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Vaccine Serotypes Continue to Cause Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in the Late PCV Era Especially in Unhoused Adults
(Canadian Public Health Association, 2024-11-26) Leah J Ricketson; Shannon N Pyra; James D Kellner
Vaccine serotypes continue to cause invasive pneumococcal disease in the post-PCV era especially in unhoused adults
Introduction: PCV7 vaccine was introduced in 2002 to Calgary, and PCV13 was introduced in 2010 in Calgary. Unhoused people account for about 0.2% of the population of Calgary, but 19% of IPD cases from 2000 to 2016.
Methods: The Calgary area Streptococcus pneumoniae research (CASPER) team has been conductin population based surveillance on invasive pneumococcal disease in Calgary, Alberta since 1998. When S. pneumoniae is isolated by culture from a sterile sample, the CASPER team completes a chart review. In addition, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and serotyping through the Quellung reaction are completed by the collaborating laboratory.
Results: Following PCV7 introduction we saw a decline in serotype 4 (ST4). However, after PCV13 was introduced in 2010, ST4 began to increase in prevalence again, primarily in adults. From 2020-2022 unhoused adults accounted for over 30% of all IPD cases despite representing a small proportion of the Calgary population. ST4 represented 42% of IPD cases amongst the unhoused population in 2022, and has been a prevalent serotype in unhoused adults since 2014. The second most prevalent were ST3, ST7F, and ST19A, each accounting for 10% of cases in unhoused adults in 2022. All of these serotypes are included in PCV13 and the newly licenced PCV15 and PCV20. However, ST9V and ST4 are not included in the novel unlicenced V116 vaccine, which includes 9 serotypes that are in PCV20 and 11 unique serotypes.
Conclusions: Serotypes 4, 3, 7F and 9V are the most prevalent serotypes causing disease in Calgary in 2022/2023 in adults despite high levels of vaccination in children. The newly licenced PCV15 and PCV20 vaccines include all these serotypes, but the novel 21-valent V116 vaccine does not. Over 30% of IPD in the last three years was amongst unhoused or provisionally housed people highlighting the importance of reaching this population with vaccines.
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) in the Late Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Calgary, Canada: 2022-2023
(Canadian Public Health Association, 2024-11-26) Leah J Ricketson; Shannon N Pyra; James D Kellner
Invasive pneumococcal disease in the later years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Calgary, Canada: 2022-2023 Ricketson, LJ, Kellner, JD
Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines were introduced in 2002 (PCV7) and 2010 (PCV13) in Alberta. IPD declined during the COVID-19 pandemic in Calgary then increased following reduction of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Methods: The Calgary area Streptococcus pneumoniae Epidemiology Research (CASPER) team conducts population-based surveillance on all IPD cases presenting to Calgary and area health facilities. Here we examine the changes in incidence per 3-month periods (quarters) during the early pandemic years 2020-2021 and the late-pandemic years 2022-2023 for all ages combined. Results: Late 2022 incidence increased to above pre-PCV levels. January to June 2023 had an average incidence of 4 cases per 100,000 people per quarter, which is above the average incidence of 2.5 in the same two quarters of the late-PCV13 years: 2017-2019 (IRR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.0-2.2, P=0.0382). By Oct-Dec 2023 incidence remained above late PCV13-era levels (IRR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.02-2.1, P=0.0317). In 2023, PCV serotypes 4 (18.9%), 9V (12.3%), 7F (9.9%), and 3 (9.9%) were most common. The rise of ST9V is notable as this was a relatively uncommon serotype in Calgary after the introduction of PCVs. Childhood vaccine rates in Calgary declined slightly, but not significantly during the COVID-19 era. Conclusions: With the reduction of NPIs, IPD increased in 2022 to above levels seen in the late-PCV era and this continued into 2023. By the end of 2023 IPD incidence remained above late vaccine-era levels. This is likely associated with increases in antecedent viral infections, particularly influenza and RSV, as childhood vaccine rates remained stable. The most common serotypes in 2023 are serotypes found in PCV13, as well as the new PCV15 and PCV20 vaccines. PCV13 serotypes persist, especially in adults and some are on the rise despite universal PCV13 use in children. This highlights the need for more effective direct protection for adults through vaccination.
A reassessment of protoceratid vertebrarterial canal morphology
(Taylor and Francis, 2022-08-31) Robson, Selina Viktor; Theodor, Jessica M.
The Protoceratidae are a family of extinct artiodactyls that have been variably allied with camelids and ruminants. One of the few synapomorphies uniting protoceratids and camelids is their unusual vertebrarterial canal morphology; the canal passes through the cervical vertebrae at an oblique angle rather than through the bases of the transverse processes. This unusual morphology has been upheld as a key piece of evidence for a close relationship between the two families. Upon reviewing the literature and examining specimens of three protoceratid genera, we have determined that protoceratids do not share a vertebrarterial canal morphology with camelids. Indeed, the vertebrarterial canal of protoceratids passes through the bases of the transverse processes, the condition found in most artiodactyls. This eliminates the only synapomorphy uniting protoceratids and camelids and leaves the phylogenetic position of protoceratids ambiguous.
Development of a Misinformation Instructional Toolkit
(STEM Librarians' Collaborative, 2024-11-21) Ganshorn, Heather; Wheeler, Justine
The ability to analyze information and arguments for credibility is one of the hallmarks of critical thinking. However, the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation on social media has raised concerns among educators regarding students’ ability to assess the credibility and accuracy of this information. This open educational toolkit, created by University of Calgary librarians, supports faculty in engaging students to develop skills to critically appraise the credibility of information disseminated on social media and other information platforms, and more broadly to understand misinformation and disinformation within a broader social context, in particular the deliberate use of disinformation tactics to influence public perception on a variety of topics. The toolkit also focuses on individuals as information actors, and encourages students to adopt critical thinking skills and behaviors when interpreting and sharing information. The toolkit design was informed by an extensive research process involving focus groups, a literature review, classroom piloting, and stakeholder feedback, and includes instructional resources and examples to support teaching curricula across disciplines.
Exploring Public Expectations of Care and Communication in Intensive Care Units: A Cross-sectional Web-based Survey
(2024-11-18) Trotter, Bethany Therese; King-Shier, Kathryn; Cuthbert, Colleen; Banner- Lukaris, Davina
Background Explaining critical illnesses to family members or support persons of patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a sensitive and challenging duty for healthcare providers (HCPs). Current literature indicates that families often report insufficient and inadequate communication from critical care staff, leading to stress, anxiety, and sometimes even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Inaccurate media portrayals of ICU care and healthcare further contribute to unrealistic expectations, resulting in a mismatch between family expectations and the reality of care in ICUs. Objective This study aimed to identify and understand the public’s expectations of ICU care and communication if they were a family member or support person of an ICU patient. Methods A 36-question online survey of the Canadian public (n=489) was conducted to explore their expectations should they have a family member admitted to an ICU. The currently used and validated Family Satisfaction in the ICU (FSICUR-24) tool was used as a basis for the survey in this study, with the questions amended to be public facing. Participants were recruited through social media. The inclusion criteria required participants to be Canadian citizens or residents, over 18 years old, and could not have had any previous exposure or experience in ICUs. Results Participants expressed high expectations for substantial emotional support, frequent and clear communication from all specialties of HCPs, compassionate care, and a supportive physical environment. Recommendations for practice based on these findings include improving family conversations by managing expectations, expanding ICU HCP education, and procuring organizational support. Conclusions The public holds high expectations of ICU care, particularly regarding communication and support. Understanding these expectations can help improve families’ experiences, foster better communication, and improve patient and family-centred care in ICUs.