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Title: Bayesian Spatio-Temporal Analysis and Geospatial Risk Factors of Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis
Citation Type: Miscellaneous
Publication Year: 2014
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Abstract: Variations in spatio-temporal patterns of Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (HME) infection in the state of Kansas, USA were examined and the relationship between HME relative risk and various environmental, climatic and socio-economic variables were evaluated. HME data used in the study was reported to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment between years 20052012, and geospatial variables representing the physical environment [National Land cover/Land use, NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)], climate [NASA MODIS, Prediction of Worldwide Renewable Energy (POWER)], and socio-economic conditions (US Census Bureau) were derived from publicly available sources. Following univariate screening of candidate variables using logistic regressions, two Bayesian hierarchical models were fit; a partial spatio-temporal model with random effects and a spatio-temporal interaction term, and a second model that included additional covariate terms. The best fitting model revealed that spatio-temporal autocorrelation in Kansas increased steadily from 20052012, and identified poverty status, relative humidity, and an interactive factor, diurnal temperature range x mixed forest area as significant county-level risk factors for HME. The identification of significant spatio-temporal pattern and new risk factors are important in the context of HME prevention, for future research in the areas of ecology and evolution of HME, and as well as climate change impacts on tick-borne diseases.
Url: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0100850
User Submitted?: No
Authors: Raghavan, Ram K.; Neises, Daniel; Goodin, Douglas G.; Andresen, Daniel A.; Ganta, Roman R.
Publisher: PLOS One
Data Collections: IPUMS NHGIS
Topics: Health, Other
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