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Gram-positive rod surveillance for early anthrax detection
Elizabeth M Begier1, Nancy L Barrett, Patricia A Mshar
1Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, Connecticut 06134, USA.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|October 19, 2005
Summary
Connecticut
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Early detection of infectious diseases is crucial for public health.
- Gram-positive rod (GPR) reporting systems can aid in identifying specific bacterial pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a telephone-based gram-positive rod (GPR) reporting system in Connecticut.
- To improve the rapid detection of potential inhalational anthrax cases.
Main Methods:
- Implemented a 24/7 telephone-based GPR reporting system in Connecticut from March to December 2003.
- Analyzed blood culture isolate data, including genus and incidence rates.
Main Results:
- The system captured a significant number of GPR isolates, including Corynebacterium, Bacillus, and Clostridium species.
- Annualized incidence of blood isolates was 21.3 per 100,000 persons.
- Facilitated enhanced communication between clinical laboratories and public health officials.
Conclusions:
- Telephone-based GPR reporting effectively describes GPR epidemiology.
- The system enhances rapid communication, aiding in the surveillance of bacterial infections and potential bioterrorism agents like anthrax.