Oseltamivir is protective for in-patient mortality in PCR confirmed influenza B and influenza A(H3N2) infections in an historic cohort of 1,048 patients hospitalised during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 influenza seasons.

Standard course oseltamivir 75mg two times daily for five days was associated with an 82% reduction of odds of in-patient death (OR 0.18 (0.07,0.

Social risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 acquisition in university students: cross sectional survey.

The objectives of this study were to define risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in University of Cambridge (UoC) students during a period of increased incidence in October and November 2020. The study design was a survey.Routine public health surveillance identified an increase in the numbers of UoC students with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the 10 days after a national lockdown was announced in the UK on 5th November 2020.

Rapid implementation of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing to investigate cases of health-care associated COVID-19: a prospective genomic surveillance study.

Background: The burden and influence of health-care associated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections is unknown. We aimed to examine the use of rapid SARS-CoV-2 sequencing combined with detailed epidemiological analysis to investigate health-care associated SARS-CoV-2 infections and inform infection control measures.

Methods: In this prospective surveillance study, we set up rapid SARS-CoV-2 nanopore sequencing from PCR-positive diagnostic samples collected from our hospital (Cambridge, UK) and a random selection from hospitals in the East of England, enabling sample-to-sequence in less than 24 h.

Influenza-associated mortality in hospital care: a retrospective cohort study of risk factors and impact of oseltamivir in an English teaching hospital, 2016 to 2017.

BackgroundEvidence of an oseltamivir treatment effect on influenza A(H3N2) virus infections in hospitalised patients is incomplete.AimsThis cohort study aimed to evaluate risk factors for death among PCR-confirmed hospitalised cases of seasonal influenza A(H3N2) of all ages and the impact of oseltamivir.MethodsParticipants included all 332 PCR-confirmed influenza A(H3N2) cases diagnosed between 30 August 2016 and 17 March 2017 in an English university teaching Hospital.

An outbreak of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in a neonatal intensive care unit: use of a case-control study to investigate and control it and lessons learnt.

Aim: To describe the investigation and management of a meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak on a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the lessons learnt.

Methods: This was an outbreak report and case-control study conducted in a 40-cot NICU in a tertiary referral hospital and included all infants colonized/infected with gentamicin-resistant MRSA.

Intervention: Standard infection-control measures including segregation of infants, barrier precautions, enhanced cleaning, assessment of staff practice including hand hygiene, and increased MRSA screening of infants were implemented.

Unrecognised Outbreak: Human parainfluenza virus infections in a pediatric oncology unit. A new diagnostic PCR and virus monitoring system may allow early detection of future outbreaks.

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are significant causes of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections with type 3 (HPIV3) causing the most severe disease in the immunocompromised cohorts.  The objective of this study was to analyse the epidemiological nature of a cluster of cases of HPIV3 in a pediatric oncology unit of a major teaching hospital. In order to determine whether the activity observed represented a deviation from the norm, seasonal trends of HPIV3 in the surrounding geographical area as well as on the ward in question were analysed.

Transmission of toxigenic by a fully immunised resident returning from a visit to West Africa, United Kingdom, 2017.

In early 2017, a United Kingdom (UK)-born person in their 20s presented with a skin ulcer on the foot 3 weeks after returning from Ghana. The patient had last received a diphtheria-containing vaccine in 2013, completing the recommended course. MALDI-TOF of a cutaneous swab identified .

Risk factors for late HIV diagnosis in the East of England: evidence from national surveillance data and policy implications.

In 2014, 42% of all HIV diagnoses in the East of England were diagnosed late. Individuals unaware of their HIV status will not benefit from lifesaving and infectious-limiting antiretroviral therapy, and they remain at risk of decreased life expectancy and onward transmission of HIV. We sought to identify risk factors associated with late HIV diagnosis in the East of England to inform future HIV testing and prevention strategies relevant to the local population.

Whole-genome sequencing in the investigation of recurrent invasive group A streptococcus outbreaks in a maternity unit.

Background: The clinical manifestations of group A streptococcus (GAS) (Streptococcus pyogenes) are diverse, ranging from asymptomatic colonization to devastating invasive disease. Maternity-related clusters of invasive GAS (iGAS) infection are complex to investigate and control, especially if recurrent.

Aim: To investigate three episodes of emm 75 GAS/iGAS infection in maternity patients at one hospital site over a four-year period (two with monophyletic ancestry).

The English National Cohort Study of Flooding and Health: the change in the prevalence of psychological morbidity at year two.

Background: The longer term impact of flooding on health is poorly understood. In 2015, following widespread flooding in the UK during winter 2013/14, Public Health England launched the English National Study of Flooding and Health. The study identified a higher prevalence of probable psychological morbidity one year after exposure to flooding.

The English national cohort study of flooding and health: cross-sectional analysis of mental health outcomes at year one.

Background: In winter 2013/14 there was widespread flooding in England. Previous studies have described an increased prevalence of psychological morbidity six months after flooding. Disruption to essential services may increase morbidity however there have been no studies examining whether those experiencing disruption but not directly flooded are affected.

Excess Mortality Attributable to Clostridium difficile and Risk Factors for Infection in an Historic Cohort of Hospitalised Patients Followed Up in the United Kingdom Death Register.

Methods: We compared time from hospital admission to death in a probability sample of 100 Clostridium difficile infected cases and a probability sample of 98 non-cases admitted to an English teaching hospital between 2005 and 2007 with follow up in the UK national death register using survival analysis.

Results: Clostridium difficile infection was associated with a 50% increased risk of death (Hazard Ratio 1.51 (95% CI: 1.

An Outbreak of Cryptosporidium parvum across England & Scotland Associated with Consumption of Fresh Pre-Cut Salad Leaves, May 2012.

Background: We report a widespread foodborne outbreak of Cryptosporidium parvum in England and Scotland in May 2012. Cases were more common in female adults, and had no history of foreign travel. Over 300 excess cases were identified during the period of the outbreak.

Outbreak of mumps in a school setting, United Kingdom, 2013.

Effective protection against mumps can be achieved through 2 doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, outbreaks of mumps have recently been described among populations with high vaccination coverage, including 2 doses of MMR. Here we describe an outbreak at a school in the East of England, UK.

Service evaluation of selected risk factors for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli urinary tract infections: a case-control study.

In the context of the increasing incidence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli infection, this prospective frequency-matched case-control study aimed to identify risk factors that would provide information and guidance for local clinical practice. One hundred and twelve participants were recruited: 54 cases and 58 controls. Univariate analysis indicated that isolation of an ESBL-producing E.

Use of linked electronic health records to assess mortality and length of stay associated with pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 at a UK teaching hospital.

Effective use of data linkage is becoming an increasingly important focus in the new healthcare system in England. We linked data from the results of a multiplex PCR assay for respiratory viruses for a population of 230 inpatients at a UK teaching hospital with their patient administrative system records in order to compare the mortality and length of stay of patients who tested positive for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 with those positive for another influenza A virus. The results indicated a reduced risk of death among influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 patients compared to other influenza A strains, with an adjusted risk ratio of 0·25 (95% confidence interval 0·08-0·75, P = 0·01), while no significant differences were found between the lengths of stay in the hospital for these two groups.

Incidence and risk factors for drug intolerance and association with incomplete treatment for tuberculosis: analysis of national case registers for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, 2001-2010.

Anti-tuberculosis drug regimens are efficacious, but drug intolerance can be severe and may impact on treatment completion rates. The Enhanced Tuberculosis Surveillance (ETS) system is a case register of all new notifications of tuberculosis in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We conducted a cohort study to estimate the incidence of, and risk factors for, drug intolerance reported through ETS between 2001 and 2010 and to assess its relationship with treatment non-completion.

Evaluation of community-based trichiasis surgery in Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Surgery to correct trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is recommended to prevent blindness caused by trachoma. This study evaluated the outcomes of community-based trichiasis surgery with absorbable sutures, conducted in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

Methods: A simple random sample of 431 patients was selected from surgical campaign records of which 363 (84.

Campylobacteriosis outbreak associated with consumption of undercooked chicken liver pâté in the East of England, September 2011: identification of a dose-response risk.

A foodborne outbreak with 49 cases (22 culture positive for Campylobacter sp.) following a wedding party in the East of England was investigated. A retrospective cohort study identified an association between consumption of chicken liver pâté and infection with Campylobacter jejuni/coli.

Whole-genome sequencing to identify transmission of Mycobacterium abscessus between patients with cystic fibrosis: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Increasing numbers of individuals with cystic fibrosis are becoming infected with the multidrug-resistant non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) Mycobacterium abscessus, which causes progressive lung damage and is extremely challenging to treat. How this organism is acquired is not currently known, but there is growing concern that person-to-person transmission could occur. We aimed to define the mechanisms of acquisition of M abscessus in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Risk exposures for human ornithosis in a poultry processing plant modified by use of personal protective equipment: an analytical outbreak study.

Ornithosis outbreaks in poultry processing plants are well-described, but evidence for preventive measures is currently lacking. This study describes a case-control study into an outbreak of ornithosis at a poultry processing plant in the East of England, identified following three employees being admitted to hospital. Workers at the affected plant were recruited via their employer, with exposures assessed using a self-completed questionnaire.

The association between time spent outdoors and myopia in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To summarize relevant evidence investigating the association between time spent outdoors and myopia in children and adolescents (up to 20 years).

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Participants: Results from 7 cross-sectional studies were pooled in a meta-analysis.

Epidemiology of vitamin A deficiency and xerophthalmia in at-risk populations.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is an important public health problem worldwide that contributes significantly to the global burden of disease. Vitamin A deficiency disorders include xerophthalmia and increased risk of infectious diseases, both of which increase risk of mortality. Xerophthalmia is also a leading cause of preventable blindness.

Large outbreak of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 infection in visitors to a petting farm in South East England, 2009.

In the summer of 2009, an outbreak of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC O157) was identified in visitors to a large petting farm in South East England. The peak attack rate was 6/1000 visitors, and highest in those aged <2 years (16/1000). We conducted a case-control study with associated microbiological investigations, on human, animal and environmental samples.