ABSTRACT
We reviewed all of the paper records on all of the animals treated at the military veterinary clinics on mainland Japan from 2000 to 2010 and present a review of the parasites and pathogens of zoonotic potential. Over 16,764 veterinary visits from more than 5,400 animals were recorded. Zoonotic protozoa were detected in both military working dogs and pets. Parasitic helminthes included numerous nematodes and tapeworms. We discuss the limitations of veterinary records and the relevance of zoonotic disease reporting for public health.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Helminthiasis, Animal/epidemiology , Protozoan Infections, Animal/epidemiology , Animals , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Cats , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dogs , Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology , Helminths/isolation & purification , Helminths/physiology , Hospitals, Animal , Humans , Incidence , Japan/epidemiology , Protozoan Infections, Animal/parasitology , United States , Veterinary Service, Military , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/etiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) contribute significantly to patient morbidity and mortality and exhaust health care system resources. The main objectives of the study were to describe the incidence rates of SSIs among patients undergoing urologic or cardiothoracic surgeries, the associated risk factors, and the common causative etiologies found at Alexandria University Hospital in Egypt. METHODS: A prospective active surveillance study for patients undergoing urologic and cardiothoracic surgeries was implemented from July 2009 to December 2010. Patients were inspected daily for developing SSIs and with a 30-day postoperative follow-up. Wound swabs were obtained from patients who had clinical signs suggestive of infection. Swabs were cultured for bacterial identification and tested for antimicrobial sensitivity. Standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Health Safety Network case definitions were used. RESULTS: SSIs occurred in 187 (17%) of patients with complete follow-up (n = 1,062), of which 106 (57%) occurred in-hospital and 81 (43%) occurred after discharge. Higher SSI rates were observed in cardiothoracic surgeries (23.3%), compared with urologic surgeries (9%) (P < .001). A stepwise logistic model identified an increased risk of SSI for those who underwent cardiothoracic surgeries (odds ratio [OR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-11.1), those aged >45 years (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.35-4.01), increased duration of hospital stay before (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05) and after (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.09) surgery, antibiotics ≤24 hours before surgery (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.63-3.94), and dirty wounds (OR, 4.09; 95% CI, 1.60-10.43). CONCLUSIONS: Measures to reduce the high rates of SSI need to be instituted through a multidisciplinary effort including infection control education and specific SSI prevention activities at Alexandria University Hospital.
