Heidi Splete

WASHINGTON — A family history of colorectal cancer did not predict healthier lifestyles in a study of 32,374 subjects, Dr. Harvey J. Murff reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

No significant differences in diet, vitamin use, alcohol use, or level of physical activity were found between people with a family history of colorectal cancer and those with no such history, Dr. Murff wrote in a poster.

However, significantly more people with family histories reported being screened for colorectal cancer, compared with people who had no such history (70% vs. 49%). In addition, individuals who had family histories of colorectal cancer were more likely to have been smokers than those with no history, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Dr. Murff and his colleagues at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., reviewed subjects' responses to questions about diet and lifestyle from the Cancer Control Module of the 2000 National Health Interview Survey; respondents with prior diagnoses of colorectal cancer were excluded.

On the basis of these findings, “individuals with positive family histories … might benefit from targeted lifestyle modification interventions,” the investigators said.

WASHINGTON — A family history of colorectal cancer did not predict healthier lifestyles in a study of 32,374 subjects, Dr. Harvey J. Murff reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

No significant differences in diet, vitamin use, alcohol use, or level of physical activity were found between people with a family history of colorectal cancer and those with no such history, Dr. Murff wrote in a poster.

However, significantly more people with family histories reported being screened for colorectal cancer, compared with people who had no such history (70% vs. 49%). In addition, individuals who had family histories of colorectal cancer were more likely to have been smokers than those with no history, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Dr. Murff and his colleagues at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., reviewed subjects' responses to questions about diet and lifestyle from the Cancer Control Module of the 2000 National Health Interview Survey; respondents with prior diagnoses of colorectal cancer were excluded.

On the basis of these findings, “individuals with positive family histories … might benefit from targeted lifestyle modification interventions,” the investigators said.

WASHINGTON — A family history of colorectal cancer did not predict healthier lifestyles in a study of 32,374 subjects, Dr. Harvey J. Murff reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

No significant differences in diet, vitamin use, alcohol use, or level of physical activity were found between people with a family history of colorectal cancer and those with no such history, Dr. Murff wrote in a poster.

However, significantly more people with family histories reported being screened for colorectal cancer, compared with people who had no such history (70% vs. 49%). In addition, individuals who had family histories of colorectal cancer were more likely to have been smokers than those with no history, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Dr. Murff and his colleagues at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., reviewed subjects' responses to questions about diet and lifestyle from the Cancer Control Module of the 2000 National Health Interview Survey; respondents with prior diagnoses of colorectal cancer were excluded.

On the basis of these findings, “individuals with positive family histories … might benefit from targeted lifestyle modification interventions,” the investigators said.

DENVER — Depression significantly increased the rates of four types of cardiovascular conditions among Medicare patients aged 65 and older, compared with patients without depression, Dr. Lawson R. Wulsin reported in a poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society.

Dr. Wulsin, professor of psychiatry and family medicine at the University of Cincinnati, and his colleagues reviewed data from 177,760 Medicare patients who were enrolled in the 1998 Medicare Health Outcomes Study.

Self-reported depression for at least 2 weeks during the year prior to the study was strongly associated with chest pain at rest (relative risk 2.79), myocardial infarction (RR 1.49), congestive heart failure (RR 1.81), and stroke (RR 1.78).

The significant increases in risk for these four conditions persisted when the patients reported depression or sadness either “much of the past year” or “most days during any 2 years of your life,” which suggests a similar effect for both recent and long-term depression in older patients.

The results support the need for depression screening among older patients with cardiovascular disease, and the need to identify factors that can mitigate these effects, the investigators wrote.

Their analyses of covariates including age, gender, physical and mental functioning, smoking status, and diabetes status are pending.

DENVER — Depression significantly increased the rates of four types of cardiovascular conditions among Medicare patients aged 65 and older, compared with patients without depression, Dr. Lawson R. Wulsin reported in a poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society.

Dr. Wulsin, professor of psychiatry and family medicine at the University of Cincinnati, and his colleagues reviewed data from 177,760 Medicare patients who were enrolled in the 1998 Medicare Health Outcomes Study.

Self-reported depression for at least 2 weeks during the year prior to the study was strongly associated with chest pain at rest (relative risk 2.79), myocardial infarction (RR 1.49), congestive heart failure (RR 1.81), and stroke (RR 1.78).

The significant increases in risk for these four conditions persisted when the patients reported depression or sadness either “much of the past year” or “most days during any 2 years of your life,” which suggests a similar effect for both recent and long-term depression in older patients.

The results support the need for depression screening among older patients with cardiovascular disease, and the need to identify factors that can mitigate these effects, the investigators wrote.

Their analyses of covariates including age, gender, physical and mental functioning, smoking status, and diabetes status are pending.

DENVER — Depression significantly increased the rates of four types of cardiovascular conditions among Medicare patients aged 65 and older, compared with patients without depression, Dr. Lawson R. Wulsin reported in a poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society.

Dr. Wulsin, professor of psychiatry and family medicine at the University of Cincinnati, and his colleagues reviewed data from 177,760 Medicare patients who were enrolled in the 1998 Medicare Health Outcomes Study.

Self-reported depression for at least 2 weeks during the year prior to the study was strongly associated with chest pain at rest (relative risk 2.79), myocardial infarction (RR 1.49), congestive heart failure (RR 1.81), and stroke (RR 1.78).

The significant increases in risk for these four conditions persisted when the patients reported depression or sadness either “much of the past year” or “most days during any 2 years of your life,” which suggests a similar effect for both recent and long-term depression in older patients.

The results support the need for depression screening among older patients with cardiovascular disease, and the need to identify factors that can mitigate these effects, the investigators wrote.

Their analyses of covariates including age, gender, physical and mental functioning, smoking status, and diabetes status are pending.

WASHINGTON — Contrary to previous findings, a high intake of lycopene and other carotenoids was not associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in a large case-control study, Ulrike Peters, Ph.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

To assess the association between the risk of prostate cancer and prediagnostic levels of serum carotenoids and serum retinol, Dr. Peters of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and her colleagues analyzed data from 692 cases of prostate cancer and 842 age-matched controls.

“Overall, there was no significant inverse association between carotenoids and prostate cancer risk,” Dr. Peters said.

Previous research has shown a 10%–20% reduced risk of prostate cancer associated with a higher intake of lycopene and tomato products, but this study was not able to confirm such an association, Dr. Peters noted.

The study did show that high serum retinol levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of advanced prostate cancer, but that association was not significant for prostate cancer overall.

The subjects were part of the multicenter Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening trial, which included more than 150,000 adults aged 55–74 years. Levels of retinol and several carotenoids were measured in each subject when they entered the study. Prostate cancer cases were diagnosed during an 8-year follow-up.

Should physicians encourage their male patients to eat tomatoes? “I think the jury is still out about eating more tomatoes as a way to prevent prostate cancer,” Dr. Peters said.

WASHINGTON — Contrary to previous findings, a high intake of lycopene and other carotenoids was not associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in a large case-control study, Ulrike Peters, Ph.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

To assess the association between the risk of prostate cancer and prediagnostic levels of serum carotenoids and serum retinol, Dr. Peters of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and her colleagues analyzed data from 692 cases of prostate cancer and 842 age-matched controls.

“Overall, there was no significant inverse association between carotenoids and prostate cancer risk,” Dr. Peters said.

Previous research has shown a 10%–20% reduced risk of prostate cancer associated with a higher intake of lycopene and tomato products, but this study was not able to confirm such an association, Dr. Peters noted.

The study did show that high serum retinol levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of advanced prostate cancer, but that association was not significant for prostate cancer overall.

The subjects were part of the multicenter Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening trial, which included more than 150,000 adults aged 55–74 years. Levels of retinol and several carotenoids were measured in each subject when they entered the study. Prostate cancer cases were diagnosed during an 8-year follow-up.

Should physicians encourage their male patients to eat tomatoes? “I think the jury is still out about eating more tomatoes as a way to prevent prostate cancer,” Dr. Peters said.

WASHINGTON — Contrary to previous findings, a high intake of lycopene and other carotenoids was not associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in a large case-control study, Ulrike Peters, Ph.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

To assess the association between the risk of prostate cancer and prediagnostic levels of serum carotenoids and serum retinol, Dr. Peters of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and her colleagues analyzed data from 692 cases of prostate cancer and 842 age-matched controls.

“Overall, there was no significant inverse association between carotenoids and prostate cancer risk,” Dr. Peters said.

Previous research has shown a 10%–20% reduced risk of prostate cancer associated with a higher intake of lycopene and tomato products, but this study was not able to confirm such an association, Dr. Peters noted.

The study did show that high serum retinol levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of advanced prostate cancer, but that association was not significant for prostate cancer overall.

The subjects were part of the multicenter Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening trial, which included more than 150,000 adults aged 55–74 years. Levels of retinol and several carotenoids were measured in each subject when they entered the study. Prostate cancer cases were diagnosed during an 8-year follow-up.

Should physicians encourage their male patients to eat tomatoes? “I think the jury is still out about eating more tomatoes as a way to prevent prostate cancer,” Dr. Peters said.

WASHINGTON — High blood levels of a trans fatty acid found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil were linked to an increased risk for nonaggressive prostate cancer in a review of data from the Physicians' Health Study, Dr. Jorge E. Chavarro reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

The association between prostate cancer and trans fatty acid type 18:2, which results from the hydrogenation of linoleic acid, was statistically significant but was limited to organ-confined tumors, noted Dr. Chavarro of Harvard University, Boston.

The investigators reviewed blood samples from more than 14,000 adults, and measured trans fatty acid levels in the blood of 479 men with prostate cancer and 491 age-matched controls. “We can't produce trans fatty acids, so measurements of tissue levels reflect our intake,” he noted.

The risk of organ-confined prostate cancer was significantly greater among subjects in the highest quintile of type 18:2 trans fatty acid blood levels than among those in the lowest quintile.

In general, there were no differences in the median levels of other types of trans fatty acids between cases and controls, Dr. Chavarro said.

WASHINGTON — High blood levels of a trans fatty acid found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil were linked to an increased risk for nonaggressive prostate cancer in a review of data from the Physicians' Health Study, Dr. Jorge E. Chavarro reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

The association between prostate cancer and trans fatty acid type 18:2, which results from the hydrogenation of linoleic acid, was statistically significant but was limited to organ-confined tumors, noted Dr. Chavarro of Harvard University, Boston.

The investigators reviewed blood samples from more than 14,000 adults, and measured trans fatty acid levels in the blood of 479 men with prostate cancer and 491 age-matched controls. “We can't produce trans fatty acids, so measurements of tissue levels reflect our intake,” he noted.

The risk of organ-confined prostate cancer was significantly greater among subjects in the highest quintile of type 18:2 trans fatty acid blood levels than among those in the lowest quintile.

In general, there were no differences in the median levels of other types of trans fatty acids between cases and controls, Dr. Chavarro said.

WASHINGTON — High blood levels of a trans fatty acid found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil were linked to an increased risk for nonaggressive prostate cancer in a review of data from the Physicians' Health Study, Dr. Jorge E. Chavarro reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

The association between prostate cancer and trans fatty acid type 18:2, which results from the hydrogenation of linoleic acid, was statistically significant but was limited to organ-confined tumors, noted Dr. Chavarro of Harvard University, Boston.

The investigators reviewed blood samples from more than 14,000 adults, and measured trans fatty acid levels in the blood of 479 men with prostate cancer and 491 age-matched controls. “We can't produce trans fatty acids, so measurements of tissue levels reflect our intake,” he noted.

The risk of organ-confined prostate cancer was significantly greater among subjects in the highest quintile of type 18:2 trans fatty acid blood levels than among those in the lowest quintile.

In general, there were no differences in the median levels of other types of trans fatty acids between cases and controls, Dr. Chavarro said.

WASHINGTON — Elevated insulin levels and lifestyle factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of colon cancer in both white and African American subjects in a population-based study, Temitope O. Keku, Ph.D., reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

The study included 231 African Americans with colon cancer and 360 African American controls, along with 297 white patients with colon cancer and 530 white controls in North Carolina.

Cancer patients of both races reported eating significantly more food, compared with controls. Whites with cancer were significantly more likely than controls to report a high-fat diet, while African Americans with cancer were significantly more likely than controls to report NSAID use, Dr. Keku and her colleagues at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill wrote in a poster.

Comparison of the highest and lowest quartiles for insulinlike growth factor I showed a threefold increased risk of colon cancer among African Americans and a 1.6-fold increased risk among whites in the highest quartiles compared with the lowest quartiles.

Elevated insulin and C-peptide levels were positively associated with cancer in both races, as were elevated IGF-I levels, higher body mass index, and low levels of physical activity. In addition, high levels of IGF-I significantly increased the risk of colon cancer in overweight or obese subjects.

These interactions suggest that lifestyle and dietary factors may modify the link between insulin resistance and colon cancer, regardless of race.

WASHINGTON — Elevated insulin levels and lifestyle factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of colon cancer in both white and African American subjects in a population-based study, Temitope O. Keku, Ph.D., reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

The study included 231 African Americans with colon cancer and 360 African American controls, along with 297 white patients with colon cancer and 530 white controls in North Carolina.

Cancer patients of both races reported eating significantly more food, compared with controls. Whites with cancer were significantly more likely than controls to report a high-fat diet, while African Americans with cancer were significantly more likely than controls to report NSAID use, Dr. Keku and her colleagues at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill wrote in a poster.

Comparison of the highest and lowest quartiles for insulinlike growth factor I showed a threefold increased risk of colon cancer among African Americans and a 1.6-fold increased risk among whites in the highest quartiles compared with the lowest quartiles.

Elevated insulin and C-peptide levels were positively associated with cancer in both races, as were elevated IGF-I levels, higher body mass index, and low levels of physical activity. In addition, high levels of IGF-I significantly increased the risk of colon cancer in overweight or obese subjects.

These interactions suggest that lifestyle and dietary factors may modify the link between insulin resistance and colon cancer, regardless of race.

WASHINGTON — Elevated insulin levels and lifestyle factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of colon cancer in both white and African American subjects in a population-based study, Temitope O. Keku, Ph.D., reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

The study included 231 African Americans with colon cancer and 360 African American controls, along with 297 white patients with colon cancer and 530 white controls in North Carolina.

Cancer patients of both races reported eating significantly more food, compared with controls. Whites with cancer were significantly more likely than controls to report a high-fat diet, while African Americans with cancer were significantly more likely than controls to report NSAID use, Dr. Keku and her colleagues at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill wrote in a poster.

Comparison of the highest and lowest quartiles for insulinlike growth factor I showed a threefold increased risk of colon cancer among African Americans and a 1.6-fold increased risk among whites in the highest quartiles compared with the lowest quartiles.

Elevated insulin and C-peptide levels were positively associated with cancer in both races, as were elevated IGF-I levels, higher body mass index, and low levels of physical activity. In addition, high levels of IGF-I significantly increased the risk of colon cancer in overweight or obese subjects.

These interactions suggest that lifestyle and dietary factors may modify the link between insulin resistance and colon cancer, regardless of race.

WASHINGTON — Twice-weekly doses of the investigational monoclonal antibody panitumumab reduced short-term disease progression by 46% in previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, Dr. Marc Peeters reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

After 8 weeks of twice-weekly 6-mg/kg doses of panitumumab plus the best standard of care, 49% of 231 patients were alive and had no disease progression, compared with 30% of 232 patients who received the best standard of care without panitumumab, said Dr. Peeters of Ghent (Belgium) University Hospital.

Disease progression continued to be slower in patients treated with panitumumab, compared with the standard-care group until about 20 weeks of treatment, and more panitumumab-treated patients remained alive after 32 weeks of treatment, compared with the standard therapy group.

Panitumumab, which is being developed by Amgen Inc., targets the epidermal growth factor receptor.

The randomized study included 463 patients aged 27–82 years of age, with a median age of 62 years. Overall, 67% of the patients had colon cancer, and 33% had rectal cancer, and all but one patient had undergone at least two chemotherapy regimens. Other demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the groups.

Skin rash, the most common adverse event, was reported in about 90% of the panitumumab patients and in 9% of the standard group. Other side effects that were more common among panitumumab patients included fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. No treatment-related deaths were reported.

“This is the first randomized controlled phase III study comparing a monoclonal antibody with best supportive care in chemoresistant patients,” Dr. Peeters noted. “These data support further investigations with panitumumab, and additional studies are ongoing,” he said.

Dr. James Abbruzzese, of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, was the study's discussant at the meeting. The results were unsurprising, he said. “The objective response rate was very consistent with prior phase II studies.”

Dr. Abbruzzese, who was not financially associated with the study, reviewed the data and noted that the hazard ratio for panitumumab was significantly lower during the first weeks of care, stabilized to 0.5 at about 5 weeks, and then tapered off after about 20 weeks.

Although the long-term survival rates were no longer significantly different between the two groups, “the impact of panitumumab during the early weeks of treatment was substantial, and prevented patients from progressing or dying during that period of time,” he said. Panitumumab's impact on disease progression after 20 weeks remains uncertain, and may suggest some emergent resistance over time, he noted.

Panitumumab is being incorporated into investigational front-line cancer therapy regimens, and future research will examine its long-term effects.

WASHINGTON — Twice-weekly doses of the investigational monoclonal antibody panitumumab reduced short-term disease progression by 46% in previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, Dr. Marc Peeters reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

After 8 weeks of twice-weekly 6-mg/kg doses of panitumumab plus the best standard of care, 49% of 231 patients were alive and had no disease progression, compared with 30% of 232 patients who received the best standard of care without panitumumab, said Dr. Peeters of Ghent (Belgium) University Hospital.

Disease progression continued to be slower in patients treated with panitumumab, compared with the standard-care group until about 20 weeks of treatment, and more panitumumab-treated patients remained alive after 32 weeks of treatment, compared with the standard therapy group.

Panitumumab, which is being developed by Amgen Inc., targets the epidermal growth factor receptor.

The randomized study included 463 patients aged 27–82 years of age, with a median age of 62 years. Overall, 67% of the patients had colon cancer, and 33% had rectal cancer, and all but one patient had undergone at least two chemotherapy regimens. Other demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the groups.

Skin rash, the most common adverse event, was reported in about 90% of the panitumumab patients and in 9% of the standard group. Other side effects that were more common among panitumumab patients included fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. No treatment-related deaths were reported.

“This is the first randomized controlled phase III study comparing a monoclonal antibody with best supportive care in chemoresistant patients,” Dr. Peeters noted. “These data support further investigations with panitumumab, and additional studies are ongoing,” he said.

Dr. James Abbruzzese, of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, was the study's discussant at the meeting. The results were unsurprising, he said. “The objective response rate was very consistent with prior phase II studies.”

Dr. Abbruzzese, who was not financially associated with the study, reviewed the data and noted that the hazard ratio for panitumumab was significantly lower during the first weeks of care, stabilized to 0.5 at about 5 weeks, and then tapered off after about 20 weeks.

Although the long-term survival rates were no longer significantly different between the two groups, “the impact of panitumumab during the early weeks of treatment was substantial, and prevented patients from progressing or dying during that period of time,” he said. Panitumumab's impact on disease progression after 20 weeks remains uncertain, and may suggest some emergent resistance over time, he noted.

Panitumumab is being incorporated into investigational front-line cancer therapy regimens, and future research will examine its long-term effects.

WASHINGTON — Twice-weekly doses of the investigational monoclonal antibody panitumumab reduced short-term disease progression by 46% in previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, Dr. Marc Peeters reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

After 8 weeks of twice-weekly 6-mg/kg doses of panitumumab plus the best standard of care, 49% of 231 patients were alive and had no disease progression, compared with 30% of 232 patients who received the best standard of care without panitumumab, said Dr. Peeters of Ghent (Belgium) University Hospital.

Disease progression continued to be slower in patients treated with panitumumab, compared with the standard-care group until about 20 weeks of treatment, and more panitumumab-treated patients remained alive after 32 weeks of treatment, compared with the standard therapy group.

Panitumumab, which is being developed by Amgen Inc., targets the epidermal growth factor receptor.

The randomized study included 463 patients aged 27–82 years of age, with a median age of 62 years. Overall, 67% of the patients had colon cancer, and 33% had rectal cancer, and all but one patient had undergone at least two chemotherapy regimens. Other demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the groups.

Skin rash, the most common adverse event, was reported in about 90% of the panitumumab patients and in 9% of the standard group. Other side effects that were more common among panitumumab patients included fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. No treatment-related deaths were reported.

“This is the first randomized controlled phase III study comparing a monoclonal antibody with best supportive care in chemoresistant patients,” Dr. Peeters noted. “These data support further investigations with panitumumab, and additional studies are ongoing,” he said.

Dr. James Abbruzzese, of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, was the study's discussant at the meeting. The results were unsurprising, he said. “The objective response rate was very consistent with prior phase II studies.”

Dr. Abbruzzese, who was not financially associated with the study, reviewed the data and noted that the hazard ratio for panitumumab was significantly lower during the first weeks of care, stabilized to 0.5 at about 5 weeks, and then tapered off after about 20 weeks.

Although the long-term survival rates were no longer significantly different between the two groups, “the impact of panitumumab during the early weeks of treatment was substantial, and prevented patients from progressing or dying during that period of time,” he said. Panitumumab's impact on disease progression after 20 weeks remains uncertain, and may suggest some emergent resistance over time, he noted.

Panitumumab is being incorporated into investigational front-line cancer therapy regimens, and future research will examine its long-term effects.

ATLANTA — Blacks, Asian Americans, and Hispanics were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for influenza during the 2004–2005 flu season in Utah, compared with non-Hispanic whites, Lisa Wyman reported in a poster presented at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Overall, the hospitalization rate per 100,000 person-years was 22.2 cases among blacks, 22.6 cases among Asians/Pacific Islanders, and 19.0 cases among Hispanics, compared with 7.2 cases among non-Hispanic whites. Children younger than 5 years had the highest hospitalization rates of any age group, and these rates were significantly higher among minority children, compared with non-Hispanic whites.

Ms. Wyman and her colleagues at the Utah Department of Health reviewed all laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza reported in Utah during the 2004–2005 season. A total of 253 hospitalizations were reported, and complete race and ethnicity data were available for 209 of those cases.

The type of influenza virus was determined for 224 hospitalized cases; 136 were associated with the influenza A virus, and 88 were associated with the influenza B virus. Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islander Americans were significantly more likely to have the influenza B virus (46% and 69%, respectively), compared with non-Hispanic whites. Hispanics aged 25 years and older were more likely to have the influenza B virus, compared with non-Hispanic whites, with an odds ratio of 6.86.

Although the study was limited by relatively small numbers, a preliminary review of data from the 2005–2006 flu season showed similar trends with regard to ethnic disparities in hospitalization rates.

ATLANTA — Blacks, Asian Americans, and Hispanics were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for influenza during the 2004–2005 flu season in Utah, compared with non-Hispanic whites, Lisa Wyman reported in a poster presented at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Overall, the hospitalization rate per 100,000 person-years was 22.2 cases among blacks, 22.6 cases among Asians/Pacific Islanders, and 19.0 cases among Hispanics, compared with 7.2 cases among non-Hispanic whites. Children younger than 5 years had the highest hospitalization rates of any age group, and these rates were significantly higher among minority children, compared with non-Hispanic whites.

Ms. Wyman and her colleagues at the Utah Department of Health reviewed all laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza reported in Utah during the 2004–2005 season. A total of 253 hospitalizations were reported, and complete race and ethnicity data were available for 209 of those cases.

The type of influenza virus was determined for 224 hospitalized cases; 136 were associated with the influenza A virus, and 88 were associated with the influenza B virus. Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islander Americans were significantly more likely to have the influenza B virus (46% and 69%, respectively), compared with non-Hispanic whites. Hispanics aged 25 years and older were more likely to have the influenza B virus, compared with non-Hispanic whites, with an odds ratio of 6.86.

Although the study was limited by relatively small numbers, a preliminary review of data from the 2005–2006 flu season showed similar trends with regard to ethnic disparities in hospitalization rates.

ATLANTA — Blacks, Asian Americans, and Hispanics were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for influenza during the 2004–2005 flu season in Utah, compared with non-Hispanic whites, Lisa Wyman reported in a poster presented at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Overall, the hospitalization rate per 100,000 person-years was 22.2 cases among blacks, 22.6 cases among Asians/Pacific Islanders, and 19.0 cases among Hispanics, compared with 7.2 cases among non-Hispanic whites. Children younger than 5 years had the highest hospitalization rates of any age group, and these rates were significantly higher among minority children, compared with non-Hispanic whites.

Ms. Wyman and her colleagues at the Utah Department of Health reviewed all laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza reported in Utah during the 2004–2005 season. A total of 253 hospitalizations were reported, and complete race and ethnicity data were available for 209 of those cases.

The type of influenza virus was determined for 224 hospitalized cases; 136 were associated with the influenza A virus, and 88 were associated with the influenza B virus. Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islander Americans were significantly more likely to have the influenza B virus (46% and 69%, respectively), compared with non-Hispanic whites. Hispanics aged 25 years and older were more likely to have the influenza B virus, compared with non-Hispanic whites, with an odds ratio of 6.86.

Although the study was limited by relatively small numbers, a preliminary review of data from the 2005–2006 flu season showed similar trends with regard to ethnic disparities in hospitalization rates.

ATLANTA — Certain serogroups of non-O157 shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli may be especially virulent in cases of foodborne illness, Bridget J. Anderson, Ph.D., reported at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Although O157 is the most common serogroup implicated in severe illness, non-O157 serogroups “are being recognized with increasing frequency in persons with diarrheal illness,” Dr. Anderson wrote in a poster focusing on the epidemiology of non-O157 infections. An analysis of Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network data from 214 cases of non-O157 shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in New York, Connecticut, and Minnesota during 2000–2004 showed that the non-O157 serogroups O145, O111, and O45 may be more virulent than other non-O157 serogroups.

The federally supported Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network program seeks to link foodborne illnesses to specific foods and settings in selected U.S. locations.

Ms. Anderson, of the New York State Department of Health, in Albany, and her colleagues identified 27 non-O157 serogroups among the 214 cases. Of these, O111 was the most common and contributed to 37% of the cases. The O111 serogroup caused 31 cases (14%) in a single outbreak of foodborne illness. Overall, 14% of the patients were hospitalized, for a median of 3 days. Four patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, but no deaths were reported.

Hospitalization was more common among cases associated with O145 than among those associated with other non-O145 serogroups (36% vs. 13%). Cases of O45 also were more likely to involve hospitalization, compared with all other non-O45 cases (30% vs. 12%).

Clinical data were available for 75% of the cases. The age of the patients ranged from 1 month to 88 years, with a median age of 13 years. The most common symptoms of illness were diarrhea (98%), abdominal cramping (83%), and bloody stool (50%). Symptoms lasted for a median of 7 days, and 27% of the patients received antibiotics.

ATLANTA — Certain serogroups of non-O157 shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli may be especially virulent in cases of foodborne illness, Bridget J. Anderson, Ph.D., reported at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Although O157 is the most common serogroup implicated in severe illness, non-O157 serogroups “are being recognized with increasing frequency in persons with diarrheal illness,” Dr. Anderson wrote in a poster focusing on the epidemiology of non-O157 infections. An analysis of Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network data from 214 cases of non-O157 shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in New York, Connecticut, and Minnesota during 2000–2004 showed that the non-O157 serogroups O145, O111, and O45 may be more virulent than other non-O157 serogroups.

The federally supported Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network program seeks to link foodborne illnesses to specific foods and settings in selected U.S. locations.

Ms. Anderson, of the New York State Department of Health, in Albany, and her colleagues identified 27 non-O157 serogroups among the 214 cases. Of these, O111 was the most common and contributed to 37% of the cases. The O111 serogroup caused 31 cases (14%) in a single outbreak of foodborne illness. Overall, 14% of the patients were hospitalized, for a median of 3 days. Four patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, but no deaths were reported.

Hospitalization was more common among cases associated with O145 than among those associated with other non-O145 serogroups (36% vs. 13%). Cases of O45 also were more likely to involve hospitalization, compared with all other non-O45 cases (30% vs. 12%).

Clinical data were available for 75% of the cases. The age of the patients ranged from 1 month to 88 years, with a median age of 13 years. The most common symptoms of illness were diarrhea (98%), abdominal cramping (83%), and bloody stool (50%). Symptoms lasted for a median of 7 days, and 27% of the patients received antibiotics.

ATLANTA — Certain serogroups of non-O157 shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli may be especially virulent in cases of foodborne illness, Bridget J. Anderson, Ph.D., reported at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Although O157 is the most common serogroup implicated in severe illness, non-O157 serogroups “are being recognized with increasing frequency in persons with diarrheal illness,” Dr. Anderson wrote in a poster focusing on the epidemiology of non-O157 infections. An analysis of Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network data from 214 cases of non-O157 shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in New York, Connecticut, and Minnesota during 2000–2004 showed that the non-O157 serogroups O145, O111, and O45 may be more virulent than other non-O157 serogroups.

The federally supported Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network program seeks to link foodborne illnesses to specific foods and settings in selected U.S. locations.

Ms. Anderson, of the New York State Department of Health, in Albany, and her colleagues identified 27 non-O157 serogroups among the 214 cases. Of these, O111 was the most common and contributed to 37% of the cases. The O111 serogroup caused 31 cases (14%) in a single outbreak of foodborne illness. Overall, 14% of the patients were hospitalized, for a median of 3 days. Four patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, but no deaths were reported.

Hospitalization was more common among cases associated with O145 than among those associated with other non-O145 serogroups (36% vs. 13%). Cases of O45 also were more likely to involve hospitalization, compared with all other non-O45 cases (30% vs. 12%).

Clinical data were available for 75% of the cases. The age of the patients ranged from 1 month to 88 years, with a median age of 13 years. The most common symptoms of illness were diarrhea (98%), abdominal cramping (83%), and bloody stool (50%). Symptoms lasted for a median of 7 days, and 27% of the patients received antibiotics.

ATLANTA — Viruses surpassed bacteria as the pathogen group responsible for the most foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States in 2004, Rachel Yelk Woodruff reported in a poster at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

She and her colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta reviewed data on 9,034 foodborne outbreaks collected through the Foodborne Outbreak Reporting System from 1998 to 2004.

Overall, the number of foodborne disease outbreaks remained stable during the study period, but the median number of illnesses per outbreak increased steadily, from a median of six illnesses per outbreak during 1998–2000, to seven illnesses per outbreak during 2001–2003, and eight illnesses per outbreak in 2004, Ms. Woodruff and her associates said.

In 2004, viral pathogens caused more outbreaks than did bacterial pathogens (249 vs. 208). In contrast, foodborne disease outbreaks caused by bacterial pathogens outnumbered those caused by viral pathogens during 1998–2003.

However, the median number of illnesses per viral outbreak decreased from 32 in 1998 to 22 in 2004, while the median number of illnesses per bacterial outbreak was fairly stable: 12 in 1998 and 11 in 2004.

Salmonella was the predominant bacteria, accounting for 9%–12% of all bacterial outbreaks. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) was the second most common, accounting for 1%–2% of all reported outbreaks. The total number of Salmonella outbreaks did not change significantly from 1998 to 2004 (125 vs. 117).

The number of STEC outbreaks decreased from 26 to 16, and the number of outbreaks of unknown origin decreased from 946 in 1998 to 801 in 2004.

ATLANTA — Viruses surpassed bacteria as the pathogen group responsible for the most foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States in 2004, Rachel Yelk Woodruff reported in a poster at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

She and her colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta reviewed data on 9,034 foodborne outbreaks collected through the Foodborne Outbreak Reporting System from 1998 to 2004.

Overall, the number of foodborne disease outbreaks remained stable during the study period, but the median number of illnesses per outbreak increased steadily, from a median of six illnesses per outbreak during 1998–2000, to seven illnesses per outbreak during 2001–2003, and eight illnesses per outbreak in 2004, Ms. Woodruff and her associates said.

In 2004, viral pathogens caused more outbreaks than did bacterial pathogens (249 vs. 208). In contrast, foodborne disease outbreaks caused by bacterial pathogens outnumbered those caused by viral pathogens during 1998–2003.

However, the median number of illnesses per viral outbreak decreased from 32 in 1998 to 22 in 2004, while the median number of illnesses per bacterial outbreak was fairly stable: 12 in 1998 and 11 in 2004.

Salmonella was the predominant bacteria, accounting for 9%–12% of all bacterial outbreaks. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) was the second most common, accounting for 1%–2% of all reported outbreaks. The total number of Salmonella outbreaks did not change significantly from 1998 to 2004 (125 vs. 117).

The number of STEC outbreaks decreased from 26 to 16, and the number of outbreaks of unknown origin decreased from 946 in 1998 to 801 in 2004.

ATLANTA — Viruses surpassed bacteria as the pathogen group responsible for the most foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States in 2004, Rachel Yelk Woodruff reported in a poster at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

She and her colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta reviewed data on 9,034 foodborne outbreaks collected through the Foodborne Outbreak Reporting System from 1998 to 2004.

Overall, the number of foodborne disease outbreaks remained stable during the study period, but the median number of illnesses per outbreak increased steadily, from a median of six illnesses per outbreak during 1998–2000, to seven illnesses per outbreak during 2001–2003, and eight illnesses per outbreak in 2004, Ms. Woodruff and her associates said.

In 2004, viral pathogens caused more outbreaks than did bacterial pathogens (249 vs. 208). In contrast, foodborne disease outbreaks caused by bacterial pathogens outnumbered those caused by viral pathogens during 1998–2003.

However, the median number of illnesses per viral outbreak decreased from 32 in 1998 to 22 in 2004, while the median number of illnesses per bacterial outbreak was fairly stable: 12 in 1998 and 11 in 2004.

Salmonella was the predominant bacteria, accounting for 9%–12% of all bacterial outbreaks. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) was the second most common, accounting for 1%–2% of all reported outbreaks. The total number of Salmonella outbreaks did not change significantly from 1998 to 2004 (125 vs. 117).

The number of STEC outbreaks decreased from 26 to 16, and the number of outbreaks of unknown origin decreased from 946 in 1998 to 801 in 2004.

ATLANTA — Hold the salsa—tomato-related Salmonella outbreaks are a growing problem.

A multicounty outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis in the San Francisco Bay area of California in 2005 was traced to overripe tomatoes sold by a single grower. This is the first evidence of S. enteritidis associated with tomatoes in California, Dr. Jean W. Yuan reported at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

The number of Salmonella isolates in California increased significantly—by nearly threefold—in 2005 compared with 2004, noted Dr. Yuan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Health Services. “We noticed a statewide increase in S. enteritidis, and we identified two restaurant clusters with S. enteritidis in geographically distinct locations with no common food handler,” Dr. Yuan said. “We wondered if there was a common source for the statewide increase and the restaurant clusters.”

Overall, 67% of the patients had eaten fresh salsa in restaurants, compared with 23% of controls, based on a case-control study of 79 patients who developed S. enteritidis from July 1 to July 18, 2005. These patients were significantly more likely than controls to have eaten in one of two affected Mexican restaurant chains.

The outbreak was especially noteworthy because it involved phage type 30, “a rare phage type that we had not detected in California residents before,” Dr. Yuan said. “The only previous phage type 30 outbreak had been attributed to raw almonds from California.”

The investigators examined the salsa ingredients and found that tomatoes and cilantro were significantly associated with illness. No common source was identified for cilantro, but a traceback investigation of the suspected tomatoes identified a common tomato grower and packer who supplied tomatoes to the affected restaurants.

“This grower-packer sells tomatoes in cash transactions only, when they are too ripe to sell to regular customers,” Dr. Yuan said. “Many Mexican restaurants prefer the cheaper, riper tomatoes because of the high volume of tomatoes they use on a daily basis.”

“Uncooked tomatoes are an integral and nutritious part of the American diet, and the potential for future outbreaks is a concern,” Dr. Yuan added.

ATLANTA — Hold the salsa—tomato-related Salmonella outbreaks are a growing problem.

A multicounty outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis in the San Francisco Bay area of California in 2005 was traced to overripe tomatoes sold by a single grower. This is the first evidence of S. enteritidis associated with tomatoes in California, Dr. Jean W. Yuan reported at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

The number of Salmonella isolates in California increased significantly—by nearly threefold—in 2005 compared with 2004, noted Dr. Yuan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Health Services. “We noticed a statewide increase in S. enteritidis, and we identified two restaurant clusters with S. enteritidis in geographically distinct locations with no common food handler,” Dr. Yuan said. “We wondered if there was a common source for the statewide increase and the restaurant clusters.”

Overall, 67% of the patients had eaten fresh salsa in restaurants, compared with 23% of controls, based on a case-control study of 79 patients who developed S. enteritidis from July 1 to July 18, 2005. These patients were significantly more likely than controls to have eaten in one of two affected Mexican restaurant chains.

The outbreak was especially noteworthy because it involved phage type 30, “a rare phage type that we had not detected in California residents before,” Dr. Yuan said. “The only previous phage type 30 outbreak had been attributed to raw almonds from California.”

The investigators examined the salsa ingredients and found that tomatoes and cilantro were significantly associated with illness. No common source was identified for cilantro, but a traceback investigation of the suspected tomatoes identified a common tomato grower and packer who supplied tomatoes to the affected restaurants.

“This grower-packer sells tomatoes in cash transactions only, when they are too ripe to sell to regular customers,” Dr. Yuan said. “Many Mexican restaurants prefer the cheaper, riper tomatoes because of the high volume of tomatoes they use on a daily basis.”

“Uncooked tomatoes are an integral and nutritious part of the American diet, and the potential for future outbreaks is a concern,” Dr. Yuan added.

ATLANTA — Hold the salsa—tomato-related Salmonella outbreaks are a growing problem.

A multicounty outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis in the San Francisco Bay area of California in 2005 was traced to overripe tomatoes sold by a single grower. This is the first evidence of S. enteritidis associated with tomatoes in California, Dr. Jean W. Yuan reported at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

The number of Salmonella isolates in California increased significantly—by nearly threefold—in 2005 compared with 2004, noted Dr. Yuan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Health Services. “We noticed a statewide increase in S. enteritidis, and we identified two restaurant clusters with S. enteritidis in geographically distinct locations with no common food handler,” Dr. Yuan said. “We wondered if there was a common source for the statewide increase and the restaurant clusters.”

Overall, 67% of the patients had eaten fresh salsa in restaurants, compared with 23% of controls, based on a case-control study of 79 patients who developed S. enteritidis from July 1 to July 18, 2005. These patients were significantly more likely than controls to have eaten in one of two affected Mexican restaurant chains.

The outbreak was especially noteworthy because it involved phage type 30, “a rare phage type that we had not detected in California residents before,” Dr. Yuan said. “The only previous phage type 30 outbreak had been attributed to raw almonds from California.”

The investigators examined the salsa ingredients and found that tomatoes and cilantro were significantly associated with illness. No common source was identified for cilantro, but a traceback investigation of the suspected tomatoes identified a common tomato grower and packer who supplied tomatoes to the affected restaurants.

“This grower-packer sells tomatoes in cash transactions only, when they are too ripe to sell to regular customers,” Dr. Yuan said. “Many Mexican restaurants prefer the cheaper, riper tomatoes because of the high volume of tomatoes they use on a daily basis.”

“Uncooked tomatoes are an integral and nutritious part of the American diet, and the potential for future outbreaks is a concern,” Dr. Yuan added.