Epidemiología molecular de la colonización nasofaríngea neumocócica en niños de Sevilla, tras la implementación del programa de vacunación con VNC13 en Andalucía (España) / Molecular epidemiology of pneumococcal carriage in children from Seville, following implementation of the PCV13 immunization program in Andalusia, Spain

Introducción: El programa de vacunación universal con la vacuna antineumocócica conjugada 13-valente (VNC13) se implantó en Andalucía en diciembre de 2016. Métodos: Estudio transversal de colonización nasofaríngea por Streptococcus pneumoniae. Se seleccionó a 397 niños sanos en centros de atención primaria de Sevilla durante los periodos 1/4/2018-28/2/2020 y 1/11/2021-28/2/2022 (periodo VNC13). Se utilizó una colección histórica de un estudio de colonización desarrollado en niños sanos y con infección respiratoria superior entre el 1/01/2006 y el 30/06/2008 (periodo VNC7) para comparar las distribuciones de serotipos/genotipos y las tasas de resistencias antibióticas. Resultados: Un total de 76 (19%) niños estaban colonizados con S. pneumoniae en el periodo VNC13 y se dispuso de 154 aislamientos del periodo VNC7. La colonización por serotipos incluidos en VNC13 disminuyó significativamente entre los periodos VNC13 y VNC7 (11 vs. 38%; p=0,0001); los serotipos 19F (8%), 3 (1%) y 6B (1%) fueron los únicos serotipos vacunales circulantes. Los serotipos 15B/C y 11A fueron los serotipos no VNC13 más prevalentes durante el periodo VNC13 (14% y 11%, respectivamente); este último se incrementó de forma significativa entre periodos de tiempo (p=0,04). El serotipo 11A solo se asoció en el periodo VNC13 con variantes resistentes a la ampicilina del clon Spain9V-ST156 (ST6521 y genéticamente relacionado ST14698), no detectados en el periodo anterior. Conclusiones: Hubo una circulación muy residual de los serotipos vacunales durante el periodo VNC13, con excepción del serotipo19F. El serotipo 11A se incrementó de forma significativa entre los periodos VNC13 y VNC7 por expansión clonal del genotipo resistente a la ampicilina ST6521.(AU)

Background: The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) universal vaccination program was introduced in December 2016 in Andalusia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the molecular epidemiology of pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization. A total of 397 healthy children were recruited from primary healthcare centres in Seville for the periods 1/4/2018 to 28/2/2020 and 1/11/2021 to 28/2/2022 (PCV13 period). Data from a previous carriage study conducted among healthy and sick children from 1/01/2006 to 30/06/2008 (PCV7 period) were used for comparison of serotype/genotype distributions and antibiotic resistance rates. Results: Overall, 76 (19%) children were colonized with S. pneumoniae during the PCV13 period and there were information available from 154 isolates collected during the PCV7 period. Colonization with PCV13 serotypes declined significantly in the PCV13 period compared with historical controls (11 vs. 38%, P=0.0001), being serotypes 19F (8%), 3 (1%) and 6B (1%) the only circulating vaccine types. Serotypes 15B/C and 11A were the most frequently identified non-PCV13 serotypes during the PCV13 period (14% and 11%, respectively); the later one increased significantly between time periods (P=0.04). Serotype 11A was exclusively associated in the PCV13 period with ampicillin-resistant variants of the Spain9V-ST156 clone (ST6521 and genetically related ST14698), not detected in the preceding period. Conclusions: There was a residual circulation of vaccine types following PCV13 introduction, apart from serotype 19F. Serotype 11A increased between PCV13 and PCV7 periods due to emergence and clonal expansion of ampicillin-resistant genotype ST6521.(AU)

Comparative severity of COVID-19 cases caused by Alpha, Delta or Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants and its association with vaccination / Gravedad comparativa de los casos de COVID-19 causados por las variantes Alfa, Delta u Ómicron de SARS-CoV-2 y su asociación con la vacunación

Background: This study compares the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections caused by Alpha, Delta or Omicron variants in periods of co-circulation in Spain, and estimates the variant-specific association of vaccination with severe disease. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 infections notified to the national epidemiological surveillance network with information on genetic variant and vaccination status were considered cases if they required hospitalisation or controls otherwise. Alpha and Delta were compared during June–July 2021; and Delta and Omicron during December 2021–January 2022. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated using logistic regression, comparing variant and vaccination status between cases and controls. Results: We included 5,345 Alpha and 11,974 Delta infections in June–July and 5,272 Delta and 10,578 Omicron in December–January. Unvaccinated cases of Alpha (aOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.46–0.69) or Omicron (0.28; 0.21–0.36) had lower probability of hospitalisation vs. Delta. Complete vaccination reduced hospitalisation, similarly for Alpha (0.16; 0.13–0.21) and Delta (June–July: 0.16; 0.14–0.19; December–January: 0.36; 0.30–0.44) but lower from Omicron (0.63; 0.53–0.75) and individuals aged 65+ years. Conclusion: Results indicate higher intrinsic severity of the Delta variant, compared with Alpha or Omicron, with smaller differences among vaccinated individuals. Nevertheless, vaccination was associated to reduced hospitalisation in all groups.(AU)

Introducción: El objetivo es comprar la gravedad de las infecciones por las variantes Alfa, Delta y Ómicron del SARS-CoV-2 en periodos de co-circulación en España, y estimar la asociación entre vacunación y gravedad en cada variante. Métodos: Las infecciones por SARS-CoV-2 notificadas a la red nacional de vigilancia epidemiológica con información sobre la variante viral y el estado de vacunación se clasificaron como casos si habían requerido hospitalización, o como controles en caso contrario. Alfa y Delta se compararon durante junio-julio de 2021, y Delta y Ómicron durante diciembre de 2021-enero de 2022. Se estimaron odds ratios ajustadas (ORa) mediante regresión logística, comparando la variante y el estado de vacunación entre casos y controles. Resultados: Se incluyeron 5.345 infecciones por variante Alfa y 11.974 por Delta en junio-julio y 5.272 infecciones por Delta y 10.578 por Ómicron en diciembre-enero. Los casos no vacunados por Alfa (aOR: 0,57; IC 95%: 0,46-0,69) u Ómicron (0,28; IC 95%: 0,21-0,36) tuvieron menor probabilidad de hospitalización comparados con Delta. La vacunación completa se asoció a menor hospitalización de forma similar para Alfa (0,16; IC 95%: 0,13-0,21) y Delta (junio-julio: 0,16; IC 95%: 0,14-0,19; diciembre-enero: 0,36; IC 95%: 0,30-0,44) pero menor para Ómicron (0,63; IC 95%: 0,53-0,75) y para individuos con 65+ años. Conclusión: Los resultados indican una mayor gravedad intrínseca de la variante Delta comparada con Alfa u Ómicron, con menor diferencia entre personas vacunadas. La vacunación se asoció a menor hospitalización en todos los grupos.(AU)

Prevalencia de anticuerpos neutralizantes frente al SARS-CoV-2 inducidos tras 2 dosis de vacuna BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech) en trabajadores sanitarios / Prevalence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using a rapid serological test in health workers of a Spanish Department of Health in Alicante (Spain) before the booster dose of the vaccine

Fundamento: Estudiar la prevalencia de anticuerpos neutralizantes en el personal sanitario y de apoyo tras la administración de la segunda dosis de vacuna BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech). Material y métodos: En diciembre 2021 llevamos a cabo un estudio en el Departamento de Salud de Orihuela, Alicante (España), formado por 1.500 trabajadores. En los participantes del estudio, recogimos variables demográficas y realizamos un test «point-of-care» (POC) de inmunocromatografía para medir la presencia de anticuerpos neutralizantes (OJABIO® SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Detection Kit, fabricado por Wenzhou OJA Biotechnology Co., Ltd.- Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China) antes de la administración de la tercera dosis de vacuna. Resultados: Obtuvimos información completa de 964 (64%) trabajadores, siendo 290 varones y 674 mujeres. La edad media fue de 45,8 años (mín: 18, máx: 68) y el tiempo desde la última dosis (TUD) de vacuna fue 40,5 semanas (mín: 1,71; máx: 47,71). Un total de 131 (13,5%) habían padecido infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada mediante RT-PCR. La proporción de sujetos con presencia de anticuerpos neutralizantes fue de 38,5%. En el análisis multivariable el TUD de vacuna (razón de probabilidades ajustada [ORa] semana: 1,07; IC 95%: 1,04; 1,09) y la infección previa por SARS-CoV-2 (ORa: 3,7; IC 95%: 2,39; 5,63) mostraron asociación estadísticamente significativa con la presencia de anticuerpos neutralizantes. Conclusiones: El TUD de vacuna y la infección previa por SARS-CoV-2 determinaron la presencia de anticuerpos neutralizantes en 38,5% del personal sanitario y personal de apoyo.(AU)

Aim: To study the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies in healthcare workers and healthcare support personnel after the administration of the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech). Materials and methods: In December 2021, we undertook a study in the Health Department in Orihuela, Alicante (Spain), which consists of 1500 workers. We collected demographic variables about the study participants, and we performed a «point-of-care» immunochromatography test to measure the presence of neutralizing antibodies (OJABIO® SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Detection Kit, manufactured by Wenzhou OJA Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China) before the administration of the third dose of the vaccine. Results: We obtained complete information about 964 (64%) workers, which consisted of 290 men and 674 women. The average age was 45,8 years (min. 18, max. 68) and the average time since the last dose of the vaccine was 40,5 weeks (min. 1,71, max. 47,71). A total of 131 participants (13,5%) had suffered infection by SARS-CoV-2 confirmed using RT-PCR. The proportion of participants who showed presence of neutralizing antibodies was 38,5%. In the multivariable analysis, the time since the last dose of the vaccine (aOR week: 1,07; 95%CI: 1,04; 1,09) and previous infection by SARS-CoV-2 (aOR: 3,7; 95CI: 2,39; 5,63) showed a statistically significant association with the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Conclusions: The time since the administration of the last dose of the vaccine and the previous infection by SARS-CoV-2 determined the presence of neutralizing antibodies in 38,5% of the healthcare workers and support workers.(AU)

Adherencia de adultos de la compañía Chauria para la vacunación contra la COVID-19

Introducción: La pandemia del COVID-19 ha provocado cambios que afectan a los sistemas sanitarios y al enfoque de las enfermedades infecciosas en todo el mundo. La demanda de vacunas contra el COVID-19 se encuadra en un espectro que va desde el rechazo hasta la demanda, con una aceptación pasiva en el medio. Objetivo: Determinar la adherencia de los adultos a la vacunación contra la COVID-19. Chauria-Caballero, Paraguay 2022. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo. El muestreo fue no probabilístico por conveniencia. La muestra estuvo conformada por un total de 225 adultos; los datos fueron recabados por medio de una encuesta elaborada por la investigadora, los datos fueron procesados con el software EPI INFO. Resultados: La mayoría de los sujetos de estudio se vacunaron, y hubo adherencia de la población a la vacuna contra la COVID-19 en un 93 %; diversos factores influyeron en las decisiones de estos; el porcentaje de adultos no vacunados mencionan como motivos su desconfianza (69 %) y el miedo/temor a la vacunación (31 %). Discusión: El estudio encontró una alta adherencia en general, la gran mayoría de los participantes vacunados contra COVID-19, porcentajes significativos se reportaron en Chile, China y Catar, cifras muy altas con relación a la aceptación de la vacuna a nivel país, teniendo una cobertura con un porcentaje mayor a la mitad con al menos una dosis.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused changes that affect health systems and the approach to infectious diseases worldwide. The demand for COVID-19 vaccines falls on a spectrum from rejection to demand, with passive acceptance in between. Objective: To determine the adherence of adults to vaccination against COVID-19. Chauria-Caballero, Paraguay 2022. Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach. For convenience, the sampling was non-probabilistic. The sample comprised of 225 adults. The data were collected through a survey elaborated by the researcher, and the data were processed using EPI INFO software. Results: The majority of the study subjects were vaccinated, and there was 93% adherence of the population to the COVID-19 vaccine. Various factors influenced their decisions; the percentage of unvaccinated adults mentioned their distrust (69%) and fear of vaccination (31%). Discussion: The study found high adherence in general, the vast majority of participants were vaccinated against COVID-19, with significant percentages reported in Chile, China, and Qatar, very high figures in relation to the acceptance of the vaccine at the country level, with coverage of more than half with at least one dose.

Dengue en paciente de 32 días de vida. Reporte de un caso poco habitual / Dengue fever in a 32-day-old patient. A rare case report

El dengue es una enfermedad viral transmitida por la picadura del mosquito Aedes aegypti. El comportamiento del dengue en Argentina es epidémico; la mayoría de los casos se observan en los meses de mayor temperatura. Hasta la semana epidemiológica (SE) 20/2023, se registraron en Argentina 106 672 casos; se vieron afectadas 18 de las 24 provincias que conforman el país. Dentro de los principales grupos de riesgo, se incluyen los menores de 2 años. Reconocer los signos, síntomas e identificar los factores de riesgo es fundamental para el manejo de casos con mayor riesgo de gravedad. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 32 días de vida que se internó por síndrome febril sin foco, con diagnósticos diferenciales de meningitis viral y sepsis, evolucionó con leucocitosis, plaquetopenia, hipoalbuminemia, asociado a exantema y edemas. Se llegó al diagnóstico de dengue por la clínica, epidemiologia e IgM positiva.

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In Argentina, dengue fever is an epidemic disease; most cases are reported during the hot months.Until epidemiological week (EW) 20/2023, 106 672 cases were reported across 18 of the 24 provinces of Argentina. Children younger than 2 years are among the main groups at risk. Recognizing signs and symptoms and identifying risk factors is fundamental for the management of cases at a higher risk of severity. Here we describe the case of a 32-day-old female patient who was hospitalized due to febrile syndrome without a source, who had a differential diagnosis of viral meningitis and sepsis and progressed to leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia in association with rash and edema. The diagnosis of dengue fever was established based on clinical, epidemiological, and positive IgM data.

Análisis coste-efectividad de una vacuna para Helicobacter pylori en el sur de Europa / Cost-effectiveness analysis of a vaccine for Helicobacter pylori in southern Europe

Fundamentos: existen pruebas de la factibilidad de una vacuna para prevenir la infección por helicobacter pylori. Modelizacio-nes en entornos de baja prevalencia informan de una muy probable coste-efectividad a largo plazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar su eficiencia en un contexto local.métodos: se simuló la evolución de una cohorte de nacidos a través de un modelo compartimental representativo de varios estados clínicos en relación a la infección por h. Pylori. Se ejecutó dicho modelo bajo las premisas de vacunación en el periodo de lactante y de no intervención. El horizonte temporal fue equivalente a la esperanza de vida y se tuvo en cuenta la perspectiva del sistema de salud.resultados: la vacunación frente a h. Pylori costaría de media 2.168 €/persona más que la no intervención. Con ello se obten-drían 0,32 años de vida ganados ajustados por calidad (avac), lo que implicaría una razón de coste-efectividad incremental (rcei) media de 7.196 €/avac. Para una disposición a pagar de 24.506 €/avac, el 99,96% de las simulaciones resultaron coste-efectivas al alcanzar el horizonte temporal y se cruzó dicho umbral a partir de los treinta años de la vacunación. Las variables que más peso tuvieron para explicar la variabilidad de la rcei fueron, en este orden, la efectividad vacunal, la incidencia de la infección en la primera infancia y el precio de la vacuna. La vacunación dejaría de ser coste-efectiva con un precio mayor de 3.634€/vial o con una cobertura poblacional efectiva menor del 11%.conclusiones: una vacunación frente a la infección por h. Pylori administrada en la infancia sería coste-efectiva a largo plazo en un entorno con las características epidemiológicas y económicas del sur de europa.(AU)

Background: there is sufficient evidence on the feasibility of a vaccine to prevent helicobacter pylori infection. Modeling studies in low prevalence environments report a very probable long-term cost-effectiveness. The objective of this study was to quantify its efficiency in a local context.methods: the evolution of a cohort of newborns was simulated through a compartmental model representing a series of clinical situations regarding h. Pylori infection and related diseases. The model was run under the assumption of both vaccination in the first year of life and no intervention. The time horizon was set as equivalent to the life expectancy and the perspective of the health system was taken into account.results: vaccination against h. Pylori would cost an average of €2,168/person more than no intervention. This would yield an average additional 0.32 quality-adjusted life years gained (qaly), which would entail an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (icer) of €7,196/qaly. For a willingness to pay of €24,506/qaly, 99.96% of the simulations were cost-effective at eighty-four years old. This threshold was crossed thirty years after vaccination. The variables that carried the most weight in explaining the variability of the icer were, in this order, vaccine effectiveness, the incidence of infection in young children, and the price of the vaccine. Vaccination would cease to be cost-effective with a price greater than €3,634/dose or with effective population coverage less than 11%.(AU)

Efectividad de la vacuna antigripal para prevenir casos graves de gripe. Temporada 2022/2023 / Effectiveness of influenza vaccine in preventing severe cases of influenza: Season 2022/2023

Introducción: La gripe supone una importante carga en términos de morbimortalidad, siendo la vacunación una de las medidas más efectivas para su prevención. Por lo que el objetivo de este estudio es conocer la efectividad de la vacuna antigripal para prevenir casos de gripe grave en los pacientes ingresados en un hospital de tercer nivel durante la temporada 2022/23. Metodología: Estudio de casos y controles. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes hospitalizados con resultado positivo en una RT-PCR de gripe. Se consideró caso a aquellos que cumplieron criterio de caso grave (neumonía, sepsis, fallo multiorgánico, ingreso en la UCI o exitus). Quienes no los cumplían se consideraron controles. Se calculó la efectividad vacunal (EV) para prevenir los casos graves y su intervalo de confianza al 95%. Resultados: Un total de 403 pacientes ingresaron con gripe confirmada. Noventa y ocho (24,3%) de ellos desarrollaron gripe grave. Del total, el 50,6% fueron varones y el 47,1% fueron mayores de 65 años. La EV ajustada por tipo de gripe, edad y ciertas comorbilidades fue del 40,6% (−21,9-71,1). En un análisis segmentado, la vacuna de la gripe resultó efectiva para la prevención de los casos graves en todas las categorías. Resultó especialmente relevante en el grupo de 65 años o más (EVa=60,9%; −2,0-85,0) y en los pacientes con gripe A (EVa=56,7%; 1,5-80,9). Conclusiones: La vacunación antigripal redujo notablemente la aparición de casos graves de gripe en los pacientes hospitalizados, por tanto, sigue siendo la principal estrategia para reducir la morbimortalidad y los costes asociados.(AU)

Introduction: Influenza poses a significant burden in terms of morbidity and mortality, with vaccination being one of the most effective measures for its prevention. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in preventing cases of severe influenza in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital during the 2022/23 season. Methods: Case-control study. All hospitalised patients with a positive result in an RT-PCR for influenza were included. Those who met the criteria for a severe case (pneumonia, sepsis, multi-organ failure, admission to ICU or exitus) were considered cases. Those who did not meet these criteria were considered controls. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) to prevent severe cases and its 95% confidence interval were calculated. Results: A total of 403 patients were admitted with confirmed influenza. Of these, 98 (24.3%) developed severe influenza. Of the total, 50.6% were men and 47.1% were over 65 years of age. VE adjusted for influenza type, age and certain comorbidities was 40.6% (−21.9 to 71.1). In a segmented analysis, influenza vaccine was effective in preventing severe cases in all categories. It was particularly relevant in the 65+ age group (VEa=60.9%; −2.0 to 85.0) and in patients with influenza A (VEa=56.7%; 1.580.9). Conclusion: Influenza vaccination markedly reduced the occurrence of severe cases of influenza in hospitalised patients, therefore, it remains the main strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality and associated costs.(AU)

BCGitis con afectación de aneurisma aortoilíaco: aportación de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / BCGitis with aortoiliac aneurysm involvement: Report of two cases and review of the literature

La BCGitis es una complicación infrecuente del tratamiento intravesical con Bacillus Calmette-Guérin para el cáncer superficial de vejiga de alto grado y el carcinoma in situ. Puede causar afectación vascular. Presentamos 2 casos y una revisión de la literatura de series de casos publicadas en los 10 años previos a la finalización de este trabajo en abril de 2022, que describiesen un caso de aneurisma micótico aortoilíaco tras recibir este tratamiento. De los 51 casos incluidos (49 revisados y 2 originales), el 100% eran hombres, 82% tenían más de 65 años. La mediana del período de latencia fue de 15 meses (RIQ 18). La localización más frecuente fue la aorta abdominal, documentándose rotura en el 45,1%. El síntoma más frecuente fue dolor abdominal o lumbar (61%), seguido de síndrome general (49%). Asoció absceso retroperitoneal un 39,2%. La mortalidad atribuible fue de 13,6%. La BCGitis debería incluirse como diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes que hayan recibido terapia con BCG y presenten afectación vascular, incluso años tras el tratamiento.(AU)

BCGitis is a rare complication after intravesical administration of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for high-grade superficial bladder cancer and carcinoma in situ. May cause vascular involvement. We present two cases and a review of the literature of the case reports published on the 10 years prior to April of 2022, when this project was finished, which described a case of aortoiliac mycotic aneurysm after receiving this treatment. Of the 51 cases included (49 revised and 2 original), 100% were men, 82% were older than 65 years. The median latency period was 15 months (IQR 18). The most frequent location was the abdominal aorta, rupture occurred in 45.1% of patients. The most frequent symptom was abdominal or lumbar pain (61%), followed by general syndrome (49%). In 39.2% cases, it was associated with retroperitoneal abscesses. Attributable mortality was 13.6%. BCGitis should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients who have received BCG therapy and present vascular involvement, even years after being treated.(AU)

Effectiveness of influenza vaccine in preventing severe cases of influenza: Season 2022/2023.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza poses a significant burden in terms of morbidity and mortality, with vaccination being one of the most effective measures for its prevention. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in preventing cases of severe influenza in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital during the 2022/23 season. METHODS: Case-control study. All hospitalised patients with a positive result in an RT-PCR for influenza were included. Those who met the criteria for a severe case (pneumonia, sepsis, multi-organ failure, admission to ICU or exitus) were considered cases. Those who did not meet these criteria were considered controls. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) to prevent severe cases and its 95% confidence interval were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 403 patients were admitted with confirmed influenza. Of these, 98 (24.3%) developed severe influenza. Of the total, 50.6% were men and 47.1% were over 65 years of age. VE adjusted for influenza type, age and certain comorbidities was 40.6% (-21.9 to 71.1). In a segmented analysis, influenza vaccine was effective in preventing severe cases in all categories. It was particularly relevant in the 65+ age group (VEa = 60.9%; -2.0 to 85.0) and in patients with influenza A (VEa = 56.7%; 1.5-80.9). CONCLUSION: Influenza vaccination markedly reduced the occurrence of severe cases of influenza in hospitalised patients, therefore, it remains the main strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality and associated costs.

Prevalence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using a rapid serological test in health workers of a Spanish Department of Health in Alicante (Spain) before the booster dose of the vaccine.

AIM: To study the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies in healthcare workers and healthcare support personnel after the administration of the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In December 2021, we undertook a study in the Health Department in Orihuela, Alicante (Spain), which consists of 1500 workers. We collected demographic variables about the study participants, and we performed a "point-of-care" immunochromatography test to measure the presence of neutralizing antibodies (OJABIO® SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Detection Kit, manufactured by Wenzhou OJA Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China) before the administration of the third dose of the vaccine. RESULTS: We obtained complete information about 964 (64%) workers, which consisted of 290 men and 674 women. The average age was 45,8 years (min. 18, max. 68) and the average time since the last dose of the vaccine was 40,5 weeks (min. 1,71, max. 47,71). A total of 131 participants (13,5%) had suffered infection by SARS-CoV-2 confirmed using RT-PCR. The proportion of participants who showed presence of neutralizing antibodies was 38,5%. In the multivariable analysis, the time since the last dose of the vaccine (aOR week: 1,07; 95%CI: 1,04; 1,09) and previous infection by SARS-CoV-2 (aOR: 3,7; 95CI: 2,39; 5,63) showed a statistically significant association with the presence of neutralizing antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The time since the administration of the last dose of the vaccine and the previous infection by SARS-CoV-2 determined the presence of neutralizing antibodies in 38,5% of the healthcare workers and support workers.

IMPACT OF MESALAZINE ON THE RESPONSE TO COVID-19 VACCINATION IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE. RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE MULTICENTRE STUDY OF GETECCU (VACOVEII STUDY). / IMPACTO DE LA MESALAZINA EN LA RESPUESTA A LA VACUNACIÓN CONTRA EL COVID-19 EN PACIENTES CON ENFERMEDAD INFLAMATORIA INTESTINAL. RESULTADOS DE UN ESTUDIO PROSPECTIVO MULTICÉNTRICO DE GETECCU (VACOVEII).

OBJECTIVE: the recommendations of the Spanish Ministry of Health on vaccination in risk groups include mesalazine among the treatments with a possible negative effect on its effectiveness. However, this is not the recommendation of most experts. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of mesalazine on the humoral response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: VACOVEII is a Spanish, prospective, multicenter study promoted by GETECCU, which evaluates the effectiveness of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with IBD. This study includes IBD patients who have recieved the full vaccination schedule and without previous COVID-19 infection. Seroconversion was set at 260 BAU/mL (centralized determination) and was assessed 6 months after full vaccination. In this subanalysis of the study, we compare the effectivenes of the vaccine between patients treated with mesalazine and patients without treatment. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients without immunosuppressive therapy were included, of which 32 did not receive any treatment and 92 received only mesalazine. Six months after full vaccination, no significant differences are observed in the mean concentrations of IgG anti-S between both groups. In the multivariate analysis, antibody titers were independently associated with the use of mRNA vaccines and with SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Mesalazine does not have a negative effect on the response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in IBD patients.

BCGitis with aortoiliac aneurysm involvement: Report of two cases and review of the literature.

BCGitis is a rare complication after intravesical administration of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for high-grade superficial bladder cancer and carcinoma in situ. May cause vascular involvement. We present 2 cases and a review of the literature of the case reports pubished on the 10 years prior to April of 2022, when this proyect was finished, which described a case of aortoiliac mycotic aneurysm after receiving this treatment. Of the 51 cases included (49 revised and 2 original), 100% were men, 82% were older than 65 years. The median latency period was 15 months (IQR 18). The most frequent location was the abdominal aorta, rupture occurred in 45,1% of patients. The most frequent symptom was abdominal or lumbar pain (61%), followed by general syndrome (49%). In 39,2% cases, it was associated with retroperitoneal abscesess. Attributable mortality was 13,6%. BCGitis should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients who have received BCG therapy and present vascular involvement, even years after being treated.

Tratamiento y prevención de la viruela del mono / Treatment and prevention of monkeypox

La viruela del mono es una zoonosis que se contagia principalmente a través del contacto directo con los fluidos y las lesiones cutáneas de personas contagiadas con vesículas aun activas. Aunque el virus fue aislado por primera vez en 1958, y el primer caso humano se identificó en un niño en 1970, en la República Democrática del Congo, la enfermedad ha aumentado progresivamente su incidencia en África, alcanzando en mayo de 2022 transmisión sostenida fuera de este continente. Al ser un virus de nueva introducción en nuestro entorno sanitario, es necesario aprender el patrón epidemiológico en un medio diferente al de las zonas tradicionalmente endémicas y conocer los tratamientos antivirales a nuestro alcance, así como las medidas profilácticas que podrían plantearse, sabiendo que como virus emergente en nuestras regiones las evidencias científicas aun son limitadas. Existen antivirales que han demostrado en modelos animales combatir eficazmente la enfermedad con muy buena tolerancia clínica. Esta enfermedad también ha obligado a revisar las características de las vacunas frente a la viruela, ya que han demostrado un efecto protector frente a la viruela del mono. Por ello, es importante disponer de un documento que recopile toda la información científica publicada a este respecto.(AU)

Monkeypox is a zoonosis that is spread mainly through direct contact with fluids and skin lesions of infected people with vesicles still active. Although the virus was isolated for the first time in 1958 and the first human case was identified in a child in 1970, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the disease has progressively increased its incidence in Africa reaching in May 2022 sustained transmission outside this continent. As it is a newly introduced virus in our health system, it is necessary to learn the epidemiological pattern in a different environment from that of traditionally endemic areas and to know the available antiviral treatments, as well as the prophylactic measures that could be considered, knowing that as a virus emerging in our regions, scientific evidence is still limited. There are antivirals that have been shown, in animal models, to effectively combat the disease with very good clinical tolerance. This disease has also forced us to review the characteristics of smallpox vaccines, because they have shown a protective effect against monkeypox. For this reason, it is important to have a document that compiles all the scientific information published in this regard.(AU)

Aceptación y desigualdades socioeconómicas en la vacunación frente a meningococo B en la Comunidad de Madrid en el periodo anterior a su inclusión en el calendario / Acceptance and socioeconomic inequalities in meningococcal B vaccination in the community of Madrid prior to its inclusion in the immunization schedule

Introducción: La principal medida de prevención frente a la enfermedad meningocócica invasiva es la vacunación. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la aceptabilidad y las desigualdades socioeconómicas en el acceso a la vacuna frente a meningococo B (MenB) en la Comunidad de Madrid en el periodo previo a la introducción de la misma en el calendario. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo en la cohorte de niños/as nacidos entre 2016 y 2019, de tipo ecológico, empleando registros poblacionales electrónicos. Se describieron las coberturas de vacunación, se analizaron los factores asociados al estado vacunal, se describieron las distribuciones espaciales de cobertura de vacunación y de índice de privación (IP) y se analizó la asociación entre ambas mediante regresión espacial. Resultados: Se observó una tendencia creciente de las coberturas de primovacunación, pasando de un 44% en la cohorte de nacidos en el año 2016 a un 68% en la cohorte de 2019. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el estado vacunal y el IP (OR de primovacunación en zonas con IP5 respecto a zonas con IP1: 0,38; IC 95%: 0,39-0,50; p<0,001). El análisis espacial mostró correlación inversa entre el IP y la cobertura de vacunación. Conclusiones: El ascenso de las coberturas de esta vacuna muestra aceptación por parte de la población. La relación entre nivel socioeconómico y cobertura de vacunación confirma la existencia de una desigualdad en salud, y subraya la importancia de su inclusión en el calendario.(AU)

Introduction: The main preventive measure against invasive meningococcal disease is vaccination. The aim of our study was to evaluate the acceptability of the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine and socioeconomic inequalities in the access to the vaccine in the Community of Madrid in the period prior to its introduction in the immunization schedule. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational and ecological descriptive study in the cohort of children born between 2016 and 2019 using population-based electronic records. We calculated the vaccination coverage and analysed factors associated with vaccination status, determined the spatial distribution of vaccination coverage and the deprivation index (DI) and assessed the association between them by means of spatial regression. Results: We observed an increasing trend in primary vaccination coverage, from 44% in the cohort born in 2016 to 68% in the 2019 cohort. We found a statistically significant association between vaccination status and the DI (OR of primary vaccination in areas with DI5 compared to areas with DP1, 0.38; 95% confidence interval: 0.39-0.50; P<.001). The spatial analysis showed an inverse correlation between the DI and vaccination coverage. Conclusions: The rise in the coverages of the MenB vaccine shows acceptance by the population. The association between socioeconomic level and vaccination coverage confirms the existence of health inequality and underlines the importance including this vaccine in the immunization schedule.(AU)

Historia de la rabia en Chile: tres tesis médicas

En la antigüedad ya se describía la rabia como una enfermedad zoonótica fatal cuyo pronóstico inexorable superaba todas las alter-nativas terapéuticas de los más célebres médicos. La realidad chilena sobre esta enfermedad a fines del siglo XIX fue descrita certeramente por el médico mártir Pedro Videla Órdenes en su tesis "La rabia" de 1879, destacando la descripción clínica de la rabia, su pronóstico fatal y la ausencia de tratamientos eficaces. Tan sólo seis años después, en 1885, el aclamado químico y microbiólogo Louis Pasteur desarrolló la vacuna antirrábica, logrando por primera vez en la historia de la humanidad prevenir esta terrible enfermedad. En Chile, se inició rápidamente la implementación de la vacuna Pasteur, vacunando al primer chileno el 7 de julio de 1896. Los doctores Milcíades Espinosa y Arturo Atria, en sus tesis "Generalidades sobre la rabia" (1898) y "Sobre la rabia y su profilaxia en Chile" (1905), respectivamente, abordaron esta primera etapa del desarrollo de la vacuna antirrábica en el país.

In antiquity, rabies was already described as a fatal zoonotic disease whose inexorable prognosis exceeded all the therapeutic alternatives of the most famous doctors. The Chilean reality about this disease at the end of the 19th century was accurately described by the martyred doctor Pedro Videla Ordenes in his thesis "La rabia" of 1879, highlighting in it his description about the unknown etiological agent, the fatal prognosis of the disease and the absence of effective treatments. Just six years later, in 1885, the acclaimed chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur developed the rabies vaccine, managing to prevent this terrible disease for the first time in human history. In Chile, the implementation of the Pasteur vaccine began rapidly, vaccinating the first Chilean on July 7, 1896. Doctors Milcíades Espinosa and Arturo Atria, in their theses "Generalidades sobre la rabia" (1898) and "Sobre la rabia y su profilaxia en Chile" (1905), respectively, addressed this first stage of the development of the rabies vaccine in the country.

Hepatitis B and Celiac Disease: A Cause for Concern?

Some theories suggest that the development of the immune response to clear hepatitis B triggers the intestinal tissue damage seen in celiac disease in genetically predisposed individuals. Although the role of hepatitis B virus infection in the development of autoimmune diseases has been widely discussed in the literature, it remains a controversial topic. Our objective is to review whether there is an association between hepatitis B and celiac disease and the particularities of vaccination against hepatitis B in celiac patients.

Algunas teorías sugieren que el desarrollo de la respuesta inmunitaria para la eliminación de la hepatitis B desencadena el daño del tejido intestinal observado en la enfermedad celíaca en individuos genéticamente predispuestos. Aunque el papel de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B en el desarrollo de enfermedades autoinmunes se ha discutido ampliamente en la literatura, sigue siendo un tema controvertido. Nuestro objetivo es revisar si existe una asociación entre la hepatitis B y la enfermedad celíaca y las particularidades de la vacunación contra la hepatitis B en pacientes celíacos.

Vacunas contra el virus chikungunya: avances y perspectivas

El virus chikungunya (CHIKV) es un alfavirus cuya infección provoca una enfermedad caracterizada principalmente por fiebre y dolores articulares/musculares. Entre 25-50% de las infecciones se presentan con enfermedad crónica que puede durar de meses a años. El primer brote de CHIKV en Paraguay corresponde al año 2015, siendo el último en el año 2022/2023. Diversos candidatos vacunales contra CHIKV se encuentran en diferentes etapas de desarrollo, e incluso recientemente (noviembre/2023) fue aprobada la primera vacuna contra CHIKV llamada VLA1553 (Ixchiq). Adicionalmente, al menos 30 candidatos vacunales se encuentran en ensayos preclínicos/clínicos. Con la aprobación de la primera vacuna contra CHIKV y la posibilidad de otras que lleguen al mercado prontamente, debido al estado avanzado de otros candidatos vacunales, se abrirá un nuevo escenario en esta enfermedad. Se espera que la introducción de vacunas efectivas genere un avance importante para la prevención de esta enfermedad, disminuyendo los casos agudos y los efectos crónicos de la infección por el virus. En este trabajo de revisión se analiza el avance de las vacunas contra CHIKV, además de examinar los desafíos de vigilancia epidemiológica que plantean la introducción de estas vacunas.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus that causes an illness characterized mainly by fever and joint/muscle pain. Between 25-50% of infections present with chronic diseases that can last from months to years. The first outbreak of CHIKV in Paraguay occurred in 2015, with the last outbreak occurring in 2022/2023. Several vaccine candidates against CHIKV are in different stages of development, and even recently (November/2023), the first vaccine against CHIKV, called VLA1553 (Ixchiq), was approved. In addition, at least 30 vaccine candidates are available for preclinical and clinical trials. With the approval of the first vaccine against CHIKV and the possibility of others coming to the market soon, due to the advanced status of other vaccine candidates, a new scenario will open for this disease. The introduction of effective vaccines is expected to generate an important advance in the prevention of this disease, reducing acute cases and the chronic effects of viral infection. This review analyzes the progress of CHIKV vaccines and examines the epidemiological surveillance challenges posed by the introduction of these vaccines.

Acceptance and socioeconomic inequalities in meningococcal B vaccination in the community of Madrid prior to its inclusion in the immunization schedule.

INTRODUCTION: The main preventive measure against invasive meningococcal disease is vaccination. The aim of our study was to evaluate the acceptability of the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine and socioeconomic inequalities in the access to the vaccine in the Community of Madrid in the period prior to its introduction in the immunization schedule. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an observational and ecological descriptive study in the cohort of children born between 2016 and 2019 using population-based electronic records. We calculated the vaccination coverage and analysed factors associated with vaccination status, determined the spatial distribution of vaccination coverage and the deprivation index (DI) and assessed the association between them by means of spatial regression. RESULTS: We observed an increasing trend in primary vaccination coverage, from 44% in the cohort born in 2016 to 68% in the 2019 cohort. We found a statistically significant association between vaccination status and the DI (OR of primary vaccination in areas with DI5 compared to areas with DP1, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.50; P<.001). The spatial analysis showed an inverse correlation between the DI and vaccination coverage. CONCLUSIONS: The rise in the coverages of the MenB vaccine shows acceptance by the population. The association between socioeconomic level and vaccination coverage confirms the existence of health inequality and underlines the importance including this vaccine in the immunization schedule.

A booster dose of SARS-COV-2 vaccine improves suboptimal seroconversion rates in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Results of a prospective multicenter study of GETECCU (VACOVEII study).

BACKGROUND: The response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination decreases in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, specially under anti-TNF treatment. However, data on medium-term effectiveness are limited, specially using new recommended seroconversion rate (>260BAU/mL). Our aim was to evaluate the 6-month>260 BAU-seroconversion rate after full vaccination and after booster-dose. METHODS: VACOVEII is a Spanish multicenter, prospective study promoted by GETECCU. IBD patients full vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and without previous COVID-19 infection, treated or not with immunosuppressants, were included. The booster dose was administered 6 months after the full vaccination. Seroconversion was set at 260BAU/mL, according to most recent recommendations and was assessed 6 months after the full vaccination and 6 months after booster-dose. RESULTS: Between October 2021 and March 2022, 313 patients were included (124 no treatment or mesalazine; 55 immunomodulators; 87 anti-TNF; 19 anti-integrin; and 28 ustekinumab). Most patients received mRNA-vaccines (86%). Six months after full vaccination, overall seroconversion rate was 44.1%, being significantly lower among patients on anti-TNF (19.5%, p<0.001) and ustekinumab (35.7%, p=0.031). The seroconversion rate after booster was 92%. Again, anti-TNF patients had a significantly lower seroconversion rate (67%, p<0.001). mRNA-vaccine improved seroconversion rate (OR 11.720 [95% CI 2.26-60.512]). CONCLUSION: The full vaccination regimen achieves suboptimal response in IBD patients, specially among those anti-TNF or ustekinumab. The booster dose improves seroconversion rate in all patients, although it remains limited in those treated with anti-TNF. These results reinforce the need to prioritize future booster doses in patients on immunosuppressants therapy, specially under anti-TNF, and using mRNA-vaccines.

Salud pública en Ecuador:vacunación obligatoria contra la COVID-19 y certificado de vacunación / Salut pública a l'Equador: vacunació obligatòria contra la COVID-19 i certificat de vacunació / Public health in Ecuador: Mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 and vaccine certificate

La vacuna obligatoria de la COVID-19 y la exigencia del certificado en Ecuador constituyen políticas que dependen de la gobernabilidad y gobernanza del poder central, que arrastra crisis políticas, socioeconómicas, jurídicas, ambientales, de salud y salubridad, de gestiones anteriores y propias. Políticas enmarcadas en un modelo paternalista de salud, que es justificado en el caso de la vacuna obligatoria, por el riesgo y daño del SARS-Cov2, que forzó la autonomía al orden social, y que han generado debate. Existe un 7.8% de la población disidente a la vacuna por razones epistémicas de falta de conocimiento de su funcionamiento, y ético-políticas basadas en la libertad individual, pensamiento, y el alcance de poder del Estado. Las estadísticas demuestran que la mayoría de las personas vacilantes a la inmunización son sujetos colectivos históricamente discriminados como los indígenas Afroecuatorianos y Montubios, que muchos pertenecen a la clase social baja, y habitan en la periferia, que previamente a la pandemia, carecía de infraestructura en salud. Demostrando como las determinantes de la salud influyen, y se conjugan en un complejo biosocial diverso, creando vulnerabilidades y privilegios. La pandemia expone las desigualdades y los problemas del modelo del Sistema Nacional de Salud. Por lo tanto, a través del método dialéctico, el artículo analiza las posiciones opuestas a la inmunización imperativa, y propone una tercera basada en un modelo sindémico de salud, que considera al complejo biosocial, cuyo mínimo normativo son los derechoshumanos, libertad, dignidad y principios bioéticos, principalmente de vulnerabilidad, interdependencia, diversidad cultural, pluralismo y justicia social.(AU)

La vacuna obligatòria de la COVID-19 i l'exigència del certificat a l'Equador constitueixen polítiques que depenen de la governabilitat i governança del poder central, que arrossega crisis polítiques, socioeconòmiques, jurídiques, ambientals, de salut i salubritat, de gestions anteriors i pròpies. Polítiques emmarcades en un model paternalista de salut, que és justificat en el cas de la vacuna obligatòria, pel risc i mal del SARS-Cov2, que va forçar l'autonomia a l'ordre social, i que han generat debat. Existeix un 7.8% de la població dissident a la vacuna per raons epistèmiques de falta de coneixement del seu funcionament, i ètic-polítiques basades en la llibertat individual, pensament, i l'abast de poder de l'Estat. Les estadístiques demostren que la majoria de les persones vacil·lants a la immunització són subjectes col·lectius històricament discriminats com els indígenes Afroequatorians i Montubios, que molts pertanyen a la classe social baixa, i habiten en la perifèria, que prèviament a la pandèmia, mancava d'infraestructura en salut. Demostrant com les determinants de la salut influeixen, i es conjuguen en un complex biosocial divers, creant vulnerabilitats i privilegis. La pandèmia exposa les desigualtats i els problemes del model del Sistema Nacional de Salut. Per tant, a través del mètode dialèctic, l'article analitza les posicions oposades a la immunització imperativa, i proposa una tercera basada en un model sindèmic de salut, que considera al complex biosocial, que el seu mínim normatiu són els drets humans, llibertat, dignitat i principis bioètics, principalment de vulnerabilitat, interdependència, diversitat cultural, pluralisme i justícia social.(AU)

The compulsory COVID-19 vaccine and the requirement of the certificate in Ecuador constitute policies that depend on the governability and governance of the central power, which drags political, socioeconomic, legal, environmental, health, and sanitation crises from previous administrations and its own. Policies framed in a paternalistic health model, which is justified in the case of themandatory vaccine, by the risk and damage of SARS-Cov2, which forced autonomy into the social order, and which have generated debate. There is a 7.8% of the population dissenting to the vaccine for epistemic reasons of lack of knowledge of its functioning, and ethical-political reasons such as individual freedom, religion, thought, and the scope of State`s power. Statistics show that most of the people hesitant to immunization are historically discriminated collective subjects such as Afro-Ecuadorians, andMontubio indigenous people. Most of them belong to the lower social class, and live in the periphery, which prior to the pandemic, lacked health infrastructure. Demonstrating how the determinants of health influence and combine in a diverse biosocial complex, creating vulnerabilities and privileges. The pandemic exposes the inequalities and problems of the paternalistic model of the National Health System. Therefore, through the dialectic method, the article analyzes the positions opposed to imperative immunization, and proposes a third one based on a syndemic model of health, which considers the biosocial complex, whose normative minimum are human rights, freedom, dignity, and bioethical principles, mainly vulnerability, interdependence, cultural diversity, pluralism, and social justice.(AU)