Southwestern United States
Coccidioidomycosis
Arizona
New Mexico
Hantavirus Infections
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Hantavirus
Peromyscus
Desert Climate
Indians, North American
Sigmodontinae
Mexico
Disease Reservoirs
Hispanic Americans
Climatic and environmental patterns associated with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Four Corners region, United States. (1/297)
To investigate climatic, spatial, temporal, and environmental patterns associated with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) cases in the Four Corners region, we collected exposure site data for HPS cases that occurred in 1993 to 1995. Cases clustered seasonally and temporally by biome type and geographic location, and exposure sites were most often found in pinyon-juniper woodlands, grasslands, and Great Basin desert scrub lands, at elevations of 1,800 m to 2,500 m. Environmental factors (e.g., the dramatic increase in precipitation associated with the 1992 to 1993 El Nino) may indirectly increase the risk for Sin Nombre virus exposure and therefore may be of value in designing disease prevention campaigns. (+info)Long-term studies of hantavirus reservoir populations in the southwestern United States: rationale, potential, and methods. (2/297)
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne zoonotic agents that cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Asia and Europe and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in North and South America. The epidemiology of human diseases caused by these viruses is tied to the ecology of the rodent hosts, and effective control and prevention relies on a through understanding of host ecology. After the 1993 HPS outbreak in the southwestern United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiated long-term studies of the temporal dynamics of hantavirus infection in host populations. These studies, which used mark-recapture techniques on 24 trapping webs at nine sites in the southwestern United States, were designed to monitor changes in reservoir population densities and in the prevalence and incidence of infection; quantify environmental factors associated with these changes; and when linked to surveillance databases for HPS, lead to predictive models of human risk to be used in the design and implementation of control and prevention measures for human hantavirus disease. (+info)Long-term studies of hantavirus reservoir populations in the southwestern United States: a synthesis. (3/297)
A series of intensive, longitudinal, mark-recapture studies of hantavirus infection dynamics in reservoir populations in the southwestern United States indicates consistent patterns as well as important differences among sites and host-virus associations. All studies found a higher prevalence of infection in older (particularly male) mice; one study associated wounds with seropositivity. These findings are consistent with horizontal transmission and transmission through fighting between adult male rodents. Despite very low rodent densities at some sites, low-level hantavirus infection continued, perhaps because of persistent infection in a few long-lived rodents or periodic reintroduction of virus from neighboring populations. Prevalence of hantavirus antibody showed seasonal and multiyear patterns that suggested a delayed density-dependent relationship between prevalence and population density. Clear differences in population dynamics and patterns of infection among sites, sampling periods, and host species underscore the importance of replication and continuity of long-term reservoir studies. Nevertheless, the measurable associations between environmental variables, reservoir population density, rates of virus transmission, and prevalence of infection in host populations may improve our capacity to model processes influencing infection and predict increased risk for hantavirus transmission to humans. (+info)The prevalence and health burden of self-reported diabetes in older Mexican Americans: findings from the Hispanic established populations for epidemiologic studies of the elderly. (4/297)
OBJECTIVES: The prevalence and health burden of self-reported adult-onset diabetes mellitus were examined in older Mexican Americans. METHODS: Data from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly were used to assess the prevalence of self-reported diabetes and its association with other chronic conditions, disability, sensory impairments, health behaviors, and health service use in 3050 community-dwelling Mexican Americans 65 years and older. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported diabetes in this sample was 22%, and there were high rates of obesity, diabetes-related complications, and diabetic medication use. Myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension, angina, and cancer were significantly more common in diabetics than in nondiabetics, as were high levels of depressive symptoms, low perceived health status, disability, incontinence, vision impairment, and health service use. Many of the rate differences found in this sample of older Mexican Americans were higher than those reported among other groups of older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the prevalence and health burden of diabetes are greater in older Mexican Americans than in older non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans, particularly among elderly men. (+info)Evaluation of malaria surveillance using retrospective, laboratory-based active case detection in four southwestern states, 1995. (5/297)
The global resurgence of malaria has raised concerns of the possible reintroduction of indigenous transmission in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Malaria Surveillance System, using data supplied by state and local health departments (SLHDs), is maintained to detect local malaria transmission and monitor trends in imported cases. To determine the completeness of reporting of malaria cases to SLHDs, cases identified by local surveillance systems were compared with those identified through active case detection conducted at all laboratories that receive clinical specimens from 11 metropolitan areas in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Of the 61 malaria cases identified through either local surveillance or active case detection, 43 (70%) were identified by SLHDs (range by metropolitan area = 50-100%) and 56 (92%) through active case detection. High percentages of cases were identified by SLHDs in New Mexico (80%) and San Diego County (88%), where laboratories are required to send positive blood smears to the SLHD laboratory for confirmation. Completeness of reporting, calculated using the Lincoln-Peterson Capture-Recapture technique, was 69% for SLHD surveillance systems and 89% for laboratory-based active case detection. The high percentage of cases identified by the 11 SLHDs suggests that the National Malaria Surveillance System provides trends that accurately reflect the epidemiology of malaria in the United States. Case identification may be improved by promoting confirmatory testing in SLHD laboratories and incorporating laboratory-based reporting into local surveillance systems. (+info)The effectiveness of an abuse assessment protocol in public health prenatal clinics. (6/297)
OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated whether incorporation of an abuse assessment protocol into the routine procedures of the prenatal clinics of a large urban public health department led to increased referral for and assessment, identification, and documentation of abuse. METHODS: Evaluation was conducted at 3 matched prenatal clinics serving a total of 12,000 maternity patients per year. Two clinics used the abuse protocol and 1 did not. An audit was performed at the clinics on a randomly selected sample of 540 maternity patient charts for the 15 months before the protocol was initiated and of 540 records for the 15 months after the protocol was introduced. Ninety-six percent of the patients represented in the sample were Latina. RESULTS: At the clinics using the protocol, abuse assessment increased from 0 to 88%. Detection of abuse increased from 0.8% to 7%. There were no changes at the comparison clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of an abuse assessment protocol into the routine procedures of public health department prenatal clinics increases the assessment, identification, and documentation of and referral for abuse among pregnant women. An abuse protocol should be a routine part of maternity care. (+info)Establishing a captive broodstock for the endangered bonytail chub (Gila elegans). (7/297)
It is crucial for endangered species to retain as much genetic variation as possible to enhance recovery. Bonytail chub (Gila elegans) is one the most imperiled freshwater fish species, persisting as a declining population of large and old individuals primarily in Lake Mohave on the lower Colorado River. Establishment of a new captive broodstock from the 1981 F1 progeny of at most 10 wild fish plus any newly captured wild fish is evaluated and reviewed. The effective number of founders contributing to the 1981 F1 progeny appears quite small, varying from approximately 3.5, based on F1 allozyme data and supported by mtDNA data, to approximately 8.5, based on the original production records. Using a sample of these progeny to initiate a new broodstock further reduces the effective number of founders. With even the most optimistic evaluation of the amount of genetic variation in F1 progeny, it is obvious that including wild fish in the broodstock is essential to increase the amount of genetic variation. The approach given here could be applied to retain genetic variation in other endangered species in a captive broodstock until they have stable natural populations of adequate size. (+info)Segregation analysis of diabetic nephropathy in Pima Indians. (8/297)
Familial aggregation of diabetic nephropathy suggests the existence of genes determining susceptibility to nephropathy in addition to those leading to diabetes. In the present study, complex segregation analysis was performed in diabetic members of Pima Indian families to determine whether familial aggregation of nephropathy in this population could reflect the action of a single major gene. Nephropathy, defined by a urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR) > or = 500 mg/g, was analyzed as a discrete trait in a class C regressive logistic model. Individuals with PCR <500 mg/g were considered unaffected. Segregation analysis was performed both for nephropathy at the last examination (prevalent cases) and for duration of diabetes at the onset of nephropathy (incident cases). The REGD program was used for the analysis of the prevalent cases and the REGTL program for the incident cases, both from the Statistical Analysis for Genetic Epidemiology package (Case Western University, Cleveland, OH). The analysis of prevalent cases included 2,107 Pima Indians from 715 nuclear families. A subset of 504 of these families containing 1,403 individuals was used in the analysis of incident cases. Analysis of prevalent cases supported the existence of a gene with a major role, in that hypotheses of no major effect and of no transmission of a major effect were rejected (P = 0.00001; P = 0.003), whereas Mendelian transmission was not rejected (P = 0.85). A dominant model provided the best fit, but a recessive model could not be rejected. The analysis of incident cases, however, did not support a major gene effect on duration of diabetes at the onset of nephropathy, and analyses of lifetime occurrence of nephropathy were inconclusive. The analysis of prevalent cases supports the hypothesis of a major genetic effect on susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy in Pima Indians, but the analysis of incident cases does not support a genetic effect on duration of diabetes at the onset of nephropathy. The discrepancy may reflect the difficulty in precisely dating onset of nephropathy. The parameters of the model derived from segregation analysis of prevalent cases may be useful in linkage studies to detect nephropathy susceptibility loci. (+info)I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Southwestern United States" is not a term that has a medical definition. It generally refers to a geographic region in the western part of the United States, consisting of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, as well as portions of California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. If you're looking for medical information, I'd be happy to help if you could provide more context or specify a medical topic.
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the inhalation of spores of the Coccidioides species, mainly C. immitis and C. posadasii. These fungi are commonly found in the soil of dry regions such as the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.
The infection often begins when a person inhales the microscopic spores, which can lead to respiratory symptoms resembling a common cold or pneumonia. Some people may develop more severe symptoms, especially those with weakened immune systems. The infection can disseminate to other parts of the body, causing skin lesions, bone and joint inflammation, meningitis, or other complications in rare cases.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests such as fungal cultures, histopathological examination, or serological tests to detect antibodies against Coccidioides antigens. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the patient's immune status. Antifungal medications like fluconazole, itraconazole, or amphotericin B are commonly used for treating coccidioidomycosis. Preventive measures include avoiding inhaling dust in endemic areas, especially during excavation or construction activities.
I believe you are looking for a medical condition or term related to the state of Arizona. However, there is no specific medical condition or term named "Arizona." If you're looking for medical conditions or healthcare-related information specific to Arizona, I could provide some general statistics or facts about healthcare in Arizona. Please clarify if this is not what you were looking for.
Arizona has a diverse population and unique healthcare needs. Here are some key points related to healthcare in Arizona:
1. Chronic diseases: Arizona experiences high rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to various health complications if not managed properly.
2. Mental health: Access to mental health services is a concern in Arizona, with a significant portion of the population living in areas with mental health professional shortages.
3. Rural healthcare: Rural communities in Arizona often face challenges accessing quality healthcare due to provider shortages and longer travel distances to medical facilities.
4. COVID-19 pandemic: Like other states, Arizona has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has strained healthcare resources and highlighted existing health disparities among various populations.
5. Indigenous communities: Arizona is home to several indigenous communities, including the Navajo Nation, which faces significant health challenges, such as higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and COVID-19 infections compared to the general population.
If you were looking for information on a specific medical condition or term related to Arizona, please provide more context so I can give a more accurate response.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "New Mexico" is not a medical term or concept. It is a geographical location, specifically a state in the southwestern United States. If you have any questions about medical terms or concepts, I would be happy to try and help answer those for you!
'Coccidioides' is a genus of fungi that are commonly found in the soil in certain geographical areas, including the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America. The two species of this genus, C. immitis and C. posadasii, can cause a serious infection known as coccidioidomycosis (also called Valley Fever) in humans and animals who inhale the spores of the fungi.
The infection typically begins in the lungs and can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe and potentially life-threatening complications. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy, are at higher risk for developing severe coccidioidomycosis.
Hantavirus infections are a group of viral diseases caused by rodent-borne hantaviruses. These viruses are primarily transmitted to humans through the inhalation of aerosolized urine, droppings, or saliva from infected rodents, particularly the deer mouse, white-tailed mouse, and rice rat in North America.
There are several different types of hantavirus infections, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). HPS is more common in the Americas, while HFRS is more prevalent in Europe and Asia.
Symptoms of hantavirus infections can vary depending on the specific type of infection but may include fever, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and coughing. In severe cases, hantavirus infections can lead to respiratory failure, shock, and even death.
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with rodents, sealing entry points to prevent their entry into homes or buildings, and using appropriate personal protective equipment when cleaning areas where rodents may have been present. Currently, there is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections, but early recognition and supportive care can improve outcomes.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease in humans caused by infection with hantaviruses. These viruses are spread to people through the aerosolized urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. The virus cannot be transmitted between humans unless there is direct contact with an infected person's blood or bodily fluids. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid leading to severe respiratory distress. It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect HPS because it can progress rapidly to serious illness or death within days.
Hantavirus is an etiologic agent for several clinical syndromes, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). It's a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Bunyaviridae, genus Orthohantavirus.
These viruses are primarily transmitted to humans by inhalation of aerosolized excreta from infected rodents. The symptoms can range from flu-like illness to severe respiratory distress and renal failure, depending upon the specific hantavirus species. There are no known treatments for HFRS, but early recognition and supportive care can significantly improve outcomes. Ribavirin has been used in some cases of HPS with apparent benefit, although its general efficacy is not well-established
(References: CDC, NIH, WHO)
"Peromyscus" is not a medical term, but a genus of rodents commonly known as "deer mice." They are small mammals that belong to the family Cricetidae and are found in various parts of North America. Peromyscus mice can carry and transmit diseases, such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), although they are not typically referred to in a medical context unless discussing potential zoonotic risks.
A desert climate, also known as a hot desert climate or a BWh climate in the Köppen climate classification system, is characterized by extremely low rainfall, typically less than 10 inches (250 mm) per year. This type of climate is found in the world's desert areas, such as the Sahara Desert in Africa, the Mojave Desert in North America, and the Simpson Desert in Australia.
In a desert climate, temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, as well as between summer and winter. During the day, temperatures can reach extremely high levels, often above 100°F (38°C), while at night, they can drop significantly, sometimes below freezing in the winter months.
Desert climates are caused by a combination of factors, including geographical location, topography, and large-scale weather patterns. They typically occur in regions that are located far from sources of moisture, such as bodies of water, and are situated in the interior of continents or on the leeward side of mountain ranges.
Living things in desert climates have adapted to the harsh conditions through various means, such as storing water, reducing evaporation, and limiting activity during the hottest parts of the day. Despite the challenging conditions, deserts support a diverse array of plant and animal life that has evolved to thrive in this unique environment.
"Native Americans" is the preferred term for the indigenous peoples of the continental United States, including those from Alaska and Hawaii. The term "Indians" is often used to refer to this group, but it can be seen as misleading or inaccurate since it implies a connection to India rather than recognition of their unique cultures and histories. However, some Native Americans prefer to use the term "Indian" to describe themselves.
It's important to note that there is no single medical definition for this group, as they are not a homogeneous population. Instead, they consist of hundreds of distinct tribes with diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. Each tribe may have its own unique genetic makeup, which can influence health outcomes and responses to medical treatments.
Therefore, when discussing medical issues related to Native Americans, it's essential to consider the specific tribal affiliations and cultural factors that may impact their health status and healthcare needs.
"Rodentia" is not a medical term, but a taxonomic category in biology. It refers to the largest order of mammals, comprising over 40% of all mammal species. Commonly known as rodents, this group includes mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, squirrels, prairie dogs, capybaras, beavers, and many others.
While "Rodentia" itself is not a medical term, certain conditions or issues related to rodents can have medical implications. For instance, rodents are known to carry and transmit various diseases that can affect humans, such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV). Therefore, understanding the biology and behavior of rodents is important in the context of public health and preventive medicine.
Sigmodontinae is a subfamily of rodents, more specifically within the family Cricetidae. This group is commonly known as the New World rats and mice, and it includes over 300 species that are primarily found in North, Central, and South America. The members of Sigmodontinae vary greatly in size and habits, with some being arboreal while others live on the ground or burrow. Some species have specialized diets, such as eating insects or seeds, while others are more generalist feeders. This subfamily is also notable for its high degree of speciation and diversity, making it an interesting subject for evolutionary biologists and ecologists.
I must clarify that "Mexican Americans" is not a medical term. It is a demographic term used to describe individuals who identify as having Mexican ancestry and who are residents or citizens of the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Mexican American refers to a person of Mexican origin or descent who is living in the United States.
However, it's important to note that Mexican Americans, like any other ethnic group, can experience various health conditions and disparities. Therefore, medical professionals should be aware of and sensitive to the unique cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic factors that may influence the health and healthcare experiences of Mexican American patients.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Mexico" is not a medical term or concept. It is the name of a country located in North America. If you have any questions related to medical topics, I would be happy to try and help answer those for you.
A disease reservoir refers to a population or group of living organisms, including humans, animals, and even plants, that can naturally carry and transmit a particular pathogen (disease-causing agent) without necessarily showing symptoms of the disease themselves. These hosts serve as a source of infection for other susceptible individuals, allowing the pathogen to persist and circulate within a community or environment.
Disease reservoirs can be further classified into:
1. **Primary (or Main) Reservoir**: This refers to the species that primarily harbors and transmits the pathogen, contributing significantly to its natural ecology and maintaining its transmission cycle. For example, mosquitoes are the primary reservoirs for many arboviruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses.
2. **Amplifying Hosts**: These hosts can become infected with the pathogen and experience a high rate of replication, leading to an increased concentration of the pathogen in their bodies. This allows for efficient transmission to other susceptible hosts or vectors. For instance, birds are amplifying hosts for West Nile virus, as they can become viremic (have high levels of virus in their blood) and infect feeding mosquitoes that then transmit the virus to other animals and humans.
3. **Dead-end Hosts**: These hosts may become infected with the pathogen but do not contribute significantly to its transmission cycle, as they either do not develop sufficient quantities of the pathogen to transmit it or do not come into contact with potential vectors or susceptible hosts. For example, humans are dead-end hosts for many zoonotic diseases like rabies, as they cannot transmit the virus to other humans.
Understanding disease reservoirs is crucial in developing effective strategies for controlling and preventing infectious diseases, as it helps identify key species and environments that contribute to their persistence and transmission.
Hispanic Americans, also known as Latino Americans, are individuals in the United States who are of Spanish-speaking origin or whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Cuba, the Caribbean, Central and South America. This group includes various cultures, races, and nationalities. It is important to note that "Hispanic" refers to a cultural and linguistic affiliation rather than a racial category. Therefore, Hispanic Americans can be of any race, including White, Black, Asian, Native American, or mixed races.
Phylogeny is the evolutionary history and relationship among biological entities, such as species or genes, based on their shared characteristics. In other words, it refers to the branching pattern of evolution that shows how various organisms have descended from a common ancestor over time. Phylogenetic analysis involves constructing a tree-like diagram called a phylogenetic tree, which depicts the inferred evolutionary relationships among organisms or genes based on molecular sequence data or other types of characters. This information is crucial for understanding the diversity and distribution of life on Earth, as well as for studying the emergence and spread of diseases.
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