Przeglad epidemiologiczny最新文献

Introduction: In Poland, Lyme disease has been subject to mandatory reporting and registration since 1996, and following EU law, cases of neuroborreliosis have been reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) since 2019. Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus, and humans become infected through the bite of an infected tick. Due to the varied symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult and usually involves two-stage serological diagnostics. The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2022 compared to the situation in previous years.

Material and methods: The epidemiological situation of Lyme disease in Poland was assessed on the basis of the data sent to NIPH NIH - NRI by voivodeship sanitary-epidemiological stations and published in the bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2022".

Results: In 2022, 17 369 cases of Lyme disease were registered, including 776 hospitalizations. This was a significant increase in cases by 38.96% and hospitalizations by 88.81% compared to the previous year. The seasonality that characterizes Lyme disease was noticeable in individual quarters, i.e. an increase in the number of cases from 1 151 in Q1 to 7 267 in Q3 and a decrease in Q4 to 5 708. At the voivodeship level, the highest incidence was recorded in the Podlaskie (81.2 per 100 000), Małopolskie (79.8 per 100 000) and Lubelskie (76.8 per 100 000) voivodeships.

Conclusions: The epidemiological situation of Lyme disease is gradually returning to the state before the COVID-19 pandemic. The percentage of hospitalized cases increased slightly (from 3.3% in 2021 to 4.5% in 2022), which, combined with the increase in the number of cases, meant an increase in the number of hospitalizations due to Lyme disease by almost 89%. The highest incidence was consistently observed in the eastern part of Poland (Podlaskie, Warmińsko-mazurskie, Lubelskie voivodeships).

Introduction: Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus, usually affecting children. It is characterized by a rash with rapid seeding of small red papules. The course of the disease is mild, but in people with weakened immunity it may be severe.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2022 compared to the situation in previous years.

Material and methods: Data from epidemiological surveillance, including mandatory reporting of cases by physicians, were used to assess the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland.

Results: In 2022, 171 708 cases of chickenpox were recorded, of which 87.5% were children under 9 years old. Hospitalization due to chickenpox was not one of the most common, the percentage of hospitalized cases oscillated between 0.12% and 1.24% depending on the voivodeship. Analyzing the incidence for the whole of Poland for the last 10 years, we see a drastic decrease from 470.6 in 2019 to 186.6 in 2020 and another decrease in 2021 to 151.1 per 100 000, to then return to an incidence of 453.9 in 2022.

Conclusion: The incidence of chickenpox in 2022 returned to pre-pandemic levels, similar to those seen in 2016-2018. Despite preventive measures taken throughout the pandemic, significant incidence was observed, underlining the key role of vaccination in preventing this disease. The use of a quadrivalent vaccine against rubella, measles, mumps, and varicella could help reduce the costs associated with chickenpox, with a small increase in the costs of the vaccination program.

Background: In 2022, more than 650,000 new cases of cervical cancer and more than 340,000 deaths were registered worldwide. Poland has some of the highest incidence and mortality rates from cervical cancer in Europe, despite the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program implemented for many years. Nowadays, with more information available, women should not die from cervical cancer (CC). In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to raise women's awareness about prevention, and to educate them about health-promoting behaviours.

Objective: Assessing Knowledge of CC prevention in a pilot study conducted at a private gynecological clinic in Cracow.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 153 women aged 18 years and older visiting a private gynecological practice in Krakow, regardless of their place of residence. The study was conducted via the Internet, using a questionnaire consisting of a general part (socio-epidemiological data) and a specific part on knowledge of CC prevention (8questions). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica13.3software.

Results: The majority of women declared regular gynecological examinations, with 125 (81.7%) respondents visiting a gynecologist every 0.5-2 years. Only 10 (6.5%) female respondents answered all the knowledge survey questions correctly, excluding the question about RSM symptoms, which was correctly answered by only one person (0.6%). The statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between respondents' age their knowledge of CC risk factors and the timing of the first cytological examination. The results indicate that older respondents have lower levels of knowledge on these topics. Women with higher education from large cities provided the most correct answers.

Conclusions: The surveyed women's knowledge of CC prevention is inadequate even in the group of women who report regularly for gynecological examinations. There is a need to continue educational activities on the principles of cytological examination, as well as the asymptomatic course of CC in its early stages. Although most women in the study group reported regular gynecological examinations, their knowledge about preventive screenings and CC is primarily acquired online. This suggests a need to intensify educational efforts within medical offices.

Background: Maintaining good oral hygiene through effective toothbrushing is crucial for preventing dental issues in adolescents. Conventional oral health education (OHE) and video demonstration approach are passive means of OHE, that often fail to engage this age group. This study introduced an innovative approach to OHE by combining jigsaw puzzle and visual aids to improve oral health outcomes among adolescents.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Jigsaw Puzzle-assisted Visual Reinforcement (JPVR) technique on toothbrushing knowledge, practices, and clinical oral health parameters compared to conventional OHE and video demonstration among adolescents.

Material and methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial involved 195 adolescents aged 12-15 years randomly allocated to three groups: conventional OHE (control), video demonstration and JPVR. Interventions were administered, and assessments were carried out at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Prior to the start of the study, the oral hygiene aids used were standardized. Outcomes were measured using a self-designed, validated closed-ended questionnaire to assess the toothbrushing knowledge and practices. This was followed by clinical examination carried out using gingival and plaque indices by a blinded examiner.

Results: At baseline, groups had comparable knowledge, practices, and clinical parameters. At 3 months, the JPVR group demonstrated significantly higher knowledge, better practices, lower plaque, and reduced gingival scores compared to other groups.

Conclusions: The JPVR technique improved toothbrushing knowledge, practices, and clinical oral health parameters among adolescents. This approach fostered active learning and knowledge retention and is a cost-effective strategy for promoting positive oral health outcomes among children.

AI is revolutionizing medical diagnostics around the world, innovating in a variety of contexts, from leading US hospitals to facilities in developing countries. Below we present examples of AI implementations in medical diagnostics from different regions, taking into account the effectiveness and results of these solutions and forecasts for the development of this technology. Regarding the future of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics, the article considered potential innovations such as the development of deep learning algorithms and integration with 5G technologies and the Internet. Attention is paid to the possibilities of further personalization of healthcare and to the challenges related to the need to adapt legal regulations and data management. It also indicates the directions of future research that may contribute to the further development of AI in medical diagnostics and the improvement of the quality of healthcare not only in Poland, but around the world.

Background: Gram-negative Salmonella bacilli are one of the most common bacterial causes of gastrointestinal infections. Well-selected and targeted microbiological diagnostics enable the detection and identification of the etiological agent of infection, however, standardized, routine and recommended methods do not always allow for the identification of the biological agent in an unambiguous manner. Next-generation sequencing has become an ideal tool for identifying microorganisms and tracking infection transmission in outbreaks for epidemiological purposes.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the genomic relatedness of Salmonella Enteritidis strains using whole genome sequencing in the foodborne outbreak in August-September 2023 in the Silesian Voivodeship.

Material and methods: The research material consisted of 11 strains of S. Enteritidis for which whole genome sequencing was performed using Illumina technology and the relationship between serotypes was assessed using bioinformatics tools.

Results: The genomes of all S. Enteritidis isolates were assigned to HC2_53128, which may indicate a very close relationship between the strains.

Conclusions: Whole genome sequencing enabled the assessment of the genomic relatedness of S. Enteritidis strains in the foodborne outbreak in August-September 2023 in the Silesian Voivodeship.

Background: Mumps, also known as Sudden parotitis, is a viral disease whose main source of infection is the sick/infected person. It posed a serious public health threat in Poland before the introduction of mandatory vaccination. In 2003, Poland introduced the Immunization Program, which included a two-dose vaccination against mumps as part of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine for all children.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the epidemiological situation of mumps in Poland in 2022 compared to previous years, including an analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Material and methods: The analysis of the epidemiological situation of mumps in Poland in 2022 was based on the interpretation of data published in the annual bulletin: "Infectious Diseases and Poisonings in Poland in 2022" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2022".

Results: In 2022, 922 cases of mumps were registered in Poland. This was a 90.5% increase compared to 2021 when 484 cases were recorded. The total incidence was 2.4 per 100,000 residents, 84.6% higher than in 2021. The highest incidence of 3.4 per 100 000 residents was registered in the Mazowieckie voivodeship, and the lowest, as in the previous year, was 1.0/100 000 residents in the Dolnośląskie voivodeship. The highest incidence (12.9/100 000) was recorded in children aged 0-4 and 5-9 (16.1/100 000). The incidence in men (3.0/100 000) was higher than in women (1.9/100 000). In 2022, the number of hospitalizations for mumps in Poland was 20, an increase of 122.2% compared to 2021, when 9 people were hospitalized.

Conclusions: The year 2022 showed an overall upward trend in registered mumps cases. The decrease in the number of mumps cases in 2021 was a result of the ongoing pandemic. The restrictions implemented during the pandemic period contributed to a decrease in the number of cases of various droplet-transmitted diseases, including mumps. Still, the observed number of mumps cases in 2022 remains below levels observed during the pre-pandemic COVID-19 period (2019).

COVID-19 is severe respiratory and systemic disease with complex pathogenesis and many clinical symptoms, including symptoms from respiratory system, immunology system, cardio-vascular system, haematopoietic system and neurological system. Severe character of the disease is associated with occurrence of respiratory failure, septic shock, multiple organ dysfunctions syndrome, which can lead to patients death due to cardiac arrest. Knowledge about interactions between the virus and human proteins as well as knowledge of immunological mechanisms against infection is a key to identifying the area of virus activity and severity factors of COVID-19. Multiple variants of genes encoding proteins involved in host cell invasion by SARS-CoV-2 virus have been identified: ACE2 i TMPRSS2, TMPRSS11A (HGNC:27954), ELANE (HGNC:3309) oraz CTSL (HGNC:2537), IL-6 rs1800795 variant associated with an increased risk of COVID-19, variant rs35705950:G>T located in the promoter of the MUC5B gene (11p15.5), encoding a protein that plays a key role in maintaining the proper function of the bronchoalveolar epithelium, having a protective effect against the form of the disease requiring hospitalization of the patient, as well as GC rs2282679 gene variant in the vitamin D binding protein associated with a more severe course of COVID-19. 48 of these variants were proved to be directly specific for some populations. Novel techniques of genome analysis enabled the research of the impact of specific polymorphism variants on the severity of various diseases including, COVID-19. Genetic factors analysis can permit understanding of disease pathogenesis, which is a chance to find effective treatment and prevention methods. Collected data from literature indicate that, in the case of COVID-19 disease, there are genes polymorphisms which affect the severity course.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and poses a significant public health concern due to its link with various cancers. Despite widespread awareness of HPV, actual knowledge about the virus remains limited, which limits the effectiveness of preventive measures such as vaccination. This article reviews the literature to evaluate how HPV knowledge influences attitudes toward vaccination. Studies indicate that access to education and healthcare is crucial in bridging knowledge gaps about HPV. To improve awareness, vaccination rates, and screening participation, targeted educational interventions and public health strategies are essential. Furthermore, changes in the education and training of healthcare providers are necessary for the successful implementation of public health initiatives, boosting vaccination uptake and increasing the performance of screening tests.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics by offering new opportunities for accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility in healthcare. This article examines the benefits of implementing AI in diagnostics, such as enhanced diagnostic precision, faster clinical decision-making, cost reduction, and increased access to healthcare. It also discusses the challenges associated with AI implementation, including ethical, legal, and technical issues. The future of AI in medicine may bring further technological advancements and personalized therapy, but it also requires addressing regulatory and ethical concerns.