DoRA 2.0 | Database of Research Activity

Demonstration of Near-Elimination of Hepatitis C Virus Among a Prison Population: The Lotus Glen Correctional Centre Hepatitis C Treatment Project

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Demonstration of Near-Elimination of Hepatitis C Virus Among a Prison Population: The Lotus Glen Correctional Centre Hepatitis C Treatment Project Authors: Bartlett, Sofia R; Fox, Penny; Cabatingan, Harris; Jaros, Anissa; Gorton, Carla; Lewis, Rhondda; Priscott, Eugene; Dore, Gregory J; Russell, Darren Abstract: Micro-elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through rapid uptake of government-funded direct-acting antiviral therapy within an Australian prison setting is demonstrated. During a 22-month period, 119 patients initiated treatment for chronic HCV infection, with HCV in-prison viremic prevalence declining from 12% to 1%.

Melioidosis: An Australian Perspective

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

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

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

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

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

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

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

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.