Rubella, German Measles

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heikki Peltola

Rubella is caused by an RNA virus. Infection results mostly in few or no symptoms. Viremia and viral shedding start before a rash may be seen. German physicians were probably the first to describe rubella in the early 19th century, hence the name "German measles". A British physician reported an outbreak in a boys’ school in India in 1841. He used the word rubella, "little red", a Latin diminutive from ruber (red). Rubella is often indistinguishable from other viral exanthematous diseases, but palpable posterior auricular and suboccipital lymph nodes are almost pathognomonic. Rubella infection during pregnancy may result in cataract, heart disease and deafness in an infant, forming the key triad defining “congenital rubella syndrome”, CRS. Also, mental retardation is common. After birth, rubella is a mild disease with rare complications only. There is no treatment for rubella or CRS, but vaccination programs usually with MMR-vaccine maintaining high vaccine uptake over time can virtually eliminate rubella.

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 438
Author(s):  
Jasmin Heidepriem ◽  
Christine Dahlke ◽  
Robin Kobbe ◽  
René Santer ◽  
Till Koch ◽  
...  

The current COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). A better understanding of its immunogenicity can be important for the development of improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Here, we report the longitudinal analysis of three COVID-19 patients with moderate (#1) and mild disease (#2 and #3). Antibody serum responses were analyzed using spike glycoprotein enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), full-proteome peptide, and glycan microarrays. ELISA immunoglobulin A, G, and M (IgA, IgG, and IgM) signals increased over time for individuals #1 and #2, whereas #3 only showed no clear positive IgG and IgM result. In contrast, peptide microarrays showed increasing IgA/G signal intensity and epitope spread only in the moderate patient #1 over time, whereas early but transient IgA and stable IgG responses were observed in the two mild cases #2 and #3. Glycan arrays showed an interaction of antibodies to fragments of high-mannose and core N-glycans, present on the viral shield. In contrast to protein ELISA, microarrays allow for a deeper understanding of IgA, IgG, and IgM antibody responses to specific epitopes of the whole proteome and glycans of SARS-CoV-2 in parallel. In the future, this may help to better understand and to monitor vaccination programs and monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 284-290
Author(s):  
Jocelyn Chan ◽  
Yue Wu ◽  
James Wood ◽  
Mohammad Muhit ◽  
Mohammed K. Mahmood ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable congenital anomalies. Comprehensive country-level data on the burden of CRS in low and middle-income countries, such as Bangladesh, are scarce. This information is essential for assessing the impact of rubella vaccination programs. We aim to systematically review the literature on the epidemiology of CRS and estimate the burden of CRS in Bangladesh. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of existing literature and transmission modelling of seroprevalence studies to estimate the pre-vaccine period burden of CRS in Bangladesh. OVID Medline (1948 – 23 November 2016) and OVID EMBASE (1974 – 23 November 2016) were searched using a combination of the database-specific controlled vocabulary and free text terms. We used an age-stratified deterministic model to estimate the pre-vaccination burden of CRS in Bangladesh. Findings: Ten articles were identified, published between 2000 and 2014, including seven crosssectional studies, two case series and one analytical case-control study. Rubella seropositivity ranged from 47.0% to 86.0% among all age population. Rubella sero–positivity increased with age. Rubella seropositivity among women of childbearing age was 81.0% overall. The estimated incidence of CRS was 0·99 per 1,000 live births, which corresponds to approximately 3,292 CRS cases annually in Bangladesh. Conclusion: The estimated burden of CRS in Bangladesh during the pre-vaccination period was high. This will provide important baseline information to assess the impact and cost-effectiveness of routine rubella immunisation, introduced in 2012 in Bangladesh.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 429
Author(s):  
Simone C. Boedecker ◽  
Pascal Klimpke ◽  
Daniel Kraus ◽  
Stefan Runkel ◽  
Peter R. Galle ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Dialysis patients and recipients of a kidney allograft are at high risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2. It has been shown that the development of potent neutralizing humoral immunity against SARS CoV-2 leads to an increased probability of survival. However, the question of whether immunocompromised patients develop antibodies has not yet been sufficiently investigated; (2) Methods: SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were examined in hemodialysis patients on the waiting list for kidney transplantation as well as patients after kidney transplantation. Patients were interviewed about symptoms and comorbidities, BMI, and smoking history; (3) Results: SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were found in 16 out of 259 patients (6%). The trend of infections here reflects the general course of infection in Germany with a peak in November/December of 2020. Remarkably, patients on the waiting list experienced only mild disease. In contrast, transplanted patients had to be hospitalized but recovered rapidly from COVID-19. Most interesting is that all immunosuppressed patients developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 after infection; (4) Conclusions: Even with extensive hygiene concepts, an above-average number of patients were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the second wave of infections in Germany. Because SARS-CoV-2 infection triggered the formation of antibodies even in these immunocompromised patients, we expect vaccination to be effective in this group of patients. Thus, dialysis patients and patients after kidney transplantation should be given high priority in vaccination programs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Esposito ◽  
Nicola Cotugno ◽  
Nicola Principi

Abstract Background Although several studies have tried to evaluate the real efficacy of school closure for pandemic control over time, no definitive answer to this question has been given. Moreover, it has not been clarified whether children or teenagers could be considered a problem for SARS-CoV-2 diffusion or, on the contrary, whether parents and school workers play a greater role. The aims of this review are to discuss about children’s safety at school and the better strategies currently able to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection at school. Main aim Compared to adults, very few cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in children, who generally suffered from an asymptomatic infection or a mild disease. Moreover, school closure is systematically associated with the development of problems involving students, teachers and parents, particularly among populations with poor resources. Although several researches have tried to evaluate the real efficacy of school closure for pandemic control over time, no definitive answer to this question has been given. Available findings seem to confirm that to ensure adequate learning and to avoid social and economic problems, schools must remain open, provided that the adults who follow children at home and at school absolutely comply with recommendations for prevention measures and that school facilities can be optimized in order to significantly reduce the spread of infection. In this regard, the universal use of face masks in addition to hand hygiene and safe distancing in schools, at least starting from the age of 6 years, seems extremely useful. Moreover, since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak the use of telemedicine to manage suspected SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals in the community has appeared to be an easy and effective measure to solve many paediatric problems and could represent a further support to schools . Conclusions We think that schools must remain open, despite COVID-19 pandemic. However, several problems strictly related to school frequency and reduction of infectious risk must be solved before school attendance can be considered completely safe. A single more in-depth guideline agreed between countries with the same school problems could be very useful in eliminating doubts and fostering the compliance of students, teachers and non-teaching school staff reducing errors and misinterpretations.


Author(s):  
Megan M Sheehan ◽  
Anita J Reddy ◽  
Michael B Rothberg

Abstract Background Protection afforded from prior disease among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is unknown. If infection provides substantial long-lasting immunity, it may be appropriate to reconsider vaccination distribution. Methods This retrospective cohort study of 1 health system included 150 325 patients tested for COVID-19 infection via polymerase chain reaction from 12 March 2020 to 30 August 2020. Testing performed up to 24 February 2021 in these patients was included. The main outcome was reinfection, defined as infection ≥90 days after initial testing. Secondary outcomes were symptomatic infection and protection of prior infection against reinfection. Results Of 150 325 patients, 8845 (5.9%) tested positive and 141 480 (94.1%) tested negative before 30 August. A total of 1278 (14.4%) positive patients were retested after 90 days, and 62 had possible reinfection. Of those, 31 (50%) were symptomatic. Of those with initial negative testing, 5449 (3.9%) were subsequently positive and 3191 of those (58.5%) were symptomatic. Protection offered from prior infection was 81.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.6–85.8) and against symptomatic infection was 84.5% (95% CI, 77.9–89.1). This protection increased over time. Conclusions Prior infection in patients with COVID-19 was highly protective against reinfection and symptomatic disease. This protection increased over time, suggesting that viral shedding or ongoing immune response may persist beyond 90 days and may not represent true reinfection. As vaccine supply is limited, patients with known history of COVID-19 could delay early vaccination to allow for the most vulnerable to access the vaccine and slow transmission.


2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Weber ◽  
Stephanie A. Consoli ◽  
Emily Sickbert-Bennett ◽  
William A. Rutala

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is recommended for all healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care unless medically contraindicated. Our university hospital made employment conditional upon receipt of Tdap vaccine. Implementation for newly hired employees quickly resulted in complete compliance, but achieving adherence among current workers required setting a termination date for noncompliance.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(1):81-83


2021 ◽  
pp. 2-4
Author(s):  
Sujan Narayan Agrawal

It is now a fact that the disease COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARC-CoV-2. This virus is a member of the Coronavridae family and Coronavirinae subfamily. It is an RNA virus. The outer surface of the virus has characteristic projections which are club-shaped or spiked. This gives virion a typical look like the solar corona hence the name coronavirus. These viruses primarily cause respiratory tract infections which may range from mild disease to lethal one. The recent outbreak caused by this virus has posed a great threat to global public health and is now declared a pandemic. It is of vital importance to have a rapid and accurate identication of the pathogenic virus. This will help in selecting appropriate treatment, saving people’s lives, and preventing its spread. The RT-PCR is regarded as the gold standard test for the molecular diagnosis of this viral infection. It has got high sensitivity and specicity. This review summarises the characteristics of the virus and the laboratory method of its detection by RT-PCR.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nirma Khatri Vadlamudi ◽  
Fawziah Marra

Background: Many studies report vaccine uptake among young adults aged 18 to 49 years is low. In Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends influenza vaccination for adults in contact with young children, however vaccination rates for this specific population are missing. An estimate is required to identify appropriate public health interventions. The objective of this study was to describe recent trends in influenza vaccination uptake among Canadian adults aged 18 to 49 years old living with or without young children.Methods: The Canadian Community Health Survey (2013-2014) dataset, available for public use was used after grouping individuals by influenza vaccination uptake within the past year in adults aged 18 to 49 years.  The relationship between living in a household with young children and influenza vaccination uptake was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model.Results: Among Canadian adults aged 18 to 49 years, the influenza vaccination uptake was 24.1% in adult household contacts with young children compared to 18.2% in those without young children (p<.0001). After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and self-perceived health, we determined that vaccine uptake was associated with living in a household with young children (adjusted OR: 1.30 [95%CI: 1.17-1.44]). While socio-demographic characteristics and self-perceived health greatly influenced influenza vaccination uptake, we also found marital status was a strong influencer of influenza vaccine uptake (adjusted OR:  1.31 [95%CI: 1.16-1.48]). Conclusion: Overall, influenza vaccination uptake among caregiving adults is low. Increased vaccine uptake was associated with living in a household with one or more young children. Targeted education and vaccination programs are required to improve uptake of the influenza vaccine in this age group.


Author(s):  
Julia Fitriany ◽  
Yulia Husna

Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) adalah suatu kumpulan gejala penyakit terdiri dari katarak, penyakit jantung bawaan, gangguan pendengaran, dan keterlambatan perkembangan. Sindrom rubella kongenital disebabkan infeksi virus rubella pada janin selama masa kehamilan akibat ibu tidak mempunyai kekebalan terhadap virus rubella.. Virus rubella ditransmisikan melalui pernapasan yaitu  melalui droplet yang dikeluarkan oleh seseorang yang terinfeksi rubella, setelah  terkena droplet, virus ini akan mengalami replikasi di nasofaring dan di daerah kelenjar getah bening. Viremia terjadi antara hari ke-5 sampai hari ke-7 setelah terpajan virus rubella. Infeksi rubella menyebabkan kerusakan janin karena proses pembelahan  terhambat. Diagnosis dari CRS bisa ditegakkan melalui anamnesis, pemeriksaan fisik dan pemeriksaan pebunjang. Pemeriksaan laboratorium untuk menunjang diagnosis CRS antara lain: isolasi virus, pemeriksaan serologik (ELISA) dan pemeriksaan terhadap RNA virus rubella. Terapi untuk CRS sendiri hanya bersifat suportif untuk defek-defek yang dialami. Penting untuk mencegah CRS adalah dengan vaksin MMR sebelum hami.  Prognosis untuk CRS lebih buruk dibandingkan dengan rubella postnatal karena disertai kerusakan organ multiple yang berat.


2015 ◽  
Vol 144 (6) ◽  
pp. 1201-1211 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. HUNGERFORD ◽  
P. MACPHERSON ◽  
S. FARMER ◽  
S. GHEBREHEWET ◽  
D. SEDDON ◽  
...  

SUMMARYSuboptimal uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine by certain socioeconomic groups may have contributed to recent large measles outbreaks in the UK. We investigated whether socioeconomic deprivation was associated with MMR vaccine uptake over 16 years. Using immunization data for 72 351 children born between 1995 and 2012 in Liverpool, UK, we examined trends in vaccination uptake. Generalized linear models were constructed to examine the relative effect of socioeconomic deprivation and year of birth on MMR uptake. Uptake of MMR1 by age 24 months ranged between 82·5% in 2003 [95% confidence interval (CI) 81·2–83·7] and 93·4% in 2012 (95% CI 92·7–94·2). Uptake of MMR2 by age 60 months ranged between 65·3% (95% CI 64·4–67·4) in 2006 and 90·3% (95% CI 89·4–91·2) in 2012. In analysis adjusted for year of birth and sex, children in the most deprived communities were at significantly greater risk of not receiving MMR1 [risk ratio (RR) 1·70, 95% CI 1·45–1·99] and MMR2 (RR 1·36, 95% CI 1·22–1·52). Higher unemployment and lower household income were significantly associated with low uptake. Contrary to concerns about lower MMR uptake in affluent families, over 16 years, children from the most socioeconomically deprived communities have consistently had the lowest MMR uptake. Targeted catch-up campaigns and strategies to improve routine immunization uptake in deprived areas are needed to minimize the risk of future measles outbreaks.


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