Browsing by Author "Vanderkooi, Otto G."

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    Diagnostic Interpretation Guidance for Pediatric Enteric Pathogens: A Modified Delphi Consensus Process
    (2018-09-27) Stang, Antonia S.; Trudeau, Melanie; Vanderkooi, Otto G.; Lee, Bonita E.; Chui, Linda; Pang, Xiao-Li; Allen, Vanessa; Burnham, Carey-Ann D.; Goldfarb, David M.; MacDonald, Judy; Parsons, Brendon; Petrich, Astrid; Pollari, Frank; Tarr, Phillip I.; Tipples, Graham; Zhuo, Ran; Freedman, Stephen B.
    Background. We sought to develop diagnostic test guidance definitions for pediatric enteric infections to facilitate the interpretation of positive test results in the era of multianalyte molecular diagnostic test platforms. Methods. We employed a systematic, two-phase, modified Delphi consensus process consisting of three web-based surveys and an expert panel face-to-face meeting. In phase 1, we surveyed an advisory panel of North American experts to select pathogens requiring diagnostic test guidance definition development. In phase 2, we convened a 14-member expert panel to develop, refine, and select the final definitions through two web-based questionnaires interspersed with a face-to-face meeting. Both questionnaires asked panelists to rate the degree to which they agreed that if the definition is met the pathogen is likely to be causative of clinical illness. Results. The advisory panel survey identified 19 pathogens requiring definitions. In the expert panel premeeting survey, 13 of the 19 definitions evaluated were rated as being highly likely (“agree” or “strongly agree”) to be responsible for acute gastroenteritis symptoms by ≥67% of respondent panel members. The definitions for the remaining six pathogens (Aeromonas, Clostridium difficile, Edwardsiella, nonenteric adenovirus, astrovirus, and Entamoeba histolytica) were indeterminate. After the expert panel meeting, only two of the modified definitions, C. difficile and E. histolytica/dispar, failed to achieve the a priori specified threshold of ≥67% agreement. Conclusions. We developed diagnostic test guidance definitions to assist healthcare providers for 17 enteric pathogens. We identified two pathogens that require further research and definition development.
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    Physician Perspectives on Vaccination and Diagnostic Testing in Children with Gastroenteritis: A Primary Care Physician Survey
    (Oxford Academic, 2017-06-17) Sperou, Arissa; Dickinson, James A.; Lee, Bonita; Louie, Marie; Pang, Xiao-Li; Chui, Linda; Vanderkooi, Otto G.; Freedman, Stephen
    Objectives: Gastroenteritis remains a common paediatric illness. Little is known about physician knowledge of enteric pathogen diagnostic tests. At the time of study conduct, Alberta lacked a publicly funded rotavirus vaccination program and knowledge of primary care physician perspectives was lacking. We sought to ascertain diagnostic testing methods and to understand knowledge and perceptions regarding enteric pathogen vaccination. Methods: A 30-item electronic survey was distributed across Alberta’s five health care zones. The survey was developed by virology, microbiology, paediatrics, family medicine and public health experts. Participants were members of Alberta’s Primary Care Networks, the TARRANT network and The Society of General Pediatricians of Greater Edmonton. Study outcomes included: (1) physician knowledge of available diagnostic tests, (2) perspectives regarding stool sample collection and (3) support for an enteric vaccine program. Results: Stool culture was reported as the test to identify parasites (47%), viruses (74%) and Clostridium difficile (67%). Although electron microscopy and enzyme immunoassay were used to identify viruses in Alberta during the study period, only 20% and 48% of respondents respectively identified them as tests employed for such purposes. Stool testing was viewed as being inconvenient (62%; 55/89), whereas rectal swabs were thought to have the potential to significantly improve specimen collection rates (82%; 72/88). Seventy-three per cent (66/90) of the respondent physicians support the adoption of future enteric pathogen vaccines. Conclusions: Simplification of diagnostic testing and stool sample collection could contribute to improved pathogen identification rates. Implementation of an enteric vaccine into the routine paediatric vaccination schedule is supported by the majority of respondents.