MMWR Booster for the Jan 5, 2024 Issue!
For this weeks recent MMWR Roundup, we have the following articles available:
MMWR Booster for: Second Nationwide Tuberculosis Outbreak Caused by Bone Allografts Containing Live Cells — United States, 2023, January 5, 2024
Top 5 Takeaways
- Second Outbreak in Recent Years: This report covers the second outbreak of TB related to bone allografts in recent years, with 36 recipients affected.
- Initial Detection and Response: The outbreak was initially detected following two TB cases in different states, leading to a rapid public health response that prevented 53 additional procedures using the implicated allografts.
- Laboratory Analysis and Results: Whole-genome sequencing confirmed the bone allograft as the transmission source, with 5 out of 36 recipients diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed TB disease.
- Significance of Findings: The outbreak highlights the limitations of current testing methods for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in donor tissues and underscores the need for more comprehensive testing, including culture-based methods.
- Public Health Implications: Emphasizes the necessity for improved donor screening, informed consent processes, and post-implant monitoring to reduce the risk of tissue-derived TB transmission.
Link for full summary: BroadlyEpi.com
MMWR Booster for: Notes from the Field: Supply Interruptions of First- and Second-Line Oral Drugs to Treat Tuberculosis During the Previous 12 Months — California, January–March, 2023
Top 5 Takeaways
- Recurrent Drug Shortages: The U.S., particularly California, has faced recurring shortages of first- and second-line TB drugs, impacting treatment regimens.
- High Priority Concern: California TB programs rated the stabilization of TB drug supplies as a high priority, with high case-count programs giving it a higher importance rating.
- Impact on Treatment: Drug supply interruptions led to delayed treatment initiations, changes in treatment regimens, and in some cases, negative patient outcomes.
- Survey Insights: The survey, including 89% of California TB programs, revealed that 64% experienced delays or unavailability of first-line TB drugs.
- Proactive Measures: In response to these challenges, California established a centralized buffer supply of TB drugs to mitigate the impact of future shortages.
Link for full summary: BroadlyEpi.com
MMWR Booster for: Notes from the Field: Seizures, Hyperthermia, and Myocardial Injury in Three Young Adults Who Consumed Bromazolam Disguised as Alprazolam — Chicago, Illinois, February 2023
Top 5 Takeaways
1. Bromazolam Might Be Sold as Benzodiazepines: Identified as a counterfeit benzodiazepine, bromazolam use has increased, often found in combination with fentanyl.
2. Severe Health Impacts: Three young adults in Chicago experienced seizures, hyperthermia, and myocardial injury after ingesting bromazolam mislabeled as alprazolam.
3. Clinical Presentation: Patients presented with unresponsiveness, high body temperatures, and seizures; two recovered, while one remained in a coma.
4. Public Health Concern: Rising incidences of bromazolam poisoning highlight the need for awareness among healthcare providers and emergency responders.
5. Guidance for Clinicians: Bromazolam intoxication should be considered in similar cases, emphasizing the need for aggressive seizure control and public health involvement.
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