Research and analysis

HPR volume 10 issue 2: news (15 January)

Updated 16 December 2016

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1. CDRN biennial report for 2013 to 2015

Public Health England (PHE) has published a biennial report covering the activities of its Clostridium Difficile ribotyping network (CDRN). The network provides a molecular epidemiology service for the analysis of Clostridium Difficile infection (CDI) cases, including clusters and outbreaks associated with healthcare facilities, for England [1].

The report presents detailed data covering:

  • the proportion of mandatory CDI reported cases ribotyped
  • reasons for sample submission
  • CDI recovery rates
  • changes in ribotype prevalences
  • results of enhanced fingerprinting [2]
  • antibiotics associated with cases
  • antibiotic susceptibility summary data

The CDRN service now comprises 8 participating regional laboratories and a reference laboratory in Leeds [3]. Since its introduction in 2008, reports of Clostridium Difficile in England have fallen markedly, as has CDI-associated mortality, following peaks in 2007. It is not possible to determine which interventions have been particularly responsible for the decreased incidence. However, the report notes it is plausible that better access to the ribotyping and enhanced fingerprinting results have facilitated better local investigation and control of cases. Most notable has been the marked decline in prevalence since 2008 of the epidemic ribotype 027 strain, which is associated with poor outcomes.

Timely data provided by CDRN has enabled healthcare institutions to respond to changes in CDI presentation and/or incidence. Hospitals are encouraged to consider submitting samples from confirmed cases to CDRN, according to local clinical need, so as optimise the control and prevention of CDI. The service aims to provide results within 2 weeks of sample receipt.

1.1 References

  1. CDRN report webpage.

  2. See: “Leeds CDRN study on use of genetic fingerprinting in CDI case-cluster and outbreak investigation”, HPR 6(1).

  3. CDRN service webpages.

2. PHE applied epidemiology scientific conference

PHE’s Applied Epidemiology Scientific Conference 2016 will be held on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 March 2016, in the Ramphal Building at the University of Warwick, focusing on the application of epidemiological and other scientific methods to protect and improve public health.

The purpose of this annual event is to support high quality and innovative science through the sharing of good practice including the work of the NIHR Health Protection Research Units. The conference comprises a mix of plenary sessions, posters and parallel sessions.

The event aims to:

  • support the development of epidemiological and other scientific capacity and skills
  • raise standards in the practice of epidemiology and celebrate excellence in scientific activity
  • support links with academia and foster networks
  • provide opportunities for trainees and junior scientists to present their work with academic rigour
  • explore opportunities of collaboration across PHE and with other partner organisations

2.1 Further information

1. PHE Applied Epidemiology Scientific Conference 2016: application of scientific methods to improve and protect public health, 22-23 March, 2016.

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