Biological view of vaccination described by mathematical modellings: from rubella to dengue vaccines.

The only rubella vaccine available in North America is the RA27/3 strain (isolated from the kidney of a rubella-infected fetus and attenuated) licensed in 1979, which substituted HPV77/DE5 strain vaccine due to concerns about waning immunity. The first dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia CYDTDV) was first registered in Mexico in December, 2015, which is a live recombinant tetravalent dengue vaccine. Rubella vaccine was applied since 1969, but tetravalent dengue vaccine is being used in large scale nowadays. In the past, based on unavailable information regarded to rubella vaccine, mathematical models were used to design vaccination schemes in order to avoid congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Currently, knowing that vaccine does not result in CRS, rubella vaccination is modelled as usual childhood infection. This experience of updated biological knowledge that influenced mathematical modellings of rubella vaccination is taken into account to reflect about the tetravalent dengue vaccine. We also address a discussion about the security of vaccination strategies.

Seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgG antirubéola y anticitomegalovirus en mujeres entre 16 y 40 años residentes en Tunja, Colombia / Seroprevalence of anti-rubella and anti-cytomegalovirus IgG antibodies in women aged between 16 and 40 years, living in Tunja, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgG anti-rubéola y anti-citomegalovirus en un grupo de mujeres entre 16 y 40 años, residentes en Tunja. Métodos Investigación descriptiva de corte transversal, en la cual se incluyeron mujeres de 16 a 40 años, por medio de un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Las variables sociodemográficas fueron registradas mediante encuesta. Se empleó ensayo inmunoenzimático para la determinación cuantitativa de anticuerpos IgG frente a rubéola y citomegalovirus en suero. La estadística aplicada al estudio se llevó a cabo por medio del programa estadístico SPSS versión 21. Resultados El estudio incluyó un total de 154 mujeres en edad fértil, estableciéndose una seropositividad para IgG anti-rubéola de 96,1% (n=148) (IC 95% 93,0 - 99,1) y anti-citomegalovirus de 90,9% (n=140) (IC 95% 86,3 - 95,4). Conclusión Una de cada diez mujeres en estudio está en riesgo de adquirir una infección primaria por citomegalovirus y una de cada 30 por rubéola. El control prenatal por medio de determinaciones serológicas frente a citomegalovirus y rubéola durante el embarazo es primordial en estos casos.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the seroprevalence of anti-rubella and anti-cytomegalovirus IgG antibodies in a group of women aged between 16 and 40 years, residents of Tunja. Methods Descriptive, cross-sectional research in women aged between 16 and 40 years included by means of non- probability sampling for convenience. Sociodemographic variables were recorded by applying a survey. An enzyme immunoassay was used for the quantitative determination of rubella and cytomegalovirus IgG antibodies in serum. The statistical analysis was carried out using the statistical program SPSS version 21. Results The study included 154 women of childbearing age, establishing seropositivity for anti-rubella IgG of 96.1% (n=148) (95%CI: 86.3 - 95.4) Conclusion One in ten women included in the study is at risk of primary cytomegalo-virus infection and one in 30 of rubella infection. Prenatal care using serological determinations of cytomegalovirus and rubella during pregnancy is essential in these cases.(AU)

Vacuna contra sarampión rubeola y paperas y su asociación con autismo: a 20 años de controversia / Vaccine against measles mumps and rubella and its association with autism: 20 years of controversy

Resumen En la presente revisión se ofrecen las pautas éticas que rigen el esquema con que debe ser aplicada la vacuna triple contra Sarampión Rubeola y Paperas. Se hace énfasis en la falta de datos clínicos que hayan asociado esta vacuna con el desarrollo de autismo en niños y se expone con base en evidencia científica los riesgos de la no vacunación en este grupo etario.

Abstract In the present review is offered the ethical guidelines that govern the scheme with which the triple vaccine against Measles Rubella and Mumps must to be applied. It emphasizes the lack of clinical data that have associated this vaccine with the development of autism in children and exposes based on scientific evidence the risks of non-vaccination in this age group.

Síndrome de TORCH: Enfoque racional del diagnóstico y tratamiento pre y post natal: Recomendaciones del Comité Consultivo de Infecciones Neonatales Sociedad Chilena de Infectología, 2016 / TORCH Syndrome: Rational approach of pre and post natal diagnosis.: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Neonatal Infections. Sociedad Chilena de Infectología, 2016

Existen numerosas infecciones bacterianas, virales y parasitarias que pueden transmitirse desde la madre al feto o recién nacido (RN) y que significan un riesgo para él. El acrónimo TORCH se utiliza en forma universal para caracterizar a aquel feto o RN que presenta un cuadro clínico compatible con una infección congénita y que permite un enfrentamiento racional, tanto diagnóstico como terapéutico. El concepto tradicional de realizar un "test de TORCH" sin consideraciones específicas a cada paciente, hoy en día se considera no adecuado y ha sido reemplazado por exámenes específicos para patógenos específicos bajo circunstancias bien definidas. El presente documento revisa las características generales, epidemiológicas, patogénicas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas de los patógenos más frecuentemente involucrados en el estudio de pacientes con sospecha de TORCH.

There is a lot of bacterial, viral or parasite infections who are able to be transmitted vertically from the mother to the fetus or newborn which implicates an enormous risk for it. The TORCH acronym is used universally to refer to a fetus or newborn which presents clinical features compatible with a vertically acquired infection and allows a rational diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The traditional "TORCH test" is nowadays considered not appropriate and it has been replaced for specific test for specific pathogens under well defined circumstances. The present document reviews the general characteristics, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic and therapeutic options for the most frequently involved pathogens in the fetus or newborn with TORCH suspicion.

Antiviral activity of hemolymph of Podalia against rubella virus.

Many active principles produced by animals, plants and microorganisms have been employed in the development of new drugs for the treatment of human diseases. Among animals known to produce pharmacologically active molecules that interfere in human cell physiology. Rubella virus (genus Rubivirus, family Togaviridae) is a single stranded RNA virus of positive genome polarity. Rubella virus infection of susceptible women during the first trimester of pregnancy often results in long-term virus persistence in the fetus causing multiple organ abnormalities. Potent antiviral activity against rubella virus (RV) has been observed in the hemolymph of Podalia sp. (Lepidoptera: Megalopygidae). This study evaluated the effect of hemolymph on RV infected Statens Serum Institute Rabbit Cornea (SIRC) cells. Results of cell viability and cell proliferation assays indicated that hemolymph was not toxic to cultured SIRC cells. Viral binding assay, antiviral assay, PCR, real-time PCR, and transmission electron microscopy were used to demonstrate that hemolymph in post-treatment could inhibit the production of infectious RV particles. Specifically, hemolymph was found to inhibit RV adsorption to the SIRC cells.

Síndrome de TORCH: enfoque racional del diagnóstico y tratamiento pre y post natal. Recomendaciones del Comité Consultivo de Infecciones Neonatales Sociedad Chilena de Infectología, 2016 / TORCH syndrome: Rational approach of pre and post natal diagnosis and treatment. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Neonatal Infections Sociedad Chilena de Infectología, 2016

There is a lot of bacterial, viral or parasite infections who are able to be transmitted vertically from the mother to the fetus or newborn which implicates an enormous risk for it. The TORCH acronym is used universally to refer to a fetus or newborn which presents clinical features compatible with a vertically acquired infection and allows a rational diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The traditional "TORCH test" is nowadays considered not appropriate and it has been replaced for specific test for specific pathogens under well defined circumstances. The present document reviews the general characteristics, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic and therapeutic options for the most frequently involved pathogens in the fetus or newborn with TORCH suspicion.

Existen numerosas infecciones bacterianas, virales y parasitarias que pueden transmitirse desde la madre al feto o recién nacido (RN) y que significan un riesgo para él. El acrónimo TORCH se utiliza en forma universal para caracterizar a aquel feto o RN que presenta un cuadro clínico compatible con una infección congénita y que permite un enfrentamiento racional, tanto diagnóstico como terapéutico. El concepto tradicional de realizar un "test de TORCH" sin consideraciones específicas a cada paciente, hoy en día se considera no adecuado y ha sido reemplazado por exámenes específicos para patógenos específicos bajo circunstancias bien definidas. El presente documento revisa las características generales, epidemiológicas, patogénicas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas de los patógenos más frecuentemente involucrados en el estudio de pacientes con sospecha de TORCH.

Serological statuses of pregnant women in an urban Brazilian population before and after the 2008 rubella immunization campaign.

BACKGROUND: Vaccinating populations against rubella aims to mitigate viral circulation and to ensure that women of childbearing age are immunized to reduce the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome. This study determined the serological statuses of pregnant women in an urban Brazilian population before and after the national rubella immunization campaign that was undertaken in 2008, and it assessed the socio-demographic factors associated with seronegativity. METHODS: Pregnant women living in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil, who participated in a municipal prenatal screening program that involved blood tests for rubella, were assessed between June 2007 and May 2012. Socio-demographic factors associated with seronegativity were assessed, including the year of the blood test, categorized as before or after the 2008 immunization campaign, and the women's birth cohorts, the women's ethnicities, the gestational ages at the first prenatal visit, and the women's districts of residence. RESULTS: A total of 54,717 capillary blood samples were tested for rubella. The prevalence of pregnant women who were seronegative for rubella declined from 9.4% before the national immunization campaign to 2.8% after the national immunization campaign. Women were more likely to be seronegative for rubella before and after the immunization campaign if they were born between 1990 and 2000 or delayed starting prenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: The decline in the prevalence of pregnant women who were seronegative for rubella to <5% indicates that the 2008 Brazilian rubella immunization campaign was successful in Maceió.

Búsqueda retrospectiva del síndrome de rubéola congénita en niños menores de 1 año / Retrospective search for Congenital Rubella Syndrome in Children under one year

Antecedentes: Costa Rica estableció la meta de eliminación del síndrome de rubéola congénita desde el año 2000. Datos oficiales de vigilancia reportan el último caso autóctono confirmado en el 2001. Para evaluar si se logró la meta de eliminación de la enfermedad se analizó, mediante una búsqueda retrospectiva, la calidad de la vigilancia del síndrome para determinar la existencia de casos que no fueron capados por el sistema vigente...

The importance of fundus eye testing in rubella-induced deafness.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish a new approach to improve detection of deafness due to rubella. METHODS: Colombian institutes for the deaf were visited by a medical team to perform in all enrolled individuals an ophthalmological examination with emphasis in fundus eye by a retina specialist. In cases where ocular alterations compatible with CRS were found, a medical interview by a clinical geneticist analyzing pre-and postnatal history and a thorough medical examination was done. RESULTS: A total of 1383 deaf institutionalized individuals were evaluated in 9 Colombian cities in the period of 2005 to 2006, finding a total of 463 positive cases for salt-and-pepper retinopathy (33.5%), in which rubella could be the etiology of deafness. Medellin, Cartagena, Bucaramanga and Barranquilla were the cities with the highest percentage of Congenital rubella, corresponding to 22.8% of analyzed population. The analysis performed on cases in which reliable prenatal history was obtained in a second appointment (n=88) showed association between positive viral symptoms during pregnancy and salt-and-pepper retinopathy in 62.5% of cases, while both (retinopathy and viral symptoms) were absent in 29.5% of cases; showing a correlation in 92% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of deafness by rubella obtained by this study is significantly high compared with previous Colombian studies and with international reports. It was possible to correlate the antecedent of symptoms during pregnancy with the presence of salt-and-pepper retinopathy in this deaf population when reliable prenatal history was available, therefore eye testing with emphasis in fundus examination is a good indicator of rubella induced deafness. We propose a new approach in the search of deafness causes, based on a thorough ophthalmologic examination in all deaf people.

Molecular epidemiology of rubella viruses involved in congenital rubella infections in São Paulo, Brazil, between 1996 and 2009.

Rubella virus (RV) infection during the early stages of pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects, known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). This retrospective study was conducted between 1996 and 2009 with surveillance specimens collected from patients suspected of congenital rubella infection (CRI) and CRS. The clinical samples (nine amminiotic fluid, eight urine, eight blood, one conception product, and one placenta) were sent for viral isolation and genotyping. Twenty-seven sequences were analysed and four genotypes (1a, 1B, 1G, and 2B) were identified in São Paulo that were involved in congenital infection. To our knowledge, this study is the first report that describes genetic diversity of the circulating rubella strains involved in CRI.

Vacinação contra rubéola em mulheres em idade reprodutiva no Município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil / Rubella vaccination in women of childbearing age in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil / Vacunación contra la rubeola de mujeres en edad reproductiva en el municipio de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil

As mulheres em idade reprodutiva são a população de maior interesse para a prevenção da síndrome da rubéola congênita. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência de vacinação contra rubéola em mulheres e identificar fatores associados e motivos da não adesão. Trata-se de estudo transversal de base populacional, realizado em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, em 2008/2009, com amostra por conglomerados e em dois estágios. Das 778 mulheres de 10 a 49 anos, 83,8% (IC95%: 79,6-88,0) referiram vacinação em algum momento da vida. Faixa etária (30-39 anos), renda familiar per capita superior a três salários mínimos e a orientação de profissional de saúde estiveram positivamente associadas à vacinação contra a rubéola. Os principais motivos da não adesão foram a falta de orientação do profissional de saúde sobre sua importância (48,5%) e não considerá-la necessária (18,9%). A recomendação do profissional de saúde foi o fator mais fortemente associado à adesão das mulheres à vacinação. Nesse sentido, sua indicação pelas equipes de saúde pode ampliar o conhecimento sobre sua importância e seus benefícios.

Women of reproductive age are the population of greatest interest for the prevention of congenital rubella syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of rubella vaccination in women and to identify factors associated and motives for non-adherence. A cross-sectional population-based study, in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil, in 2008/2009, was carried out with stratified random, two-stage cluster sampling. Of the 778 women aged 10 to 49 years, 83.8% (95%CI: 79.6-88.0) reported vaccination in life. Age group (20-39 years), per capita household income greater than 3 times the minimum wage and orientation of health care professionals about the vaccine, were positively associated with rubella vaccination. The main motives for non-adherence were lack of orientation of professionals about their importance (48.5%) and not consider it necessary (18.9%). The recommendation of professionals was the factor most strongly associated with women's adherence to vaccination. In this sense, an indication of vaccination by health care teams can increase the knowledge about the importance their and benefits.

Las mujeres en edad reproductiva son la población de mayor interés para la prevención del síndrome de la rubeola congénita. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la prevalencia de vacunación contra la rubeola en mujeres e identificar factores asociados y motivos de la no adhesión al programa de vacunación. Se trata de un estudio transversal de base poblacional, realizado en Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, en 2008/2009, con una muestra por conglomerados y en dos fases. De las 778 mujeres, de 10 a 49 años, un 83,8% (IC95%: 79,6-88,0) informaron de vacunación en algún momento de la vida. La franja de edad (30-39 años), renta familiar per cápita superior a tres salarios mínimos y la orientación de un profesional de salud estuvieron positivamente asociadas a la vacunación contra la rubeola. Los principales motivos de la no adhesión fueron la falta de orientación del profesional de salud sobre su importancia (48,5%) y no considerarla necesaria (18,9%). La recomendación del profesional de salud fue el factor más fuertemente asociado a la adhesión de las mujeres a la vacunación. En este sentido, su indicación por los equipos de salud puede ampliar el conocimiento sobre su importancia y sus beneficios.

Síndrome de rubéola congénita y manifestaciones bucales: reporte de un caso / The congenital rubella syndrome: case report

El Síndrome de la Rubéola Congénita (SRC), se caracteriza por presentar secuelas tempranas y tardías que afectan el sistema ocular, cardíaco y auditivo de manera simultánea acompañada de diferentes manifestaciones bucales. El objetivo de este reporte es dar a conocer las características bucales asociadas al Síndrome, como puede afectar al paciente desde temprana edad y guiar al odontólogo a identificar dicha entidad. Se presenta el caso de escolar de género femenino que acude al servicio de ortodoncia interceptiva del Postgrado de Odontología Infantil de la U.C.V., con el diagnóstico de S.R.C. se realizó el consentimiento informado y se cumplieron los protocolos de profilaxis antibiótica. Al examen clínico intraoral y extraoral y al análisis cefalométrico se diagnosticó Maloclusión dentaria Clase I tipo 3, Maloclusión esquelética Clase III, oligodoncias, microdoncias, además de ciertas características no reportadas asociadas al SRC como la queilitis descamativa y lesiones fibrosas. El SRC posee diferentes manifestaciones bucales que incluyen alteraciones en el desarrollo dental, maloclusiones. El tratamiento odontológico adecuado para estos pacientes debe realizarse en conjunto con un equipo multidisciplinario tomando en cuenta el estado sistémico del paciente

The Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) is characterized by early and late sequelae that affect the eye, heart and ear simultaneously accompanied by various oral manifestations. The purpose of this report is to present oral characteristics associated with Syndrome, how it can affect the patient from an early age and guide the dentist to identify the syndrome. We report the case of a female pacient who attended school at the time in which she was treated at the Graduate interceptive orthodontic Pediatric Dentistry UCV, with the diagnosis of CRS. Informed consent was performed and antibiotic prophylaxis protocols were fulfilled. When intraoral and extraoral clinical examination and cephalometric analysis were diagnosed dental malocclusion Class I Type 3, Class III skeletal, oligodontics , microdontics, plus some unreported characteristics associated with the SRC as desquamative cheilitis and fibrous lesions. SRC has various oral manifestations that include disturbances in dental development, malocclusion. Appropriate dental treatment for these patients should be performed in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team taking into account the patient's clinical state

Certificación de la eliminación de sarampión, rubéola y SRC en Chile / Certification of elimination of measles, rubella and CRS in Chile

Debido al éxito en la eliminación del sarampión, rubéola y Síndrome Rubéola Congénito alcanzado en América, la Organización Panamericana de la Salud solicitó verificar la eliminación de estas enfermedades en los países de la región. Chile ratificó mediante Resolución a un comité nacional de expertos que revisó la información entregada por los equipos técnicos, en los siguientes componentes: epidemiología del sarampión, rubéola y SRC; calidad de la vigilancia; epidemiología molecular; sostenibilidad del programa de inmunizaciones y cohortes de población vacunada. La información obtenida de diversas fuentes permitió integrar la evidencia y determinar si los datos eran válidos, completos, representativos y consistentes. Esta publicación describe las etapas de la certificación y la información evaluada por el comité nacional ad hoc. Sus conclusiones serán ratificadas por el comité internacional, el que certificará si Chile cumple con los criterios para la eliminación, proceso que se espera culmine en diciembre 2011. Debido al constante riesgo de importación de estos virus desde otras partes del mundo, persisten muchos retos para mantener la eliminación en el tiempo.

Due to the success in the elimination of measles, rubella and CRS reached in the Americas, PAHO requested the verification of the elimination of these diseases in the countries of the region. Chile ratified by means of a resolution a National Committee of Experts, which revised the information provided by the technical teams in the following components: Epidemiology of measles, rubella and CRS; quality of the surveillance; molecular epidemiology; sustainability of the Immunization Program and cohorts of vaccinated population. The information gathered from different sources allowed to integrate the evidence provided and to determine if the data were valid, complete, representatives and consistent. In this paper we describe thecertification steps and the information evaluated by the ad-hoc national committee. Their conclusions will be ratified by the International Committee, which will certify if Chile fulfills the criteria for elimination, a process that is expected to end during December 2011.

Vigilancia epidemiológica de zoonosis y enfermedades transmisibles por vectores: Chile 2009-2010 / Epidemiologic surveillance of zoonosis and vector-borne diseases: Chile 2009-2010

Se presenta la situación epidemiológica de las zoonosis de mayor importancia en salud pública en Chile y que están incluidas en el Decreto 158/04 como enfermedades de notificación obligatoria. Se hace el análisis de las zoonosis y enfermedades transmitidas por vectores de los años 2009 y 2010, utilizando las bases de datos ENO del Departamento de Estadísticas e Información en Salud (DEIS), MINSAL, y los informes periódicos generados en el Departamento de Epidemiología. Los resultados indican que las zoonosis muestran una tendencia decreciente. Brucelosis es una enfermedad de baja presentación, desatendida y posiblemente subnotificada. En triquinosis se observan fundamentalmente brotes en la zona centro-sur del país especialmente en la población masculina. Carbunco se manifiesta como una enfermedad de muy baja endemia y en el único caso de estos dos últimos años se manifestó la forma cutánea de la enfermedad. Leptospirosis: destaca la presentación de casos en hombres en un 100%. Hidatidosis destaca por mantener su incidencia relativamente alta y un importante número en menores de 10 años. Dengue: persiste la circulación viral en Isla de Pascua y a nivel continental se presentan casos importados que provienen especialmente de Centro y Sudamérica. Malaria: sólo existen casos importados y tendencia decreciente, posiblemente por subnotificación.

Due to the success in the elimination of measles, rubella and CRS reached in the Americas, PAHO requested the verification of the elimination of these diseases in the countries of the region. Chile ratified by means of a resolution a National Committee of Experts, which revised the information provided by the technical teams in the following components: Epidemiology of measles, rubella and CRS; quality of the surveillance; molecular epidemiology; sustainability of the Immunization Program and cohorts of vaccinated population. The information gathered from different sources allowed to integrate the evidence provided and to determine if the data were valid, complete, representatives and consistent. In this paper we describe thecertification steps and the information evaluated by the ad-hoc national committee. Their conclusions will be ratified by the International Committee, which will certify if Chile fulfills the criteria for elimination, a process that is expected to end during December 2011.

Avaliação do estado imune de mulheres universitárias em relação ao vírus da rubéola / Evaluation o immmune status of college women in relation to the rubella virus

A Rubéola é uma doença altamente infectocontagiosa, sendo a imunização a melhor maneira de preveni-la. Esta patologia tem grande importância quando acomete gestantes, podendo ocasionar a Síndrome da Rubéola Congênita no recém-nascido. Esta síndrome provoca malformações fetais, aborto espontâneo e natimortos, dependendo da idade gestacional em que a mulher se infecta pelo vírus da rubéola. O objetivo deste estudo foi de verificar a incidência de mulheres susceptíveis e imunizadas a infecção por rubéola, pela detecção dos níveis de anticorpo antirrubéola em universitárias de uma instituição de ensino superior. Foram avaliadas 126 acadêmicas voluntárias, que preencheram um questionário (com questões gerais e específicas ao tema) e realizadas as dosagens de anticorpo IgG contra vírus da Rubéola. A determinação dos níveis de anticorpos antirrubéola foi realizada por ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). O resultado mostrou que 100% (n=126) das amostras tinham níveis de anticorpo superiores a 15 UI/mL, sendo consideradas positivas. Diversos trabalhos demonstram altos índices de imunidade contra a rubéola. A positividade do exame na totalidade das amostras parece ser resultado da intensa campanha de vacinação em mulheres na idade fértil, mas estudos adicionais com um número maior de voluntárias devem ser realizados para a consolidação destes dados.

Rubella is a highly infectious disease, and immunization is the best way to prevent it. This condition is very important when it affects pregnant women and can cause Congenital rubella syndrome in the newborn. This syndrome consists of fetal malformations, miscarriage and stillborn, depending on the gestational age at which a woman was infected by the rubella virus. In order to check the incidence of rubella susceptible and immunized women, the objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of anti-rubella in higher education institution. 126 female volunteers who completed a questionnaire (general and specific question about the theme) and had their dosages of IgG antibody against rubella virus done were evaluated. The determination of anti-rubella levels was done through an immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The result showed that 100% (n = 126) of the samples had higher levels of antibody to 15 IU / mL, considered positive. Several studies show high rates of immunity against rubella. The positivity of the examination in all the samples seem to be the result of an intense vaccination campaign in women at childbearing age, but additional studies with a larger number of volunteers should be done to consolidate such data.

Sentinel phenotype for rubella embryopathy: time-space distribution in Brazil / Fenótipo sentinela para embriopatia rubéolica: distribuição em tempo e espaço no Brasil

The dyad comprising eye anomalies and congenital heart defects in the same newborn has been proposed as the best sentinel phenotype for the early detection of rubella embryopathy. Time-space birth prevalence distributions of the eye-heart dyad were described in 36 Brazilian hospitals from the Latin-American Collaborative Study of Congenital Anomalies - ECLAMC network, for the period 1994-2008. Seventy dyad cases observed among 554,531 births showed seasonal variation (Χ2 = 5.84; p < 0.05), suggesting an environmental etiology, with an increase in cases in October-March and acrophase in December. The secular distribution of dyad prevalence rates was consistent with the distribution of rubella cases in Brazil, showing a decrease from 1994 to 2004, followed by an increase until 2008. Two geographic clusters were identified, one with high and the other with low dyad prevalence. In the high prevalence cluster, a secular increase was observed, starting in 1999, matching the rubella epidemic waves observed in Brazil in 1998-2000 and 2006.

A díade óculo-cardíaca havia sido proposta como o melhor fenótipo sentinela para detecção precoce da embriopatia rubéolica. Descrevem-se as distribuições têmporo-espaciais das prevalências ao nascimento dessa díade com material do Estudo Colaborativo Latino Americano de Malformações Congênitas (ECLAMC) em 36 hospitais brasileiros no período 1994-2008. Os 70 casos em 554.531 nascimentos mostraram uma variação sazonal significativa (Χ2 = 5,84; p < 0,05), o que sugere uma etiologia ambiental, com um aumento de casos de outubro a março com acrofase em dezembro. A variação secular das prevalências da díade foi compatível com o padrão observado para a distribuição da rubéola no país, com diminuição entre 1994-2004, e ulterior aumento até 2008. Identificaram-se dois conglomerados de alta e de baixa prevalência para a díade. Dentro do conglomerado de alta prevalência, observou-se significativo acréscimo secular a partir do ano 1999, não verificado no conglomerado de baixa prevalência, nem no resto dos hospitais em estudo, compatível com a série de surtos epidêmicos registrados para a infecção rubeólica no Brasil em 1998-2000 e em 2006.

Impacto da vacinação contra rubéola na ocorrência da síndrome da rubéola congênita / Impact of rubella vaccination strategy on the occurrence of congenital rubella syndrome

OBJETIVO: A vacinação rotineira contra a rubéola foi implementada na Paraíba, nordeste brasileiro, através de uma campanha de catch-up direcionada a crianças com idades entre 1 e 11 anos em 1998. Uma campanha entre as mulheres em idade reprodutiva foi realizada em 2001. Descrevemos a epidemiologia da rubéola e da síndrome da rubéola congênita (SRC) no estado da Paraíba entre 1999 e 2005. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os dados de vigilância da rubéola e da SRC entre 1999 e 2005. Os casos suspeitos de rubéola foram confirmados por exames laboratoriais, vínculo epidemiológico ou por critério clínico. Foram utilizadas as definições internacionais padrão de SRC. RESULTADOS: Dos 5.924 casos suspeitos de rubéola entre 1999 e 2005, 1.266 (21 por cento) foram confirmados, 766 (61 por cento) deles através dos exames laboratoriais. Durante uma epidemia de rubéola em 2000 (18,8/100.000), a incidência entre os indivíduos com idades entre 14 e 19 anos (42/100.000) quadruplicou em relação a crianças com idades entre 1 e 13 anos (intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento = 3,2-5,1). A incidência geral da rubéola foi de 0,9/100.000 em 2005. Dos 177 casos suspeitos de SRC entre 1999 e 2005, 167 (94 por cento) foram testados para a presença de IgM. Dos 14 (8 por cento) casos de SRC confirmados laboratorialmente, 12 (86 por cento) haviam nascido em 2001, com uma incidência de 0,2/100.000 crianças menores de 1 ano nesse ano. CONCLUSÕES: A campanha de vacinação contra a rubéola em 1998 não foi suficiente para prevenir um surto entre adultos jovens em 2000, com uma alta incidência de SRC em 2001. Entre 2002 e 2005, as incidências de rubéola e de SRC diminuíram; entretanto, a alta cobertura da vacina e a vigilância de alta qualidade são importantes para que se atinja a erradicação da SRC até 2010.

OBJECTIVE: Routine rubella vaccination was introduced in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, through a catch-up campaign targeting children aged 1-11 years, in 1998. A campaign among women of childbearing age was conducted in 2001. We describe the epidemiology of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the state of Paraíba between 1999 and 2005. METHODS: Rubella and CRS surveillance data for the 1999-2005 period were analyzed. Suspected cases of rubella were confirmed by laboratory findings, epidemiological link, or clinical data. International standardized CRS definitions were used. RESULTS: Of 5,924 suspected cases of rubella between 1999 and 2005, 1,266 (21 percent) were confirmed, 766 (61 percent) by laboratory findings. During a rubella epidemic in 2000 (18.8/100,000), the incidence among individuals aged 14-19 years (42/100,000) had a fourfold increase relative to children aged 1-13 years (95 percent confidence interval = 3.2-5.1). The overall rubella incidence was 0.9/100,000 in 2005. Of 177 suspected cases of CRS between 1999 and 2005, 167 (94 percent) were tested for IgM. Of 14 (8 percent) laboratory confirmed cases of CRS, 12 (86 percent) were born in 2001, with an incidence of 0.2/100,000 children aged less than 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The 1998 rubella vaccination campaign was insufficient to prevent an outbreak among young adults in 2000, with a high CRS incidence in 2001. Between 2002 and 2005 the incidence of rubella and CRS decreased; however, high routine vaccination coverage and high-quality surveillance remain critically important to achieve CRS elimination by 2010.

Rubéola congénita / Congenital rubella

El síndrome de la rubéola (SRC) o rubéola congénita se refiere a un grupo de anomalías físicas tales como cataratas, sordera, defectos del corazón, y retraso mental que el bebé manifiesta como resultado de la infección materna y posterior infección fetal con el virus de la rubéola. Lo más probable es que la rubéola materna provoque en la fase de viremia una infección de las vellosidades coriales o de la placenta y produzca una viremia fetal generalizada. El diagnostico se confirma por hallazgos de Ac. Ig M específicos en el suero del recién nacido o mediante cultivos del virus en muestras del lactante. El virus se puede eliminar por la orina durante al menos 1 año. El diagnóstico prenatal se puede establecer mediante aislamiento del virus en el líquido amniótico o por identificación de Ig.M en la sangre del cordón umbilical. Los efectos del virus sobre el feto dependen del momento de la infección; cuanto más joven es el feto, más severa es la enfermedad.

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) or congenital rubella refers to a group of physical anomalies such as cataract, deafness, heart conditions, mental retardation that the baby manifests as a result of a maternal infection and posterior fetus infection with rubella virus. It’s most probable that maternal rubella provoke an infection of chorionic villi or placenta in the viremic phase producing a generalized fetus viremia. Diagnosis is confirmed with IgM specific antibodies in newborns serum or culture samples of the virus on infants. Virus can be eliminated through urine at least in one year. Prenatal diagnosis can be established when isolating the virus from amniotic fluid or identification of IgM in umbilical cords blood. The effects the virus produce to the fetus depend of the moment of infection; while younger the fetus, the more severe will the disease be.

Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome: global update / La rubéola y el síndrome de rubéola congénita: resumen de la situación actual en el mundo

Se calcula que cada año nacen en el mundo más de 100 000 niños con síndrome de rubéola congénita (SRC). La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) estandarizó en 1998 las definiciones de casos para la vigilancia del SRC y de la rubéola. En 2001, 123 países o territorios notificaron 836 356 casos de rubéola y se espera que el número de países se incremente a medida que se desarrolla, bajo la coordinación de la OMS, una red mundial de laboratorios para la detección del sarampión y la rubéola. Se están realizando investigaciones para mejorar la vigilancia de esta última enfermedad, entre ellas algunos proyectos encaminados a echar a andar la vigilancia y a comparan métodos diagnósticos, así como estudios de epidemiología molecular para lograr entender más a fondo los patrones de circulación del virus de la rubéola en el mundo. En 1996 una encuesta efectuada por la OMS reveló que 78 (36 per ciento) de los 214 países o territorios que habían notificado casos de la enfermedad aplicaban la vacuna contra la rubéola como parte de su régimen de vacunación estándar. Para fines de 2002 un total de 124 de esos 214 (58 per ciento) países o territorios aplicaban la vacuna antirrubeólica cuyo uso depende del nivel de desarrollo económico: 100 per ciento en países industrializados, 71 per ciento en países con economías en transición y 48 per ciento en países en desarrollo. Se dispone de una vacuna inocua y eficaz y se ha demostrado la eficacia de algunas estrategias de vacunación para la prevención de la rubeóla y el SRC. En un trabajo de posición de la OMS se ofrece orientación acerca de lo que entraña, desde el punto de vista programático, emprender la vacunación antirrubeólica. Se trata de una medida cuya efectividad y beneficios superan su costo, pero que exige un continuo fortalecimiento de los servicios de vacunación y sistemas de vigilancia habituales.

Worldwide, it is estimated that there are more than 100 000 infants born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) each year. In 1998, standard case definitions for surveillance of CRS and rubella were developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2001, 123 countries/territories reported a total of 836 356 rubella cases. In the future more countries are expected to report on rubella as a global measles/rubella laboratory network is further developed under the coordination of the WHO. Operational research is being conducted to improve rubella surveillance. This includes projects on initiating CRS surveillance, comparative studtes on diagnostic laboratory methods, and molecular epidemiology research to expand the global understanding of patterns of rubella virus circulation. In 1996 a WHO survey found that 78 of 214 reporting countries/territories (36%) were using rubella vaccine in their routine immunization services. By the end of 2002 a total of 124 of the 214 counties/territories (58%) were using rubella vaccine. Rubella vaccine use varies by stage of economic development: 100% for industrialized countries, 71% for countries with economies in transition, and 48% for developing countries. A safe and effective rubella vaccine is available, and there are proven vaccination strategies for preventing rubella and CRS. A WHO position paper provides guidance on programmatic aspects of rubella vaccine introduction. The introduction of rubella vaccine is cost-effective and cost-beneficial but requires ongoing strengthening of routine immunization services and surveillance systems

Congenital rubella syndrome in Haiti / Rubéola congénita en Haití

Objective. To determine if there is an unrecognized problem of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in Haiti, a country without a national rubella immunization program. Methods. During March 2001 and June 2001, screening physicals were conducted on approximately 80 orphans at three orphanages in Haiti that accept disabled children. Children were classified as probable CRS cases based on established clinical criteria. Photo documentation of findings was obtained whenever possible. Results. Six children met the criteria for probable CRS. Using data from surrounding Caribbean countries and from the United States of America prior to rubella immunization, we estimated that there are between 163 and 440 new cases of CRS per year in Haiti. Conclusions. CRS exists in Haiti, but its presence is generally unrecognized. A national rubella immunization policy should be considered

Objetivos. Determinar si la rubéola congénita es un problema no reconocido en Haití, país que no dispone de un programa nacional de vacunación contra esta enfermedad. Métodos. Entre marzo y junio de 2001 se realizaron exámenes físicos a unos 80 huérfanos de tres orfanatos de Haití que aceptan a niños discapacitados. El diagnóstico de probable rubéola congénita se basó en criterios clínicos establecidos. Siempre que fuera posible se obtuvo documentación fotográfica. Resultados. Seis niños cumplieron los criterios de probable rubéola congénita. Usando datos de los países vecinos del Caribe y de los Estados Unidos de América anteriores a la vacunación contra la rubéola, se calculó que cada año hay 163 a 440 nuevos casos de rubéola congénita en Haití. Conclusiones. Sigue existiendo rubéola congénita en Haití, pero generalmente no se reconoce. Se debería considerar la implantación de una política nacional de vacunación contra la rubéola en ese país.