Louise K. Francois Watkins

Dr. Louise K. Francois Watkins

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

11Years (2016-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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12 September 2023 in eLife
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MCMegan E Carey
Megan E Carey
ZDZoe A Dyson
Zoe A Dyson
DIDanielle J Ingle
Danielle J Ingle
AAAfreenish Amir
Afreenish Amir
MAMabel K Aworh
Mabel K Aworh
GAGlobal Typhoid Genomics Consortium Group Authorship
Global Typhoid Genomics Consortium Group Authorship
Background: The Global Typhoid Genomics Consortium was established to bring together the typhoid research community to aggregate and analyse Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (Typhi) genomic data to inform public health action. This analysis, which marks 22 years since the publication of the first Typhi genome, represents the largest Typhi genome sequence collection to date (n=13,000).Methods: This is a meta-analysis of global genotype and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants extracted from previously sequenced genome data and analysed using consistent methods implemented in open analysis platforms GenoTyphi and Pathogenwatch.Results: Compared with previous global snapshots, the data highlight that genotype 4.3.1 (H58) has not spread beyond Asia and Eastern/Southern Africa; in other regions, distinct genotypes dominate and have independently evolved AMR. Data gaps remain in many parts of the world, and we show the potential of travel-associated sequences to provide informal ‘sentinel’ surveillance for such locations. The data indicate that ciprofloxacin non-susceptibility (>1 resistance determinant) is widespread across geographies and genotypes, with high-level ciprofloxacin resistance (≥3 determinants) reaching 20% prevalence in South Asia. Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid has become dominant in Pakistan (70% in 2020) but has not yet become established elsewhere. Ceftriaxone resistance has emerged in eight non-XDR genotypes, including a ciprofloxacin-resistant lineage (4.3.1.2.1) in India. Azithromycin resistance mutations were detected at low prevalence in South Asia, including in two common ciprofloxacin-resistant genotypes.Conclusions: The consortium’s aim is to encourage continued data sharing and collaboration to monitor the emergence and global spread of AMR Typhi, and to inform decision-making around the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) and other prevention and control strategies.Funding: No specific funding was awarded for this meta-analysis. Coordinators were supported by fellowships from the European Union (ZAD received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 845681), the Wellcome Trust (SB, Wellcome Trust Senior Fellowship), and the National Health and Medical Research Council (DJI is supported by an NHMRC Investigator Grant [GNT1195210]).

1 June 2017 in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
LWLouise K. Francois Watkins
Louise K. Francois Watkins
DODaniel Olson
Daniel Olson
MDMaureen H. Diaz
Maureen H. Diaz
XLXia PhD Lin
Xia PhD Lin
ADAlicia Demirjian
Alicia Demirjian
PKPreeta K. Kutty
Preeta K. Kutty
Background: An increase inMycoplasma pneumoniae-associated Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) cases at a Colorado pediatric hospital led to an outbreak investigation. We describe the epidemiologic and molecular characteristics ofM. pneumoniaeamong SJS case-patients and surrounding community members during the outbreak.Methods: M. pneumoniaepolymerase chain reaction-positive respiratory specimens from 5 Colorado hospitals and 4 referral laboratories underwent confirmatory polymerase chain reaction testing; positive specimens then underwent multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and macrolide resistance testing. Three SJS-M. pneumoniaecase-patient households were surveyed using a standardized questionnaire, and nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs were obtained from all consenting/assenting household contacts. International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision codes were used to identify pneumonia cases among Colorado patients 5–21 years of age from January 2009 to March 2014.Results: Three differentM. pneumoniaeMLVA types were identified among the 5 SJS case-patients with confirmed infection; MLVA type 3-X-6-2 was seen more commonly in SJS case-patients (60%) than in 69 non-SJS community specimens (29%). Macrolide resistance was identified in 7% of community specimens but not among SJS case-patients. Of 15 household contacts, 5 (33%) wereM. pneumoniaepositive; all MLVA types were identical to those of the corresponding SJS case-patient, although the specimen from 1 contact was macrolide resistant. Overall pneumonia cases as well as those caused byM. pneumoniaespecifically peaked in October 2013, coinciding with the SJS outbreak.Conclusions: The outbreak ofM. pneumoniae-associated SJS may have been associated with a community outbreak ofM. pneumoniae; clinicians should be aware of theM. pneumoniae–SJS relationship. Household transmission ofM. pneumoniaewas common within the households investigated.

16 November 2021 in Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MHMichael J Hughes
Michael J Hughes
MBMeseret G Birhane
Meseret G Birhane
LDLayne Dorough
Layne Dorough
JRJared L Reynolds
Jared L Reynolds
HCHayat Caidi
Hayat Caidi
LWLouise K. Francois Watkins
Louise K. Francois Watkins
Cases of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid fever have been reported in the United States among patients who did not travel internationally. Clinicians should consider if and where the patient traveled when selecting empiric treatment for typhoid fever. XDR typhoid fever should be treated with a carbapenem, azithromycin, or both.

6 December 2016 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LWLouise K. Francois Watkins
Louise K. Francois Watkins
KTKarrie-Ann E. Toews
Karrie-Ann E. Toews
AHAaron M. Harris
Aaron M. Harris
SDSherri Davidson
Sherri Davidson
SAStephanie Ayers-Millsap
Stephanie Ayers-Millsap
PKPreeta K. Kutty
Preeta K. Kutty
OBJECTIVES: To define the scope of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), to identify the source, and to stop transmission.DESIGN AND SETTING: Epidemiologic investigation of an LD outbreak among patients and a visitor exposed to a newly constructed hematology-oncology unit.METHODS: An LD case was defined as radiographically confirmed pneumonia in a person with positive urinary antigen testing and/or respiratory culture forLegionellaand exposure to the hematology-oncology unit after February 20, 2014. Cases were classified as definitely or probably healthcare-associated based on whether they were exposed to the unit for all or part of the incubation period (2–10 days). We conducted an environmental assessment and collected water samples for culture. Clinical and environmental isolates were compared by monoclonal antibody (MAb) and sequence-based typing.RESULTS: Over a 12-week period, 10 cases were identified, including 6 definite and 4 probable cases. Environmental sampling revealedLegionella pneumophilaserogroup 1 (Lp1) in the potable water at 9 of 10 unit sites (90%), including all patient rooms tested. The 3 clinical isolates were identical to environmental isolates from the unit (MAb2-positive, sequence type ST36). No cases occurred with exposure after the implementation of water restrictions followed by point-of-use filters.CONCLUSIONS: Contamination of the unit’s potable water system with Lp1 strain ST36 was the likely source of this outbreak. Healthcare providers should routinely test patients who develop pneumonia at least 2 days after hospital admission for LD. A single case of LD that is definitely healthcare associated should prompt a full investigation.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:306–313

17 July 2023 in Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LFLaura Ford
Laura Ford
JHJessica M Healy
Jessica M Healy
ZCZhaohui Cui
Zhaohui Cui
LALauren Ahart
Lauren Ahart
FMFelicita Medalla
Felicita Medalla
LWLouise K. Francois Watkins
Louise K. Francois Watkins
Campylobacter is the most common cause of bacterial diarrhea in the United States; resistance to macrolides and fluoroquinolones limits treatment options. We examined the epidemiology of US Campylobacter infections and changes in resistance over time. The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network receives information on laboratory-confirmed Campylobacter cases from 10 US sites, and the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System receives a subset of isolates from these cases for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We estimated trends in incidence of Campylobacter infection, adjusting for sex, age, and surveillance changes attributable to culture-independent diagnostic tests. We compared percentages of isolates resistant to erythromycin or ciprofloxacin during 2005–2016 with 2017–2018 and used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association of international travel with resistance. Adjusted Campylobacter incidence remained stable or decreased for all groups analyzed since 2012. Among 2449 linked records in 2017–2018, the median patient age was 40.2 years (interquartile range, 21.6–57.8 years), 54.8% of patients were male, 17.2% were hospitalized, and 0.2% died. The percentage of resistant infections increased from 24.5% in 2005–2016 to 29.7% in 2017–2018 for ciprofloxacin (P < .001) and from 2.6% to 3.3% for erythromycin (P = .04). Persons with recent international travel had higher odds than nontravelers of having isolates resistant to ciprofloxacin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] varied from 1.7 to 10.6 by race/ethnicity) and erythromycin (aOR = 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.1). Campylobacter incidence has remained stable or decreased, whereas resistance to antimicrobials recommended for treatment has increased. Recent international travel increased the risk of resistance.

26 August 2022 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JCJennifer P. Collins
Jennifer P. Collins
LKLaura M. King
Laura M. King
SCSarah A. Collier
Sarah A. Collier
JPJohn Person
John Person
MGMegan E. Gerdes
Megan E. Gerdes
LWLouise K. Francois Watkins
Louise K. Francois Watkins
Objective: To describe national antibiotic prescribing for acute gastroenteritis (AGE).Setting: Ambulatory care.Methods: We included visits with diagnoses for bacterial and viral gastrointestinal infections from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS/NHAMCS; 2006–2015) and the IBM Watson 2014 MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database. For NAMCS/NHAMCS, we calculated annual percentage estimates and 99% confidence intervals (CIs) of visits with antibiotics prescribed; sample sizes were too small to calculate estimates by pathogen. For MarketScan, we used Poisson regression to calculate the percentage of visits with antibiotics prescribed and 95% CIs, including by pathogen.Results: We included 10,210 NAMCS/NHAMCS AGE visits; an estimated 13.3% (99% CI, 11.2%–15.4%) resulted in antibiotic prescriptions, most frequently fluoroquinolones (28.7%; 99% CI, 21.1%–36.3%), nitroimidazoles (20.2%; 99% CI, 14.0%–26.4%), and penicillins (18.9%; 99% CI, 11.6%–26.2%). In NAMCS/NHAMCS, antibiotic prescribing was least frequent in emergency departments (10.8%; 99% CI, 9.5%–12.1%). Among 1,868,465 MarketScan AGE visits, antibiotics were prescribed for 13.8% (95% CI, 13.7%−13.8%), most commonly for Yersinia (46.7%; 95% CI, 21.4%–71.9%), Campylobacter (44.8%; 95% CI, 41.5%–48.1%), Shigella (39.7%; 95% CI, 35.9%–43.6%), typhoid or paratyphoid fever (32.7%; (95% CI, 27.2%–38.3%), and nontyphoidal Salmonella (31.7%; 95% CI, 29.5%–33.9%). Antibiotics were prescribed for 12.3% (95% CI, 11.7%–13.0%) of visits for viral gastroenteritis.Conclusions: Overall, ∼13% of AGE visits resulted in antibiotic prescriptions. Antibiotics were unnecessarily prescribed for viral gastroenteritis and some bacterial infections for which antibiotics are not recommended. Antibiotic stewardship assessments and interventions for AGE are needed in ambulatory settings.