Reduced neutralization against Delta, Gamma, Mu, and Omicron BA.1 variants of SARS-CoV-2 from previous non-Omicron infection.

The understanding of the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern is critical for improving diagnostics, therapy development, and vaccines. Here, we analyzed the level of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 D614G, Delta, Gamma, Mu, and Omicron variants in D614G infected healthcare workers during a follow-up up to 6 months after recovery. We followed up 76 patients: 60.5% were women and 39.5% men. The 96.1% and 3.9% were symptomatic and asymptomatic, respectively. The most frequent symptoms were headache, myalgia, and cough. The 65.8%, 65.8%, and 92.1% of the infected individuals were positive for neutralizing antibodies against D614G variant at 2, 4, and 6 months of follow-up, respectively. The 26.3%, 48.7% and 65.8% of patients neutralized Delta variant, 19.7%, 32.9% and 52.6% of patients neutralized Gamma, 7.9%, 19.7% and 44.7% of patients neutralized Mu, and 4.0%, 9.2% and 15.8% of patients neutralized Omicron. Low neutralization against Gamma and Mu variants was observed during the follow-up, and very low against the Omicron variant was detected during the same period. The median of neutralizing antibody titers against D614G and Delta variants increased significantly during the follow-up. An association was observed between the levels of neutralizing antibodies against D614G and Delta variants and the severity of the disease. Our results suggest an immune escape from neutralizing antibodies with the Omicron variant because of the many mutations localized in the S protein.

[Effectiveness of a multidimensional therapeutic program for aged people attending senior centers]. / Efectividad a mediano plazo de un programa multidimensional en personas mayores en centros diurnos en Chile.

BACKGROUND: It is imperative to have effective programs to improve or maintain the health of aged people. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention based on a multidimensional program in Senior centers in Chile five months after its implementation, in the domains of physical and mental health, functionality and quality of life in aged people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty participants older than 60 years completed a multidimensional program for one month that included interventions of guided physical exercises, in addition to educational and social activities. They were evaluated at baseline and one and five months after the intervention. RESULTS: After the first and fifth months, significant improvements were observed in the five times sit to stand test (5TSTS) and gait speed (WST), in addition, significant improvements were observed in literacy measured by the Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Spanish-speaking Adults (SAHLSA). At the fifth month, slight improvements were observed in the Yesavage and short Falls efficacy scales, Barthel index, Unipodal Station and EuroQol five-dimensional quality of life tests. CONCLUSIONS: A multidimensional program for aged people lasting one month, improved the physical health dimension and literacy by the fifth month of evaluation.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibody Prevalence in Blood in a Large School Community Subject to a Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: A severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak affecting 52 people from a large school community in Santiago, Chile, was identified (12 March) 9 days after the first case in the country. We assessed the magnitude of the outbreak and the role students and staff played using self-administered antibody detection tests and a self-administered survey. METHODS: The school was closed on 13 March, and the entire community was placed under quarantine. We implemented a home-delivery, self-administered, immunoglobin (Ig) G/IgM antibody test and survey to a classroom-stratified sample of students and all staff from 4-19 May. We aimed to determine the overall seroprevalence rates by age group, reported symptoms, and contact exposure, and to explore the dynamics of transmission. RESULTS: The antibody positivity rates were 9.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.2-11.8) for 1009 students and 16.6% (95% CI, 12.1-21.9) for 235 staff. Among students, positivity was associated with a younger age (P = .01), a lower grade level (P = .05), prior real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity (P = .03), and a history of contact with a confirmed case (P < .001). Among staff, positivity was higher in teachers (P = .01) and in those previously RT-PCR positive (P < .001). Excluding RT-PCR-positive individuals, antibody positivity was associated with fever in adults and children (P = .02 and P = .002, respectively), abdominal pain in children (P = .001), and chest pain in adults (P = .02). Within antibody-positive individuals, 40% of students and 18% of staff reported no symptoms (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Teachers were more affected during the outbreak and younger children were at a higher risk for infection, likely because index case(s) were teachers and/or parents from the preschool. Self-administered antibody testing, supervised remotely, proved to be a suitable and rapid tool. Our study provides useful information for school reopenings.

Health-related quality of life in older people with functional independence or mild dependence.

BACKGROUND: The concept of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) has grown in importance in the elderly population (PM), which is due to the increase in life expectancy of contemporary societies and the desire of people to live the most advanced years in good condition. OBJECTIVE: To know the effect of the epidemiological dimensions, functional capacity, social and psychological well-being on the HRQL of a group of senior people from the Borough of Puente Alto intervened by the multidimensional model of the Integral Center for Happy Aging, CIEF, Universidad de los Andes. RESULTS: Correlation was observed between the dimensions mentioned above, as well as the improvement in the predictive models of HRQL in the extent to which social and psychological variables are incorporated into the morbidity and functional capacity dimension, the latter strongly related to HRQL according to the scientific literature. CONCLUSION: The study shows the relevance of incorporating measures of social and psychological well-being in the evaluation of HRQL, especially with a view to the design of multidimensional interventions that encompass individual content and the environment in which seniors develop.

Molecular and epidemiological characterization of imported malaria cases in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Chile is one of the South American countries certified as malaria-free since 1945. However, the recent increase of imported malaria cases and the presence of the vector Anopheles pseudopunctipennis in previously endemic areas in Chile require an active malaria surveillance programme. METHODS: Specimens from 268 suspected malaria cases-all imported-collected between 2015 and 2018 at the Public Health Institute of Chile (ISP), were diagnosed by microscopy and positive cases were included for epidemiological analysis. A photo-induced electron transfer fluorogenic primer real-time PCR (PET-PCR) was used to confirm the presence of malaria parasites in available blood samples. Sanger sequencing of drug resistance molecular markers (pfk13, pfcrt and pfmdr1) and microsatellite (MS) analysis were performed in confirmed Plasmodium falciparum samples and results were related to origin of infection. RESULTS: Out of the 268 suspected cases, 65 were Plasmodium spp. positive by microscopy. A total of 63% of the malaria patients were male and 37% were female; 43/65 of the patients acquired infections in South American endemic countries. Species confirmation of available blood samples by PET-PCR revealed that 15 samples were positive for P. falciparum, 27 for Plasmodium vivax and 4 were mixed infections. The P. falciparum samples sequenced contained four mutant pfcrt genotypes (CVMNT, CVMET, CVIET and SVMNT) and three mutant pfmdr1 genotypes (Y184F/S1034C/N1042D/D1246Y, Y184F/N1042D/D1246Y and Y184F). MS analysis confirmed that all P. falciparum samples presented different haplotypes according to the suspected country of origin. Four patients with P. vivax infection returned to the health facilities due to relapses. CONCLUSION: The timely detection of polymorphisms associated with drug resistance will contribute to understanding if current drug policies in the country are appropriate for treatment of imported malaria cases and provide information about the most frequent resistant genotypes entering Chile.

[Risk of infections associated with the use of biological medications; a review]. / Riesgo de infección en pacientes con enfermedades inmunológicas y oncológicas tratados con biológicos: revisión panorámica.

Biological medications are effective for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence in systematic reviews or meta-analyses about the risk of infection in patients with cancer, arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease who use biological medications. We included systematic reviews or meta-analyses of controlled clinical trials and case/control studies that analyze infections during and after treatment with FDA-approved biological medications for the treatment of cancer, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis, both in adults and children. The following databases were consulted: PubMed, Epistemonikos, Crochrane reviews, JIB, and Prospero. A quality guideline (AMSTAR) was applied to the selected studies. We included 26 studies. The risk of infections in patients with solid organ cancer is consistent in the literature. In psoriasis there is a risk of non-serious infections. In arthritis and other inflammatory diseases there is a risk of serious infections. In inflammatory bowel disease there is a risk for opportunistic infections. In conclusion, in patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases use biological medications entails a risk of infection. The evidence is different depending on the underlying disease of each patient.

[Impact of the ERA and GES health programs on mortality from community-acquired pneumonia in persons aged ≥65 years in ChileImpacto do programa de saúde ERA e do GES na mortalidade por pneumonia adquirida na comunidade em indivíduos com idade acima de 65 anos no Chile]. / Impacto de los programas de salud ERA y GES en la mortalidad por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en personas de 65 años o más en Chile.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the impact of the Adult Respiratory Diseases (ERA) Program and the General System of Explicit Health Guarantees (GES) on mortality from community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in persons aged ≥65 years in Chile. METHODS: In this ecological study, annual and quarterly mortality rates from CAP were calculated in persons aged 65 to 79 years and ≥80 years from 1990 to 2014. Information was gathered from the databases of Chile's Department of Health Statistics and Information and its National Statistics Institute. The ERA Program (implemented in 2001) and the inclusion of CAP in the GES (starting in 2005) were evaluated as interventions. Data were analyzed using the interrupted time-series method, following the Prais-Winsten model, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The analysis showed that after the ERA Program began, significant reductions in CAP mortality were observed in the two age groups studied, whereas after CAP was added to the GES program, no statistically significant changes were found in those rates. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the ERA Program helped to reduce CAP mortality in persons aged ≥65 years in Chile, whereas inclusion of CAP in the GES program did not.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do Programa Enfermidades Respiratorias del Adulto (doenças respiratórias do adulto, ERA) e do Régimen General de Garantías Explícitas en Salud (regime geral de garantias explícitas em Saúde, GES) na mortalidade por pneumonia adquirida na comunidade (PAC) em indivíduos acima de 65 anos no Chile. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico em que foram calculadas as taxas anuais e trimestrais de mortalidade por PAC em indivíduos de 65 a 79 anos e acima de 80 anos no período entre 1990 e 2014. Os dados foram obtidos dos bancos de dados do Departamento de Estatística e Informação em Saúde e do Instituto Nacional de Estatística do Chile. As intervenções avaliadas foram o Programa ERA (implantado em 2001) e a inclusão da PAC no GES (a partir de 2005). Os dados foram analisados com o método de séries temporais interrompidas segundo o modelo de Prais-Winsten. O nível de significância foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: A análise demonstrou que, após a implantação do Programa ERA, houve uma redução significativa na taxa de mortalidade por PAC nas duas faixas etárias consideradas. Por outro lado, a inclusão da PAC no GES não teve efeito estatisticamente significativo na taxa de mortalidade. CONCLUSÕES: A implantação do Programa ERA contribuiu para reduzir a taxa de mortalidade por PAC em indivíduos acima de 65 anos no Chile, porém o mesmo não ocorreu com a inclusão da PAC no GES.

[Impact of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on the southern area of Santiago (Chile), 2009-2015Efeito da vacina pneumocócica 10-valente conjugada na região sul de Santiago, Chile, 2009-2015]. / Efecto de la vacuna antineumocócica conjugada 10-valente en el área sur de Santiago de Chile, 2009-2015.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the introduction of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) on the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and on community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in hospitalized children under 5 years of age in the southern area of Santiago, Chile. METHODS: An ecological study was conducted on the incidence of IPD and CAP in children under age 5 in the southern area of Santiago (Chile) from 2009 to 2015. The information used was from bacteriology laboratories in four hospitals, the Chilean Institute of Health Public (ISP), and hospital discharge records. RESULTS: A total of 6,461 cases of CAP and 173 cases of IPD were confirmed by the ISP; 169 of these cases were diagnosed in the bacteriology laboratories of the hospitals included in the study. When the incidence of cases in 2010 was compared to 2011-2015, the incidence ratio (IR) of IPD declined 10% annually (p=0.026) and CAP declined by 8% in the same period (p<0.001). Days of hospitalization due to IPD were reduced by 39% (p<0.001). Between 2009 and 2012, seven children died, but since then there have been no deaths due to these diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of the PCV-10 vaccine into the National Immunization Program has had a positive effect, with a significant reduction in IPD and CAP and in days of hospitalization due to IPD, while preventing cases and deaths.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da incorporação da vacina pneumocócica 10-valente (PCV 10) na incidência de doença pneumocócica invasiva (DPI) e pneumonia adquirida na comunidade (PAC) em crianças menores de cinco anos internadas em hospital. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo ecológico da incidência de DPI e PAC em crianças menores de cinco anos na região sul de Santiago, no Chile, de 2009 a 2015. As fontes de informação usadas foram os registros dos laboratórios de bacteriologia de quatro hospitais, dados do Instituto de Saúde Pública do Chile (ISP) e registros de altas hospitalares. RESULTADOS: Ao todo, 6.461 casos de PAC e 173 casos de DPI foram confirmados pelo ISP, dos quais 169 casos foram diagnosticados nos laboratórios de bacteriologia dos hospitais participantes do estudo. Ao comparar a incidência de casos entre 2010 e o período de 2011­2015, observou-se um declínio de 10% na taxa de incidência anual de DPI (p = 0,026) e de 8% na de PAC no mesmo período (p<0,001). Os dias de leito ocupado por DPI tiveram uma redução de 39% ao ano (p <0,001). Sete crianças morreram até 2012 e a partir daí não ocorreram mais mortes por estas doenças. CONCLUSÕES: A incorporação da vacina PCV-10 no programa nacional de vacinação surtiu um efeito positivo: houve uma redução significativa do número de casos de DPI e PAC e da ocupação de leitos por DPI e casos e mortes foram evitados.

[Health education trough the development of scientific skills in Chilean schools]. / Educación en salud a través del desarrollo de habilidades científicas en escolares chilenos.

OBJECTIVE:: To describe the interests, preferred topics and learning in public health issues emerging from Chilean students with their participation in a science education experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in 29 school research groups through the project Salud Con-Ciencia en tu Barrio, based on a content analysis of texts and narratives of students. RESULTS:: Students prioritize the situation of abandoned animals, waste management, security and urban infrastructure, mainly. They view the role of social actors, the positive/negative impacts on the community, valuing the knowledge gained through observation neighborhoods and interaction with neighbors. CONCLUSIONS:: Scientific inquiry school in the neighborhood context provides teaching strategies for the promotion of local health, develops basic notions of community health and motivation in students linked to the socio-environmental reality of their neighborhoods.

Knowing the scope of meningococcal disease in Latin America.

Opportunities for strengthening surveillance of meningococcal disease exist between and within countries in Latin America. In August of 2015, a workshop was convened in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, to address the following objectives: 1) to review meningococcal disease burden and vaccine use in Latin America; 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of current meningococcal surveillance practices in the region; 3) to identify challenges to meningococcal surveillance in the region; and 4) to outline steps for strengthening meningococcal surveillance and disease control in the region. Based on the workshop's discussions, recommendations for strengthening surveillance and controlling meningococcal disease in Latin America focus on improving: a) laboratory capabilities for diagnostic testing; b) communication regarding epidemiologic- and laboratory-based analyses; c) communication during outbreaks; d) monitoring of long-term disease outcomes; e) knowledge of vaccines against serogroup B disease; and f) criteria for defining and controlling meningococcal outbreaks. Overall, improving surveillance will help guide strategies for meningococcal disease prevention and control in Latin America.

Existen distintas oportunidades para reforzar los procedimientos de vigilancia de la enfermedad meningocócica entre los países de América Latina y dentro de ellos. En agosto del 2015, se llevó a cabo un taller en la ciudad de São Paulo (Brasil) en el que se trataron los siguientes puntos: 1) examen de la carga de la enfermedad meningocócica y el uso de la vacuna en América Latina; 2) evaluación de la eficacia de los actuales procedimientos de vigilancia de la enfermedad meningocócica en la región; 3) especificación de los retos para la vigilancia de la enfermedad meningocócica en la región; y 4) definición de los pasos para fortalecer los procedimientos de vigilancia de la enfermedad meningocócica y el control de esta enfermedad en la región. Como resultado del taller se formularon recomendaciones para reforzar los procedimientos de vigilancia y control de la enfermedad meningocócica en América Latina que hacían hincapié en mejorar: a) las capacidades de laboratorio con respecto a las pruebas diagnósticas; b) la comunicación sobre los análisis epidemiológicos y de laboratorio; c) la comunicación durante los brotes; d) el seguimiento de las consecuencias de la enfermedad a largo plazo; e) el conocimiento sobre las vacunas contra la enfermedad causada por el serogrupo B; y f) los criterios para definir y controlar los brotes meningocócicos. En términos generales, la mejora de los procedimientos de vigilancia ayudará a delinear las estrategias para la prevención y el control de la enfermedad meningocócica en América Latina.

Existem oportunidades para o reforço da vigilância da doença meningocócica entre os países e em cada país na América Latina. Em agosto de 2015, foi realizado um seminário na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, com os seguintes objetivos: 1) avaliar a carga da doença meningocócica e o uso da vacina na América Latina; 2) avaliar a eficácia das atuais práticas de vigilância da doença meningocócica na Região; 3) identificar os desafios para a vigilância meningocócica na Região e 4) definir medidas para reforçar a vigilância da doença meningocócica e o controle da doença na Região. Partindo dos debates realizados durante o seminário, foram feitas as seguintes recomendações para reforçar a vigilância e o controle da doença meningocócica na América Latina, dando-se ênfase a melhorar: a) a infraestrutura laboratorial para exames diagnósticos; b) a comunicação das análises epidemiológicas e laboratoriais; c) a comunicação nos surtos; d) o monitoramento dos desfechos da doença a longo prazo; e) o conhecimento sobre as vacinas contra o meningococo do sorogrupo B e f) os critérios para definir e controlar os surtos de doença meningocócica. Em geral, a melhoria da vigilância contribuirá para orientar as estratégias para prevenção e controle da doença meningocócica na América Latina.

[Is abortion a serious public health problem in Chile in the field of maternal-perinatal health?] / Aborto, ¿es un problema de salud pública en Chile en el campo de la salud materno-perinatal?

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization, by 2014, estimates that approximately 22 million unsafe abortions take place every year in the world, almost all of them in developing countries. The Millennium Goals, as part of the fifth compendium, focused on maternal health by proposing that member states should reduce maternal mortality to 75% by 2015. AIM: To determine, using maternal health indicators, if abortion in Chile is a priority health problem. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data about maternal mortality and its causes between 1982 and 2014, was obtained from the databases available at the Chilean Ministry of Health. Trend analyzes were carried out using linear autoregressive models. RESULTS: Between 1982 and 2012, maternal mortality rates decreased from 51.8 to 18.3 per 100,000 live births. Complications of pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium were the first three causes and the last one is abortion. The proportion of abortions due to unspecified causes, including induced abortion, decreased from 36.6% to 26.1% between 2001 and 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Abortion is not a public health problem in Chile. To continue reducing maternal mortality, programs for the early detection of risks such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension should be implemented.

[Result of a model of management of special vaccines]. / Resultado de un modelo de gestión de vacunas especiales.

INTRODUCTION: Special vaccines recommendation patients are a growing population. The Ministry of Health has developed a special vaccination program for these cases, through which our hospital manages vaccine forms by an established flowchart. OBJECTIVE: To describe the special vaccines model of management results in the period between March 2015 and September 2016, and the clinical and demographics characterization of the pediatric population benefited with this program in Dr. Exe-quiel González Cortés Children's Hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive ob servational study, which covers the chronically ill patient's population who received special vaccines during the period between March 2015 to September 2016. RESULTS: A total of 367 vaccine schemes were administered to 215 patients, with a total of 405 vaccines administered during the period. The medical specialties that most requested vaccines were infectology (39.1%), immune-rheumatology (24.2%) and bronchopulmonary specialists (20%). The National Immunization Program authorized 97.8% of the requested schemes (n = 359), the response time had a median of 15 days (range 0-174 days), the vaccination opportunity had a median of 41 days (range 0-287 days) and the total of sche mes completed at the time of tabulating the results was 52.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccines are one of the main public health equity policies and Chile has special vaccines request flowchart a flow chart, which requires a multidisciplinary work to provide coverage to this vulnerable child population.

[Transition from pediatric to adult health care services for adolescents with chronic diseases: Recommendations from the Adolescent Branch from Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría]. / Transición de adolescentes portadores de enfermedades crónicas desde servicios pediátricos a servicios de adultos: Recomendaciones de la Rama de Adolescencia de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría.

The Adolescent Branch from Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría supports the implementation of planned programs for transition from child to adult health centers, oriented to adolescents with chronic diseases, in order to ensure an appropriate follow-up and a high-quality health care. Recommendations for care are set out in the FONIS and VRI PUC project carried out by the Division of Pediatrics of the Universidad Católica de Chile: “Transition process from pediatric to adult services: perspectives of adolescents with chronic diseases, caregivers and health professionals”, whose goal was to describe the experience, barriers, critical points, and facilitators in the transition process. Critical points detected in this study were: existence of a strong bond between adolescents, caregivers and the pediatric team, resistance to transition, difficulty developing autonomy and self-management among adolescents; invisibility of the process of adolescence; and lack of communication between pediatric and adult team during the transfer. According to these needs, barriers and critical points, and based on published international experiences, recommendations are made for implementation of gradual and planned transition processes, with emphasis on the design and implementation of transition policies, establishment of multidisciplinary teams and transition planning. We discuss aspects related to coordination of teams, transfer timing, self-care and autonomy, transition records, adolescent and family participation, need for emotional support, ethical aspects involved, importance of confidentiality, need for professional training, and the need for evaluation and further research on the subject.

[Association between the decline in global fertility rate and the incorporation of women to the workforce]. / Tendencia de la tasa global de fecundidad y el aumento de la fuerza laboral femenina en Chile. 1960-2011.

BACKGROUND: The global fertility rate (GFR) is defined as the mean number of children that a woman could have in a hypothetical cohort, not exposed to death during the fertile period. GFR has fallen from 3.4 to 1.9 children per women in the period 1970-2010. AIM: To explore the relationship between the fall in GFR and the incorporation of women to work in the period 1960-2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the National Statistics Institute was used. GRF was calculated using specific fertility rates for each year considering women aged 15 to 49 years. Work rates were obtained from yearly vital statistics reports. RESULTS: Between 1960 and 2011, GRF decreased from 5.5 to 1.9 in Chile. The first inflection occurred in 1970. In the same period, female workforce increased from 22.4 to 40.2%. CONCLUSIONS: To motivate the participation of female work-force without decrease the GRF allowing population replacement, it is suggested the need to create new public policies with benefits and support from the state.

Immunogenicity and tolerability of a multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B (4CMenB) vaccine in healthy adolescents in Chile: a phase 2b/3 randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Effective glycoconjugate vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y have been developed, but serogroup B remains a major cause of severe invasive disease in infants and adolescents worldwide. We assessed immunogenicity and tolerability of a four-component vaccine (4CMenB) in adolescents. METHODS: We did a randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, study at 12 sites in Santiago and Valparaíso, Chile. Adolescents aged 11-17 years received one, two, or three doses of 4CMenB at 1 month, 2 month, or 6 month intervals. Immunogenicity was assessed as serum bactericidal activity using human complement (hSBA) against three reference strains for individual vaccine antigens, and assessed by ELISA against the fourth strain. Local and systemic reactions were recorded 7 days after each vaccination, and adverse events were monitored throughout the study. Participants were initially randomised to five groups (3:3:3:3:1) during the primary phase to receive either one dose, two doses 1 or 2 months apart, or three doses of 4CMenB, or three doses of placebo, with an additional three groups generated for the booster phase. All subjects received at least one dose of 4CMenB. Geometric mean titres, proportions of participants with serum bactericidal antibody titres of 4 or more, and Clopper-Pearson 95% CIs were calculated. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00661713. FINDINGS: Overall, 1631 adolescents (mean age 13·8 [SD 1·9] years) received at least one dose of 4CMenB. After two or three doses, 99-100% of recipients had hSBA titres of 4 or more against test strains, compared with 92-97% after one dose (p<0·0145) and 29-50% after placebo. At 6 months 91-100% of participants still had titres of 4 or more for each strain after two or three doses, but only 73-76% after one dose; seroresponse rates reached 99-100% for each strain after second or third doses at 6 months. Local and systemic reaction rates were similar after each 4CMenB injection and did not increase with subsequent doses, but remained higher than placebo. No vaccine-related serious adverse events were reported and no significant safety signals were identified. INTERPRETATION: On the basis of immunogenicity responses this study provides evidence for an adolescent 4CMenB vaccine schedule of two doses, 1-6 months apart, to provide protection against meningococcal B infection. The extent of this protection against meningococcus B variants circulating worldwide will be determined by national surveys. FUNDING: Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics.

Perception of discrimination against immigrants compared to Chilean-born and its relationship with access to services and health outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Compare self-perceived discrimination between immigrants and locals in Chile and analyze the relationship between immigration and perceived discrimination and immigration, discrimination and health outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and social capital. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, using population-based survey (CASEN2017). We selected 2,409 immigrants (representative of N = 291,270) and 67,857 locals (representative of N = 5,438,036) over 18 years of age surveyed. We estimated logistic regression models, considering the complex sample, with discrimination, self-rated health, medical treatment, healthcare system membership, complementary health insurance, medical consultation and problems when consulting as dependent variables, immigration and discrimination as main exposure variables, and social capital and sociodemographic variables as covariates of the models. RESULTS: Immigrants were more likely to perceive discrimination in general compared to locals (OR = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.9-2.9). However, this does not occur for all specific reasons for discrimination; skin color and physical appearance were the most frequent causes of discrimination in immigrants. The interaction between immigration and discrimination was significantly related to worse self-rated health outcomes and treatment for pathologies, disfavoring discrimination against immigrants. In both locals and immigrants, discrimination was not associated with health care access outcomes, except for problems during consultation in locals (OR = 1.61; 95%CI 1.4-1.8). CONCLUSIONS: In Chile, experiences of discrimination are intertwined with other forms of rejection and social exclusion, so it is urgent to raise awareness among the population to prevent these discriminatory practices, especially in health care and daily use places. It is essential to address discrimination in order to have an impact on intermediate variables and health outcomes. The extension of the results to the entire immigrant population could be very useful to deepen the problem and improve the estimates made.

Humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 evoked by heterologous vaccination groups using the CoronaVac (Sinovac) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccines in Chile.

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused over million deaths worldwide, with more than 61,000 deaths in Chile. The Chilean government has implemented a vaccination program against SARS-CoV-2, with over 17.7 million people receiving a complete vaccination scheme. The final target is 18 million individuals. The most common vaccines used in Chile are CoronaVac (Sinovac) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer-Biotech). Given the global need for vaccine boosters to combat the impact of emerging virus variants, studying the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial. In this study, we characterize the humoral immune response in inoculated volunteers from Chile who received vaccination schemes consisting of two doses of CoronaVac [CoronaVac (2x)], two doses of CoronaVac plus one dose of BNT162b2 [CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x)], and three doses of BNT162b2 [BNT162b2 (3x)]. Methods: We recruited 469 participants from Clínica Dávila in Santiago and the Health Center Víctor Manuel Fernández in the city of Concepción, Chile. Additionally, we included participants who had recovered from COVID-19 but were not vaccinated (RCN). We analyzed antibodies, including anti-N, anti-S1-RBD, and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Results: We found that antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein were significantly higher in the CoronaVac (2x) and RCN groups compared to the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) or BNT162b2 (3x) groups. However, the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) and BNT162b2 (3x) groups exhibited a higher concentration of S1-RBD antibodies than the CoronaVac (2x) group and RCN group. There were no significant differences in S1-RBD antibody titers between the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) and BNT162b2 (3x) groups. Finally, the group immunized with BNT162b2 (3x) had higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to the RCN group, as well as the CoronaVac (2x) and CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) groups. Discussion: These findings suggest that vaccination induces the secretion of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and a booster dose of BNT162b2 is necessary to generate a protective immune response. In the current state of the pandemic, these data support the Ministry of Health of the Government of Chile's decision to promote heterologous vaccination as they indicate that a significant portion of the Chilean population has neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

[Incidence and mortality of bacteremia in a public hospital in Santiago]. / Incidencia y mortalidad de bacteriemia en un hospital clínico docente en Santiago de Chile.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of bacteremia has increased over the last decade due to the aging of the population and the wide implementation of invasive nosocomial procedures and wide-spectrum antimicrobial treatments. AIM: To assess the epidemiology of hospital and ambulatory bacteremias in a public hospital in Santiago. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective longitudinal cohort study of laboratory-confirmed adult patients with bacteremia was undertaken at a public hospital in Santiago, between June 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data was collected into a standardized study-specific form. RESULTS: In the study period, 253 cases of true bacteremia were identified, with an incidence of 11 per 1,000 patient discharges (63.6% nosocomial, 36.7% fatal). Only 2/3 of the cohort was alive at day 28 of hospitalization. Variables associated with mortality were age with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.31; (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.42- 3.77); female gender (HR, 1.70; 95% CI 1.06- 2.71); shock (HR, 3.24; 95%CI 2.01-5.22); and C reactive protein (HR, 2.10; 95% CI 1.17- 3.78). The variable associated with lower mortality was surgery (HR, 0.43; 95% CI 0.25-0.75). Selective empiric treatment did not improve survival. CONCLUSIONS: Besides age and gender, survival can be influenced by modifiable variables such as presence of shock and surgical intervention, which may provide an opportunity to improve outcomes.