scholarly journals Seroprevalence Study of Pertussis in Adults at Childbearing Age and Young Infants Reveals the Necessity of Booster Immunizations in Adults in China

Vaccines ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Zhiyun Chen ◽  
Jie Pang ◽  
Nan Zhang ◽  
Ning Chen ◽  
Yiwei Ding ◽  
...  

In China, the vaccination strategy against pertussis is started from 3 months of age, with no booster dose used after the booster given at two years. Despite a high vaccination coverage, pertussis has been increasingly reported since the last decade. This study evaluates the prevalence of serum anti-pertussis toxin (PT) IgG antibodies in adults at childbearing age and infants before the age of primary immunization in Beijing, China. A total of 1175 serum samples randomly selected from individuals who attended an annual health examination at the Sixth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, in 2019, was included. The geometric mean concentration (GMC) and median concentration of anti-PT IgG antibodies among adults aged 20–39 years were 3.81 IU/mL and 3.24 IU/mL, and the corresponding concentrations were 1.72 IU/mL and 1.43 IU/mL among infants under 3 months of age. The seroprevalence of PT IgG antibodies ≥ 40 IU/mL in adults and infants was 2.0% (15/735) and 1.1% (5/440). In total, 65.99% (485/735) of adults and 83.41% (367/440) of infants had non-detectable pertussis-specific antibodies (<5 IU/mL). Our results showed that the majority of adults at a reproductive age and young infants are vulnerable to pertussis, suggesting that booster vaccinations in adults should be considered in this country.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesta Cavalcanti ◽  
Maria Antonietta Isgrò ◽  
Domenica Rea ◽  
Lucia Di Capua ◽  
Giusy Trillò ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the resulting disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have spread to millions of people globally, requiring the development of billions of different vaccine doses. The SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine (named BNT162b2/Pfizer), authorized by the FDA, has shown high efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection after administration of two doses in individuals 16 years of age and older. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the differences in the SARS-CoV-2 humoral immune response after vaccine administration in the two different cohorts of workers at the INT - IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” Cancer Center (Naples, Italy): previously infected to SARS-CoV-2 subjects and not infected to SARS-CoV-2 subjects. Methods We determined specific anti-RBD (receptor-binding domain) titers against trimeric spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 by Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay in serum samples of 35 healthcare workers with a previous documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 158 healthcare workers without, after 1 and 2 doses of vaccine, respectively. Moreover, geometric mean titers and relative fold changes (FC) were calculated. Results Both previously infected and not infected to SARS-CoV-2 subjects developed significant immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 after the administration of 1 and 2 doses of vaccine, respectively. Anti-S antibody responses to the first dose of vaccine were significantly higher in previously SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects in comparison to titers of not infected subjects after the first as well as the second dose of vaccine. Fold changes for subjects previously infected to SARS-CoV-2 was very modest, given the high basal antibody titer, as well as the upper limit of 2500.0 BAU/mL imposed by the Roche methods. Conversely, for naïve subjects, mean fold change following the first dose was low ($$ \overline{x} $$ x ¯ =1.6), reaching 3.8 FC in 72 subjects (45.6%) following the second dose. Conclusions The results showed that, as early as the first dose, SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals developed a remarkable and statistically significant immune response in comparison to those who did not contract the virus previously, suggesting the possibility of administering only one dose in previously SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects. FC for previously infected subjects should not be taken into account for the generally high pre-vaccination values. Conversely, FC for not infected subjects, after the second dose, were = 3.8 in > 45.0% of vaccinees, and ≤ 3.1 in 19.0%, the latter showing a potential susceptibility to further SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. S71-S77
Author(s):  
Chandler D Schexnayder ◽  
Shani King ◽  
Oluchi Emelogu

Abstract Purpose To assess the rate at which contraceptive counseling is provided to women of childbearing age prescribed teratogenic medications at Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC). Women of childbearing age comprise a large demographic of women veterans and may require contraceptive counseling in the event a potentially teratogenic medication is prescribed. According to multiple studies, overall documentation of contraceptive counseling occurs in approximately half of this population or less. The rate of documented contraceptive counseling at MEDVAMC is unknown. Methods A retrospective chart review of electronic health records was conducted from January 2017 to August 2018. Patients included were female veterans between 18 and 45 years of age who made 2 or more visits to MEDVAMC prior to filling a prescription for a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or angiotensin II receptor blocker. Charts were screened for documentation of contraceptive counseling (including family planning counseling), prescribed contraception, and pregnancy testing prior to dispensing of a potentially teratogenic prescription. Results There were 172 female veterans included in this project. Documentation of contraceptive counseling occurred in 63% (n = 108) of patients; in total, 42% (n = 73) of patients were on some form of contraception, with the most common being oral contraceptive pill (used by 30% of women). Conclusion The rate of documentation of contraceptive counseling at MEDVAMC was found to be higher than rates reported in national studies. As we continue to strive to provide exceptional care for our women veterans, we would like to continue to increase the education and awareness on this matter.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesta Cavalcanti ◽  
Maria Antonietta Isgrò ◽  
Domenica Rea ◽  
Lucia Di Capua ◽  
Giusy Trillò ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the resulting disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have spread to millions of people globally, requiring the development of billions of different vaccine doses. The SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine (named BNT162b2/Pfizer), authorized by the FDA, has shown high efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection after administration of two doses in individuals 16 years of age and older. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the differences in the SARS-CoV-2 humoral immune response after vaccine administration in the two different cohorts of workers at the INT - IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” Cancer Center (Naples, Italy): previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 subjects and not exposed to SARS-CoV-2 subjects.Methods: We determined specific anti-RBD (receptor-binding domain) titers against trimeric spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 by Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay in serum samples of 35 healthcare workers with a previous documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 158 healthcare workers without, after 1 and 2 doses of vaccine, respectively. Moreover, geometric mean titers and relative fold changes (FC) were calculated.Results: Both previously exposed and not exposed to SARS-CoV-2 subjects developed significant immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 after the administration of 1 and 2 doses of vaccine, respectively. Anti-S antibody responses to the first dose of vaccine were significantly higher in previously SARS-CoV-2-exposed subjects in comparison to titers of not exposed subjects after the first as well as the second dose of vaccine. Fold changes for subjects previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 was very modest, given the high basal antibody titer, as well as the upper limit of 2500.0 BAU/mL imposed by the Roche methods. Conversely, for naïve subjects, mean fold change following the first dose was low ( =1.6), reaching 3.8 FC in 72 subjects (45.6%) following the second dose.Conclusions: The results showed that, as early as the first dose, SARS-CoV-2-exposed individuals developed a remarkable and statistically significant immune response in comparison to those who did not contract the virus previously, suggesting the possibility of administering only one dose in previously SARS-CoV-2-exposed subjects. FC for previously exposed subjects should not be taken into account for the generally high pre-vaccination values. Conversely, FC for not exposed subjects, after the second dose, were = 3.8 in >45.0% of vaccinees, and ≤3.1 in 19.0%, the latter showing a potential susceptibility to further SARS-CoV-2 infection.


1990 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kátia S. C. Primavera ◽  
Eufrosina S. Umezawa ◽  
Benedito Anselmo Peres ◽  
Mário E. Camargo ◽  
Sumie Hoshino-Shimuzu

In an attempt to find a better T. cruzi antigen and possible immunological markers for the diagnosis of different clinical forms of Chagas' disease, amastigote and trypomastigote antigens obtained from immunosuppressed mice infected with T. cruzi (Y strain) were assessed in comparison with conventional epimastigote antigens. A total of 506 serum samples from patients with acute and with chronic (indeterminate, cardiac and digestive) forms, from nonchagasic infections, and from healthy individuals were assayed in immunofluorescence (IF) tests, to search for IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies. Amastigote proved to be the most convenient antigen for our purposes, providing higher relative efficiency indexes of 0.946, 0.871 and 0.914 for IgG, IgM and IgA IF tests, respectively. Anti-amastigote antibodies presented higher geometric mean titers (GMT) than anti-trypomastigote and anti-epimastigote. Anti-amastigote IgG antibodies were found in all forms of Chagas' disease, and predominantly IgA antibodies, in chronic digestive and in acute forms, as well as IgM antibodies, in latter forms. Thus, tests with amastigote antigen could be helpful for screening chagasic infections in blood banks. Practical and economical aspects in obtaining amastigotes as here described speak in favour of its use in developing countries, since those from other sources require more complex system of substruction, specialized personnel or equipment.


Author(s):  
Heloisa Ribeiro Storchilo ◽  
Giulianne Monteiro Teixeira ◽  
André Luís Elias Moreira ◽  
Taynara Cristina Gomes ◽  
Clayton Luiz Borges ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis can be inconclusive in many cases. Despite the several serological tests developed, the literature on biomarkers that can assist in the diagnosis of congenital an acute toxoplasmosis is limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the immunoreactive profile of Toxoplasma gondii protein bands with the potential to be biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of congenital and acute toxoplasmosis. Methods Peripheral blood samples from women of childbearing age and/or pregnant women diagnosed with acquired toxoplasmosis as well as from congenitally infected children were selected and submitted to immunoblotting for analysis of the immunoreactive bands profile by immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Results When comparing the immunoreactive bands profile for antibodies present in samples from different groups and subgroups, the 150, 18.5, and 16.96-kDa bands were more immunoreactive with the antibodies present in serum samples from the acquired infection group. The 343, 189, 150, 75, and 42-kDa bands showed more chance to be detected by the symptomatic congenital infection subgroup samples, while the 61, 50, and 16.96-kDa bands were significantly immunoreactive with the acute infection subgroup samples. Conclusions The identification of these potential biomarkers can assist in early diagnosis and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba ◽  
Seter Siziya ◽  
Mwaka Monze ◽  
Daniel Cohen

Abstract Background: Rubella is highly under reported in Zambia as in most sub-Saharan countries despite being a disease of major public health concern especially among women of childbearing age. In September 2016, Zambia introduced a combined measles-rubella vaccine in children aged 0-14 years. In this study, we estimated the proportion of acute rubella among suspected cases during the pre Measles-Rubella vaccine introduction era (2005-2016) and determined its correlates for monitoring rubella epidemiology post-rubella vaccine introduction. Methods: In a retrospective study, 4497 measles IgM negative serum samples from 5686 clinically suspected measles cases were examined for rubella IgM antibodies using the Siemens, Enzygnost® ELISA kit at the national measles laboratory. Data on demographics, year and month of onset were extracted from the surveillance data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using backward variable selection was conducted to determine independent predictors for acute rubella. Results: Overall, a proportion of 29.2% (1313/4497) affecting mostly those between 5 and 24 years was determined. Only age, province, month and year were independently associated with acute rubella. The regional proportions varied from 21.8 – 37.3% peaking in the hot dry month of October. Persons in the age group 10-14 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=2.43; 95% CI [2.01 - 2.95]) were more likely while those aged <1 year less likely (AOR=0.31; 95% CI [021 - 0.48]) to have acute rubella compared to those aged 25 years or older. Persons in 2010 were less likely (AOR=0.12; CI [0.05, 0.28]) to have acute rubella compared to those in 2016. While acute rubella was more likely to occur between July and November compared to December, it was less likely to occur between February and May. Conclusions: R ubella virus was circulating in Zambia between 2005 and 2016 affecting mostly persons in the age group 5-24 years peaking in the month of October during the hot dry season. It is important that Zambia has introduced a rubella containing vaccine, however, establishing the baseline epidemiological profile of rubella prior to MR vaccine introduction is important for monitoring the success of the preventative vaccination strategy employed. Keywords: Rubella, Acute, Proportion, Correlates, Zambia, Pre vaccination era, Immunisation


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mazyanga Lucy Mazaba ◽  
Seter Siziya ◽  
Mwaka Monze ◽  
Daniel Cohen

Abstract Background: Rubella is highly under reported in Zambia as in most sub-Saharan countries despite being a disease of major public health concern especially among women of childbearing age. In September 2016, Zambia introduced a combined measles-rubella vaccine in children aged 0-14 years. In this study, we estimated the proportion of acute rubella among suspected cases during the pre Measles-Rubella vaccine introduction era (2005-2016) and determined its correlates for monitoring rubella epidemiology post-rubella vaccine introduction. Methods: In a retrospective study, 4497 measles IgM negative serum samples from 5686 clinically suspected measles cases were examined for rubella IgM antibodies using the Siemens, Enzygnost® ELISA kit at the national measles laboratory. Data on demographics, year and month of onset were extracted from the surveillance data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using backward variable selection was conducted to determine independent predictors for acute rubella. Results: Overall, a proportion of 29.2% (1313/4497) affecting mostly those between 5 and 24 years was determined. Only age, province, month and year were independently associated with acute rubella. The regional proportions varied from 21.8 – 37.3% peaking in the hot dry month of October. Persons in the age group 10-14 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=2.43; 95% CI [2.01 - 2.95]) were more likely while those aged <1 year less likely (AOR=0.31; 95% CI [021 - 0.48]) to have acute rubella compared to those aged 25 years or older. Persons in 2010 were less likely (AOR=0.12; CI [0.05, 0.28]) to have acute rubella compared to those in 2016. While acute rubella was more likely to occur between July and November compared to December, it was less likely to occur between February and May. Conclusions: R ubella virus was circulating in Zambia between 2005 and 2016 affecting mostly persons in the age group 5-24 years peaking in the month of October during the hot dry season. It is important that Zambia has introduced a rubella containing vaccine, however, establishing the baseline epidemiological profile of rubella prior to MR vaccine introduction is important for monitoring the success of the preventative vaccination strategy employed. Keywords: Rubella, Acute, Proportion, Correlates, Zambia, Pre vaccination era, Immunisation


2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 9-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Gioula ◽  
A Fylaktou ◽  
M Exindari ◽  
G Atmatzidis ◽  
D Chatzidimitriou ◽  
...  

This study was prompted by two rubella outbreaks that occurred in northern Greece in the last decade (1993 and 1999) and by periodic changes to the immunisation strategy. It was designed to determine the current status of rubella immunity and vaccination coverage in this region, eight years after the last outbreak in 1999 and seven years after the last epidemiological study in the area. Among the 685 subjects studied the seroprevalence was 83.7% and the total vaccination rate was 31.3%. In people born before the introduction in 1989 of the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine into the national immunisation programme, higher rates of rubella seropositivity (88.1%) were observed compared to those born after 1989 (77.1%). The vaccination rates for these age groups were 14.8% and 58.1%, respectively. The reason for this difference is the lack of vaccination at the time these people were children, and it underlines the need for a vaccination strategy targeting older people as well. Among women of reproductive age (16-40 years), who represented 44.8% of the study population, 13.9% were susceptible to rubella and only 18.5% were vaccinated. These results indicate that there is a great need for a comprehensive policy designed to protect mostly young adults and women of childbearing age in order to prevent congenital rubella infections. This policy should also include competent surveillance systems for rubella and congenital rubella syndrome and an evaluation of existing immunisation programmes.


2012 ◽  
Vol 141 (10) ◽  
pp. 2192-2195 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. MOSTI ◽  
B. PINTO ◽  
A. GIROMELLA ◽  
S. FABIANI ◽  
R. CRISTOFANI ◽  
...  

SUMMARYThis study aimed to estimate possible changes in seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in people living in the area of Massa and Carrara (central Italy), in recent years. Serum samples from over 13 000 individuals were tested for both IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using an immunoenzymatic method (Access® Toxo IgG, and Access® Toxo IgM II, Beckman Coulter Inc., USA). Our survey showed a decreasing trend of overall seroprevalence of 24·4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 22·62–25·71] in 2010 compared to 31·0% (95% CI 29·29–32·72) in 2007. A positive trend according to age was found, with low positivity observed in younger age groups. For women of reproductive age the prevalence of IgG antibodies was 30·2% (95% CI 28·44–31·96) in 2007 and 23·6% (95% CI 22·05–25·20) in 2010. IgM seroprevalence in women of this age group also progressively decreased from 1·6% to 0·97% during the study period. Our study confirms a decline of toxoplasmosis in Western countries.


2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 591-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hristina Djordjevic

Introduction. Herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are alpha herpes viruses. Humans are the only natural host and they can be transmitted through oral or genital secretions. These viruses are ubiquitous all over the world, with different percentage rates. The aims of this paper were to determine the serological response to HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection among pregnant women and women of reproductive age and seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies among pregnant women and women of reproductive age. Material and Methods. A total of 81 serum samples were analyzed. 32 sera were collected from pregnant women, and 49 sera were from non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Serum samples were tested for IgM antibodies to both herpes simplex viruses by use of immunoenzymatic assay (Bioelisa HSV IgM Immunocapture; Biokit, Spain)). Sero-type specific ELISA tests: Bioelisa HSV-1 IgG and Bioelisa HSV-2 IgG (Biokit, Spain) were used for detection of IgG antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. Results. Type-common IgM antibodies were found in 6.25% of pregnant women, and in 4.08% of women of reproductive age. Type-specific IgG antibodies to HSV-1 were detected in 68.75% of pregnant women, and in 81.63% of non-pregnant women. The seroprevalence of HSV-1 in our sample was 76.5%. Type-specific IgG antibodies to HSV-2 were detected in 12.5% of pregnant women, and in 12.24% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age. The seroprevalence of HSV-2 in the whole sample was 12.35%. Conclusion. Most women have antibodies to HSV-1, which is partially protective against HSV-2 infection. The seroprevalence of HSV-2 in our sample is relatively low, and similar to seroprevalence in developed European countries. However, there is a high risk of acquiring primary genital HSV infection during pregnancy. Our sample was small, therefore further investigations are required for valid evaluation of seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Serbia. .


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