Conall Watson
A5033763320- Respiratory viral infections research
- Influenza Virus Research Studies
- Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Data-Driven Disease Surveillance
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections
- Salmonella and Campylobacter epidemiology
- Vibrio bacteria research studies
- Leptospirosis research and findings
- Disaster Response and Management
- Respiratory Support and Mechanisms
- Emergency and Acute Care Studies
- Immune responses and vaccinations
- Virus-based gene therapy research
- COVID-19 and healthcare impacts
- Hepatitis B Virus Studies
- Malaria Research and Control
- Streptococcal Infections and Treatments
- Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Studies
UK Health Security Agency
2022-2025
Public Health England
2019-2024
University of Utah Health Care
2024
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
2015-2023
University of Oxford
2018-2023
University of London
1973-2023
Oxford Research Group
2019-2021
University of the South Pacific
2018
Harvard University
2018
Oxford University Clinical Research Unit
2018
rVSV-ZEBOV is a recombinant, replication competent vesicular stomatitis virus-based candidate vaccine expressing surface glycoprotein of Zaire Ebolavirus. We tested the effect in preventing Ebola virus disease contacts and recently confirmed cases Guinea, west Africa.
BackgroundSeasonal epidemics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause a clinically significant burden disease among young children. Non-pharmaceutical interventions targeted at SARS-CoV-2 have affected the activity other pathogens. We describe changes in epidemiology RSV children younger than 5 years England since 2020.MethodsSurveillance data on infections, comprising laboratory-confirmed cases, proportion positive tests, hospital admissions for RSV-attributable illness, and syndromic...
The population of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), the causative agent typhoid fever, exhibits limited DNA sequence variation, which complicates efforts to rationally discriminate individual isolates. Here we utilize data from whole-genome sequences (WGS) nearly 2,000 isolates sourced over 60 countries generate a robust genotyping scheme that is phylogenetically informative and compatible with range assays. These show that, exception rapidly disseminating H58 subclade (now...
Increases in invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection and associated deaths, particularly children, above seasonally expected levels are being seen this season (772 notifications reported weeks 37 to 48 2022) across England. Diagnoses of iGAS from lower respiratory tract specimens children under 15 years increased 28% November 2022. Medical practitioners have been alerted the exceptional increase incidence, including unusual numbers presenting with pulmonary empyema.
Abstract Since its first identification in Scotland, over 1,000 cases of unexplained paediatric hepatitis children have been reported worldwide, including 278 the UK 1 . Here we report an investigation 38 cases, 66 age-matched immunocompetent controls and 21 immunocompromised comparator participants, using a combination genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic immunohistochemical methods. We detected high levels adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) DNA liver, blood, plasma or stool from 27 28 cases....
Two new products for preventing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in young children have been licensed: a single-dose long-acting monoclonal antibody (la-mAB) and maternal vaccine (MV). To facilitate the selection of RSV intervention programmes large-scale implementation, this study provides an assessment to compare costs potential with health benefits accrued. Using existing dynamic transmission model, we compared vaccination la-mAB therapy against England Wales by calculating impact...
Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease in the Pacific Islands. In Fiji, two successive cyclones and severe flooding 2012 resulted outbreaks with 576 reported cases 7% case-fatality. We conducted a cross-sectional seroprevalence study used eco-epidemiological approach to characterize risk factors drivers for human leptospirosis infection aimed provide evidence base improving effectiveness of public health mitigation intervention strategies. Antibodies indicative previous or recent...
By January, 2016, all known transmission chains of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in west Africa had been stopped. However, there is concern about persistence reproductive tract men who have survived EVD. We aimed to use biostatistical modelling describe dynamics RNA load seminal fluid, including clearance parameters.In this longitudinal study, we recruited discharged from three treatment units Guinea between January and July, 2015. Participants provided samples fluid at follow-up...
Using an Ebola virus disease transmission model, we found that addition of ring vaccination at the outset West Africa epidemic might not have led to containment this disease. However, in later stages or outbreaks with less intense more effective control, strategy could help eliminate
In March, 2016, a flare-up of Ebola virus disease was reported in Guinea, and response ring vaccination with the unlicensed rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine introduced under expanded access, first time that an has been used outbreak setting outside clinical trial. Here we describe safety candidate operational feasibility as reactive strategy resource-limited rural setting.Approval for access compassionate use rapidly sought obtained from relevant authorities. Vaccination teams frozen were flown to...
Background Between October 2022 and January 2023, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) B/Victoria viruses circulated in Europe with different (sub)types dominating areas. Aim To provide interim 2022/23 vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates from six European studies, covering 16 countries primary care, emergency care hospital inpatient settings. Methods All studies used the test-negative design, but differences other study characteristics, such as data sources, patient selection, case definitions...
Abstract Hospital-based transmission had a dominant role in Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute (SARS-CoV) epidemics 1,2 , but large-scale studies of its the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are lacking. Such risks spreading virus to most vulnerable individuals can have wider-scale impacts through hospital–community interactions. Using data from hospitals England, we quantify within-hospital transmission, evaluate likely pathways spread factors associated with...
<h2>Summary</h2><h3>Background</h3> Leptospirosis is a globally important zoonotic disease, with complex exposure pathways that depend on interactions between human beings, animals, and the environment. Major drivers of outbreaks include flooding, urbanisation, poverty, agricultural intensification. The intensity these their relative importance vary geographical areas; however, non-spatial regression methods are incapable capturing spatial variations. This study aimed to explore use...
The Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) is one Europe's oldest sentinel systems, working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) its predecessor bodies for 55 years. Its surveillance report now runs twice weekly, supplemented by online observatories. In addition to conducting from a nationally representative group practices, RSC also providing data syndromic surveillance.The aim this study was describe cohort profile at start...
Under International Health Regulations from 2005, a human infection caused by novel influenza A virus variant is considered an event that has potential for high public health impact and immediately notifiable to the World Organisation. We here describe clinical, epidemiological virological features of confirmed case swine A(H1N2)v in England detected through community respiratory surveillance. Swabbing contact tracing helped refine risk assessment, following this unusual unexpected finding.
Abstract Background Syndromic surveillance often relies on patients presenting to healthcare. Community cohorts, although more challenging recruit, could provide additional population-wide insights, particularly with SARS-CoV-2 co-circulating other respiratory viruses. Methods We estimated the positivity and incidence of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, RSV, trends in self-reported symptoms including influenza-like illness (ILI), over 2022/23 winter season a broadly representative UK community...
ABSTRACT Background We report 2023/2024 season interim influenza vaccine effectiveness for three studies, namely, primary care in Great Britain, hospital settings Scotland and England. Methods A test negative design was used to estimate effectiveness. Results Estimated against all influenzas ranged from 63% (95% confidence interval 46 75%) 65% (41 79%) among children aged 2–17, 36% (20 49%) 55% (43 65%) adults 18–64 40% (29 50%) (32 70%) 65 over. Conclusions During a period of co‐circulation...
Fiji, an upper-middle income state in the Pacific Ocean, has experienced increase confirmed case notifications of enteric fever caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi). To characterize epidemiology typhoid exposure, we conducted a cross-sectional sero-epidemiological survey measuring IgG against Vi antigen S. to estimate effect age, ethnicity, and other variables on seroprevalence. Epidemiologically relevant cut-off titres were established using mixed model analysis data from...
It has been commonly assumed that Zika virus (ZIKV) infection confers long-term protection against reinfection, preventing ZIKV from re-emerging in previously affected areas for several years. However, the immune response to following an outbreak remains poorly documented. We compared results eight serological surveys before and after known outbreaks French Polynesia Fiji, including cross-sectional longitudinal studies. found evidence of a decline seroprevalence both countries over two-year...
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and cost of pan-London pharmacy initiative, a programme that allows administration seasonal influenza vaccination to eligible patients at pharmacies. Design We analysed 2013–2015 data on uptake in pharmacies via Sonar reporting system, total 2011–2015 ImmForm general practitioner (GP) system data. conducted an online survey London pharmacists who participate assess time use data, vaccine choice, investment costs opinions about programme. GPs choice...