Estimating seroprevalence of vaccine-preventable infections: is it worth standardizing the serological outcomes to adjust for different assays and laboratories?

2014 ◽  
Vol 143 (11) ◽  
pp. 2269-2278 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. KAFATOS ◽  
N. ANDREWS ◽  
K. J. McCONWAY ◽  
C. ANASTASSOPOULOU ◽  
C. BARBARA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Laboratory Methods ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Considerable Impact ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Assay Methods ◽  
Bootstrap Interval

SUMMARYThe aim of the European Sero-Epidemiology Network 2 (ESEN2) project was to estimate age-specific seroprevalence for a number of vaccine-preventable diseases in Europe. To achieve this serosurveys were collected by 22 national laboratories. To adjust for a variety of laboratory methods and assays, all quantitative results were transformed to a reference laboratory's units and were then classified as positive or negative to obtain age-specific seroprevalence. The aim of this study was to assess the value of standardization by comparing the crude and standardized seroprevalence estimates. Seroprevalence was estimated for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, varicella zoster and hepatitis A virus (HAV) and compared before and after serological results had been standardized. The results showed that if no such adjustment had taken place, seroprevalence would have differed by an average of 3·2% (95% bootstrap interval 2·9–3·6) although this percentage varied substantially by antigen. These differences were as high as 16% for some serosurveys (HAV) which means that standardization could have a considerable impact on seroprevalence estimates and should be considered when comparing serosurveys performed in different laboratories using different assay methods.

scholarly journals Potentially Infectious Novel Hepatitis A Virus Strains Detected in Selected Treated Wastewater Discharge Sources, South Africa

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1468
Author(s):  
Saïd Rachida ◽  
Maureen Beatrice Taylor
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Wastewater Discharge ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Symptomatic Disease ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Amino Acid Mutations

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a waterborne pathogen of public health importance. In South Africa (SA), unique HAV subgenotype IB strains have been detected in surface and wastewater samples, as well as on fresh produce at the point of retail. However, due to the use of molecular-based assays, the infectivity of the detected strains was unknown. Considering the potential shift of HAV endemicity from high to intermediate, which could increase the risk of severe symptomatic disease, this study investigated the identity of HAV strains detected before and after viability treatment of selected wastewater discharge samples. For one year, 118 samples consisting of sewage, treated wastewater discharge and downstream dam water were collected from five wastewater treatment plants (WWTP 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). Unique HAV IB strains were detected in samples from all five WWTPs, with 11 of these strains carrying amino acid mutations at the immunodominant and neutralisation epitopes. A quasispecies dynamic of HAV has also been detected in sewage samples. The subsequent application of viability PCR revealed that potentially infectious HAV strains were discharged from WWTP 1, 2, 4 and 5 into the dam. Therefore, there is a potential risk of HAV exposure to communities using water sources downstream the WWTPs.

Characteristics of acute hepatitis A virus infection before and after 2001: A hospital‐based study in Tokyo, Japan

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1836-1842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomomi Kogiso ◽  
Takaomi Sagawa ◽  
Mayuko Oda ◽  
Somura Yoshiko ◽  
Kazuhisa Kodama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Acute Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Acute Hepatitis A ◽  
Before And After

Medical and Nursing Students with Suboptimal Protective Immunity against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 1006-1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioanna D. Pavlopoulou ◽  
George L. Daikos ◽  
Andreas Tzivaras ◽  
Evangelos Bozas ◽  
Chris Kosmidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Healthcare Students ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Vaccination History ◽  
History Of

Objectives.Medical and nursing students (hereafter referred to as “healthcare students”) are at risk of contracting and transmitting infectious diseases in a hospital Setting. The aim of our study was to evaluate the vaccination history of healthcare students and their serologic immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases.Design.Prospective cohort study.Setting.A tertiary care children's hospital in Athens, Greece, which is affiliated with the University of Athens.Methods.Healthcare students were recruited during April through November 2007. The information obtained from these students during personal interviews included demographics and whether there was a history of varicella, measles, mumps, rubella, and/or hepatitis A or B virus infection. Vaccination history and documentation of disease were abstracted from available medical records. Serum antibodies against the above-mentioned viral agents were determined by use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seronegative students and those with immunization gaps were referred to local vaccination clinics, and compliance was assessed 3 months later.Results.A total of 187 healthcare students were recruited, 131 (70.1%) of whom provided complete documentation of vaccination history. Adequate immunity against diphtheria and tetanus was documented for 55 (37.2%) and 73 (49.3%) of the 148 participants, respectively, whereas age-appropriate vaccination against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, and poliomyelitis was noted for 138 (93.2%), 147 (99.3%), 147 (99.3%), and 147 (99.3%) healthcare students, respectively. Of 185 healthcare students, 171 (92.4%) were immune to varicella. Of 182 healthcare students, 179 (98.4%) were immune to measles, 163 (89.6%) were immune to mumps, and 176 (96.7%) were immune to rubella. Of 179 healthcare students, 151 (84.4%) were immune to hepatitis B virus. Of 178 healthcare students, 26 (14.6%) were immune to hepatitis A virus. Antibodies (10 IU/L or higher) to hepatitis B surface antigen were detected for 151 (84.4%) of 179 healthcare students, and antibodies (10 IU/L or higher) to hepatitis A virus were detected for 26 (14.6%) of 178 healthcare students. Fewer than 30% of participants were in full compliance with recommended vaccinations.Conclusions.We have determined that there is a certain proportion of healthcare students who are susceptible to certain vaccine-preventable diseases. The development of an appropriate vaccination strategy is required to decrease the risk of transmission in a hospital setting.

Seroprevalence Survey of Varicella, Measles, Rubella, and Hepatitis A and B Viruses in a Multinational Healthcare Workforce in Saudi Arabia

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1179-1183
Author(s):  
M. A. Almuneef ◽  
Z. A. Memish ◽  
H. H. Balkhy ◽  
B. Otaibi ◽  
M. Helmi
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Far East ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Healthcare Workforce ◽  
The Far East ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Newly Hired

Objective.To determine the prevalence of the vaccine-preventable diseases caused by varicella, measles, rubella, and hepatitis A and B viruses in a multinational healthcare workforce.Design.Prospective cohort study.Setting.A 750-bed tertiary care center located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Methods.In compliance with hospital policy, newly recruited healthcare workers (HCWs) were enrolled in the study from September 2001 to March 2005. Serum samples were collected from all HCWs during the initial hiring process and tested for IgG antibodies against each of the 5 viral agents. Nonimmune HCWs were subsequently vaccinated at the earliest opportunity.Results.A total of 4,006 newly hired (international and local) employees were included in the study. All underwent serologic testing for IgG antibodies against varicella, measles, rubella, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B viruses. Of the total, 63% were female and 37% were male. Middle Eastern employees comprised 47% of the total, followed by employees from the Far East (35%), the West (10%), and Africa (8%). Forty-two percent were nurses, 27% were in administration, 18% were medical technicians, and 13% were physicians. Among the 4,006 newly hired HCWs, 14% had negative IgG antibody test results for varicella virus, 13% for measles virus, 10% for rubella virus, 33% for hepatitis A virus, and 43% for hepatitis B virus. More women than men were susceptible to hepatitis A (40% vs. 24%;P< .001), whereas more men were susceptible to hepatitis B (55% vs. 35%;P< .001). Varicella susceptibility was more common among HCWs from the Far East (19%), whereas susceptibility to measles, rubella, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B was highest among HCWs from the Middle East. Both relative youth and male sex were associated with lack of antibodies against hepatitis B virus and rubella virus. In contrast, female sex and younger age were associated with lack of antibodies against hepatitis A virus (P< .001).Conclusion.Seroprevalence surveys of vaccine-preventable diseases among HCWs, although labor intensive, are invaluable in caring for a multinational workforce.

scholarly journals Detection of Pathogenic Viruses in Sewage Provided Early Warnings of Hepatitis A Virus and Norovirus Outbreaks

2014 ◽  
Vol 80 (21) ◽  
pp. 6771-6781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Hellmér ◽  
Nicklas Paxéus ◽  
Lars Magnius ◽  
Lucica Enache ◽  
Birgitta Arnholm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Warning ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Milk Proteins ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Aichi Virus ◽  
Untreated Sewage ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Pathogenic Viruses ◽  
Different Strains

ABSTRACTMost persons infected with enterically transmitted viruses shed large amounts of virus in feces for days or weeks, both before and after onset of symptoms. Therefore, viruses causing gastroenteritis may be detected in wastewater, even if only a few persons are infected. In this study, the presence of eight pathogenic viruses (norovirus, astrovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, Aichi virus, parechovirus, hepatitis A virus [HAV], and hepatitis E virus) was investigated in sewage to explore whether their identification could be used as an early warning of outbreaks. Samples of the untreated sewage were collected in proportion to flow at Ryaverket, Gothenburg, Sweden. Daily samples collected during every second week between January and May 2013 were pooled and analyzed for detection of viruses by concentration through adsorption to milk proteins and PCR. The largest amount of noroviruses was detected in sewage 2 to 3 weeks before most patients were diagnosed with this infection in Gothenburg. The other viruses were detected at lower levels. HAV was detected between weeks 5 and 13, and partial sequencing of the structural VP1protein identified three different strains. Two strains were involved in an ongoing outbreak in Scandinavia and were also identified in samples from patients with acute hepatitis A in Gothenburg during spring of 2013. The third strain was unique and was not detected in any patient sample. The method used may thus be a tool to detect incipient outbreaks of these viruses and provide early warning before the causative pathogens have been recognized in health care.

scholarly journals 1433. Promoting Vaccination of Vaccine Preventable Diseases in Newly Employed Nurses and Doctors Guided by Serological Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S722-S722
Author(s):  
Seungjae Lee ◽  
Hyo-Ju Son ◽  
Eunjung Lee ◽  
Se Yoon Park ◽  
Eun Ju Choo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccination Rate ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
B Virus ◽  
The Republic

Abstract Background Vaccination after serological evaluation of healthcare workers is key component of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) preparedness in hospital. The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of VPDs and the vaccination rates among newly employed nurses and doctors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a referral university hospital in the Republic of Korea. All newly employed nurses and doctors without immunity were recommended to have the hepatitis B virus (HBV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), hepatitis A virus (HAV) and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccination. HBV, VZV, MMR vaccinations were financially supported and Tdap vaccination was recommended without testing. We investigated the seroprevalence of HAV, HBV, and VZV and vaccination rate of recommended vaccination (HAV, HBV, MMR, VZV, and Tdap) from Jan 1st, 2017 to March 31th, 2020. Results A total of 668 (527 female, 141 male) newly employed nurses and doctors were identified. The median age (IQR) is 25 (24-27). Seroprevalence were 59.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 55.4-62.8) for HAV, 86.1% (95% CI 83.5-88.7) for HBV, and 92.4% (95% CI 90.4-94.4) for VZV. Vaccination rate of recommended vaccination were 24.5% (95% CI 18.5-30.5) for HAV, 23.3% (95% CI 13.6-33.0) for HBV, 48.7% (95% CI 33.0-64.4) for VZV, 30.0% (95% CI 25.5-34.5) for MMR and 33.1% (95% CI 29.0-37.2) for Tdap respectively. Conclusion Seroprevalence of HAV was lower than HBV and varicella in newly employed nurses and doctors. Although persistent effort to improve the healthcare worker’s vaccination, the actual rates were low. Further strategy promoting vaccination of newly employed nurses and doctors are needed. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Seroprevalence Survey of Varicella, Measles, Rubella, and Hepatitis A and B Viruses in a Multinational Healthcare Workforce in Saudi Arabia

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1179-1183 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Almuneef ◽  
Z. A. Memish ◽  
H. H. Balkhy ◽  
B. Otaibi ◽  
M. Helmi
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Far East ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Healthcare Workforce ◽  
The Far East ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Newly Hired

Objective.To determine the prevalence of the vaccine-preventable diseases caused by varicella, measles, rubella, and hepatitis A and B viruses in a multinational healthcare workforce.Design.Prospective cohort study.Setting.A 750-bed tertiary care center located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Methods.In compliance with hospital policy, newly recruited healthcare workers (HCWs) were enrolled in the study from September 2001 to March 2005. Serum samples were collected from all HCWs during the initial hiring process and tested for IgG antibodies against each of the 5 viral agents. Nonimmune HCWs were subsequently vaccinated at the earliest opportunity.Results.A total of 4,006 newly hired (international and local) employees were included in the study. All underwent serologic testing for IgG antibodies against varicella, measles, rubella, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B viruses. Of the total, 63% were female and 37% were male. Middle Eastern employees comprised 47% of the total, followed by employees from the Far East (35%), the West (10%), and Africa (8%). Forty-two percent were nurses, 27% were in administration, 18% were medical technicians, and 13% were physicians. Among the 4,006 newly hired HCWs, 14% had negative IgG antibody test results for varicella virus, 13% for measles virus, 10% for rubella virus, 33% for hepatitis A virus, and 43% for hepatitis B virus. More women than men were susceptible to hepatitis A (40% vs. 24%;P< .001), whereas more men were susceptible to hepatitis B (55% vs. 35%;P< .001). Varicella susceptibility was more common among HCWs from the Far East (19%), whereas susceptibility to measles, rubella, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B was highest among HCWs from the Middle East. Both relative youth and male sex were associated with lack of antibodies against hepatitis B virus and rubella virus. In contrast, female sex and younger age were associated with lack of antibodies against hepatitis A virus (P< .001).Conclusion.Seroprevalence surveys of vaccine-preventable diseases among HCWs, although labor intensive, are invaluable in caring for a multinational workforce.

scholarly journals The European Sero-Epidemiology Network 2 (ESEN2): standardization of assay results for hepatitis A virus (HAV) to enable comparisons of seroprevalence data across 15 countries

2008 ◽  
Vol 137 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. G. ANASTASSOPOULOU ◽  
G. KAFATOS ◽  
A. NARDONE ◽  
N. ANDREWS ◽  
R. G. PEBODY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
International Comparisons ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Immunization Strategies ◽  
Seroprevalence Data ◽  
Potential Improvement ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Direct Inter

SUMMARYThe European Sero-Epidemiology Network 2 (ESEN2) aimed to compare serological results of vaccine-preventable diseases across Europe. To ensure direct inter-country comparability of hepatitis A virus antibody (anti-HAV) measurements, a standardization panel of 150 sera was developed by a designated reference laboratory and tested by participating national laboratories using assays of choice; each country's results were subsequently regressed against those of the reference laboratory. Quantitatively, the assays were generally highly correlated (R2>0·90). Nevertheless, qualitative comparisons indicated that results obtained with different assays may differ despite the usage of well-established international and local standards. To a great extent standardization successfully alleviated such differences. The generated standardization equations will be used to convert national serological results into common units to enable direct international comparisons of HAV seroprevalence data. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the evaluation and potential improvement of the currently employed immunization strategies for hepatitis in Europe.

Application of solid-phase immune electron microscopy to study physical and stability characteristics of enterically transmitted non-a, non-b hepatitis virus

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 80-81
Author(s):  
Charles D. Humphrey ◽  
E. H. Cook ◽  
Karen A. McCaustland ◽  
Daniel W. Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Immune Electron Microscopy

Enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis (ET-NANBH) is a type of hepatitis which is increasingly becoming a significant world health concern. As with hepatitis A virus (HAV), spread is by the fecal-oral mode of transmission. Until recently, the etiologic agent had not been isolated and identified. We have succeeded in the isolation and preliminary characterization of this virus and demonstrating that this agent can cause hepatic disease and seroconversion in experimental primates. Our characterization of this virus was facilitated by immune (IEM) and solid phase immune electron microscopic (SPIEM) methodologies.Many immune electron microscopy methodologies have been used for morphological identification and characterization of viruses. We have previously reported a highly effective solid phase immune electron microscopy procedure which facilitated identification of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in crude cell culture extracts. More recently we have reported utilization of the method for identification of an etiologic agent responsible for (ET-NANBH).

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