Infectious Diseases Physician and Microbiologist. Professor Medical School. Australian National University. Views are my own.
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Articles by Peter J. Collignon
Covid-19 peak revealed as expert reveals optimistic outlook for Australia
It’s been revealed when Australia will experience the next Covid surge, but one state is expected to reach its peak much sooner than the rest.An expert has revealed when Australia will experience a surge in Covid infections.Despite the positive news, Professor Collignon warned that the country would be hit by another surge of Covid infections in the middle of the year.Professor Peter Collignon expects another Covid surge mid-year.
An Old Defence Against New Infections: The Open-Air Factor and COVID-19
The open-air regimen By the first decade of the 20th century, there was a widespread belief among the medical profession that fresh air could cure pulmonary tuberculosis. The pioneer in this field was Dr. George Bodington who published an essay in 1840 in which he set out how he had used fresh rural air, gentle exercise in the open, and a nutritious diet to heal patients with the condition. This was at a time when the disease was considered incurable in medical circles [30].
Analysis: Getting back to ‘Zero Covid’ is a hopeless dream - so why are millions in China still living under crippling lockdowns?
The Covid vaccines used in Australia have been extremely successful at markedly decreasing our personal risk of dying or getting seriously ill from the virus. Despite the hype and fears induced by many commentators, the vaccines are still highly effective against serious complications for all strains of Covid that have so far developed and spread (alpha, delta, omicron etc).
National review of quarantine
Description In the absence of widespread immunity providing protection against the health effects of COVID-19, limiting the entry and spread of the virus has been a key public health objective. In addition to other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), mandatory quarantine has played a key role in Australia’s public health response for both domestic and international travellers.
Official Journal of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada: Vol 6, No 3
Pediatric ID Note 6(3), pp. 173–176 First published online: August 17, 2021 First Page | Full Text | References | PDF (141 KB) | ePub (30 KB) Adult ID Note Kevin B Laupland, Peter J Collignon, Ilan S Schwartz 6(3), pp.
The effect of eye protection on SARS-CoV-2 transmission: a systematic review
Abstract Background The effect of eye protection to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in the real-world remains uncertain. We aimed to synthesize all available research on the potential impact of eye protection on transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Methods We searched PROSPERO, PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library for clinical trials and comparative observational studies in CENTRAL, and Europe PMC for pre-prints.
Sleeping with the enemy: Will the COVID-19 pandemic turn the tide of antimicrobial-resistant infections?
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound effect on virtually all aspects of people’s lives. Although the direct negative effects on health are most evident, the disruption caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been all-encompassing, with social, economic, and cultural impacts that span from local to global scales (1).
COVID‐19 and future pandemics: is isolation and social distancing the new norm?
Abstract The coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, is the cause of COVID-19. This virus spreads readily from person to person and predominantly to and from the respiratory route and through droplets. There are many different interventions that can be and are used to decrease successfully the risk and spread of COVID-19. Most of the principles underpinning these interventions relate to isolation and social distancing.
How Scientists Around The World Are Already Fighting The Next Pandemic
Riccardo Mayer/Shutterstock.com If a two-year-old child living in poverty in India or Bangladesh gets sick with a common bacterial infection, there is more than a 50% chance an antibiotic treatment will fail. Somehow the child has acquired an antibiotic resistant infection – even to drugs to which they may never have been exposed. How? Unfortunately, this child also lives in a place with limited clean water and less waste management, bringing them into frequent contact with faecal matter.
InnerSelf
Welcome... Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self. This is the early-bird version of the newsletter/new issue of InnerSelf. The complete version will be online, and emailed to subscribers, late Sunday afternoon. Insightful reading! Please scroll down for the featured articles in this new issue of InnerSelf, and also the recap of all the articles that were added to the website during the week. Wishing you enjoyable insightful reading, and of course a wonder-full, joy-full, and loving week. Marie T.
Already Fighting the Next Pandemic
David Graham & Peter Collignon The Conversation June 12, 2020 If a two-year-old child living in poverty in India or Bangladesh gets sick with a common bacterial infection, there is more than a 50% chance an antibiotic treatment will fail. Somehow the child has acquired an antibiotic resistant infection – even to drugs to which they may never have been exposed. How? Read Full Article »
Scientists around the world are already fighting the next pandemic
If a two-year-old child living in poverty in India or Bangladesh gets sick with a common bacterial infection, there is more than a 50% chance an antibiotic treatment will fail. Somehow the child has acquired an antibiotic resistant infection – even to drugs to which they may never have been exposed. How? Unfortunately, this child also lives in a place with limited clean water and less waste management, bringing them into frequent contact with faecal matter.
COVID-19 FATALITY RISK: WHY IS AUSTRALIA LOWER THAN SOUTH KOREA?
Abstract Background: As the Covid-19 virus epidemic spreads, it is important to establish reliable estimates of fatality hazard rates. Australia and South Korea are ideal candidates for detailed consideration. Both have completed the first wave of the epidemic, they have extensive Covid-19 testing and tracking programs so that confirmed case load data are reliable, and neither country has had any significant case load stress in their hospital systems.
How do healthcare workers in diagnostic imaging minimise risks but maximise performance during the COVID‐19 pandemic?
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative agent of COVID‐19, is a lipid‐layer enveloped RNA virus, capable of infecting receptor‐expressing epithelial cells.
Why does the Australian government say it's safe to keep schools open?
Credit: CC0 Public Domain Victoria started school holidays a week early while parents can choose whether to send their children to school in other states. All states and territories are working towards reopening schools in term two. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the medical expert advice is that it is safe to send your children to school.
Other countries are shutting schools – why does the Australian government say it's safe to keep them open?
Victoria started school holidays a week early while parents can choose whether to send their children to school in other states. All states and territories are working towards reopening schools in term two. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the medical expert advice is that it is safe to send your children to school. This seems inconsistent with other strict quarantine measures the country is adopting to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, termed SARS-CoV-2.
Swine flu: lessons we need to learn from our global experience
When a new H1N1 strain of influenza was reported in Mexico in April 2009, it appeared to be associated with a high mortality. Media reports helped fuel fears around the world that we might see a recurrence of events associated with the ‘Spanish flu’ in 1918–1919, when tens of millions of people died. This triggered internationally, pandemic plans—designed to cope with predicted new virulent strains of influenza, such as ‘Bird Flu’ (H5N1).
How to avoid the dangerous bacteria that can lurk in potting mix
Gardening is generally a healthy and pleasurable hobby or occupation. However, any activity carries some risk -- and gardening is no exception. Potting mix is known to carry harmful bacteria and fungi. And there have been reports of deaths from diseases, such as the Legionnaires' disease (a lung infection), that have been attributed to bacteria in potting mix. Many bacteria and fungi that can cause infections in people live in soil and water.
CSIRO PUBLISHING | Healthcare Infection
Aims: To describe long-term survival (beyond 200 days) following Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) and to determine if certain patient subgroups had poorer long-term survival outcomes. Methods: A single-centre, retrospective, cohort study of all SAB cases at The Canberra Hospital, a tertiary referral centre, from January 1998 to December 2007 was performed. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from a pre-existing prospectively collected database.
Anthropological and socioeconomic factors contributing to global antimicrobial resistance: a univariate and multivariable analysis
Summary Background Understanding of the factors driving global antimicrobial resistance is limited. We analysed antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic consumption worldwide versus many potential contributing factors.
The Flu Vaccine Is Being Oversold - It's Not That Effective
Winter has started, and with it, flu season. Inevitably, all of us (young, old and sick) have been implored to be immunised against influenza, with some eligible for a subsidised vaccine. And people are heeding the message, to the point that there is now a shortage of available vaccines. At the same time, findings from three important Cochrane reviews on the effectiveness of the influenza vaccination aren’t consistent with the advice we are been given.
The flu vaccine is being oversold – it’s not that effective | The Mandarin
Winter has started, and with it, flu season. Inevitably, all of us (young, old and sick) have been implored to be immunised against influenza, with some eligible for a subsidised vaccine. And people are heeding the message, to the point that there is now a shortage of available vaccines. At the same time, findings from three important Cochrane reviews on the effectiveness of the influenza vaccination aren’t consistent with the advice we’re been given.
The flu vaccine is being oversold - it’s not that effective
Cochrane reviews are independent systematic reviews, which are comprehensive analyses of most of the literature relevant to a research topic. Cochrane reviews summarise the results in a multitude of studies, and are regularly updated to absorb new research. These three Cochrane reviews have been recently updated, as well as stabilised, which is what happens when it looks as if it seems unlikely new research would be published that would change the conclusions.
The flu vaccine is being oversold – it's not that effective
Winter has started, and with it, flu season. Inevitably, all of us (young, old and sick) have been implored to be immunised against influenza, with some eligible for a subsidised vaccine. And people are heeding the message, to the point that there is now a shortage of available vaccines. At the same time, findings from three important Cochrane reviews on the effectiveness of the influenza vaccination aren’t consistent with the advice we’re been given.
The flu vaccine is being oversold - it's not that effective
At the same time, findings from three important Cochrane reviews on the effectiveness of the influenza vaccination aren't consistent with the advice we're been given. Cochrane reviews are independent systematic reviews, which are comprehensive analyses of most of the literature relevant to a research topic. Cochrane reviews summarise the results in a multitude of studies, and are regularly updated to absorb new research.
Prevention of peripheral intravenous catheter-related bloodstream infections: the need for routine replacement
To the Editor: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) frequently cause Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia, and a disproportionate number of episodes involve catheters that have been left in place for ? 4 days or have been inserted in emergencies.1 Other studies have shown similar results with catheters left in place for > 48 hours or not routinely replaced after emergency placements.2-4 The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers.
Don't worry, the chance of dying from potting mix is very slim
Potting mix is known to carry harmful bacteria and fungi. And there have been reports of deaths from diseases, such as the Legionnaires' disease (a lung infection), that have been attributed to bacteria in potting mix. Many bacteria and fungi that can cause infections in people live in soil and water. So it's not surprising that potting mix can also have in it bacteria and fungi that may on occasion cause harm to people, and in rare cases even kill them.
Don't worry, the chance of dying from potting mix is very slim
Gardening is generally a healthy and pleasurable hobby or occupation. However, any activity carries some risk – and gardening is no exception. Potting mix is known to carry harmful bacteria and fungi. And there have been reports of deaths from diseases, such as the Legionnaires’ disease (a lung infection), that have been attributed to bacteria in potting mix. Many bacteria and fungi that can cause infections in people live in soil and water.
How can we prepare better for influenza epidemics?
News & Views How can we prepare... How can we prepare better for influenza epidemics?
Hospital antimicrobial stewardship: the way forward
In resource-limited environments, deciding where and how investments should be made to reduce bacterial resistance is challenging.In their recent systematic review, David Baur and colleagues1 showed that antibiotic stewardship programmes were more effective with infection control measures—especially hand-hygiene interventions —than when implemented alone.
Does Lyme disease exist in Australia?
Despite a number of reports of putative cases and a discussion across several decades,1-19 locally acquired classic Lyme disease has not been identified in Australia. Despite intensive efforts, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, Borrelia species collectively termed the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.) complex, have not been cultured from any definite locally acquired cases of the disease.
Manuka honey may help prevent life-threatening urinary infections
Manuka honey could prevent serious urinary tract infections caused by catheters – tubes used to drain patients’ bladders, new laboratory research has found. The research showed honey from New Zealand’s manuka plant slows the speed of bacterial growth and formation of biofilms, which are thin layers that build up on surfaces and harbour infection.
What Is The Common Cold And How Do We Get It?
The “common cold” is common. Most of us will have at least one or two per year. Children get sick more often and very young children often get more than five colds per year. Even though it’s so common there’s a lack of good research looking into this infection and ways to prevent and treat it. What is a ‘cold’? The common cold is caused by viruses. It’s generally an acute self-limiting infection, which means it comes on quickly and resolves by itself.
Health Check: what is the common cold and how do we get it?
The “common cold” is common. Most of us will have at least one or two per year. Children get sick more often and very young children often get more than five colds per year. Even though it’s so common there’s a lack of good research looking into this infection and ways to prevent and treat it. The common cold is caused by viruses. It’s generally an acute self-limiting infection, which means it comes on quickly and resolves by itself.
Antimicrobial Resistance: The Major Contribution of Poor Governance and Corruption to This Growing Problem
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Peter Collignon , Prema-chandra Athukorala, Sanjaya Senanayake, Fahad Khan Peter Collignon, Prema-chandra Athukorala, Sanjaya Senanayake, Fahad Khan Published: March 18, 2015 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0116746 Figures Abstract Objectives To determine how important governmental, social, and economic factors are in driving antibiotic resistance compared to the factors usually considered the main driving factors—antibiotic...
An Australia‐wide epidemic of Pseudomonas pickettii bacteraemia due to contaminated “sterile” water for injection
References 1, , . Systemic sepsis and intravenous devices. Med J Aust 1984; 141: 345–348. 2, , . Prevention of sepsis associated with the insertion of intravenous cannulae. Med J Aust 1985; 142: 346–348. 3. Infections associated with intravascular lines. In: JS Remington, MN Swartz, eds. Current clinical topics in infectious diseases. Vol 3. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1983: 309–363. 4. Prevention of infections: infections related to medical devices. Ann Intern Med 1978; 89: 764–769. 5, , , et al.
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