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Risk of occupational exposure to Herpesvirus simiae (B virus) in Quebec.

Herpesvirus simiae (B virus) causes a mild infection in macaques. Transmission to humans may result in life-threatening encephalomyelitis. To evaluate the risk of occupational exposure to B virus we surveyed the directors of 11 biomedical laboratories in Quebec that use monkeys. Information was obtained on the monkey population and on the use of infection control measures recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta. Of the 519 monkeys belonging to susceptible species the serologic status was positive in 264 (51%), all captured in the wilds, and it was unknown in 24 (5%). All of the monkeys were caged individually, and newly acquired ones were quarantined for 2 to 8 weeks. Of the 84 workers 52 (62%) handled monkeys whose serologic status was either positive or unknown. Only five laboratories (representing 61% of the workers) complied fully with the CDC guidelines. Nine of the laboratories had a wound management protocol, but only six had a designated specialist for consultation and prophylaxis. Although no cases of B virus infection have been reported from Quebec the severity of human illness necessitates strict adherence to infection control measures and expert management of occupational exposure to susceptible monkeys.

Animals↗

Quebec dental manpower and demand for dental care from 1985-1988.

The rapid growth in the number of practising dentists is a major concern of the dental profession in industrialized countries. Three surveys conducted in Quebec in 1971 (N = 1552), 1985 (N = 840) and 1988 (N = 1059) examined the growth in dental manpower and demand for dental care between 1985 and 1988 and made a comparison with the 1971-1985 period. On average, the yearly increase in the number of active dentists was 4.2 per cent between 1971 and 1985 whereas the yearly increase between 1985 and 1988 was only 2.5 per cent. The percentage of the population using dental services annually was 47 per cent in 1988, compared to 51 per cent in 1985. An age-specific comparison with the United States showed that the proportion of Quebec adults visiting the dentist within the last 12 months varied between 30 per cent and 63 per cent and that of the U.S. between 41 per cent and 61 per cent. Thus, as the number of active dentists continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate, the demand for dental care appears to have reached a plateau and has attained the American level for adults under 50 years of age.

Adolescent↗

HIV infection among Quebec women giving birth to live infants.

This is the first anonymous unlinked seroprevalence study in Canada to use serum samples from newborns to determine the seroprevalence rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among childbearing women. Of the 68,808 samples tested 42 were confirmed as positive, for an overall crude seroprevalence rate of 6.1 per 10,000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4 to 8.3), or 1 woman in 1638. Women who lived on Montreal island had an overall rate of 17.9 per 10,000 live births (95% CI 12.2 to 25.4), or 1 woman in 559. We observed a significant association between revenue index and seroprevalence; the rates were as high as 46.4 per 10,000 live births (95% CI 18.7 to 95.3), or 1 woman in 216, for Montreal island postal code areas with revenue indexes 20% or more below the provincial median. Extrapolation of the data suggested that 56 women with HIV infection gave birth to a live infant during 1989 in Quebec. Even though attempts to generalize the data from childbearing women to women of childbearing age have an inherent conservative bias, the results of our study suggest that 988 women (95% CI 713 to 1336) aged 15 to 44 years in Quebec had HIV infection in 1989. The actual number is likely substantially higher. The need for well-designed, creative interventions to prevent further HIV transmission to women is evident. Planning for the provision of medical and psychosocial services sensitive to specific needs of women who are already infected should start immediately.

Adolescent↗

Risk factors for HIV seropositivity among people consulting for HIV antibody testing: a pilot surveillance study in Quebec.

The surveillance of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) through case reporting only reflects the epidemiologic features of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmission a few years earlier and not the prevalence of HIV seropositivity. HIV infection is not a notifiable condition in Quebec. We were asked by the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec to perform a pilot project for the surveillance of HIV seropositivity using a network of sentinel physicians. From May 15, 1988, to Sept. 30, 1989, physicians from four collaborating centres collected data on the serologic status, demographic characteristics and risk factors for 4209 patients who underwent HIV antibody testing. Of the 3899 subjects included in the study 7.9% were HIV positive. Through logistic regression analysis the following variables were found to be significantly associated with HIV seropositivity: presence of HIV-related symptoms (prevalence odds ratio [POR] 36.5), origin from an endemic area (POR 9.1), homosexuality or bisexuality (POR 8.4), intravenous drug use (POR 4.2), male sex (POR 2.8), previous HIV antibody testing (POR 2.5) and previous sexually transmitted disease (POR 1.8). Over the study period we found a large increase in HIV seroprevalence among intravenous drug users (4.2% in 1988 to 19.0% in 1989) (p = 0.02). This increase might reflect a recent change in the epidemiologic pattern of HIV transmission in Quebec. Surveillance of HIV seropositivity through a network of sentinel physicians may be a reasonable alternative to mandatory reporting.

Adult↗

[Use of pit and fissure sealants in private practice: the Quebec situation].

This paper presents data collected in March of 1989 from a sample of dentists practicing in the province of Quebec. A survey was mailed to dentists in order to determine to what degree sealants are used and the various characteristics relative to the dentists in question. Other questions related to how dentists obtained information about sealants, the difficulties encountered with their application and the problems relative to their use by the dental profession. The results indicate that nearly three quarters of Quebec dentists use sealants at least sometimes. This level of usage is comparable to American findings. A dentist is more likely to use sealants, if he is a recent graduate, a female dentist, and in a child-oriented group practice. A high proportion of dentists (2/3) use sealants selectively (in less than 25% of their patients). According to the dentists surveyed, the main obstacle to using sealants is the lack of coverage by the government dental program and the public's ignorance of the benefits of sealants. Most dentists who admitted never trying sealants, reported that they simply preferred to place an amalgam filling. In general, dentists knew the indications for sealants and had a positive attitude relative to their use.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

[Over-estimation of incidence in the Quebec Tumor Registry 1981-1982].

Since 1981, the Quebec Tumor Registry (FTQ) is using form AH-101P which is filled out for all patients seeking care in Quebec hospitals. From a list of 8,000 names in 1981-82, we have found that 4.8% was constituted of cases reported 2, 3 and 4 times. In two major hospitals, we have checked 71 medical records of patients reported more than once to FTQ using the AH-101P form with what was found in the hospital records. Only 6 multiple cancers (8.5%) were found. All other cases were constituted of invasions, infiltrations or metastasis. It is concluded that, despite the new procedure, cancer incidence is still overestimated in FTQ in 1981-82 but this problem should disappear in the near future.

Hospital Records↗

Coronaviruses associated with outbreaks of transmissible enteritis of turkeys in Quebec: hemagglutination properties and cell cultivation.

Coronaviruses were observed by electron microscopy in the intestinal contents of turkeys in Quebec flocks where repeated outbreaks of enteritis occurred. Three isolates could be serially propagated in turkey embryos inoculated by the amniotic route with clarified intestinal contents. Purification and concentration of viral particles contained in intestinal contents of infected embryos were achieved by precipitation with polyethylene glycol and ultracentrifugation on sucrose density gradients. Three particle types were demonstrated: intact virions with a density of 1.18 to 1.20 g/ml and incomplete particles with densities of 1.14 and 1.24 g/ml. Hemagglutination of rabbit and guinea pig erythrocytes was demonstrated with the intact viral particles; the hemagglutinin was not dependent on incubation temperature. All the isolates were antigenically related, as shown by hemagglutination-inhibition. The turkey coronaviruses did not cross-react with antisera against coronaviruses of avian infectious bronchitis, porcine transmissible enteritis, bovine neonatal calf diarrhea, or mouse hepatitis. One of the Quebec isolates was shown to induce syncytia formation on its third passage in primary chicken-embryo kidney cell cultures. Electron-microscopic examination of infected cell-culture fluids revealed characteristics coronavirus particles identical to those found in intestinal contents of infected turkeys.

Animals↗

Genomic variations and antigenic relationships among cytopathic rotavirus strains isolated in Quebec dairy herds.

Twelve isolates of bovine rotavirus, originating from eight dairy herds in Quebec known to have frequent epizootics of diarrhea in young calves in the last five years, were successfully propagated in cell cultures. The 12 isolates produced clear-cut plaques in BSC-1 cells and, except for one isolate, agglutinated human group "O" erythrocytes to an higher titer than bovine erythrocytes. Antisera to each isolate were produced in rabbits and used to study their antigenic relationships. All the isolates shared the group-specific immunofluorescent antigen and were antigenically related as demonstrated by the seroneutralization and hemagglutination-inhibition tests. However, the relationships to the Nebraska rotavirus was quite weak in cases of two Quebec isolates. When the genomes of the various isolates were compared by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, at least three different reproducible fractionation patterns could be identified.

Animals↗

[Postparturient hemoglobinuria in a Quebec dairy herd (author's transl)].

Postparturient hemoglobinuria in a Quebec dairy herdA case of post parturient hemoglobinuria which occurred in a Quebec dairy herd is reported. Anemia and hypophosphoremia were present in many animals without any clinical signs, while others were showing severe signs of hemoglobinuria. History, diagnostic techniques and treatment are discussed.

Animals↗

Prevalence of neurological abnormality in Cree Indians exposed to methylmercury in northern Quebec.

The prevalence of neurological abnormality was determined among Cree Indians of northern Quebec who were exposed to methylmercury through contamination of local fish. A medical team examined each subject, without knowledge of the subjects' methylmercury exposure, and assessed nystagmus, co-ordination and gait, tremor, movements and reflexes, sensation, stereognosis, 2 point discrimination, visual fields and hearing. Tremor, incoordination and abnormal reflexes were the most prevalent neurological abnormalities, but other major manifestations of methylmercury toxicity (impairment of peripheral sensation, astereognosis and concentric constriction of visual fields) were seen infrequently. Abnormalities in Quebec were much less severe than in previous reported outbreaks of methylmercury poisoning. Since no single clinical syndrome is pathognomonic of methylmercury poisoning, the presence of neurological abnormality does not establish that it is causally related to methylmercury exposure.

Adult↗

Epidemiology of Haemophilus somnus infection in dairy cattle in Quebec.

Serological studies on Haemophilus somnus infection were carried out on 1795 cattle from 231 dairy herds in the province of Quebec. An epidemiological investigation was done in each of the dairy operations. Seroreactivity rate and mean log2 titer for all the sera were 55.4% and 4.1620 respectively. Cattle from eastern regions of Quebec demonstrated the lowest prevalence of H. somnus agglutinins. The percentage of seroreactor animals was 60.3 in herds of 100 cattle or more in comparison to 53.2 in herds of smaller size. About 75% of the animals from 16 herds in which one or more cattle showed nervous manifestations of undetermined origin over a one year period had antibodies to H. somnus. Herds in which respiratory diseases occurred had 59.6% seroreactor animals and herds in which weak calf syndrome was diagnosed over a one year period had 61.4% seroreactor animals. In 87 herds located within 20 km of feedlots, 61.8% of the sera had titers and the mean log2 titer was 4.4813.

Agglutinins↗

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus in Quebec: antibody prevalence and disease outbreak.

The prevalence of antibody to bovine respiratory syncytial virus in Quebec and the role of the virus in a respiratory disease outbreak was investigated. The indirect immunofluorescent, neutralization and haemagglutination inhibition techniques were used to carry out this study. Of the 1,444 adult animals examined 519 (35.9%) had antibody to bovine respiratory syncytial virus. These positive reactors were found in each agricultural region of Quebec. The highest (53.0%) and the lowest (21.8%) prevalence was observed in the sera collected by the laboratories of St. Hyacinthe and Sherbrooke. During a respiratory disease outbreak affecting 77 calves on a farm, bovine respiratory syncytial virus was shown to be associated with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine parainfluenza type 3, bovine viral diarrhea viruses and bovine adenovirus type 3 as detected by seroconversion. Of the 38 seroconverted animals 14 were seropositive to bovine respiratory syncytial virus.

Animals↗

Drug addiction among Quebec physicians.

Data collected by the Quebec Board of Physicians show that during the 5 years from 1974 to 1978 the prevalence of addiction to opiates among Quebec physicians was 2.8/1000. The physician addicts had greater mobility and a higher attrition rate than their peers. The typical addict was male, a general practitioner and married. He often suffered from pain, fatigue, overwork, and financial and marital difficulties. His addiction had begun at approximately 35 years of age and had become evident about 3 1/2 years later. Meperidine was the preferred opiate. Some of the physicians lost their licences to practise for variable periods of time; for these the prognosis was gloomy. Depression was the main psychiatric disorder diagnosed.

Age Factors↗

[Thalassemia in French-speaking Quebec residents].

Eighty-five cases of beta-thalassemia minor were found between January 1975 and November 1977 in 18 families of French-speaking Quebeckers without Mediterranean ancestry. Most of the families had settled in Quebec more than 200 years ago, largely in Portneuf county. This is the first report of such a number of cases of beta-thalassemia in this population. Thus, beta-thalassemia minor is a relatively common condition in Quebec and must be considered in cases of microcytic anemia without evidence of iron deficiency. The hematologic findings were similar to those reported in the past in other populations. Two cases of delta beta-thalassemia minor (in sisters) are also reported; this is the first report of such cases in French Canadians.

Female↗

[Evaluation and decision. The decision maker's point of veiw. Results of a study in Quebec (author's transl)].

In Quebec, from 1967 to 1970, a Commission on Health and Social Services studied the health system and recommended drastic changes in its organization. The evaluation of the health system process is briefly reviewed and three specific problems are used to illustrate the role of evaluation in the decision making process; these problems are the evolution of the number of general practitioners, the number of hospital beds by categories from 1970 to 1977 and the growth of health expenditures. In the second part, I use a health index, infantile mortality, to show the advantages of evaluating the health status of the population in the formulation of policies. In Quebec, from 1970 to 1977, after the implantation of a policy on perinatality by the Ministry, the infant mortality rate by 1,000 living births decreased from 20.6 to 12.4. The factors responsible for that improvement are analyzed and discussed.

Adolescent↗

[Present situation and future prospects for epidemiological surveillance within the framework of Quebec new health system (author's transl)].

Epidemiological surveillance in Quebec is part of the integral system of this activity throughout the whole of Canada and the United States. Since surveillance is aimed mainly at the ecosystem of the disease rather than just the cases, the activities are insured from the horizontal point of view by several organisations, aided by various Ministeries (health, agriculture, industry and commerce). The vertical structure (besides the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta as coordinator) includes the federal Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, its epidemiology and surveillance bureaus, as well as its territorial epidemiologists, provincial epidemiologists and their teams. Quebec has recently been given a new health structure, introduced in conjunction with the traditional organisations by the new Departments of Community Health, and the Social Centres of Community Services. This structure which is new to North America is characterised mostly by its close integration with community health. Moreover, it represents an excellent opportunity for developing an epidemiological surveillance complementary to local problems and for heightening their responsibility.

Communicable Disease Control↗

Quebec hopes to overcome province's surgical-delay problem.

The Quebec government has released an action plan for eliminating delays in surgery in the province. One of the main goals is to increase the amount of day surgery, thus reducing the demands on hospitals. While most physician groups appear to support the plan, the Quebec Hospital Association wonders whether the follow-up community care needed to support the day surgery will be available.

Aftercare↗

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus: morphological, biochemical and serological characteristics of Quebec isolates associated with acute and chronic outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.

Cytolytic and noncytolytic strains of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) were isolated in primary cultures of porcine alveolar macrophages (PAM) from lung homogenates of stillborn fetuses or blood samples of dyspneic piglets collected from Quebec pig farms having experienced acute or chronic outbreaks of PRRS. Serological identification of the virus was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence and indirect protein A-gold immunoelectron microscopy using reference antiserum prepared from experimentally-infected specific pathogen free (SPF) piglets and monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) directed against the p15 nucleocapsid (N) protein of the reference ATCC-VR2332 isolate. Intracytoplasmic enveloped viral particles that tended to accumulate into cytoplasmic vesicles were observed in the infected PAM; no budding was demonstrated at the level of the cytoplasmic membrane. The extracellular virions appeared as pleomorphic but mostly spherical enveloped particles, 50-72 nm in diameter (averaged diameter of 50 particles was 58.3 nm), with an isometric core about 25-30 nm. Buoyant density of the virus in CsCL density gradients was estimated to 1.18-1.20 g/mL. No hemagglutinating activity was demonstrated. Analysis of semipurified virions of isolate IAF-exp91 by radioimmunoprecipitation (RIPA) and Western immunoblotting experiments, using reference rabbit and porcine hyperimmune sera, revealed four major viral proteins, a predominant 15 kD N protein and three other proteins with predicted M(r_ of 19, 26 and 42 kD. Progeny viral particles produced in PRRSV-infected PAM in the presence of tunicamycin lacked the 42 kD protein, thus confirming its N-glycosylated nature. Immunoprecipitation experiments using the anti-ATCC-VR2332 MoAbs confirmed the close antigenic relationships between Quebec and American reference isolates of PRRSV.

Animals↗