DORA Health Service:

Melioidosis: An Australian Perspective

2026-06-16T09:00:00Z

Title: Melioidosis: An Australian Perspective Authors: Smith, Simon; Hanson, Josh; Currie, Bart J Abstract: Burkholderia pseudomallei is endemic in northern Australia, with cases of melioidosis most commonly occurring during the wet season in individuals with diabetes, hazardous alcohol use, and chronic kidney disease. Pneumonia is the most common presentation and the majority of patients are bacteraemic-however, infection may involve almost any organ, with the skin and soft tissues, genitourinary system, visceral organs, and bone and joints affected most commonly. Central nervous system involvement is rarer, but has a high attributable mortality. Increased awareness of the disease amongst healthcare providers, ready access to appropriate antibiotic therapy and high-quality intensive care services has resulted in a sharp decline in the case fatality rate over the last 20 years. Further improvement in clinical outcomes will require a greater understanding of the disease's pathophysiology, its optimal management, and more effective strategies for its prevention. Description: Cairns & Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) affiliated authors: Simon Smith, Josh Hanson

Mycoplasma genitalium in the Far North Queensland backpacker population: An observational study of prevalence and azithromycin resistance

2026-06-12T05:00:07Z

Title: Mycoplasma genitalium in the Far North Queensland backpacker population: An observational study of prevalence and azithromycin resistance Authors: Trevis, T.; Gossé, M.; Santarossa, N.; Tabrizi, S.; Russell, D.; McBride, W. J. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and a common cause of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). There is concern regarding the rise in prevalence of M. genitalium and rates of resistance to macrolide antibiotics. International backpackers represent a unique population that may be at an increased risk of STIs. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of M. genitalium and antibiotic resistance in international backpackers. METHODS: First void urine samples were obtained utilising opportunistic sampling from 294 non-treatment-seeking international backpackers at a variety of hostels in Cairns, Queensland Australia. Participants also answered a fixed-answer survey regarding sociodemographic characteristics and sexual risk behaviours. Samples were tested for M. genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Samples positive for M. genitalium were investigated for macrolide resistance-associated mutations in the 23S rRNA genome at positions A2058G, A2058C, A2058T, A2059G and A2059C (Escherichia coli numbering). RESULTS: Of the 294 samples, 23 failed the internal control. The prevalence of M. genitalium was 1.8% (5/271, 95% confidence interval [CI] ± 1.58), C. trachomatis was 4.1% (11/271, 95% CI ± 2.36) and N. gonorrhoeae was not detected. Macrolide resistance-associated mutations were identified in 40% (2/5) of M. genitalium-positive samples. M. genitalium infection was associated with reporting symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 14.36, 95% CI 2.17-94.94, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: M. genitalium and C. trachomatis are relatively common amongst non-treatment seeking international backpackers, but may not differ from Australian population prevalence. This article provides evidence to further support the increased utilisation of M. genitalium PCR in the diagnosis of NGU, and for macrolide resistance testing for all identified M. genitalium infections.

International Fragility Fracture Network Delphi consensus statement on the principles of anaesthesia for patients with hip fracture

2026-06-17T05:41:16Z

Title: International Fragility Fracture Network Delphi consensus statement on the principles of anaesthesia for patients with hip fracture Authors: White, S. M.; Altermatt, F.; Barry, J.; Ben-David, B.; Coburn, M.; Coluzzi, F.; Degoli, M.; Dillane, D.; Foss, N. B.; Gelmanas, A.; Griffiths, R.; Karpetas, G.; Kim, J. H.; Kluger, M.; Lau, P. W.; Matot, I.; McBrien, M.; McManus, S.; Montoya-Pelaez, L. F.; Moppett, I. K.; Parker, M.; Porrill, O.; Sanders, R. D.; Shelton, C.; Sieber, F.; Trikha, A.; Xuebing, X. Description: Cairns & Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) affiliated author: J. Barry

Coming to town: Reaching agreement on a thorny issue

2026-06-17T05:37:59Z

Title: Coming to town: Reaching agreement on a thorny issue Authors: Wapau, H.; Jans, D.; Hapea, E.; Mein, J.; Curnow, V.; McDonald, M. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of gaining consensus across regional organisations in formulating measures to improve coordination of care for people from remote Far North Queensland communities coming to town (Cairns) to access health care. DESIGN: This is a descriptive study that includes survey data from workshop participants. SETTING: Coming to town for health care poses great challenges, especially for Indigenous Australians from remote communities. Numerous organisations are involved, communications are fragmented and there is no central coordinating body. The system frequently fails to deliver necessary services. This generates preventable cost burdens through missed flights, missed appointments, missed treatment opportunities and extra administration. Workshop organisers invited key service providers from across Far North Queensland. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Using real-case scenarios, the task was to identify and prioritise the central issues and explore ways to address them. Participants jointly crafted the final recommendations and also posted suggestions on a 'wish-list' board. A participant assessment survey was conducted at the end of the workshop, followed by an online survey 6 weeks later. RESULTS: There were 32 participants. The concluding survey indicated the workshop was well received and people valued the collaboration. There were six primary recommendations plus numerous wish-list suggestions. The best-supported recommendation was establishment of a coming to town Hub with a local coordinating team and community-based representatives. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the workshop recommendations and support of all key service providers should be culturally acceptable and resource-efficient with better health outcomes for travellers, their families and communities. Description: Cairns & Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) affiliated author: Venessa Curnow