was systematically reviewed for modifiable risk factors and their attributable fractions, and for public health interventions and their preventable fractions.

Results: For 31 conditions, 194 modifiable risk factors were identified, and attributable fractions were found for 65 (33.

Evaluating the American Academy of Pediatrics diagnostic standard for Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis: backup culture versus repeat rapid antigen testing.

Objective: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all negative rapid diagnostic tests for Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis be backed up by culture, which creates a dilemma for clinicians who must make treatment decisions without complete diagnostic information at the time of visit. The use of a follow-up serial rapid antigen test instead of a follow-up culture would provide a more timely result.

Methods: Two swabs were collected from children who were suspected of having S pyogenes pharyngitis.

Comparison of two rapid Streptococcus pyogenes diagnostic tests with a rigorous culture standard.

Background: Comparisons of rapid antigen tests for the diagnosis of pharyngitis are often made between published studies but may not be reliable given differences in study design, sampling and reference standard definitions. Tests are rarely compared against each other in a single study.

Methods: The sensitivity and specificity of two rapid diagnostic tests were compared against a multiplate culture standard defined as the identification of on any of four culture plates.

Impact of rapid polymerase chain reaction results on management of pediatric patients with enteroviral meningitis.

Background: Enterovirus (EV) infections can be rapidly detected by PCR. However, several studies suggest that results must be available early in the management of the patient to impact significantly on patient care. We evaluated this hypothesis directly during an outbreak of EV aseptic meningitis.