Surveillance of Bacterial Infections in the U.S.
Author Information
Author(s): Anne Schuchat, Tami Hilger, Elizabeth Zell, Monica M. Farley, Arthur Reingold, Lee Harrison, Lewis Lefkowitz, Richard Danila, Karen Stefonek, Nancy Barrett, Dale Morse, Robert Pinner
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
What is the burden of community-acquired invasive bacterial infections in the U.S.?
Conclusion
The Active Bacterial Core surveillance program estimates nearly 100,000 invasive infections and 10,000 deaths annually due to specific bacterial pathogens in the U.S.
Supporting Evidence
- ABCs reported 6,992 cases of invasive disease caused by five pathogens in 1998.
- Incidence rates of invasive disease ranged from 1.0 for N. meningitidis to 24.1 for S. pneumoniae.
- Approximately 25% of invasive pneumococcal infections were not susceptible to penicillin.
- Early-onset group B streptococcal disease declined by 65% over six years.
Takeaway
This study shows that many people get very sick from certain bacteria every year, and some of them die, even though we have medicines to help.
Methodology
The study used population-based active surveillance to collect data on invasive bacterial infections across multiple states.
Limitations
The study may not capture all cases as not all states routinely collect data on these infections.
Participant Demographics
The surveillance covered a population of 17 to 30 million across multiple states.
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