Laboratory Features of Trichinellosis and Eosinophilia Threshold for Testing, Nunavik, Quebec, Canada, 2009-2019.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Harrison LB
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9707581 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Laboratory Features of Trichinellosis and Eosinophilia Threshold for Testing, Nunavik, Quebec, Canada, 2009-2019.
Harrison Luke B LB Libman Michael D MD Caya Chelsea C Ndao Momar M Yansouni Cedric P CP
Emerging infectious diseases 20221201 12
Prolonged eosinophilia is characteristic of trichinellosis. To determine the optimal eosinophil threshold for reflex Trichinella testing, we examined all 43 cases in Nunavik, Quebec, Canada, during 2009-2019. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, we determined that eosinophil counts >0.8 × 10<sup>9</sup> cells/L should prompt consideration of trichinellosis and testing to rapidly identify potential outbreaks. ...[more]
Similar Datasets
Project description:BackgroundRespiratory infections are a major health problem in the Inuit population of Nunavik, province of Quebec, Canada.ObjectivesA study was undertaken to assess the burden of lower (LRTI) and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and otitis media (OM) and to explore some of their determinants including the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) status.MethodsThe reference population includes children less than 5 years of age born in 1994-2010 and a sample of 825 children was selected for this study. Outpatient medical records were reviewed. Visits with a diagnosis of LRTI, URTI and OM were extracted. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors of disease risk.ResultsThe average number of LRTI, URTI and OM episodes were, respectively, 2.6, 6.2 and 5.9 from birth up to the 5th birthday. Seasonal patterns were similar for URTI and OM, but was different for LRTI. Children who received the recommended 4 PCV doses had a lower LRTI and OM risk than unvaccinated children. There was a trend towards a lower OM risk associated with a mixed PCV10+ PCV13 schedule compared with PCV7.ConclusionResults suggest a lower LRTI and OM risk associated with PCV use in this high-risk population but respiratory disease risk remains high compared with the general population in Quebec.
| S-EPMC7480588 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of arterial hypertension among Inuit adults living in Nunavik (northern Quebec, Canada) in 2017 and identify its sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants.MethodsWe used data obtained from 1177 Inuit adults aged ≥ 18 years who participated in the cross-sectional Qanuilirpitaa? Nunavik Inuit Health Survey during late summer-early fall of 2017. Resting blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric characteristics were measured during a clinical session, while sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits were documented using validated questionnaires. Information on current medication was retrieved from medical files. Sex-stratified population-weighted log-binomial regressions were conducted to identify determinants of hypertension, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsHypertension (systolic BP ≥ 140 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication) was present in 23% of the adult population and was more frequent in men than women (29% vs. 18%). About a third of hypertensive individuals (34%) were taking antihypertensive medication. These estimates are prone to biases due to the relatively low participation rate (37%). As expected, the prevalence of hypertension increased with age, but values were surprisingly elevated in 18 to 29-year-old men and women (18% and 8%, respectively) compared with 20 to 39-year-old adults of the general Canadian population (3% in both sexes, according to data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2012-2015). Hypertension was associated with obesity and alcohol consumption in both men and women, and with higher socioeconomic status among men.ConclusionThis survey revealed a high prevalence of hypertension among young Nunavimmiut adults in 2017 and the need to improve hypertension diagnosis and treatment in the region. Curbing obesity and alcohol consumption, two actionable determinants of hypertension, will require improving food security and addressing the consequences of historical trauma linked to colonization.
| S-EPMC10830977 | biostudies-literature
Project description:In contrast to most Indigenous people in Canada, Inuit appeared until recently to have been protected from type 2 diabetes (T2D) related to obesity. We assessed the associations of metabolites (amino acids, acylcarnitines) with adiposity and biomarkers of T2D in school-aged Inuit children of Nunavik (Canada). Concentrations of metabolite were measured in plasma samples from a cross-sectional analysis of 248 children (mean age = 10.8 years). We assessed associations of plasma metabolites with adiposity measures (BMI, skinfold thicknesses) and T2D markers (insulin, glucose, adiponectin). Plasma concentrations of valine and tyrosine were higher in obese and overweight children compared to those of normal weight children (P < 0.05). An increment of 1-SD in BMI (SD = 3.3 kg/m2) was statistically associated with an increment of 0.21 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.33) for valine, 0.15 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.27) for isoleucine and 0.17 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.29) for tyrosine. Insulin concentration increased with concentrations of all amino acids (P < 0.05) except methionine. None of the acylcarnitines measured were statistically significantly associated with adiposity or T2D biomarkers A signature of metabolites, particularly higher levels of branched-chain amino acids, might allow for early detection of T2D among school-aged Inuit children.
| S-EPMC7801047 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Dwarf Labrador tea, Rhododendron subarcticum Harmaja, is a popular medicinal plant in use by First Nations of Northern Canada, but its phytochemistry has remained largely unexplored. We have isolated and characterized the essential oil from a population of this species harvested near the treeline in Nunavik, Québec. Analyses by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography/flame-ionization detection (GC/FID) led to the identification of 53 compounds; the main secondary metabolites were ascaridole (64.7% of the total FID area) and p-cymene (21.1%). Such a composition resembles a chemotype observed for R. tomentosum, a close relative found mainly in Europe and Asia, but has never been attributed to R. subarcticum. Growth inhibition assays against different strains of Plasmodium falciparum (3D7, Dd2), the parasite responsible for the most severe form of malaria, were conducted with either the R. subarcticum's essential oil or the isolated ascaridole. Our results show that the essential oil's biological activity can be attributed to ascaridole as its IC50 is more than twice that of ascaridole [ascaridole's IC50 values are 147.3 nM (3D7) and 104.9 nM (Dd2)].
| S-EPMC10193425 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundResearch in the field of genomics and genetics has evolved in recent years and so has the demand of consumers who are increasingly interested in genomic prediction of diseases and various traits. The aim of this study is to identify genetic service delivery models, policies governing the use of genomics medicine, and measures to evaluate genetic services in the province of Quebec, Canada.MethodsAn ad hoc questionnaire was designed and administered online in 2017 to healthcare workers with good knowledge or experience in the provision of BReast CAncer genes 1 and 2 (BRCA1/2), Lynch syndrome, familial hypercholesterolemia, inherited thrombophilia genetic tests, engaged in policy planning or evaluation of genetic services. A quali-quantitative analysis of the survey results was performed.ResultsThirty professionals participated in the study. The delivery models are classified in five categories according to the leading role of healthcare professionals in patient care pathways: i) the geneticist model; ii) the primary care model; iii) the medical specialist model; iv) the population screening program model; and v) the direct-to-consumer model. Barriers to genetic services are the coverage of genetic tests by the publicly funded healthcare system, the availability of qualified personnel, and the number of genetic centers. Regulatory oversight concerning the provision of genetic services appears to be insufficient.ConclusionsIntegration between genetics and the overall healthcare system in Quebec is in an early phase. Current models of genetic services require good level of genetic knowledge by all medical specialists, collaboration among different healthcare personnel, and work redistribution. The proper implementation of genomics into healthcare can be achieved through education and training, proper regulatory oversight, genomic policies, and public awareness.
| S-EPMC7064617 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This case-control study was carried out to estimate risk factors associated with hospitalizations and severe outcomes [intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death] among patients with illness because of laboratory-confirmed 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 virus (pH1N1) during the first wave of pH1N1 activity in the province of Quebec, Canada.We collected epidemiologic information by phone using a standardized questionnaire from patients with laboratory-confirmed pH1N1 illness during the first spring/summer pandemic wave in Quebec, Canada. Risk factors associated with hospitalization were assessed by comparing hospitalized to community cases and for ICU admission or death through comparison with hospitalized cases.Cases (321 hospitalized patients including 47 ICU admissions and 15 deaths) were compared to controls (395 non-hospitalized patients) by using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for gender, age, education, being a health care worker, smoking, seasonal influenza vaccination, delay to consultation, antiviral use before admission, pregnancy, underlying medical conditions, and obesity. Age <5 years, underlying medical conditions (neuromuscular, cardiac, pulmonary, and renal conditions, diabetes, asthma, and other), and delayed consultation were associated with hospitalization. The strongest association with hospitalization was observed for neuromuscular disorders. Antiviral medication before hospital admission protected against severe disease. Association of obesity with hospitalization was not significant after adjustment in multivariable analysis. Among hospitalized patients, age ≥60 years and immune suppression were associated with death.Previously identified risk factors for seasonal influenza were also associated with increased risk of severe pH1N1 outcomes. The independent role of obesity needs to be further defined.
| S-EPMC4634547 | biostudies-other
Project description:Environmental changes are affecting the Arctic at an unprecedented rate, but limited scientific knowledge exists on their impacts on species such as walruses (Odobenus rosmarus). Inuit Traditional and Local Ecological Knowledge (Inuit TEK/LEK) held by Inuit walrus harvesters could shed light on walrus ecology and related environmental changes. Our main objective was to study spatial and temporal changes in Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) distribution in Nunavik (northern Québec, Canada) using Inuit TEK/LEK. To do so, we documented the knowledge and observations of 33 local hunters and Elders as part of a larger project on Atlantic walruses in Nunavik. We first gathered information on changes in Inuit land use patterns and harvesting practices through time and space, which was a crucial step to avoid potential biases in interpreting local observations on walrus distribution. We found that walrus hunters are now covering smaller hunting areas over shorter time periods, reducing in space and time their observations of Atlantic walruses around Nunavik. While clearly taking these limitations into account, we learned from interviews that some areas abandoned by Atlantic walruses in the past were now being re-occupied. Importantly, Atlantic walruses, which migrate following the melting ice, are now traveling along the eastern coast of Nunavik one month earlier, suggesting that Atlantic walrus migration has changed due to variations in sea-ice coverage around Nunavik. Our study not only highlighted important changes in Atlantic walrus distribution and migration in Nunavik, but also sheds light on the importance of documenting temporal and spatial changes in Inuit land use patterns and harvesting practices to understand the ecology of Arctic species using Inuit Knowledge.Supplementary informationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00300-021-02920-6.
| S-EPMC8550009 | biostudies-literature
Project description:To assess the global incidence and clinical effects of human trichinellosis, we analyzed outbreak report data for 1986-2009. Searches of 6 international databases yielded 494 reports. After applying strict criteria for relevance and reliability, we selected 261 reports for data extraction. From 1986 through 2009, there were 65,818 cases and 42 deaths reported from 41 countries. The World Health Organization European Region accounted for 87% of cases; 50% of those occurred in Romania, mainly during 1990-1999. Incidence in the region ranged from 1.1 to 8.5 cases per 100,000 population. Trichinellosis affected primarily adults (median age 33.1 years) and about equally affected men (51%) and women. Major clinical effects, according to 5,377 well-described cases, were myalgia, diarrhea, fever, facial edema, and headaches. Pork was the major source of infection; wild game sources were also frequently reported. These data will be valuable for estimating the illness worldwide.
| S-EPMC3311199 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The emergence and spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) represent a major public health concern because these bacteria are usually extensively resistant to most antibiotics. In order to evaluate their dissemination in Quebec, a surveillance program was introduced in 2010. We report the molecular and epidemiological profiles of CPE isolates collected. Between August 2010 and December 2012, a total of 742 non-duplicate isolates non-susceptible to carbapenems were analysed. AmpC β-lactamase and metallo-β-lactamase production were detected by Etest and carbapenemase production by the modified Hodge test (MHT). Antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined using broth microdilution or Etest. Clonality of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) strains was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The presence of genes encoding carbapenemases as well as other β-lactamases was detected using PCR. Of the 742 isolates tested, 169 (22.8%) were CPE. Of these 169 isolates, 151 (89.3%) harboured a blaKPC gene while the remaining isolates carried blaSME (n = 9), blaOXA-48 (n = 5), blaNDM (n = 3), and blaNMC (n = 1) genes. Among the 93 KPC strains presenting with a unique pattern (unique PFGE pattern and/or unique antibiotics susceptibility profile), 99% were resistant to ertapenem, 95% to imipenem, 87% to meropenem, 97% to aztreonam, 31% to colistin and 2% to tigecycline. In 19 patients, 2 to 5 KPC strains from different species or with a different PFGE pattern were isolated. CPE strains were present in the province of Quebec with the majority of strains harbouring KPC. Alternately, SME, OXA-48 and NMC containing strains were rarely found.
| S-EPMC4409364 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is associated with premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease caused by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. We determined the impact of a full next-generation sequencing (NGS) genetic panel on reclassification of patients with a clinical diagnosis of FH in Quebec compared to the partial genetic panel currently offered by the Quebec Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (Ministry of Health and Social Services) (MSSS), which includes 11 variants that are common in French Canadians.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study in a subgroup of patients in the Canadian FH Registry seen at the McGill University Health Centre Preventive Cardiology/Lipid Clinic, Montréal, between September 2017 and September 2021 who were clinically diagnosed with severe hypercholesterolemia, probable FH or definite FH according to the Canadian definition of FH. Next-generation sequencing of the LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 genes, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification of the LDLR gene to detect genetic variants, were performed.ResultsAmong 335 consecutive patients with heterozygous FH (184 men [54.9%] and 151 women [45.1%]), the baseline LDL-C level was 6.96 (standard deviation 1.79) mmol/L. Patients identified through cascade screening were 11 years younger on average than index patients, and smaller proportions presented to the clinic with cardiovascular risk factors. A pathogenic FH variant was identified in 169 (73.8%) of the 229 patients who underwent genetic testing; the majority had variants in the LDLR (146 [86.4%]) or APOB (24 [14.2%]) gene. The genetic panel offered by the MSSS accounted for only 48% of the variants identified with the full NGS panel. Of the 229 patients, 90 (39.3%, 95% confidence interval 32.9%-46.0%) were reclassified from a clinical diagnosis of probable FH to definite FH after genetic screening with a full FH panel.InterpretationGenetic testing in patients suspected of having FH provided diagnostic certainty and permitted many patients with a clinical diagnosis of probable FH to be reclassified as having definite FH. Genetic screening allows for increased identification of patients with FH and may therefore help reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and mortality rates among Canadians with FH. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT02009345.
| S-EPMC10449021 | biostudies-literature