Tourism and Risk Areas for Cryptococcus gattii in Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Chambers Catharine, MacDougall Laura, Li Min, Galanis Eleni
Primary Institution: British Columbia Centre for Disease Control
Hypothesis
How do travel histories of patients with Cryptococcus gattii infection compare to the general public's travel patterns on Vancouver Island?
Conclusion
The study found that areas of higher risk for Cryptococcus gattii exposure have existed since its emergence, with minimal spatial progression of risk areas over time.
Supporting Evidence
- Travel histories of 104 case-patients were analyzed.
- Significant differences in travel patterns were found for Parksville and Nanaimo.
- Environmental sampling showed high numbers of C. gattii-positive samples in areas of higher risk.
Takeaway
This study looked at where people with a lung infection traveled and found that some places on Vancouver Island are riskier than others for getting sick.
Methodology
The study compared travel histories of C. gattii-infected patients with visitor data from Tourism BC to identify risk areas.
Potential Biases
There may be reporting bias affecting the perceived risk differences for certain areas.
Limitations
Travel history data were unavailable for 39.9% of case-patients, and the study could not accurately assess exposure in home environments.
Participant Demographics
The study included BC residents with culture-confirmed C. gattii infection or HIV-negative residents diagnosed with Cryptococcus sp. infection.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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