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PubMed2003

Measles vaccine efficacy during an epidemic in 1998 in the highly vaccinated population of Poland.

A measles epidemic with 2255 reported cases occurred in Poland between November 1997 and July 1998, despite high vaccination coverage since the 1980s. Cases occurred at all ages less than 30 years but showed two distinct peaks: young, unvaccinated children born in 1996-1997 and once vaccinated young adults born 1976-1982. The 60% of cases were among persons aged 15 years or more. A cohort study was used to investigate measles vaccine efficacy. The efficacy of a single dose of vaccine exceeded 90% and the efficacy of two doses exceeded 99% in all age-groups. These results demonstrate both the high efficacy of the monovalent measles vaccines used in Poland and the benefit of a second dose of vaccine.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Immunity against measles in populations of women and infants in Poland.

During the 1997-1998 measles epidemic in Poland a high attack rate occurred in infants up to 1 year of age (24.6/100,000 in comparison with 5.5/100,000 in total population). Routine vaccination against measles for infants aged 13-15 months was introduced in Poland in 1975, and a second dose added in 1991. The recommended age for measles vaccination was based on information gathered in years when most mothers had a natural measles. Nowadays, many mothers have received measles vaccine. Early loss of passively acquired measles antibody may occur in infants of women who received measles vaccine, because measles vaccine induces lower antibody titres than does natural infection. Therefore, measles-specific antibody titres were determined among vaccinated and unvaccinated women as well as among infants, whose mothers were born after 1976 and likely were vaccinated (Group 1), and those, whose mothers were born before 1969 and likely have had a natural measles (Group 2). All women that were born in prevaccination era had significantly higher geometric mean titre (GMT) of measles antibody than those who were vaccinated (P<0.001). Also infants from Group 2 at every age had higher GMT of measles antibody than those of Group 1. The antibody decay was significantly faster among infants whose mothers acquired immunity by measles vaccination. Because nowadays the majority of women in childbearing age are vaccinated against measles, earlier vaccination in the infants should be considered.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed2000

Hepatitis B epidemiology in Poland, Central and Eastern Europe and the newly independent states.

The incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection varies considerably in countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States, but data are difficult to compare between countries because of the large differences in levels of diagnosis, particularly serological identification, and levels of notification. Poland has high levels of diagnosis, including laboratory diagnosis. In the past, the incidence of hepatitis B in Poland was approx. 45 reported cases per 100,000 population, but following the introduction of improved sterilization of medical equipment in 1986 and a selective programme of vaccination in 1991, the incidence fell to about 35 per 100,000 by 1993. In 1993, an intensive vaccination campaign was launched, which has reduced the incidence to under 15 per 100,000. The incidence of HBV infection has decreased across all age groups and in both men and women, and in the under 3 years age group only 32 cases in total were reported in 1997. In 1996 and 1997, there was a slight relative increase in the incidence of HBV infection in men aged 20-24 years. This group may be a target for future vaccination programmes and other activities of control for the infection.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The hepatitis B prevention education programme in Poland.

The main objective of the hepatitis B prevention education programme in Poland is to promote education in the school setting. The programme stems from the national policy for the prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and is an element of the national Health Prevention Programme. The main aims of the programme include reducing morbidity from HBV infection by increasing community awareness, facilitating access to vaccination, establishing local lobbies to support the programme, and encouraging cooperation with vaccine producers. The education programme has been implemented in three phases, starting with a pilot programme in 1996 that was extended to half of Poland in 1997 and to the whole country in 1998. The programme is divided into five stages, consisting of meetings at central, voivodship and local levels, vaccination of children and evaluation of the programme.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Response of mosses to the heavy metal deposition in Poland--an overview.

Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) in Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt., a common moss species, were used to indicate relative levels of atmospheric deposition in Poland in the years 1975-1998. Spatial and temporal differences in the heavy metal concentrations in mosses were found. The highest concentration of heavy metals was recorded in the moss samples from the southern, most industrialised part of the country, and the lowest from north-eastern Poland. A significant decrease of heavy metals over 20 years (1975-1998) was found.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1999

Accumulation of metals in the teeth of inhabitants of two towns in the south of Poland.

Metals and Ca, Na and K were examined in human teeth taken from inhabitants of two towns Sosnowiec and Katowice in the south of Poland (n = 170 samples) during 1993/1994. They are located in Upper Silesia, a heavily industrialised and urbanised region of Poland. The concentrations of Pb, Mn, Fe, Cd, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn and Cr were determined by AAS, and Na, Ca and K by flame photometer. Variations in the Pb/Fe, Pb/Mn, Pb/Ca and Cd/Ca ratios of elements in human teeth were examined. Influence of age, sex type of teeth on concentrations of elements for inhabitants from the two different towns (Katowice and Sosnowiec) and on levels of ratios of the elements were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Cluster Analysis was used to investigate relationships among metals. The smallest duster distances were obtained for: Ca-Fe, Mn-Cd and Na-Co, which indicated the strongest relation between elements in teeth for the investigated population living in a heavily industrialised and urbanised region.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Tuberculosis in the autopsy material: analysis of 1500 autopsies performed between 1972 and 1991 in the Institute of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases, Warsaw, Poland.

SETTING: The present study is based on 1500 autopsies done in the Institute of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases Warsaw, Poland during the years 1972-81 and 1982-91. OBJECTIVE: To assess the correctness of tuberculosis diagnosis before death in the above mentioned time periods. DESIGN: The autopsy reports were examined for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis proved by microscopy. The form and localisation of tuberculosis was assessed. The postmortem diagnosis was compared with clinical diagnosis. In those cases in which tuberculosis was not recognised before death the possible causes of this failure were analyzed. RESULTS: Active tuberculosis was found in 119 cases, 7.9% of all autopsies. It was localised in the lungs exclusively in 72 cases, in lungs and in extrapulmonary sites in 45 and in extrapulmonary sites only in 2. The frequency of active tuberculosis was the same for the two periods under evaluation. Tuberculosis was however not recognised before death in a much higher proportion of cases in 1982-92 (54%) than in 1972-81 (24%). The main cause of diagnostic failure was connected with atypical localisation of lesions on chest X-ray and with dissemination outside the lungs. Previous tuberculosis was a factor which facilitated the diagnosis of tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: In parallel with the decline of tuberculosis incidence in Poland, many doctors lack experience in diagnosing this disease, especially in cases with atypical X-ray presentation and with extrapulmonary localisation. This may lead to late or even very late diagnosis and have a significant impact on the epidemiological situation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Pu-241 in samples of forest soil from Poland.

241Pu activity measurements in coniferous forest soil samples from Poland are presented. The results were obtained in two ways: by alpha spectrometric remeasurements of the plutonium sources 3-4 years after their preparation (i.e. by the 241Am ingrowth) and by direct measurements of 241Pu using liquid scintillation (LS) spectrometry. Both methods gave consistent results. The maximum observed activity concentration obtained by the 241Am ingrowth was (254 +/- 43) Bq/kg, and by direct measurements it was (284 +/- 31) Bq/kg (the same sample, activities calculated for May 1, 1986). Enhanced levels of 241Pu were observed in all samples from the farthest north-eastern Poland. The estimated 241Pu maximum deposition from Chernobyl fallout in this area (sum of deposition for two examined layers of one site) was (1.025 +/- 0.110) kBq/m2. This will result after 70 years in an additional 241Am activity of about (30.1 +/- 3.2) Bq/m2. The average ratio for 241Pu to total 238,239,240Pu was of the order of 25. The obtained average Chernobyl ratios for 241Pu to 239,240Pu were about 86, and those for 241Pu to 238,239,240Pu were 56.

Plutonium↗
PubMed2002

The use of a homologous preserved costal cartilage in an infant with Poland's syndrome.

Poland's syndrome is a rarely encountered congenital deficiency involving chest wall and breast deformity associated with hand anomalies. Chest wall reconstruction is necessary if the bony thorax is involved. We present the use of a homologous preserved costal cartilage for reconstruction of the chest wall in an infant with Poland's syndrome, the use of which provided optimal chest wall stability with a favourable outcome.

Cartilage↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of hepatitis C surveillance in Poland in 1998.

The aim was to evaluate hepatitis C surveillance in Poland during 1998. Hepatitis C reports were obtained from epidemiology offices. Public health staff were interviewed to collect information on surveillance operations. To estimate the proportion of acute cases among the total reported, a study was conducted in the Warsaw district to validate case reports. A total of 1661 (97.2%) hepatitis C cases were studied. Hepatitis C surveillance was timely and acceptable to the user, but did not provide a number of information elements required to differentiate acute from chronic cases of infection. Of the 268 case reports available in the Warsaw district, only 15 (5.6%) met the acute hepatitis C case definition. It is concluded that hepatitis C surveillance in Poland cannot provide useful incidence estimates and information regarding risk factors for acute infection. A strict case definition and a modified case form with specific questions for HCV transmission routes should be applied.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

Epidemiological characteristics of Salmonella Typhimurium isolated from animals and feed in Poland.

Fifty-seven Salmonella Typhimurium strains isolated from poultry, swine and animal feed in Poland during the years 1979-1998 and 2000-2002 were analysed with conventional and molecular techniques. Antimicrobial resistance as well as multiresistance was found, respectively, in 80.1% and 56.1% of the isolates and most frequently among isolates from 2000-2002. Of several phage types noted, DT104 was prevalent among poultry, swine and feed isolates. DT104, U302 and non-typable strains had a multiple resistant profile (ACSSuT) due to the presence of class I integrons. Pulse-field gel electrophoresis of XbaI and BlnI digest showed high genomic similarity between the strains and confirmed clonal spread of S. Typhimurium infections. Plasmid profiling allowed further differentiation of the strains. We have, therefore, confirmed the appearance of S. Typhimurium DT104 showing genome integrated integron-mediated antimicrobial resistance in Poland. These findings are significant for public and animal health risks and document the dissemination of DT104 epidemic strains into new geographical regions.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2001

Prevalence of hepatitis B markers in patients with hepatitis C infection in north-eastern Poland: risk factors and vaccine use.

We evaluated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers and established HBV vaccination status among 111 patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A history of HBV immunisation was recorded in 30 patients (27.0%) and only 17/30 (66.7%) had anti-HBs level > or =10 mIU/ml. All patients were HBsAg-negative and 22.2% of nonvaccinated subjects had evidence of HBV infection as determined by anti-HBc presence. Among patients with anti-HBc in 7/18 cases (38.9%) anti-HBc was the only marker of HBV infection (without anti-HBs). The prevalence of anti-HBc was significantly higher among patients who reported a history of acute hepatitis. In conclusion the prevalence of HBV markers in patients with HCV infection in north-eastern Poland is similar to the prevalence in general population, which suggests no increased risk for nosocomial HBV infection among those individuals. HCV infection seems to favour unusual serological pattern of HBV infection with anti-HBc as the only marker. HBV vaccine use is low among patients with HCV infection in north-eastern Poland.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Heavy metal concentration in the moss Pleurozium schreberi in the Niepołomice Forest, Poland: changes during 20 years.

The Niepołomice Forest is a large forest complex (110 km2) situated in southern Poland 10 to 30 km to the east of the urban industrial Kraków agglomeration and steelworks, which was built up on the outskirts of the city in 1950. Due to prevailing westerly winds, the forest is affected by pollutants emitted by both the steelworks and the city. The level of heavy metal contamination in the Niepołomice Forest was described using a sensitive bioindicator - the moss Pleurozium schreberi. Mean concentrations of metals in moss collected in the Niepołomice Forest were Cd - 0.71, Cr - 2.4, Cu - 8.6, Fe - 673, Pb - 12.7, and Zn - 61 mg/kg. Concentrations of heavy metals in moss in the Niepołomice Forest decreased in time. As compared with the relatively clean area in north-eastern Poland (Puszcza Białowieska), the concentration of Fe was 2-9 fold and Pb 4-6 fold higher in the Niepołomice Forest in 1975, while in 1998 4 fold and 2 fold, respectively. In both 1975 and 1998 the most polluted by heavy metals was the western part of the Niepołomice Forest (closest to the pollution sources) and the area along the roads inside the forest complex.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2004

Pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in urban and rural areas of eastern Poland.

The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of head pediculosis in the rural and urban environments of Lublin Province (eastern Poland) in 1996-2000 and to examine socioeconomic factors influencing distribution among schoolchildren. A total of 95,153 schoolchildren living in urban and rural areas were examined twice yearly by school nurses. The overall rate of head pediculosis differs significantly between rural (1.59%) and urban (0.48%) schools in eastern Poland. Children between 8 and 12 years old were most frequently infested. Pediculosis was observed most frequently in girls both in the urban (63.5%) and rural (75.3%) schools and this was related with hairstyles. The prevalence of pediculosis decreased with increasing life standards, i.e. with high income, accessibility and consumption of water and better health care systems. Our findings showed that prevalence of pediculosis capitis depends on the age and sex of the schoolchildren and their living conditions. Hygienic controls of schoolchildren by nurses are important in the elimination of Pediculus humanus capitis. Our results confirmed pediculosis capitis is still a problem in different environments, particularly with lower life standards and poorer economic conditions of health care.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Tanning salons in southwest Poland: a survey of safety standards and professional knowledge of the staff.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, sunbeds are very popular worldwide; however--in the majority of countries, including Poland--there are no general guidelines and/or regulations for sunbed usage. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate tanning salons in southwest Poland, paying special attention to safety regulations and basic professional knowledge of the staff members of these units. The hypothesis was put that tanning salons offer better skin and eye protection if their employees are more educated. METHODS: Fifty-five sunbed units were visited by the investigators, acting as potential clients. Information was obtained from the staff members in response to previously designed questionnaire. RESULTS: Employees of 41.8% of sunbed units had adequate knowledge of radiation used in their establishments. Goggles were provided in 72.7%, sunglasses in additional 25.5% of salons. Lotions with sunscreens were available in 41.8% of units. Brief medical history of the client was taken in 20% of units. No dermatological examination was performed. Tanning salons, where employed staff were well-orientated in ultraviolet radiation emitted in their units, significantly more frequently recommended usage of goggles and sunscreens (P = 0.0037 and P = 0.0033, respectively). Moreover, in these establishments sunscreens were more commonly available (P = 0.0029). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of staff members of tanning salons is poor and the eye and skin protection is not enough. The results point out the importance of the knowledge of the staff members in providing skin and eye protection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Molecular and genetic damage in humans from environmental pollution in Poland.

Extreme environmental pollution such as that found in the highly industrialized Silesian region of Poland has been associated with increased risk of cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes. Among the most prevalent carcinogenic and mutagenic air pollutants in Silesia are the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which are largely produced by industrial and residential combustion of coal. Molecular epidemiology aims to prevent disease by using biological markers to identify risks well before clinical onset to allow effective intervention. Here, we use a battery of biological markers to measure molecular and genetic damage in peripheral blood samples from residents of Silesia and from persons living in a rural, less polluted area of Poland. The results show that their exposure to environmental pollution is associated with significant increases in carcinogen-DNA adducts (PAH-DNA and aromatic adducts), in sister chromatid exchange including high-frequency cells, and in chromosomal aberrations as well as a doubling in the frequency of ras oncogene overexpression. We found that aromatic adducts on DNA were significantly correlated with chromosomal mutation, providing us with a molecular link between environmental exposure and a genetic alteration relevant to cancer and reproductive risk.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Nutritional status of patients hospitalised in Poland.

AIM: Screening and extended assessment of the nutritional status of patients on admission and on discharge from hospital were carried out. DESCRIPTION: The studies were carried out in four teaching hospitals, four provincial hospitals and four county hospitals in Poland. SUBJECTS: Screening examinations were carried out for 3310 randomly selected patients (every 10th patient admitted to hospital, including 1916 female cases aged from 16 to 92 y and 1394 male patients aged from 16 to 100 y). Extended examinations were carried out on 210 patients aged from 16 to 87 y (including 122 female and 88 male). MAIN ASSESSMENT PARAMETERS: Anthropometric (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), arm circumference) and biochemical indices (erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, blood lymphocyte count and serum albumin serum concentration). The extended examinations included determination of antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E), vitamin B(12) and folic acid. RESULTS: On admission to hospital, 10.43% of the patients surveyed had a BMI below 20 kg/m(2), in 20.74% of patients serum albumin concentration was below 3.5 g/dl, indicating possible protein energy malnutrition. In addition, 21.02% had lymphocyte count below 1.5 x 10(3)/mm(3). During hospitalisation, deterioration in the nutritional status of the patient population occurred. On discharge from hospital, the percentage of patients with BMI < 20 kg/m(2) increased to 11.21% and the percentage with low blood albumin (<3.5 g/dl) increased to 28.57%. On admission, vitamin C deficiency was present in 51.8% of patients, folic acid deficiency in 32%, vitamin E deficiency in 10%, vitamin B(12) deficiency in 6.8% and vitamin A deficiency in 1.4%. Vitamin deficiencies were present equally in malnourished, overweight and obese patients. CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted to hospitals in Poland, malnutrition risk demonstrated by BMI was observed in 10.43% of patients. On the basis of biochemical indices, increased nutritional risk was demonstrated in 21% of patients. Vitamin malnutrition was seen in the majority of patients. A significant correlation between weight, BMI, arm circumference, blood lymphocyte count and the number of days spent in hospital was observed. SPONSORSHIP: The Committee of Scientific Research and the Ministry of Health-PBZ 012-14.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Heterogeneity in microbial exposure in schools in Sweden, Poland and Jordan revealed by analysis of chemical markers.

We used gas chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry to analyze microbial components in 85 samples of airborne dust from schools in Jordan, Sweden, and Poland. To collect the samples, we allowed dust to settle on plexiglass plates hanging in the breathing zone in school buildings during both summer and winter. In each of the three countries, we conducted such sampling in two schools: one in an urban environment and the other in rural surroundings. The microbial marker profiles differed significantly between the schools and seasons. For example, samples from Jordan contained remarkably low levels of ergosterol (marker of fungal biomass) and high levels of 3-hydroxy acids (markers of lipopolysaccharide) of 10, 12, and 14 carbon chain lengths relative to such acids of 16 and 18 carbons in comparison with samples from Sweden and Poland. This dissimilarity in 3-hydroxy fatty acid distribution indicates significant differences in the populations of Gram-negative bacteria. We also noted that muramic acid (marker of bacterial biomass) exhibited the smallest variation between schools and seasons. In summary, our results demonstrate that exposure to microorganisms in indoor air in school buildings may differ markedly between countries, between seasons, and between urban and rural environments.

Adolescent↗