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Nobuhiko Okabe

Publications and source records attributed to Nobuhiko Okabe.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

[Present status of Tsutsugamushi disease detection at regional public health laboratories--a comparison between the results from a questionnaire survey and the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System].

Tsutsugamushi disease has been a notifiable disease in Japan since the implementation of the Infectious Diseases Control Law in April 1999. In order to assess the role of public health laboratories in detecting Tsutsugamushi disease, a questionnaire regarding routine testing of suspected cases of Tsutsugamushi disease was sent to 73 regional public health laboratories (47 prefectural laboratories and 26 municipal laboratories) in July 2001. The response rate was 92% (67/73 laboratories). It was found that most prefectural laboratories are well prepared to routinely receive and test specimens of suspected Tsutsugamushi disease cases. Additionally, we found that some regional public health laboratories are using two or more detection methods to improve the accuracy of their routine tests. In southern Japan. Kawasaki and Kuroki strains, strains endemic to the region, are widely used in addition to Kato, Karp, and Gilliam strains, the standard strains used for serum antibody tests in Japan. For the years 2000 and 2001, we found that for some prefectures, the annual number of cases confirmed by regional public health laboratories was nearly equal to the annual number of cases the prefecture reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. In these prefectures, it appears that an effective communication network has been established between physicians, public health laboratories, and local health centers, ensuring laboratory confirmation and proper notification.

Cities↗
PubMed2004

[Evaluation of public knowledge about influenza based on influenza hotline consultations].

In 1999, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare issued guidelines on prevention and control of influenza. These included recommendations for public education about influenza and promotion of vaccination among persons at high risk for complications from influenza. In response, several public education programs were implemented, including an "influenza hotline" that was established within the Infectious Diseases Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases. To assess the informational needs of callers about influenza and evaluate the impact of different communication modalities, we analyzed data from telephone consultations made to the "influenza hotline" and from a survey that was conducted among a subset of callers. During the influenza seasons of 2000-2001 to 2002-2003, there was an average of 2,230 callers to the "influenza hotline" each season, range 1,809-2,696. The majority (42.4%) of callers were women aged 30-39 years, which might reflect young mothers. The most frequently asked questions were about influenza vaccination of infants and young children. which accounted for 20.6% (1,501/7,295) of all vaccine-related questions during the four seasons. Questions about the number of recommended influenza vaccine doses was the second most frequently asked topic and comprised 17.8% (1,300/7,295) of all vaccine-related questions. Over the period 2000-2001 to 2002-2003, questions about the recommended number of influenza vaccine doses decreased among elderly callers, but not for callers aged < 60 years. The number of calls about the location of influenza vaccine clinics, availability of influenza vaccine, and vaccination of elderly person declined from 1999-2000 to 2002-2003. Of callers that were surveyed (N = 3,316) about where they received information about influenza, the most frequently reported sources were newspapers (47.7%), and the internet (26.2%). Internet use by callers showed differences among age groups. Only 2.4% of callers aged > or = 60 years reported receiving influenza information through the internet in contrast to 33.9% among callers aged < 60 years. Our study suggests a high public demand for information about influenza, especially by mothers regarding influenza vaccination of infants and young children, and recommended influenza vaccine doses for adults. To improve education of the public about influenza, multiple communication strategies should be utilized, including written information, and the internet.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Maintenance of serum immunoglobulin G antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 2 in healthy individuals from different age groups in a Japanese population with a high childhood incidence of asymptomatic primary EBV infection.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigens 2 and 1 (EBNA-2 and EBNA-1, respectively) were studied using sera from healthy individuals of a population with a high incidence of asymptomatic primary EBV infections during infancy or childhood in Japan. Two CHO-K1 cell lines expressing EBNA-2 and EBNA-1 were used for anticomplement and indirect immunofluorescence assays. The positivity rate for EBNA-2 IgG rose in the 1- to 2-year age group, increased and remained at a plateau ( approximately 45%) between 3 and 29 years of age (3- to 4-, 5- to 9-, 10- to 14-, and 15- to 29-year age groups), and then reached 98% by age 40 (>/== 40-year age group). Both seropositivity for EBNA-1 and seropositivity for EBNAs in Raji cells (EBNA/Raji) were detected in the 1- to 2-year age group, remained high, and finally reached 100% by age 40. The geometric mean titer (GMT) of EBNA-2 IgG reached a plateau in the 5- to 9- and 10- to 14-year-old groups and remained elevated in the older age groups (15 to 29 and >/== 40 years). The GMT of EBNA-1 IgGs increased to a plateau in the 1- to 2-year-old group and remained unchanged in the older age groups. The GMT of EBNA/Raji IgGs also reached a plateau in the 1- to 2-year-old group, remained level throughout the 3- to 14-year age groups, and decreased in the 15- to 29-year-olds. EBNA-2 IgGs emerged earlier than EBNA-1 IgGs in 8 of 10 patients with infectious mononucleosis, who were between 1 and 27 years old, and declined with time in three of eight cases. These results suggest that EBNA-2 IgG antibodies evoked in young children by asymptomatic primary EBV infections remain elevated throughout life, probably because of reactivation of latent and/or exogenous EBV superinfection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Identification of subgenus C adenoviruses by fiber-based multiplex PCR.

Subgenus C human adenoviruses, which include serotypes 1, 2, 5, and 6, are often associated with respiratory illness, ocular infections, gastroenteritis, and systemic infection among immunocompromised patients. To address the problems associated with the conventional typing methods, we developed a fiber-based multiplex PCR assay for simple and specific identification of adenovirus type 1, 2, 5, and 6 field isolates. To design type-specific primers, adenovirus type 1 and 6 fiber genes were sequenced. The assay correctly identified prototype strains of adenovirus serotypes 1, 2, 5, 6, as well as 21 previously typed adenovirus field isolates. Mixing two different prototype DNAs produced two amplicons of different lengths, thus clearly distinguishing the prototypes. The results correlated 100% with serological tests and 95% with the previously described PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The detection of dual infection is an added benefit of the assay. No nonspecific amplification was detected with other adenovirus serotypes or with nonadenoviral DNA. Our fiber-based multiplex PCR assay will provide a convenient tool for type-specific identification of subgenus C adenovirus isolates in various clinical situations and in epidemiological investigations and is a better alternative than the hexon-based assay.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2004

[Amendment to the infectious disease control law].

The Law Concerning the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients of Infections (the Infectious Diseases Control Law) enacted on April 1, 1999, accompanies an additional rule for reconsideration in five years after putting the law in operation and for taking necessary steps when needed. The responses against bioterrorism involving anthrax and smallpox after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in the United States of America (a notice on October 11, 2001 by the Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases Control Division, MHLW) and the response to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), an emerging infectious disease upon which a Global Alert was issued on March 12, 2003, by WHO, were discussed. On November 5, 2003, partial amendment of the Infectious Diseases Control Law and the Quarantine Law was approved and put into operation on. In the present amendment, the following three points were principally reconsidered: 1. strengthening infectious disease control in an emergency, particularly the role of national government, 2. reviewing control strategy of infectious diseases of animal origin, and 3. reviewing target diseases of the Infectious Diseases Control Law and categories of infectious diseases.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

A nosocomial outbreak of febrile bloodstream infection caused by heparinized-saline contaminated with Serratia marcescens, Tokyo, 2002.

In January 2002, 12 patients with Serratia marcescens bloodstream infection (BSI) were identified in a hospital in Tokyo, Japan. We conducted an epidemiological investigation of this outbreak. We undertook a medical-records review and employee interviews, and performed a case-control study to determine risk factors for S. marcescens BSI. An observational study of the hospital's procedures and an environmental microbiologic sampling were performed. We identified 12 suspected and 12 confirmed patients with S. marcescens BSI, including 7 who died. A case-control study showed that vascular access devices (odds ratio [OR] = 30.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.5-685.6) and the use of heparin-locks, between December 26 and January 15 (OR = 25.7; 95% CI = 2.3-680.4) were significant risk factors for S. marcescens BSI. The observational study revealed multiple lapses in infection control, including use of multi-dose vials of heparin. The outbreak strain was isolated from a hand-towel in the nurse station. The use of multi-dose vials of heparinized-saline during a particularly busy period was associated with BSI risk. The results underscore the risks inherent in infection-control lapses and the use of multi-dose vials.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The trend of imported mycoses in Japan.

Pathogenic fungi that are non-native in Japan are highly virulent and present a significant health hazard to persons in the environment into which they are introduced. Little is known, however, about the precise trend of infection by imported mycoses in Japan. To clarify this issue, all available cases were collected through a search of MEDLINE and Japana Centra Revuo Medicine and analyzed. Also included in this analysis were cases not reported in the literature for which the authors provided identification of the fungi, diagnosis, or treatment. The analysis revealed that, for three diseases, the number of imported mycoses cases in Japan is much higher than previously reported: 31 cases of coccidioidomycosis, 34 cases of histoplasmosis, and 17 cases of paracoccidioidomycosis. Additionally, one case of penicilliosis marneffei was found. The most rapid increase in the incidence of these mycoses occurred from 1991 to 1995. Analysis of the patients' profiles provided the following information: (1) coccidioidomycosis infection in Japan is increasing very rapidly, (2) Japan might be an endemic area of histoplasmosis infection, (3) histoplasmosis is a potentially fatal disease; and (4) reliable serodiagnostic methods have been used only infrequently. Because of the increase of international travel and immigration, the incidence of imported mycoses in Japan is expected to continue rising, and mycoses that have never been reported in Japan, such as blastomycosis, might also be encountered in the near future. To cope with this newly emerging health problem to residents of Japan, the Japanese medical system must train its members to identify and treat mycoses.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Evaluation of national surveillance for echinococcosis in Japan, 1999 to 2002].

National echinococcosis surveillance has been performed since April 1999 when it was stipulated as a Category IV Disease under the Infectious Diseases Prevention Law. During the last 4 years of surveillance, 7 cases of unilocular hydatid disease (age range 27-81 years; median age 56 years) and 43 cases of alveolar hydatid disease (age range 24-83 years; median age 64 years) have been reported. There was an increase in the number of reported cases of alveolar hydatid with age, and the greatest number of reported cases occurred in the age group > or = 70 years. Thirty-three of the reported echinococcosis cases had clinical symptoms. The greatest number of echinococcosis was reported from health centers in Hokkaido; 94% of all reported cases (47/50) were from this island. After classifying Hokkaido into six regional districts and analyzing cases by district, we found the greatest number of reported cases to be from the Nemuro-Abashiri-Kushiro region (16 cases) and the Ishikari-Shiribeshi-Iburi region (15 cases). However, the greatest number of reported cases per 100,000 residents was found to be from the Souya-Rumoi region (2.05/100,000) and the Nemuro-Abashiri-Kushiro region (2.00/100,000). As the incubation period of echinococcosis is thought to be several years or more, the current data shows the infection rate from several years ago. In order to better understand the current infection rate of echinococcosis, we recommended implementing a seroepidemiological surveillance in addition to the present surveillance.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Retrospective seroepidemiological survey for human babesiosis in an area in Japan where a tick-borne disease is endemic.

A total of 1,335 archived human sera collected in 1985 from an area in Japan where a tick-borne disease is endemic were examined by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) to estimate seroprevalence against three serologically distinct types of Babesia microti-like parasites; namely, Hobetsu, Kobe, and U.S. types. Eighteen sera (1.3%) were found to be IFAT-positive (titer 1:100-1:6,400), of which 14 and three were ascertained by Western blot analysis to be positive against the Hobetsu and Kobe types, respectively. In addition, four sera showed an IFAT titer of 1:100 against the U.S. type, but they appeared to be false-positive because they were cross-reactive against the Hobetsu and Kobe types, and also because a U.S.-type parasite has not been found in Japan. Our results suggest that human babesiosis in Japan occurred prior to the discovery of the index case in 1999 and that the infections were caused mainly by Hobetsu-type parasites.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

A seasonal model to simulate influenza oscillation in Tokyo.

The purpose of our study was to establish a seasonal model to simulate the oscillation of the number of influenza cases with weather conditions and calendar months in Tokyo, Japan, during the winter season. Surveillance data for influenza in Tokyo was retrieved from the Infectious Agents Surveillance Report, published by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan. We obtained data for 86 parameters of weather conditions from the Meteorological Agency. The best-fit model was built by multiple regression with stepwise analysis. The reported number of patients with influenza per week was significantly increased with fewer days of maximum temperature 10 per week (T10) and more days of relative humidity <60% per week (S60), adjusted by calendar month, average temperature, and vapor pressure. Annual oscillation of the number of reported influenza cases at the start, peak, and end weeks almost exactly matched the model, although peak levels for each oscillation did not always match. However, this model showed that 81% of the variation among the observed number of influenza cases was explained by a linear relationship with the seasonal parameters utilized. The validity of this model applied to data from 1999 to 2002, showing a 75% correlation. Using this model, if the number of days with both T10 and S60 increased by one per week, the number of influenza cases was simulated to decrease by approximately half. These results suggest that most of the oscillation in the number of influenza cases may be explained using a seasonal model that can simulate the impact of global warming.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

Seasonal models of herpangina and hand-foot-mouth disease to simulate annual fluctuations in urban warming in Tokyo.

In order to investigate the effects of global warming, we attempted to establish seasonal models to predict fluctuations in rates of herpangina (HA) and hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) associated with weather conditions and calendar months in Tokyo, Japan. Surveillance data tracking HA/HFMD incidences in Tokyo was retrieved from the Infectious Agents Surveillance Report, published by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan. From the Meteorological Agency, we obtained data for 54 weather condition parameters. The annual fluctuations in reported HA cases comprising start, peak, and end weeks almost exactly matched the model, although peak levels for each fluctuation did not always match in HFMD. Furthermore, for the HA model, 88% of the variations among observed HA cases were explained by the linear relationship with the seasonal parameters investigated, which was higher than the 64% observed for the HFMD model. The HA and HFMD models were applied to data from the years 1999 to 2002, and demonstrated correlations of 86% and 64%, respectively. These models predicted that warmer climate conditions would lead to an increased number of HA and HFMD cases. These results suggest that our seasonal models may quantify the dependency of infectious diseases on seasonal parameters and simulate the impact of global warming.

Child↗
PubMed2003

An epidemiological study on Japanese autism concerning routine childhood immunization history.

To assess the causal association of autism with measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine versus that with monovalent measles, mumps, and rubella immunization, a 1:2 sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis was conducted using data on subjects who were growing up in the Tokyo area between 1988 and 1992. When MMR immunization was used as a reference, monovalent measles immunization (odds ratio [OR] = 5.33, 99% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-27.74), non-mumps immunization (OR = 8, 99%CI: 1.33-48.2), and non-rubella immunization (OR = 8.57, 99%CI: 1.30-56.4) with development of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) were significantly increased. These results suggest a decreased risk of developing ASD with MMR compared to monovalent antigens. However, our findings may reflect potential selection bias due to requiring written consent, possible delayed vaccination in suspected autism cases, and small sample size (case = 21). For the case group and the control group, immunization completeness rate of each antigen, regardless of the timing of immunization, was 90.5% versus 100% in measles, 42.9% versus 78.6% in mumps (P < 0.01), 52.3% versus 83.3% in rubella (P < 0.01), 14.3% versus 45.2% in varicella (P < 0.01), 100% versus 90.5% in polio>2, 100% versus 97.6% in Diphtheria (D), pertussis, and tetanus (T)>3, 85.7% versus 66.7% in DT, 95.2% versus 92.9% in BCG, and 52.4% versus 81.0% in Japanese encephalitis>3 (P<0.01). Only two case subjects and four control subjects received their measles, mumps, and rubella immunizations separately, suggesting that few Japanese parents might have had concerns about the safety of MMR vaccine. A nation-wide study would be a practical measure to scientifically judge the safety of MMR and other routine childhood immunizations.

Autistic Disorder↗
PubMed2003

[The possibility and preparedness for pandemic of new influenza].

Influenza is endemic in the world. Influenza A/H1N1(USSR), A/H3N2(Hong Kong), and B are the major strain for human influenza. Both influenza A/H1N1 and H3N2 has been overrun for 20-20 years, and it has been warned new influenza A virus should appeared in near future. As foretaste, avian influenza A/H5N1 was transmitted to human in Hong Kong in 1997 and 2003, and avian influenza A/H7N7 was transmitted to human in Netherlands in 2003. WHO requests member states to prepare influenza pandemic and to strengthen and encourage influenza surveillance. In Japan, Ministry of Health and Welfare organized Expert Committee for Preparedness for Influenza Pandemic in 1997 and New Committee will be organized in 2003. New influenza surveillance system has been started since 1999. The data on influenza surveillance in Japan are shown on website of IDSC/NIID(http://idsc.nih.go.jp/index-j.html).

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[Influenza].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

History, 18th Century↗
PubMed2002

Encephalitis and encephalopathy associated with an influenza epidemic in Japan.

During the winter of 1998-1999, there was an outbreak of encephalitis/encephalopathy in Japan that appeared to be associated with influenza. We conducted a national survey of the prevalence and clinical features of disease and the associated outcomes and prognostic factors related to this outbreak. A total of 202 cases were analyzed, of which 148 were diagnosed as influenza-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy on the basis of virologic analysis. Of the 148 cases studied, 130 (87.8%) were type A influenza and 17 were type B. Encephalitis/encephalopathy developed mainly in children age <5 years, either on the day that influenza signs appeared or on the next day. The major signs included altered consciousness or loss of consciousness, convulsions, cough, and vomiting. In many patients, multiple-organ failure developed, and rates of mortality (31.8%) and disability (27.7%) were high. Thrombocytopenia and severely elevated transaminase levels were factors associated with a poor prognosis. Thus, influenza-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy progressed rapidly and was associated with poor outcomes.

Aspartate Aminotransferases↗
PubMed2002

[An estimation of imported infections concerning 2002 FIFA world cup Korea/Japan].

The FIFA World Cup 2002 Korea/Japan, which will be held during May 31 through June 30, 2002, is a mass-gathering and high-profile event. The Ministry of Transport announced that approximately 430,000 people visit Japan for the event. We estimated the incidence of major imported infections using data from the national epidemiological surveillance of infectious diseases and the statistics of immigration. Estimated incidences are 5.88 (shigellosis), 3.41 (malaria), 1.40 (typhoid/paratyphoid fever), 0.42 (cholera), and 0.0032 (meningococcal meningitis). The incidence for viral hemorrhagic fever was estimated 0.0018 under assumption that "it correlates with the malaria incidence from Africa" and that "the incidence occurs every 15 years". These results indicate little possibility of remarkable increase of exotic infections during the event. These incidences, however, may occur in the rural prefectures where few cases are reported. It is highly needed to strengthen surveillance and educate physicians and public health experts especially for malaria cases.

Forecasting↗
PubMed2002

[An evaluation of syndromic surveillance for the G8 Summit in Miyazaki and Fukuoka, 2000].

Syndromic surveillance was performed during the G8 Summit held in Fukuoka and Miyazaki City in July 2000. Any case suspected as acute infectious disease was reported from designated medical facilities. Those cases were categorized in 5 clusters including "hemorrhagic and skin symptoms", "respiratory symptoms", "gastroenteric symptoms", "neural symptoms", and "miscellaneous symptoms". To compare how closely these incidence trends were representing those of the infectious disease surveillance, these results were analyzed for two weeks. In Miyazaki, duplicated report were accepted when more than one symptom were found. The ratio of weekly reported number for each cluster was calculated for two weeks, and then the ratio for former/latter week was calculated for each cluster. The results from Fukuoka and Miyazaki surveillance revealed the average former/latter ratio +/- SD = 0.99 +/- 0.292, 95% CI; 0.71-1.28 and 1.19 +/- 0.298, 0.93-1.45, respectively. These results indicate that syndromic surveillance is well represented with the infectious disease surveillance trends. Single reporting, employed in Fukuoka, was easier for analysis. Reported number for acute respiratory syndrome was larger than that of infectious disease surveillance, indicating that the latter could not detect non-reportable adult cases. Syndromic surveillance enables us to show the trend quickly and it can be carried out with smaller costs and human resources. This study concluded that a syndromic surveillance is effective for such high-profile events, but sometimes it is hard to analyze the trend accurately, because of insufficient period of baseline data, number and size of the reporting sentinel facilities.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗