The Need for European Surveillance of CDI.

Since the turn of the millennium, the epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has continued to challenge. Changes in clinical presentation, severity of disease, descriptions of new risk factors and the occurrence of outbreaks all emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and standardised surveillance systems. However, a lack of consensus on case definitions, clinical guidelines and optimal laboratory diagnostics across Europe has led to the underestimation of CDI and impeded comparison between countries.

Lessons from an Educational Invasive Fungal Disease Conference on Hospital Antifungal Stewardship Practices across the UK and Ireland.

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a growing health burden. High mortality rates, increasing numbers of at-risk hosts, and a limited availability of rapid diagnostics and therapeutic options mean that patients are increasingly exposed to unnecessary antifungals. High rates of prescriptions promote patient exposure to undue toxicity and drive the emergence of resistance.

Five-year review of ocular Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections presenting to ophthalmology departments in Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Scotland.

Introduction: As gonococcal infections continue to increase, we wanted to review the number and clinical course of recent ocular gonococcal cases presenting to ophthalmology departments in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Methods: A 5-year retrospective review of adult ocular gonococcal cases, where the diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae was made on microbiological culture, was undertaken.

Results: Fifteen cases were identified (80% male).

A 20-year observational cohort of a 5 million patient population-Tonsillectomy rates in the context of two national policy changes.

Aim: (a) To report national trends for tonsillectomy, tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess and deep neck space infection in secondary care. (b) To report national trends in sore throat consultations in primary care. (c) To report national trends in antibiotic prescribing in both primary and secondary care between 2011 and 2015.

The Need for European Surveillance of CDI.

Since the turn of the millennium, the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has continued to challenge. Over the last decade there has been a growing awareness that improvements to surveillance are needed. The increasing rate of CDI and emergence of ribotype 027 precipitated the implementation of mandatory national surveillance of CDI in the UK.

Schistosomiasis in Scottish travellers: public health importance of laboratory testing and the need for enhanced surveillance.

Background: Imported schistosomiasis is of significant public health importance and is likely to be underestimated since infection is often asymptomatic. We describe data from travellers residing in Scotland which includes a subset of group travellers from one of the largest Health Boards in Scotland.

Methods: Clotted bloods were obtained during the period 2001-15 from a total of 8163 Scottish travellers.