Przeglad epidemiologiczny最新文献

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma are one of the biggest health challenges of the modern world. Their management requires constant care and monitoring, which is a serious burden for healthcare systems. In the digital era, the development of telemedicine, health applications, and telemedicine platforms creates new opportunities in the treatment and monitoring of patients with chronic diseases. Telemedicine, including services such as remote consultations, telemonitoring, and remote rehabilitation, allows patients to access healthcare without having to physically visit the office. Mobile applications allow patients to monitor their health condition, receive medication reminders, or consult with doctors, which increases their involvement in the treatment process. The benefits of telemedicine include improving the availability of health services, especially in rural areas, and saving time and money. Remote monitoring of health parameters allows for a faster response in the event of a deterioration in the patient's condition, and integration with artificial intelligence technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) allows for even more accurate monitoring of health status. Health apps are particularly useful in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease, improving control over therapy, and self-management of health. The future of telemedicine, supported by the development of technology, promises further improvements in the care of patients with chronic diseases. The introduction of more individualized medical services based on real-time data can significantly improve the quality of care and reduce the costs of treatment, constituting a key element of the future of healthcare systems.

Background: Environmental perturbations such as tobacco use causes increased bacterial diversity in the subgingival microbiome. Despite the recognized impact of tobacco on oral health, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the specific characteristics of the subgingival microbiome among Indian tobacco users.

Objective: This study seeks to provide a comparative analysis of subgingival microbial profile of smokeless tobacco users and smokers with an otherwise healthy periodontal environment.

Material and methods: This cross-sectional study at a Tertiary Dental Hospital in India recruited 118 participants: 52 non-tobacco users (Group 1), 36 smokeless tobacco users (Group 2), and 30 smokers (Group 3). Subgingival samples were collected from mesial surfaces of teeth (16, 46) using sterile paper points and analysed via the streak plate method for bacterial profiling. Clinical examinations assessed oral hygiene, gingival, and periodontal health using indices: Bleeding on Probing (BoP), Pocket Depth (PD), and Approximate Plaque Index (API). Categorical variables were analysed using the Chi-square test, and odds ratios were calculated.

Results: Gender distribution was 76.3% male and 23.7% female (p < 0.05). Group 2 had a significantly higher prevalence of gram-positive cocci (100%) and gram-negative coccobacilli (94.4%) compared to Group 1, with a 12.4 times increased risk for gram-negative coccobacilli (p < 0.05). Group 2 also showed a higher occurrence of Aggregatibacter (88.9%) and a 3.5 times increased risk (p < 0.05). Group 3 exhibited significantly more gram-positive cocci and gram-negative coccobacilli than Group 1, with 3.8 times and 4.7 times increased risks, respectively (p < 0.05). Rothia species were significantly more common in smokers (13.3%) than non-tobacco users (0%) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Despite the absence of periodontal disease, the elevated presence of Aggregatibacter, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Rothia species indicates a shift towards increased bacterial diversity and a higher risk of future periodontitis.

Background: Campylobacteriosis, caused mainly by C. jejuni and C. coli, is one of the most common intestinal infections worldwide. In Poland, the disease is monitored and reported to the surveillance system. Symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhoea (sometimes with blood), abdominal pain and fever. The main reservoir is animals, especially poultry, and human infection usually occurs through contaminated food or water.

Objective: The aim was to assess the epidemiological situation of campylobacteriosis in Poland in 2020-2022 in comparison to previous years.

Material and methods: Epidemiological interview data and outbreak data were used for the analysis. Incidence was calculated using demographic data from the Statistics Poland. Data on deaths due to campylobacteriosis were obtained from the Statistics Poland and EpiBaza.

Results: In Poland, 418 cases of campylobacteriosis were reported in 2020, 630 in 2021 and 524 in 2022 (vs. 715 in 2019). The incidence was 1.09/100.000 population in 2020, 1.66-2021 and 1.39-2022. The highest incidence was recorded in the Warminsko-Mazurskie, Zachodniopomorskie and Lubuskie voivodeships. Most cases were detected in the age group: 0-4. Campylobacteriosis was more frequent in males. The most common symptom was diarrhoea, which occurred in 86-92% of cases in each year. In 2020, 76.6% of patients were hospitalised, in 2021-77.9% and in 2022-82.6%.

Conclusions: The downward trend in the number and incidence of campylobacteriosis, which started in 2018, continues in 2020-2022. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the number of cases only in 2020. The arrival of refugees from Ukraine in 2022 did not affect the number of registered cases of campylobacteriosis in the country. The biggest problem is the lack of routine testing for Campylobacter infection in diarrhoeal cases and the fact that diagnosis is only made in hospitalized patients. More realistic is the situation of this disease in a small number of counties in Poland, especially in Śląskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie voivodeships.

The case describes a 10-year-old female patient admitted to the Developmental Neurology Clinic due to gait disturbances and lower limb muscle weakness of sudden onset. Neurological examination revealed features of pyramidal syndrome, including hyperreflexia in the lower limbs, spastic paraparesis, and a left-sided Babinski sign. Magnetic resonance imaging findings indicated a pathological fracture of the thoracic 6 vertebral body and a solid pathological lesion at the T5, T6, T7 level. Chest computed tomography identified pathological lymph nodes in the mediastinum. Differential diagnosis for Pott's disease and malignancy was recommended. Histopathological biopsy of the pathological mediastinal lymph nodes ruled out neoplastic changes. Due to suspected tuberculosis infection, a QuantiFERON-TB test was performed, which returned positive. Based on the overall clinical presentation, imaging, laboratory, and microbiological findings the patient was diagnosed with tuberculosis and started on pharmacological treatment. Neurosurgical consultation led to the decision to proceed with surgical stabilization of the vertebrae.

Background: In Poland, meningitis and/or encephalitis, regardless of etiology, are subject to routine epidemiological surveillance. This paper presents an analysis of meningitis and/or encephalitis in 2023, caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and tick-borne encephalitis virus.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of meningitis and encephalitis in Poland in 2023 taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Material and methods: To evaluate the epidemiological situation of neuroinfections in Poland, data sent to NIPH NIH-NRI by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations and published in the annual bulletin: "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2023" and "Vaccinations in Poland in 2023" as well as individual epidemiological reports registered in the EpiBaza system.

Results: In 2023, there were 2754 cases of meningitis and/or encephalitis, an increase of 57.6% compared to 2022 (1748 cases) and 22.5% against 2019 (2249 cases). Incidences of bacterial etiology, including neuroborreliosis, increased by 39.7% (from 848 in 2022 to 1185 in 2023, incidence: 2.24 to 3.14 per 100,000). The incidence for N. meningitidis increased by 17.6(from 0.17 to 0.20), for H. influenzae by 125% (from 0.04 to 0.09), and for S. pneumoniae by 30.9% (from 0.55 to 0.72). Viral infections accounted for 57% of the total, and their number increased by 74.3% (from 900 in 2022 to 1,569 in 2023). The highest number of viral infections was for tick-borne encephalitis, with 661 cases (up 48.2%).

Conclusions: 2023 showed an overall upward trend in the number of registered cases of meningitis and/or encephalitis of bacterial and viral etiology compared to 2022. The number of cases was 22.5% higher than in 2019, the period before the COVID-19 pandemic. These results indicate significant changes in the epidemiological situation, which may be due to improved diagnosis, a change in epidemiological trends and a higher number of reported cases. The observed increase underscores the need for further monitoring and implementation of effective preventive measures to reduce future cases.

Bioterrorism is the phenomenon of the unlawful and intentional use of biological agents, such as pathogenic microorganisms or toxins, to cause health, economic and social harm. This paper discusses the basics of the CDC's classification of potential agents used in bioterrorism with a focus on the description of the most dangerous Category A pathogens. This includes their general characteristics, potential for use as biological weapons, and the most current forms of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases caused by them. The paper highlights the role of international organisations, such as the UN and Interpol, in monitoring and countering bioterrorism threats. The paper also includes information about bioterrorist attacks in recent years and possible potential threats in the future. A narrative review of scientific literature, government reports and data from international agencies was conducted. The results highlight the need for continuous monitoring of bioterrorist threats, the development of effective response schemes and investment in protective measures. Despite its rarity, bioterrorism has a high potential effectiveness in causing social panic and economic destabilisation, making it one of the most serious challenges facing the world today.

Background: In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decrease in the number of detected syphilis cases in Poland, but in the following years a more than two-fold increase in new infections was observed.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of syphilis cases in Poland in 2021-2022 in comparison to previous years.

Material and methods: Analysis of the epidemiological situation was based on case-based data from reports of newly detected syphilis cases recognized in 2021-2022 years and received from doctors and laboratories. Additionally aggregated data from MZ-56 reports on infectious diseases, infections and poisoning from 2016 to 2019 sent from Sanitary Inspections to NIPH NIH - NRI was used. Also, data about treatment patients in dermatology/venerology clinics in 2016-2022 reported on MZ-14 forms and published in statistics bulletin on NIPH NIH - NRI website.

Results: In 2021 in Poland 1,403 newly diagnosed syphilis cases were reported (diagnosis rate was 3.67 per 100,000), including 31 cases among non-Polish citizens. However in 2022, 44.8% more cases were diagnosed, i.e. 2,032 cases (diagnosis rate 5.38 per 100,000 inhabitants), including 75 infections of citizenship other than Polish. Between 2021-2022, the most often syphilis cases were detected among people below 40 year old (74.2%) and among men (88.4%).

Conclusions: In 2020, the number of reported a newly detected syphilis cases decreased more than by half compared to the previous year, what is probably connected with COVID-19 pandemic and action taken to limited this. However, the increase in infections observed since 2021 confirms changes in the frequency of syphilis detection in Poland observed even before the pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant threat to people's lives. Detection of adherence to preventive behaviors and risks perceived by people is essential for infection control. Medical students are future healthcare providers.

Objective: This study explored adherence to preventive behaviors and risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran's medical students.

Material and methods: In this cross-sectional study, Iranian medical students participated whose preventive behaviors and risk perceptions of COVID-19 were assessed by an online tool. Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with a beta-regression family was used for mediation analysis.

Results: A total of 654 medical students participated. The mean risk perception of COVID-19 on a 1 to 7 range scale was 3.53±1.7 for themselves and 3.66±1.7 for their family members. The risk perception for disease severity was 2.9±1.5. According to SEM, male sex, COVID-19 history, and living with parents were predictors of adherence directly and through the mediator pathway of risk perception (P <0.1). Briefly, the male sex reduced adherence directly and through risk perception reduction. The history of COVID-19 directly reduced adherence, but through the mediation pathway of risk perception, it increased adherence. However, the total effect was in favor of adherence reduction. Living with parents directly increased adherence but reduced adherence through the mediation pathway of risk perception. However, the total effect was in favor of adherence increase.

Conclusions: Although conventionl statistical analaysis did not support the association of risk perception and adherence, the generalized SEM showed risk perception as a potential mediator with a small effect. The present study showed the roles of sex, COVID-19 history, and living with parents as the factors affecting risk perception and preventive behaviors on the basis of SEM results. Among the results, living with parrants was a modifiable factor to increase the adherence.

Introduction: Climate change has a significant impact on human health, particularly with regard to the respiratory, immune and cardiovascular systems. In addition, these changes have a significant impact on mental health and dermatological diseases. The main drivers of these health changes are increasing temperature, humidity, expansion of the ozone hole and increasing environmental pollution. Without corrective action, these trends will worsen.

Purpose of the work: The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on the impact of climate change on the development of skin diseases in humans and to explore possible methods of their prevention.

Materials and methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted and an analysis of the literature retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed. Articles were searched using the keywords: "climate change", "environmental pollution", "UV radiation", "skin diseases".

Conclusions: Climate change is associated with a significant increase in the incidence of various skin diseases, especially cancer, allergic diseases, infectious diseases and reactions after insect bites. The main cause of these changes is global warming, but increased pollution and the expansion of the "ozone hole" are also significant contributors to the increase in the number of diseases. Increased awareness of these trends enables faster diagnosis and treatment of lesions, as well as more effective prevention of new diseases.

Background: In 2022, gonorrhoea cases in EU/EEA countries returned to the pre-pandemic upward trend, reaching a new peak. During the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, in February 2022, Russia's invasion of Ukraine led to mass migration.

Objective: This paper aims to summarize the epidemiological situation of gonorrhoea in Poland in 2022, a year characterized by dual crises.

Material and methods: Epidemiological surveillance case-based data on gonorrhoea for 2022, incidence rates from bulletins (years 2013-2022), and the number of patients treated in dermatology-venereology clinics from the Statistical Bulletins of the MoH were compared with data from previous years.

Results: In 2022, Poland experienced a rise in gonorrhoea cases, with 630 reported, a 20.7% increase from the pre-pandemic peak in 2019. The incidence rate was 3.22 per 100,000 men and 0.21 per 100,000 women, with significant regional variation (0.08-4.66/100,000). Over 20% of cases reported in 2022 were diagnosed in 2020-2021. Most patients were Polish (91%), and none of the cases involved refugees fleeing the Ukraine conflict. The median time from diagnosis to reporting was 11 days, with 75% of cases reported within 4 weeks. Most cases involved men (93.3%) and were most common in the 25-34 age group (42.9%). N. gonorrhoeae frequently affected the genitourinary tract (79.7%), followed by the rectum (10.1%) and the pharynx (9.9%). Two cases of ocular infections involved adults. Nearly half of the diagnoses in 2022 were made by dermato-venerologists (46%).

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in reporting cases of gonorrhoea. The war in Ukraine didn't impact the increase in 2022, suggesting that the actual number of infections among refugees remained undetected. Strengthening surveillance and local coordination is crucial to address these and future challenges. Healthcare workers (include surveillance) must provide complete and up-to-date epidemiological data for effective prevention. Public health measures should improved access to diagnostics, treatment, and post-exposure prophylaxis.