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T Rønne

Publications and source records attributed to T Rønne.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Control of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak in a day-care institution.

This article describes an outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in two institutions for multi-handicapped children in Copenhagen. The aim of the study was to determine whether it was possible to eradicate MRSA in a setting with multi-handicapped children and staff where there was a high degree of physical interaction. This was a prospective interventional uncontrolled cohort study that took place from January 2003 to March 2005. All individuals in close contact with the two institutions and/or in close contact with an MRSA-colonized subject from the outbreak were included in the study: 38 children, 60 staff members and 12 close relatives of colonized subjects. Infection control measures included screening all individuals. When MRSA infection or colonization was found, an attempt was made to eradicate MRSA, staff education was undertaken and attempts were made to determine the route of transmission. Eleven individuals were found to be positive for MRSA (10.0%). All isolates were identical by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and harboured the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IV. All colonized and infected individuals were associated with a single room in one of the institutions. MRSA was eradicated from all the colonized and infected subjects. This study shows that it is possible to control an MRSA outbreak in institutions for multi-handicapped children where there is a high degree of physical contact.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The EUVAC-NET project: creation and operation of a surveillance community network for vaccine preventable infectious diseases.

The EUVAC-NET network is in charge of the epidemiological surveillance and control of vaccine preventable diseases. It is coordinated by the SSI in Denmark, in collaboration with the ISS in Italy. The two main diseases targeted by the network are measles and pertussis. A collaboration is planned with the PHLS for the monitoring of Haemophilus influenzae b. EUVAC-NET includes the Member States of the European Union, and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

European Union↗
PubMed2000

Case-control study of allergic reactions to Japanese encephalitis vaccine.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine is widely used in Asia for childhood immunizations, but the vaccine is also used for travellers to Asia from other parts of the world. In Denmark, more than 400,000 doses have been distributed from Statens Serum Institut since 1982. In 1989, the first allergic mucocutaneous reactions after JE vaccination were registered in Denmark and, although the number of reactions have decreased since 1992, reactions are still observed. No explanation of these reactions have been found. The present case-control study, including 49 travellers with allergic reactions and 148 travellers without similar reactions after JE vaccination was performed in order to clarify any possible risk factors. About one third of the adverse reactions to the vaccine could be attributed to an allergic predisposition in the vaccinees. The main risk factors were young age, female gender and previous allergic skin reactions or hayfever. The study also indicated that cases more often reacted to nickel and more often had severe edema after mosquito or other insect bites. Hormone intake was more often spontaneously reported by females in the case group. Accordingly, information on any history of allergy in young adults should be given before JE vaccination, the vaccination should be carried out more than a week before departure and antihistamine treatment should be available if a reaction occurs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Human leptospirosis in Denmark 1970-1996: an epidemiological and clinical study.

Epidemiological and clinical aspects of 118 laboratory confirmed cases of human leptospirosis in Denmark from 1970 to 1996 were reviewed. Icterohaemorrhagiae (72%) and sejroe (20%) were the most frequent serovars. The incidence of leptospirosis was 0.09/100,000 inhabitants/y. 93% of the patients were 18-64 y old, 90% were men and 72% of the cases occurred from July to November. Occupational exposure was present in 63% (74/118) of the cases (41% fish farmers, 28%, farmers). Eight percent of the patients had travelled abroad, 7% had been exposed to sewers and 4%, had been exposed through recreational activities (fishing). Initial symptoms were generally non-specific. Weil's disease developed in 63%, of the patients, more often in patients infected with the serovar icterohaemorrhagiae (73%) compared to patients infected with serovars sejroe or saxkoebing (25%). The fatality rate was 7%, all due to icterohaemorrhagiae. Though a rare disease in Denmark, leptospirosis should be considered in certain risk groups as a possible diagnosis in patients with acute febrile illness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Successful control of epidemic diphtheria in the states of the Former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics: lessons learned.

Epidemic diphtheria reemerged in the Russian Federation in 1990 and spread to all Newly Independent States (NIS) and Baltic States by the end of 1994. Factors contributing to the epidemic included increased susceptibility of both children and adults, socioeconomic instability, population movement, deteriorating health infrastructure, initial shortages of vaccine, and delays in implementing control measures. In 1995, aggressive control strategies were implemented, and since then, all affected countries have reported decreases of diphtheria; however, continued efforts by national health authorities and international assistance are still needed. The legacy of this epidemic includes a reexamination of the global diphtheria control strategy, new laboratory techniques for diphtheria diagnosis and analysis, and a model for future public health emergencies in the successful collaboration of multiple international partners. The reemergence of diphtheria warns of an immediate threat of other epidemics in the NIS and Baltic States and a longer-term potential for the reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases elsewhere. Continued investment in improved vaccines, control strategies, training, and laboratory techniques is needed.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Immune response to diphtheria booster vaccine in the Baltic states.

A study was done to measure baseline levels of immunity to diphtheria and antibody responses to different doses of diphtheria vaccine in study participants in the three Baltic states. Diphtheria booster vaccines containing either 3 (Estonia and Lithuania), 6 (Latvia), or 12 (Latvia) limit of flocculation units of diphtheria toxoid were administered to 2315 adults. Diphtheria antibody levels were tested before and 1-2 months after vaccination. Before vaccination, 40% of the participants in Estonia, 32% in Lithuania, and 38% in Latvia had antibody levels <0.01 IU/mL, the level for minimum protection. After vaccination, 79% of the participants in Estonia, 83% in Lithuania, and 81% in Latvia had antibody levels >0. 1 IU/mL, the minimum level for full protection. However, in each of the countries, about one-third of the 40- to 49-year-old participants would have benefited from additional doses of vaccine. There was not a significantly different antibody response among persons receiving the three different doses. Age and the level of prevaccination immunity had a modifying effect on the response to vaccination; however, sex did not.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Tuberculosis in Denmark 1972-1996].

The present study is based on notified cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the National tbc. register 1972-1996. A decline in Tb incidence was seen from 1972 and until the mid-1980's. Subsequently the trend has reversed due to an increasing number of TB cases in foreigners. In 1996, 60% of all cases of TB in Denmark were found in foreigners reflecting the rising number of refugees and their families arriving in Denmark from highly endemic areas, mainly Somalia. Among native Danes the TB incidence fell from 14 per 100,000 in 1972 to 4 per 100,000 in the 1980's and stabilized at this very low level. The unchanged incidence in Danes covers a falling incidence in the older and a rising incidence in the younger and middle-aged adult population, mainly in the capital. Approximately half of the cases occur in high-risk groups. The TB-epidemic is close to elimination in the indigenous Danish population, but the disease is maintained at a low level probably due to increased patient and doctor delay and resulting microepidemics primarily in high-risk populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[MMR-vaccination of children allergic to eggs].

To re-evaluate the recommendations for MMR-vaccination of children known to be allergic to eggs a descriptive study was carried out in which all reported allergic side effects for 1987-1996 were studied. During the 10 year period 1,200,000 MMR vaccinations were given. Eighteen were found with immediate type hypertensity, but only eight presented symptoms within 24 hours. One child with egg-allergy reacted within 15 min presenting rhinitis and respiratory difficulty. None had anaphylactic shock. It was concluded that MMR vaccine may be administered to children allergic to eggs when given in a paediatric ward where appropriate emergency treatment is available.

Child↗
PubMed1999

Infant BCG vaccination study in Lithuania.

SETTING: Infants identified in maternity hospitals in Vilnius, Lithuania. OBJECTIVES: To test the capacity of the BCG vaccine, Danish strain 1331 (Danish vaccine), to induce tuberculin reactivity and scar formation in neonates compared to the WHO International Reference Preparation of BCG (IRP vaccine), and to study the effect of dose and of age at vaccination. DESIGN: A randomized four-armed study: 1) normal dose, 0.05 ml Danish vaccine given to neonates at birth, 2) half the normal dose of Danish vaccine given at birth, 3) IRP vaccine given at birth at normal infant dose, and 4) the normal infant dose of Danish vaccine given at 3 months of age. RESULTS: Larger tuberculin reactions, as well as an increased frequency and larger scars, were seen when Danish vaccine was given at 3 months of age in comparison to neonatal vaccination. Halving the dose resulted in smaller reactions, but the difference was not significant. The IRP vaccine resulted in borderline significantly larger reactions in comparison to the Danish vaccine. The number of infants receiving very early vaccination (0-2 days) was not evenly distributed in all groups, however, which is believed to explain the observed difference.

BCG Vaccine↗
PubMed1998

Tuberculosis in a cohort of Vietnamese refugees after arrival in Denmark 1979-1982.

SETTING: Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. OBJECTIVE: To study the occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) in a cohort of immigrants from a high incidence country during the years following arrival in a low incidence country. DESIGN: Follow-up analysis in a cohort of 1983 Vietnamese refugees who arrived in Denmark during the period 1979-1982. The civil registration number could be identified for 1936 (98%) individuals from the original cohort. Date of possible death, emigration and the development of tuberculosis were determined by checking the refugees' civil registration number in the National Civil Register and the National Infectious Disease Registry for Tuberculosis. RESULTS: Tuberculosis notification for the 1936 individuals fell from 1.14% for the first 12 months to a mean of 0.08% per year during the following 5-year period. During the 16 years of follow up, 36 of the refugees developed tuberculosis, of whom 14 (39%) had had abnormal chest X-ray on arrival and 14 (39%) (including one with normal chest X-ray) had been identified as having active tuberculosis through screening on arrival. CONCLUSION: Decline in tuberculosis incidence for immigrants is very rapid if the tuberculosis infection rate is low following arrival. With a very limited TB screening programme (chest X-ray on arrival) and a passive diagnosis policy without preventive chemotherapy, it is possible to control tuberculosis among high prevalence immigrants in a low incidence country.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[The impact of postal invitations and user fee on influenza vaccination among the elderly. A randomized controlled trial in general practice].

Influenza epidemics are accompanied by considerable excess morbidity and mortality especially among the elderly and the chronically ill. In the influenza season 1995 a controlled, randomized trial was carried out to examine the impact of postal invitations and user fee on influenza vaccination rates. Five hundred and eighty-five patients aged 65 years or older participated. They were all recognized by their general practitioner (GP) to be in the risk group to whom influenza vaccination is recommended. One third were invited to free influenza vaccination. Another third received postal invitations to influenza vaccination paying the usual fee ($40-$60 US). The last third served as a control group, being vaccinated on their own request and paying the usual fee. In the control group 25% (19-31%, 95% confidence interval) of the patients were vaccinated, compared to 49% (42-56%) in the group which received a postal reminder and paid the usual fee, and 72% (65-78%) in the group invited to be vaccinated free of charge.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Occurrence of hepatitis A infection in Denmark].

Hepatitis A is a mandatory notifiable disease in Denmark. The number of notified cases of hepatitis A was compiled over a period of 16 years, 1980-1995. A total of 3790 were included in the study. The average incidence was 4.6 per 100,000 population per year, but the number of cases declined slightly through the period. Median age among Danes were 27 years and among immigrants seven years. The male to female ratio was 1.5 among Danes and 1.1 among foreigners. The incidence was highest in the capital area. Two-thirds of the notified persons were infected in Denmark, among whom the source of infection was unknown for half of the cases. The two most important sources of infection were household contracts and i.v. drug abuse. A total of 73 persons were infected in connection with their occupation in Denmark. Workers in day care centres, sewage workers and cleaners may be particularly at risk, although the risk is still low. The relevance of vaccination recommendations for special groups is considered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Allergic mucocutaneous reactions to Japanese encephalitis vaccine.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine has been used in childhood immunization programmes in Asia for many years. Also travellers from other parts of the world have been vaccinated before travelling in Asian countries. Recommendations for the use of JE vaccine are still debated because severe cases of adverse reactions have been reported. In Denmark an inactivated JE vaccine derived from infected mouse brain has been used and 350000 doses have been distributed from the Statens Serum Institut since 1983. In the period 1983-1995, 101 adverse reactions after JE vaccination have been registered including 73 allergic mucocutaneous reactions. These reactions have occurred each year since 1989 with frequencies varying from 1-17 per 10,000 vaccinees. The highest frequencies and the most serious reactions acquiring hospitalization were seen in the period 1989-1992. Three batches (EJN 012, 033 and 048) distributed before 1992 caused the highest number of reactions but all batches delivered in Denmark since 1989 have caused reactions. Therefore, it is still very important to collect information on adverse events as well as information of the risk of acquiring JE infection in order to give sound recommendations to travellers.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Impact of postal invitations and user fee on influenza vaccination rates among the elderly. A randomized controlled trial in general practice.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of postal invitations and user fee on influenza vaccination rates. DESIGN: A controlled randomized trial in 13 general practices. One third of the participating patients received postal invitations to influenza vaccination free of charge. Another third received postal invitations to influenza vaccination on paying the usual fee (US$ 40-60). The last third served as a control group, being vaccinated at their own request and paying the usual fee. SETTING: General practice in the Counties of Funen and Vejle, Denmark. PATIENTS: Five hundred and eighty-five patients aged 65 years or older, recognized by their general practitioner (GP) as being in the risk group for whom influenza vaccination is recommended. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Influenza vaccination rates. RESULTS: In the control group 25% (19-31%, 95% confidence interval) of the patients were vaccinated, compared with 49% (42-56%) in the group who received a postal reminder and paid the usual fee, and 72% (65-78%) in the group invited to be vaccinated free of charge. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that GPs send postal invitations to their elderly patients in the risk groups urgently recommending influenza vaccination. Attention should also be given to offering free influenza vaccination to elderly patients who have recognized indications for vaccination.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

[Contamination of a water system with sewage].

The purpose of the study was to examine the extent of illness caused by contamination of a waterworks with waste water due to overflow. Structured questionnaires were mailed to all 703 households (the main study group) and four day-care centers supplied by the waterworks as well as a group of 200 randomly chosen households in neighbouring communities with a different water supply. Fourteen hundred and fifty-five persons (88% of respondents in the main study group) reported that they had had symptoms of gastroenteritis, particularly diarrhoea (83%) and vomiting (55%). In the control group, 10% of respondents had had symptoms of gastroenteritis. Onset of diarrhoea correlated well with precipitation (Spearman's correlation coefficient: 0.75; p = 0.0002). No pathogens were found. It is important to be aware of the possibility of water contamination when an increased number of cases of gastroenteritis are observed in a local area and to report even a suspicion of waterborne diseases to the county public health office.

Acute Disease↗