A5088996543- Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
- Reproductive tract infections research
- Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections
- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- Bacterial Infections and Vaccines
- Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus
- Escherichia coli research studies
- Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Influenza Virus Research Studies
- Streptococcal Infections and Treatments
- HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
- Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research
- Salmonella and Campylobacter epidemiology
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- Antibiotic Use and Resistance
- Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology
- Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment
- Virology and Viral Diseases
- Reproductive Health and Contraception
- Listeria monocytogenes in Food Safety
- Disaster Response and Management
- Data-Driven Disease Surveillance
- Survey Methodology and Nonresponse
- COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing
- Respiratory viral infections research
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
2024
University of Bristol
2016-2024
Public Health England
2013-2021
National Institute for Health Research
2017
King Edward Memorial Hospital
2016
Princess Margaret Hospital for Children
2016
The University of Western Australia
2016
Health Protection Agency
2012
<h3>Objectives</h3> To inform control strategies undertaken as part of an outbreak <i>Shigella flexneri</i> 3a among men who have sex with (MSM). <h3>Methods</h3> All aged ≥18 years diagnosed <i>S between October 2012 and May 2013 were invited to participate. Semistructured in-depth quantitative interviews conducted explore lifestyle sexual behaviour factors. <h3>Results</h3> Of 53 diagnosed, 42 interviewed whom 34 sexually active MSM. High numbers partners reported (median=22) within the...
We describe detection in the United Kingdom (UK) of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae FC428 clone, with ceftriaxone resistance and intermediate azithromycin resistance. Two female patients developed infection following contact UK-resident men from same sexual network linked to travel Ibiza, Spain. One case failed treatment ceftriaxone, gentamicin, before successful ertapenem. Both isolates had indistinguishable whole-genome sequences. Urgent action is essential contain this strain.
As part of the 2014 European Antibiotic Awareness Day plans, a new campaign called Guardian (AG) was launched in United Kingdom, including an online pledge system to increase commitment from healthcare professionals and members public reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim this evaluation determine impact on self-reported knowledge behaviour around AMR.An survey sent 9016 Guardians (AGs) assess changes (outcomes) following campaign. Logistic regression models, adjusted for variables...
Diagnoses of Shigella flexneri in the United Kingdom (UK) are usually travel-related. However, since 2009, there has been an overall increase UK-acquired cases. The Health Protection Agency investigating a national outbreak S. detected 2011 and which is still ongoing. Cases occurred mostly men who have sex with were serotype 3a. investigation aimed at obtaining epidemiological data to inform targeted management control.
The Antibiotic Guardian Campaign was developed to increase commitment reducing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), change behaviour and knowledge through an online pledge system for healthcare professionals members of the public become Guardians (AG). This qualitative evaluation aimed understand AG experiences campaign perceived impact on behaviour. Ninety-four AGs (48 via a survey 46 who had agreed future contact) were invited participate in telephone semi-structured interview. sample based...
We investigated a large outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 in the United Kingdom (UK) with 165 cases between 31 May and 29 July 2016. No linked were reported other countries. Cases predominately female (n = 128) adult 150), 66 attended hospital nine had features haemorrhagic uraemic syndrome. A series epidemiological studies (case–control, case–case, ingredients-based venue-based studies) supply chain investigations implicated mixed salad leaves from Supplier as likely vehicle. Whole genome...
Objectives Prompt HIV and STI diagnosis treatment is a public health priority relies on accessible testing. Technology-based approaches to distribute test kits have the potential increase access We evaluated acceptability uptake of vending machines in publicly available settings Brighton Hove (BH) Bristol, North Somerset South Gloucestershire (BNSSG), rapid self-test self-sample kits. Methods Seven were installed BH four BNSSG. User characteristics, proportion returned results, taken from...
We report an outbreak of invasive and non-invasive disease due to unusual type Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, emm66) among a vulnerable, largely homeless population in southern England Wales, detected September 2016. Twenty-seven confirmed cases were subsequently identified between 5 January 29 December 2016; 20 injected drugs six reported problematic alcohol use. To date, we have ruled out drug-related vehicles infection few common risk factors.
In 2015, Bristol (South West England) experienced a large increase in cases of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection people who inject drugs (PWID).We aimed to characterise and estimate the prevalence MRSA colonisation among PWID test evidence clonal outbreak.PWID recruited through an unlinked-anonymous community survey during 2016 completed behavioural questionnaires were screened for MRSA. Univariable logistic regression examined associations with colonisation....
Knowledge gaps remain regarding SARS-CoV-2 transmission on flights. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to estimate risk of acquiring symptomatic aircraft, inform contact tracing and infection control efforts.We identified co-passengers infectious passengers 18 England-bound flights from European cities up 12/03/2020, using manifests received for tracing. Infectious were laboratory-confirmed cases with symptom onset 7 days before 2 after the flight. Possible aircraft-acquired 3-14...
A series of reports over the last two decades have concluded that overall health status UK Gypsy Traveller Community is very poor when compared with general population and relatively in comparison other disadvantaged groups. Despite a government commitment to reducing inequalities, differences outcomes healthcare access service provision persisted.In order understand immunization services for Travellers, Health Protection Agency conducted survey mapping exercise Primary Care Trusts England...
Objectives To report the development, implementation, acceptability and feasibility of vending machines offering HIV sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing kits. Design A qualitative study using Person-Based Approach with patient public involvement workshops stakeholder interviews machine users, sexual health service (SHS) staff, venue staff local authority commissioners. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Setting Bristol, North Somerset South Gloucestershire (BNSSG). Participants...
Between July and October 2010, a national outbreak comprising 136 cases of Salmonella Java phage type 3b variant 9 was identified by the Health Protection Agency. Most were female. Cases had median age 39.5 years lived in London, South East England. Parallel case–control case–case study designs undertaken to test generated hypotheses. The aimed examine if infection associated with eating food items purchased from commercial catering settings, reference group comprised non-travel related S....
Abstract Established methods of recruiting population controls for case–control studies to investigate gastrointestinal disease outbreaks can be time consuming, resulting in delays identifying the source or vehicle infection. After an initial evaluation using online market research panel members as a study Salmonella outbreak 2013, this method was applied four further UK between 2014 and 2016. We used data from all five interviews with each control team provider review operational issues,...
Abstract Following several terrorist attacks in 2015 and 2016, a national program was set up to identify support residents of England whose mental health had been affected. We report the outcomes program's screening assessment components. Questionnaires information about were mailed 483 people 49 families known police. Individuals who screened positive on an for posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, increased smoking, or problematic alcohol consumption offered clinical referred...
A national multimedia campaign was launched in January 2010, to increase the proportion of young people tested for chlamydia. This study aimed evaluate impact on coverage and positivity within National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NSCP) England.An interrupted time series anonymised NCSP testing reports England a 27 month period (1st April 2008 30th June 2010) analysed. Reports were assigned pre-campaign, post phase according test date. Exclusion criteria included tests clinical reasons,...
SUMMARY In August 2011, we investigated an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 in Plymouth, England, utilizing a case-control study and food traceback. Nine cases, eight laboratory-confirmed with E. phage type 21/28 verocytotoxin 2 one epidemiologically linked, had onsets from 30 July 2011 to 15 2011. We compared cases ( n = 8) controls 28) similar age sex (median 61 vs. 55 years, females 75% 61%). Cases were 58 times more likely have eaten crab (88% 11%; odds ratio 58, 95% confidence interval...
Guidance for public health management of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in England recommends the use antibiotic chemoprophylaxis and vaccination. We summarized clinical epidemiological data collected during routine IMD clusters England. Data on epidemiology operational decisions were reviewed between April 2010 December 2015. Clusters generally 2–3 cases (53/58; 91%) within a single age band <18-years. Nurseries (n = 20, 34%), households/social networks 14, 24%) schools 10, 17%)...
An outbreak of PIV-3 in a neonatal ICU was investigated using retrospective cohort study. Risk infection increased with lower birth weight and gestational age. Contact sick visitor(s)/staff not associated (P = 0.212, P 0.299). Transmission routes are difficult to identify, the importance visiting restrictions sickness absence during outbreaks is recommended.
In February 2012, we investigated a cluster of people who presented at local emergency department with sudden onset vomiting after mistaken consumption daffodils.We interviewed patients to collect information on daffodil purchase and consumption. With Local Authority points sale understand the source confusion.We identified 11 (median age: 23 years, range 5-60 eight females) among Bristol (UK) residents Chinese origin. The most commonly reported symptoms were (n = 11) nausea 9) that...