[A large epidemiological study on human papillomavirus vaccine post-vaccination symptoms and healthy vaccinee bias].

Objective　This study aimed to examine the existence of healthy vaccinee bias, a source of distortion in the evaluation of vaccine efficacy, through analysis without random assignment using real data on post-vaccination symptoms from the Nagoya Study, a large epidemiological study of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine post-vaccination symptoms.Methods　For three school years of individuals born in 1997, 1998, and 1999, as the HPV vaccine had a 2-year target period, 3,246 were first vaccinated at age 14 years and 3,961 were unvaccinated. The proportion of symptom onset in these 7,207 individuals during the unvaccinated period at age 13 years was compared by birth year to examine the presence of a healthy vaccinee bias.Results　Only four symptoms were significantly higher among unvaccinated participants, such as the proportion of "severe headache," which occurred in 2010 among those born in 1997, "hyperventilation," which occurred in 2011 among those born in 1998, "fatigue" and "sudden vision loss," which occurred in 2012 among those born in 1999. Healthy vaccinee biases are rarely observed.Conclusion　Underestimation of the odds ratio of HPV vaccination due to healthy vaccinee bias is limited, and the claim that the supposedly high odds ratio in the Nagoya Study was masked by a healthy vaccinee bias is invalid.

Evaluation of commercial quadrivalent foot-and-mouth disease vaccines against east African virus strains reveals limited immunogenicity and duration of protection.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes a contagious disease (FMD) in cloven-hoofed animals. For FMD-endemic countries, vaccination is critical for controlling disease but is rarely monitored, despite substantial funds spent on vaccine purchases. We evaluated antibody responses in cattle to two commercial vaccines each containing antigens of four FMDV serotypes. Sampling was done over 360 days, with serology for each serotype performed using commercially available solid phase competition ELISAs (SPCE) and with virus neutralization tests (VNT) employing regionally relevant test viruses. A primary course of each vaccine was administered to 37 calves, some of which received a second dose after 28 days. Using new production batches of vaccines, all calves received a booster vaccination 180 days post vaccination, while 10 additional naïve calves were also vaccinated using the new batches and followed up for ∼180 days. Simple and general linear models were used to compare antibody responses which varied substantially according to vaccine, dose regime, serotype, and test, but were mostly insufficient to ensure a high likelihood of adequate or sustained probable protection. One of the vaccines administered as a two-dose primary course of vaccination was superior to other options, but even then, data trajectories from VNT responses suggested probable protection of 75 % of calves for 6 months for only one virus serotype. Calves administered with the other vaccine and those given a single primary dose developed low levels of antibodies, offering predicted likely protection lasting less than two months. Individual SPCE results were weakly correlated (r2 = 0.48) to neutralization and associated likelihoods of protection but SPCE and VNT agreed on which vaccine and dose regime performed best. Our findings highlight gaps in immunogenicity of FMD vaccines used in East Africa and reinforce the importance of independent quality control studies to evaluate and improve commercial FMD vaccines and vaccination regimes.

Delayed peak antibody titers after the second dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in solid organ transplant recipients: Prospective cohort study.

Poor post-vaccination production of antibody against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a concern among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Furthermore, the timing and kinetics of antibody titers after the second vaccine dose are unknown. We conducted a multicenter prospective observational study that included 614 SOT recipients: 460 kidney, 53 heart, 50 liver, 20 lung, and 31 simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK). The participants received two doses of the mRNA vaccine (Pfizer BNT162b2 or Moderna mRNA-1273), as indicated. Serum samples were collected before the first and second vaccinations and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the second vaccine dose, which were then assessed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The overall seropositivity rate was 43% at 1 month after administration of the second vaccine dose; it gradually increased to 68% at 3 months after second dose administration and to 70% at 6 months. In addition, recipient of kidney, lung or SPK transplants had lower antibody titers at the 3- and 6-month time points than did the other recipients. SOT recipients acquired SARS-CoV-2 S-IgG antibodies slowly, and the peak titer differed significantly from that of the general population.

Outcome of Glomerular Disease Manifesting After Vaccination Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Introduction Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can upregulate the immune system and may contribute to glomerular disease (GD). Here, we describe a spectrum of GD that manifested following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 vaccinations). Material and methods This was a descriptive study of 10 cases enrolled between January 2021 and January 2023. Patients with biopsy-proven GD that manifested following COVID-19 vaccinations were included. Results We found 10 cases of biopsy-proven GD following the COVID-19 vaccination. This included five cases of minimal change disease (MCD), three cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), one case of C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN), and one case of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The pre-existing disease was found in the last two patients (IgAN and C3GN) who got unmasked following vaccination. We did not observe any relation between vaccine type (Covisheld; six cases vs. Covaxin; four cases) and GD. In most cases (8/10 cases, 80.0%), GD developed after a repeat dose (second or booster dose). The onset time following vaccination was typically less than a week, and even less following a repeat dose. Conclusion Post-vaccination GD can be either de novo or a flare-up of a pre-existing one. The onset time following vaccination was typically less than a week for both Covishield and Covaxin.

Trends in Serum Shifts: Unveiling Hyperglycaemia Links PostCOVID-19 Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Clinical endocrinology has observed emerging endocrine complications following COVID-19 vaccination, amidst successful reductions in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines have demonstrated efficacy. Reports indicate a potential association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and diabetes, exploring interactions with ACE-2 receptors and molecular mimicry. Additionally, altered liver and kidney function tests post-vaccination prompt investigation into their role in predicting type 2 diabetes. This study aims to explore these biochemical abnormalities in a case-control, single-centre prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study aimed to evaluate a total of five hundred healthy donors, out of which 203 qualified for final analysis. Participants were selected based on their vaccination status with a COVID-19 vaccine and prior exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Donors without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were excluded from the study. Included participants were adults who had received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: A total of 203 individuals were included in the study, comprising 104 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 99 without. Demographic characteristics including age, sex, nationality, Rh factors, ABO blood groups, liver function tests (LFT), kidney function tests (KFT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and mineral ion levels were analysed. Among the participants, the distribution based on HbA1c levels showed 47.8% with HbA1c <7% classified as normal, 38.48% with HbA1c 8-10% classified as high, and 16.64% with HbA1c <10% classified as uncontrolled diabetes. Significant findings included a decrease in magnesium levels to 0.77±0.82 mmol/L (p<0.04*), an increase in LDH levels to 420.70±356.26 µL (p<0.01*), and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (143.22 ± 142.62 µL, p<0.001), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (55.70 ± 32.20 µL, p<0.001), and serum bilirubin (9.23 ± 4.87 µmol/L, p<0.001). Creatinine levels were significantly lower at 116.75 ± 101.94 µmol/L (p#60;0.001), while uric acid levels were significantly elevated at 305.92 ± 145.04 µmol/L (p<0.001) in individuals with uncontrolled HbA1c <10%. A majority of these individuals belonged to the O+ blood group. CONCLUSION: This study underscores significant shifts in serum biomarkers and their complex interplay with mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and diabetes, particularly in uncontrolled cases. The findings suggest potential autoimmune reactions triggered by the self-adjuvant properties of mRNA and polyethylene glycol lipid conjugates. Variations observed among different blood groups may correspond to racial disparities influencing molecular mimicry mechanisms. Despite these insights, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear, highlighting the critical need for further research to validate and expand upon these findings.

Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Matching and Post-Vaccination Assessment in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Despite the annual vaccination of livestock against foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), outbreaks of the disease continue to be reported. The effective control of field outbreaks by vaccination requires that the vaccines used are antigenically matched to circulating field FMD viruses. In this study, a vaccine matching analysis was performed using the two-dimensional virus neutralization test (VNT) for three field isolates belonging to the O/ME-SA/PanAsia-2/ANT-10 and O/ME-SA/SA-2018 lineages collected from different FMD outbreaks that occurred within the Abu Dhabi Emirate in 2021 affecting Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), goat, and sheep. In addition, post-vaccination antibodies in sheep and goats were measured using solid-phase competitive ELISA (SPCE) for FMDV serotypes A and O at five months after a single vaccine dose and a further 28 days later after a second dose of the FMD vaccine. An analysis of vaccine matching revealed that five out of the six vaccine strains tested were antigenically matched to the UAE field isolates, with r1-values ranging between 0.32 and 0.75. These results suggest that the vaccine strains (O-3039 and O1 Manisa) included in the FMD vaccine used in the Abu Dhabi Emirate are likely to provide protection against outbreaks caused by the circulating O/ME-SA/PanAsia-2/ANT-10 and O/ME-SA/SA-2018 lineages. All critical residues at site 1 and site 3 of VP1 were conserved in all isolates, although an analysis of the VP1-encoding sequences revealed 14-16 amino acid substitutions compared to the sequence of the O1 Manisa vaccine strain. This study also reports on the results of post-vaccination monitoring where the immunization coverage rates against FMDV serotypes A and O were 47% and 69% five months after the first dose of the FMD vaccine, and they were increased to 81 and 88%, respectively, 28 days after the second dose of the vaccine. These results reinforce the importance of using a second booster dose to maximize the impact of vaccination. In conclusion, the vaccine strains currently used in Abu Dhabi are antigenically matched to circulating field isolates from two serotype O clades (O/ME-SA/PanAsia-2/ANT-10 sublineage and O/ME-SA/SA-2018 lineage). The bi-annual vaccination schedule for FMD in the Abu Dhabi Emirate has the potential to establish a sufficient herd immunity, especially when complemented by additional biosecurity measures for comprehensive FMD control. These findings are pivotal for the successful implementation of the region's vaccination-based FMD control policy, showing that high vaccination coverage and the wide-spread use of booster doses in susceptible herds is required to achieve a high level of FMDV-specific antibodies in vaccinated animals.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough infection and the evaluation of safety precaution practice before and after vaccination among healthcare workers in South West, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, it has been reported that fully vaccinated people still die of COVID-19-associated symptoms, generating public uncertainty about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. Hence, this research is aimed at assessing the incidence of COVID-19 breakthrough infection among vaccinated Health Workers and the possible effect of changes in the practice of post-vaccination safety precautions. METHOD: This was a Health facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires distributed at the participant's work unit across the selected health facilities. The nasopharyngeal specimen was also obtained from the participants and analysed using STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag Test rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the detection of antigens to SARS-CoV-2. All data were input and analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant relationship between the vaccination status of respondents and the post-vaccination test result (χ2 = 6.816, df = 1, p = 0.009). The incidence of COVID-19 infection among the vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs was 2% and 8% respectively. 5 of the 15 respondents who tested positive for COVID-19 had been fully vaccinated. However, all 5 of them did not practice safety measures after vaccination. None of the respondents who practised safety measures after vaccination tested positive for COVID-19. The remaining 10 respondents that tested positive for COVID-19 had not been vaccinated though they practised safety precautions. CONCLUSION: Vaccination and the practice of safety precautions will go a long way to preventing future COVID-19 breakthrough infections.

Optimization of Mother-to-Child Hepatitis B Virus Prevention Program: Integration of Maternal Screening and Infant Post-Vaccination Serologic Testing.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the impact of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevention program that incorporates maternal antiviral prophylaxis on mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is limited using real-world data. METHODS: We analyzed data on maternal HBV screening, neonatal immunization, and post-vaccination serologic testing (PVST) for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among at-risk infants born to HBV carrier mothers from the National Immunization Information System during 2008-2022. Through linkage with the National Health Insurance Database, information on maternal antiviral therapy was obtained. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to explore MTCT risk in relation to infant-mother characteristics and prevention strategies. RESULTS: In total, 2 460 218 deliveries with maternal HBV status were screened. Between 2008 and 2022, the annual HBsAg and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seropositivity rates among native pregnant women decreased from 12.2% to 2.6% and from 2.7% to 0.4%, respectively (P for both trends < .0001). Among the 22 859 at-risk infants who underwent PVST, the MTCT rates differed between infants born to HBsAg-positive/HBeAg-negative and HBeAg-positive mothers (0.75% and 6.33%, respectively; P < .001). MTCT risk increased with maternal HBeAg positivity (odds ratio [OR], 9.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.79-12.73) and decreased with maternal antiviral prophylaxis (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, .16-.49). For infants with maternal HBeAg positivity, MTCT risk was associated with mothers born in the immunization era (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.17-1.67). CONCLUSIONS: MTCT was related to maternal HBeAg positivity and effectively prevented by maternal prophylaxis in the immunized population. At-risk infants born to maternal vaccinated cohorts might possibly pose further risk.

The Safety Profile of Common COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis.

Background and objective Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In light of the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in late 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed mass immunization to enhance the population's immunity against the virus. However, certain concerns have been raised about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines among patients with autoimmune disorders, including those with multiple sclerosis (MS). Further research is required to address these concerns and to gain deeper insights into the possible complications of COVID-19 vaccines among MS patients. This study aimed to assess the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among MS patients. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2023 at the National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. All MS patients enrolled in our local registry system and provided phone numbers were included in the study. A total of 208 MS patients were surveyed via phone interviews, and data were collected regarding their demographics, MS history, COVID-19 history, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, and their exposure to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). All results were analyzed using Stata software. Statistical significance was set at a CI of 95% and a p-value <0.05. Results In our cohort, 128 (61.5%) patients had received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 68 (32.7%) had received two doses; four patients (2.0%) had received only one dose, five (2.4%) had not received the vaccine, and the number of doses was unknown for the remaining three patients (1.4%). The BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech was the most commonly administered (n=136 patients, 66.0%), followed byChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca (n=47 patients, 22.8%), and mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine from Moderna (n=5 patients, 2.4%). Of note, 139 patients (69.5%) reported experiencing adverse events after receiving the vaccine, and the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca was significantly associated with higher rates of side effects, in 87.8% of the patients. Conclusion A sizable proportion of MS patients experienced self-limiting side effects from exposure to the COVID-19 vaccine. The rates and incidence of side effects were similar to those encountered in the general population. None of the adverse effects recorded in our population of MS patients were serious or life-threatening. We recommend that physicians encourage patients with MS who have never received COVID-19 vaccination to get promptly vaccinated as the risks of COVID-19 infection far outweigh the minor risks associated with COVID-19 vaccination.

Post-Vaccination Sero-Monitoring of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Sheep and Goats in Karnataka: Progress towards PPR Eradication in India.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) presents economic challenges in enzootic countries impacting small ruminant productivity. The state of Karnataka, India, implemented a mass vaccination campaign in alignment with the PPR-Global Eradication Programme (GEP) and the National Strategic Plan for PPR eradication. This study was conducted from January to March 2023 to assess seroconversion in post-vaccinated goats and sheep at the epidemiological unit (epi-unit) level, aligning with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines in the PPR Global Control and Eradication Strategy (GCES). Before vaccination, 3466 random serum samples were collected from small ruminants of three age groups (6-12 months, 1-2 years, and >2 years) across 116 epi-units, spanning 82 taluks in 28 districts. Post-vaccination sero-monitoring included 1102 serum samples collected from small ruminants of the 6-12-month age group only, across 111 epi-units covering 64 taluks in 23 districts. The PPRV antibody status was determined using an indigenous hemagglutinin (H) protein monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA kit. Pre-vaccination, the PPR seropositivity rates were 55%, 62%, and 66% in the age groups of 6-12 months, 1-2 years, and >2 years, respectively, with a 61% PPRV antibody prevalence across all the age groups. Notably, 41% of the epi-units exhibited antibody prevalence rates of ≥70%, indicating a substantial population immunity, possibly attributed to the previous vaccination program in the state since 2011. In contrast, only 17% of the epi-units had below 30% seroprevalence rates, emphasizing the need for intensified vaccination. Statistical analysis of the data revealed significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the presence of PPRV antibodies and host factors such as species, breed, and sex. Post-vaccination seroprevalence in the 6-12 months age group was found to be 73.4%, indicating the use of an efficacious vaccine. On the evaluation of vaccination immunity in the 6-12 months age group, it was revealed that over 69% of the epi-units achieved a response surpassing ≥70%, indicating a significant improvement from 42% of the epi-units in pre-vaccination. For active PPR eradication, a mass vaccination campaign (>95% coverage) targeting small ruminant populations aged >4 months is advocated, aiming to achieve the desired herd immunity of >80%. This study offers crucial insights into PPR baseline seroprevalence/immunity status and vaccine efficacy, guiding national strategies towards a PPR-free India and further supporting the global eradication initiative.

Treatment refractory acute necrotizing myelitis after COVID-19 vaccine injection: a case report.

Introduction and importance: Post-vaccination myelitis is a rare and debilitating clinical situation. There are few reports of post-COVID-19 infection and vaccination neurological sequela. Case presentation: A 69-year-old lady was admitted to the emergency department due to weakness and hypoesthesia in her hands 1 week after the Sinopharm vaccine injection. MRI showed a cervicothoracic cord haemorrhagic lesion that deteriorated within 48 h. The clinical course was refractory to conservative treatments. She underwent an emergency cervical laminectomy as a salvage treatment. Intraoperative samples were in favour of acute necrotizing myelitis. Discussion: In the review of the literature, the inflammatory storm, vasculitis, and many unknown etiologies are deemed to be the possible causes of encephalopathy and myelitis after COVID-19 infection and vaccination. There are few cases of post-COVID-19 myelitis and hematomyelia, but this case was the first report of post-vaccination necrotizing myelitis. Conclusion: Post-vaccination necrotizing myelitis is a lethal medical situation requiring intensive and emergent neurosurgical vigilance. Early clinical diagnosis in the beginning and full neurosurgical-neurological treatment armamentarium options are cornerstones of treatment paradigms. Salvage treatment options such as extensive laminectomy may play a life-saving role in treatment refractory cases of acute necrotizing myelitis.

A Study on the Self-Reported Physician-Diagnosed Cardiac Complications Post mRNA Vaccination in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction The advent of mRNA-based vaccines has been a pivotal milestone in the global response to the pandemic, prompting widespread vaccination campaigns, including in Saudi Arabia. This study investigates self-reported physician-diagnosed cardiac complications post mRNA vaccination in Saudi Arabia, recognizing the need to monitor these rare events. The research aimed to study the self-reported physician-diagnosed incidence, nature, and associated factors of cardiac complications in this distinctive demographic group of post-mRNA vaccinations. Due to the scarcity of specific vaccine safety data, the study sought to provide data supporting public awareness and recommendations for global public health practices. Emphasizing ethical considerations, the study focuses on local factors, contributing valuable insights into the safety profile of mRNA vaccines, and aiding informed decision-making for public health strategies in Saudi Arabia and globally. Material and methods In a cross-sectional design, the study employs a culturally adapted questionnaire covering demographic details, vaccination history, health conditions, and perceptions. A rigorous development and validation process ensured the reliability of the questionnaire. A sample size of 804 participants was collected through an online survey link distributed via social media through the groups. Statistical analyses explored associations between demographic variables, vaccination behaviors, health diagnoses, and perceptions using IBM SPSS version 23 and Microsoft Excel. Results Significant associations were found among demographic variables, vaccination behaviors, health diagnoses, and perceptions of self-reported physician-diagnosed cardiac complications post mRNA vaccination in Saudi Arabia. Key findings included a high mRNA vaccine uptake with a frequency of 747 (92.79%) and a mere frequency of 218 (27.11%) reporting cardiac complications post vaccination. The study highlighted diverse influences on vaccine decisions, with a frequency of 384 (47.76%) expressing neutral confidence in vaccine safety. The study contributes to the global understanding of mRNA vaccine safety, emphasizing the unique Saudi demographic context. Methodological rigor, ethical considerations, and acknowledgment of limitations enhance credibility. Collaborative efforts and tailored recommendations for public health policies and communication strategies are underscored. Conclusion This study on self-reported physician-diagnosed cardiac complications post mRNA vaccination in Saudi Arabia is a crucial addition to global vaccine safety research. Providing insights shaped by local factors, the study aids in informed decision-making for public health strategies in Saudi Arabia and globally. It addresses the scarcity of specific vaccine safety data, fostering a nuanced understanding of mRNA vaccine-related cardiac complications worldwide.

Outcome of Infants Born to Women with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Local Risk-Based Strategy in a Low Prevalence Country.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis-B virus (HBV) infection due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) during the perinatal period is an important global health concern. Chile is a low-prevalence country with an increasing migratory inflow from Latin- American countries, with intermediate to high endemic rates of HBV infection, and until 2021, there is no universal maternal screening. This study aimed to evaluate infant outcomes using a risk-based strategy of maternal screening to prevent MTCT of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a low-prevalence country. METHODS: This prospective study included infants born to HBsAg-positive women detected using a local risk-based strategy. The exposed infants received immunoprophylaxis (IP) and follow-up to evaluate their clinical outcomes and immune responses through post-serological vaccine testing (PSVT) after completing the three- dose schedule of the HBV vaccine. RESULTS: A total of 99 HBsAg-positive mothers were detected. Seventy-six (82%) infants completed the follow-up and had PSVT between 9 and 12 months of age. 55.2% female, the median gestational age was 39 weeks (25-41) and the median birth weight was 3,130g (816-4,400 g). All patients received IP with recombinant HBV vaccine plus hepatitis-B virus immunoglobulin (HBIG) and three doses of the HBV vaccine. There were no cases of HBV infection, and 96% (72) responded to immunization with HBsAg antibodies (anti-HBsAg) >10 UI/ml, with a median level of 799 IU/ml. CONCLUSIONS: A high-risk strategy can be implemented in countries with non-universal screening for VHB. Timely IP plus high-uptake VHB vaccination in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers was associated with a high immunogenic response and absence of MTCT.

Humoral and cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 post-vaccination in immunocompetent and immunocompromised cancer populations.

Cancer patients are at risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes due to impaired immune responses. However, the immunogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination is inadequately characterized in this population. We hypothesized that cancer vs non-cancer individuals would mount less robust humoral and/or cellular vaccine-induced immune SARS-CoV-2 responses. Receptor binding domain (RBD) and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody levels and T-cell responses were assessed in immunocompetent individuals with no underlying disorders (n = 479) and immunocompromised individuals (n = 115). All 594 individuals were vaccinated and of varying COVID-19 statuses (i.e., not known to have been infected, previously infected, or "Long-COVID"). Among immunocompromised individuals, 59% (n = 68) had an underlying hematologic malignancy; of those, 46% (n = 31) of individuals received cancer treatment <30 days prior to study blood collection. Ninety-eight percentage (n = 469) of immunocompetent and 81% (n = 93) of immunocompromised individuals had elevated RBD antibody titers (>1,000 U/mL), and of these, 60% (n = 281) and 44% (n = 41), respectively, also had elevated T-cell responses. Composite T-cell responses were higher in individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those diagnosed with Long-COVID compared to uninfected individuals. T-cell responses varied between immunocompetent vs carcinoma (n = 12) cohorts (P < 0.01) but not in immunocompetent vs hematologic malignancy cohorts. Most SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated individuals mounted robust cellular and/or humoral responses, though higher immunogenicity was observed among the immunocompetent compared to cancer populations. The study suggests B-cell targeted therapies suppress antibody responses, but not T-cell responses, to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Thus, vaccination continues to be an effective way to induce humoral and cellular immune responses as a likely key preventive measure against infection and/or subsequent more severe adverse outcomes. IMPORTANCE: The study was prompted by a desire to better assess the immune status of patients among our cancer host cohort, one of the largest in the New York metropolitan region. Hackensack Meridian Health is the largest healthcare system in New Jersey and cared for more than 75,000 coronavirus disease 2019 patients in its hospitals. The John Theurer Cancer Center sees more than 35,000 new cancer patients a year and performs more than 500 hematopoietic stem cell transplants. As a result, the work was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of vaccination in inducing humoral and cellular responses within this demographic.

Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: practice and progress in Baoan, a national pilot district of China.

BACKGROUND: While mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant challenge in China, research investigating the effectiveness of the September 2017 pilot program to eliminate MTCT of HIV, syphilis, and HBV is limited. Baoan district, which has a higher-than-average rate of hepatitis B infection among pregnant women and strong support from the government, was one of six national pilot districts selected for the program. Therefore, this study aims to assess the progress and implementation of the elimination of MTCT of HBV in Baoan district over a period of 5 years. METHODS: Data was collected from the national information system for the prevention of MTCT, registration forms, and follow-up forms of pregnant women and their live births from 2018 to 2022. Joinpoint models were used to analyze changing trends over time, calculating annual percentage change (APC) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze risk factors for HBV MTCT. RESULTS: From 2018 to 2022, the coverage of HBV screening during pregnancy increased from 98.29 to 99.55% (APC = 0.30, P = 0.012). The coverage of HBV early screening within 13 gestational weeks increased from 40.76 to 86.42% (APC = 18.88, P = 0.033). The prevalence of maternal HBV infection declined by an APC of - 3.50 (95% CI -6.28 ~ - 0.63). The coverage of antiviral therapy among high-risk pregnant women increased from 63.59 to 90.04% (APC = 11.90, P = 0.031). Coverage for timely administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin, hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, and three-dose hepatitis B vaccination remained consistently above 97.50%. The coverage of post-vaccination serological testing (PVST) in high-risk infants was 56.15% (1352/2408), and the MTCT rate of HBV was 0.18%. Mothers with high-school education or below (OR = 3.76, 95% CI 1.04 ~ 13.60, P = 0.04) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity (OR = 18.89, 95% CI 1.98 ~ 18.50, P = 0.01) had increased MTCT risk. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of comprehensive prevention strategies in Baoan district, including screening, treatment, and immunoprophylaxis, has proven effective in maintaining the MTCT of HBV at an extremely low level. However, it remains crucial to raise public awareness, specifically on the importance of improving the coverage of PVST for infants exposed to HBV.

Reported COVID-19 vaccines side effects among Algerian athletes: a comparison between inactivated virus, adenoviral vector, and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

OBJECTIVES: Many types of COVID19 vaccines are administered globally, yet there is not much evidence regarding their side effects among athletes. This study evaluated the selfreported postvaccination side effects of inactivated virus, adenoviral vector, and mRNA COVID19 vaccines among Algerian athletes. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out in Algeria between March 01 and 4 April 2022. The study used a validated questionnaire with twenty-five multiple-choice items covering the participants' anamnestic characteristics, post-vaccination side effects (their onset and duration), post-vaccination medical care, and risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 273 athletes completed the survey. Overall, (54.6%) of the athletes reported at least one local side effect, while (46.9%) reported at least one systemic side effect. These side effects were more prevalent among the adenoviral vector group compared to the inactivated virus and mRNA groups. The most common local side effect was injection site pain (29.9%), while Fever (30.8%) was the most prevalent systemic side effect. The age group of 31-40 years, allergy, previous infection with COVID-19, and the first dose of vaccines were associated with an increased risk of side effects for all groups of COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression analysis further revealed that compared to males, the incidence of reported side effects was significantly higher in females (odd ratio (OR) = 1.16; P = 0.015*) only for the adenoviral vector vaccine group. In addition, a significantly higher percentage of athletes group of high dynamic/moderate static or high dynamic /high static components suffered from post-vaccination side effects compared to the group of athletes with high dynamic/low static components (OR = 14.68 and 14.71; P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The adenoviral vector vaccines have the highest rate of side effects, followed by the inactivated virus and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. COVID­19 vaccines were well-tolerated among Algerian athletes and there were no reports of serious side effects. Nevertheless, further long-term follow-up study with a larger sample size of athletes (from different types and sports categories) is warranted to establish the long-term safety of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Kinetics of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine-induced antibody responses in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): avidity ELISA as an alternative to the virus neutralization test.

The role of water buffaloes in foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemiology as one of the major hosts of the virus that can develop persistent asymptomatic infection highlights the importance of sustaining surveillance on the antibody response elicited by vaccination in these animals. There is gap in the knowledge on how serological assays that measure antibodies against capsid proteins perform with buffalo samples and which would be the most reliable test to substitute the virus neutralization test (VNT) a cumbersome and low-throughput tool for field surveillance. Alternatively, the liquid-phase blocking sandwich ELISA (LPBE) is commonly used. Previous data from our laboratory demonstrated that the vaccine-induced antibodies assessed by the LPBE yielded low specificity with buffaloes' samples. In contrast, a single-dilution avidity ELISA (AE) aimed to detect high-avidity antibodies against exposed epitopes, combined with an indirect ELISA (IE) to assess IgG levels, produced more reliable results. Here we analyzed for the first time the kinetics of the antibodies induced by vaccination in two different buffalo herds (n = 91) over 120 days using AE, IE, LPBE, and the VNT. Kinetics were similar in the different assays, with an increase of antibodies between 0- and 14-days post-vaccination (dpv) which were maintained thereafter. VNT and AE results were concordant (Kappa value = 0.76), and both assays revealed a decay in the antibody response in calves with maternal antibodies at 90 and 120 dpv, which was not evidenced by the LPBE. These results show that kinetics of antibody responses to FMD vaccination are similar in buffalo and cattle, and support the use of indirect ELISA assays, in particular Avidity ELISA, as alternatives to the VNT for vaccine-immunity monitoring irrespectively of the animal's passive or active immune status.

Ocular Inflammation Post-Vaccination.

The association between vaccines and ocular disorders has attracted significant attention in scientific research. Numerous mainstream vaccines are associated with a range of uveitis types, including anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis. Additionally, they are associated with distinct ocular diseases such as multifocal choroiditis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease, acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE), and multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS). These ocular conditions are often transient, with a vast majority of patients experiencing improvement after steroid intervention. To date, numerous cases of vaccine-induced uveitis have been reported. This study analyzed the correlation between antiviral vaccines, including the hepatitis B virus (HBV), human papillomavirus (HPV), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), varicella zoster virus (VZV), and influenza vaccines, and different manifestations of uveitis. This is the first comprehensive study to offer a detailed analysis of uveitis types induced by antiviral vaccines. Through an extensive database search, we found a particularly strong link between influenza vaccines, followed by VZV and HPV vaccines. While anterior uveitis is common, conditions such as APMPPE, MEWDS, and VKH are particularly notable and merit careful consideration in clinical practice. Corticosteroid treatment was effective; however, half of the observed patients did not achieve full recovery, indicating potentially prolonged effects of the vaccine.

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 after vaccination against COVID in health personnel in Bogotá, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to estimate the frequency of COVID 19 infections in vaccinated health personnel at a Los CObos Medical Center in Bogotá, Colombia. The percentage of people positive to the PCR test and their clinical characteristics were analyzed. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study. The primary study variable was the COVID vaccination registry. We analyzed sex, age, signs, and symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess changes over time and to identify variables associated with vaccination in target groups. RESULTS: A cohort of 999 people working at Los Cobos Medical Center and followed from March to August 2021. The average age of this cohort was 37.0 years (devest = 10.5 years), 67.7 % were women. Two hundred eleven physicians, 287 nurses, 305 assistants, and 196 clerks follows. In addition, 8.4 % to be PCR positive after vaccination. The average age was 36.0 (devest = 23.4 years), 59 women and 25 men. Of these, 15 were administrative, 14 were doctors, 29 nurses, and 26 nursing assistants. The vaccination status found that 21.4 % do not vaccinates, 7.1 % were partially vaccinated, and 71.4 % with a complete schedule. When questioned about symptoms in these patients, 4.0 % were symptomatic, and 5.9 % were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: A recent epidemiological study involving 12,364 health workers with a mean age of 38 years quantifies the protection in six months from the vaccine. The presence of antibodies was associated with 83 % protection against active SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR positivity during the study period), which confirms the existence of protective Immunity at levels comparable to those obtained by the approved vaccines; our study found effectiveness of 92.6 %. Higher than that found in this study, possibly explained by the characteristics of the individuals included.

SARS CoV-2 infection among Healthcare Workers from different public health units in Brazil.

Understanding COVID-19 exposure differences among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) across various healthcare units is crucial for their protection and effective management of future outbreaks. However, comparative data on COVID-19 among HCWs in different healthcare units are scarce in Brazil. This study evaluated the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and workplaces in HCWs from three distinct healthcare settings in Brazil. It also examined COVID-19 symptom dynamics reported by them. The cohort comprised 464 HCWs vaccinated with two doses of CoronaVac and a BNT162b2 booster from different institutions: Primary Health Care Units (PHCUs), Emergency Care Units (ECUs), and Hospitals. Participants answered a questionnaire and underwent blood collection at various time points after vaccinations. RT-PCR data and post-vaccination antibody responses were utilized as indicators of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We found that most infected HCWs worked in ECUs, where positive RT-PCR percentages were higher compared to PHCUs and Hospitals. ECUs also showed the highest seropositivity and antibody levels, especially after the first CoronaVac dose. The second dose of CoronaVac diminished the differences in the antibody levels among HCWs from ECUS, PHCUs, and Hospitals, indicating the benefit of the second dose to equalize the antibody levels between previously exposed and unexposed persons. Moreover, COVID-19 symptoms appeared to evolve over time.