Doherty Institute - Research Publications

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    Environmental risk factors associated with the presence of Mycobacterium ulcerans in Victoria, Australia
    Blasdell, KR ; McNamara, B ; O'Brien, DP ; Tachedjian, M ; Boyd, V ; Dunn, M ; Mee, PT ; Clayton, S ; Gaburro, J ; Smith, I ; Gibney, KB ; Tay, EL ; Hobbs, EC ; Waidyatillake, N ; Lynch, SE ; Stinear, TP ; Athan, E ; Becker, D (PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE, 2022-09-13)
    In recent years reported cases of Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, have increased substantially in Victoria, Australia, with the epidemic also expanding geographically. To develop an understanding of how M. ulcerans circulates in the environment and transmits to humans we analyzed environmental samples collected from 115 properties of recent Buruli ulcer cases and from 115 postcode-matched control properties, for the presence of M. ulcerans. Environmental factors associated with increased odds of M. ulcerans presence at a property included certain native plant species and native vegetation in general, more alkaline soil, lower altitude, the presence of common ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and overhead powerlines. However, only overhead powerlines and the absence of the native plant Melaleuca lanceolata were associated with Buruli ulcer case properties. Samples positive for M. ulcerans were more likely to be found at case properties and were associated with detections of M. ulcerans in ringtail possum feces, supporting the hypothesis that M. ulcerans is zoonotic, with ringtail possums the strongest reservoir host candidate. However, the disparity in environmental risk factors associated with M. ulcerans positive properties versus case properties indicates the involvement of human behavior or the influence of other environmental factors in disease acquisition that requires further study.
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    Buruli ulcer: a new case definition for Victoria
    Betts, JM ; Tay, EL ; Johnson, PDR ; Lavender, CJ ; Gibney, KB ; O'Brien, DP ; Globan, M ; Tzimourtas, N ; O'Hara, MA ; Crouch, SR (AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT, DEPT HEALTH & AGEING, 2020-12-21)
    Laboratory-confirmed infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans is currently notifiable to health departments in several jurisdictions. Accurate surveillance is imperative to understanding current and emerging areas of endemicity and to facilitate research into a neglected tropical disease with poorly-understood transmission dynamics. The state of Victoria currently reports some of the highest numbers of M. ulcerans cases in the world each year, with 340 cases notified in 2018 (an incidence of 5.5 per 100,000 population). In May 2019, a group of clinical, laboratory and public health experts met to discuss a new case definition for the surveillance of M. ulcerans disease in Victoria, incorporating clinical and epidemiological elements. The new case definition supports important public health messaging and actions for residents and visitors to popular tourist areas in Victoria.
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    The association of rainfall and Buruli ulcer in southeastern Australia
    Yerramilli, A ; Tay, EL ; Stewardson, AJ ; Fyfe, J ; O'Brien, DP ; Johnson, PDR ; Pluschke, G (PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE, 2018-09)
    BACKGROUND: Buruli ulcer has been increasing in incidence in southeastern Australia with unclear transmission mechanisms. We aimed to investigate the link between rainfall and case numbers in two endemic areas of the state of Victoria; the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas. METHODOLOGY: We created yearly and monthly graphs comparing rainfall with local Buruli ulcer incidence for the period 2004-2016 by endemic region and then considered a range of time lag intervals of 0-24 months to investigate patterns of correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal positive correlation for the Bellarine Peninsula occurred with a 12-month prior rainfall lag, however, no significant correlation was observed on the Mornington Peninsula for any time lag. These results provide an update in evidence to further explore transmission mechanisms which may differ between these geographically proximate endemic regions.
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    Manual of Travel Medicine Fourth Edition
    Torresi, J ; McGuinness, S ; Leder, K ; O'Brien, D ; Ruff, T ; Starr, M ; Gibney, K (Springer Singapore, 2019)
    The fourth edition of this well received book provides an authoritative and up-to-date resource to support good practice in travel medicine, a field that has evolved substantially in recent years. Concretely, there has been intensified monitoring of health problems among travelers, as well as extensive research efforts, which have led to the development of evidence-based approaches to the field. The book includes expert recommendations regarding e.g. immunizations, malaria prophylaxis, travelers’ diarrhea, altitude sickness, emerging infections, and non-infectious health issues encountered by travelers. It provides a practical approach to the pre-travel consultation and management of most issues that arise in medical care for travelers. In addition, it provides expert advice for high-risk travelers, e.g. those with immunosuppression, the elderly, pregnant women and young children. The text offers a user-friendly, practical handbook for healthcare practitioners during their clinical consultations, as well as nurses and pharmacists.