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Issue 34, August 27, 2012

Vol. 4, Issue: 34, 8/27/12

The report consists of three components:

  • Top Ten Articles of the Week
  • CDC-authored publications
  • Public health articles noted in the media

Two articles that received extensive media coverage share the feature spotlight this week. A mycobacterial outbreak associated with premixed tattoo ink is reported in NEJM by BS Kennedy et al; last week MMWR posted a related article as an Early Release. Two concerning cases of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) which occurred in conjunction with municipal tap water use are described by JS Yoder and colleagues.

A 2010 wild poliovirus outbreak in the Republic of Congo is the subject of related articles that serve as a reminder of the polio eradication challenges faced by non-polio endemic countries. Writing in Clinical Infectious Diseases, a group led by CJ Gregory document an elevated case-fatality rate and relevant risk factors, while MK Patel and collaborators provide a broader description of the outbreak and its public health practice implications.

With the approach of a hurricane to the Gulf Coast as well as the coming anniversary of September 11, diverse aspects of emergency preparedness are highlighted in this week's Clips. S Iqbal and colleagues from NCEH review disaster-related carbon monoxide poisoning, with an emphasis on preventive interventions. A study of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among police who responded to the World Trade Center attacks, authored by RH Pietrzak, sheds light on PTSD among disaster first responders.

Public health aspects of tracking established and emerging infections include screening, surveillance, and laboratory monitoring. AH Van't Hoog et al evaluate chest x-ray (CXR) and symptom screening in the context of a TB prevalence survey, concluding that combined symptom and CXR screening has the highest sensitivity. An analysis led by LM Hampton finds that, compared to population-based surveillance, most sentinel surveillance for invasive pneumococcal disease can detect decreases related to use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Finally, P Kitikoon, working with CDC and non-CDC co-authors, provides detailed pathogenic and transmission data regarding recently isolated variant H3N2 influenza viruses.

John Iskander

Editor, Science Clips


  1. Top Ten Articles of the Week


    Selected weekly by a senior CDC scientist from the standard sections listed below.
  2. CDC Authored Publications


    The names of CDC authors are indicated in bold text.
    Articles published in the past 6-8 weeks authored by CDC or ATSDR staff.
  3. Public Health Articles Noted in the Media


    Articles about important public health topics that have been mentioned in the press.

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CDC Science Clips Production Staff

  • John Iskander, MD MPH, Editor
  • Rebecca Satterthwaite, MS, Librarian
  • Gail Bang, MLIS, Librarian
  • Deidre Thomas, MLS, Librarian
  • Kathleen Connick, MSLS, Librarian
  • Joseph Dunlap, Web Developer

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DISCLAIMER: Articles listed in the CDC Science Clips are selected by the Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library to provide current awareness of the public health literature. An article's inclusion does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the Clips, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

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