Research and Programs

Infectious Disease Research - Current Projects

Active Bacterial Surveillance
CAIH conducts active, population-based surveillance among ~25 laboratories on and around the Navajo and White Mountain Apache Reservations to define the epidemiology of disease caused by the bacteria S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and N. meningitis and monitor the impact of vaccines. Using these data and denominator values from IHS we quantify disease burden ie, age-stratified rates of disease, serotype distribution, antibiotic resistance profiles and transmission of antimicrobial resistant strains. We also assess the impact of prevention strategies and identify disproportionate disease burden among the Navajo and White Mountain Apache populations compared with the general U.S. population. We aim to keep our tribal and public health partners informed with data appropriate for evidence-based public health decision-making.

Impact of 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine PCV13 on Pneumococcal Disease and Colonization among Native American Communities
This is a project to determine the impact of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV13 on disease and colonization among Navajo and White Mountain Apache WMA. There are four components to the project:

1. Determine PCV13 impact on invasive pneumococcal disease; 
2. Determine PCV13 impact on colonizing status of pneumococcus;
3. Correlate findings of IPD and colonization with PCV13 vaccine uptake;
4. Determine serologic cross-reactivity of PCV13.

Pilot Study of the Association between Acute Gastroenteritis and Water Quality, Availability, and Handling Practices on the Navajo Nation
This is a case-control study of water contamination as a risk for diarrheal disease among Navajo Nation residents. This study is a collaboration between the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who will be conducting the laboratory testing.  The study will aim to enroll 50 cases and 50 controls over a one-year period from June 2010-June 2011.

Rapid-Response Investigation of Pediatric Cases of Invasive Haemophilus Influenzae in Native American Children
The average annual rates of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease are disproportionately higher among Navajo children than children in the general U.S. population; the reason for this is not known. This is a case-control study among Navajo children <10 years of age with invasive H. influenzae Hi disease; we aim to investigate the rates, pattern, and epidemiologic characteristics of invasive Hi disease and Hi pharyngeal colonization in Navajo communities where cases occur to identify modifiable risk factors for Hi disease and carriage which could lead to interventions to reduce carriage and interrupt Hi transmission and disease. Our particular emphasis is on Hi type a disease.

PAST PROJECTS