[Influenza and cardiorespiratory events: a clinical-epidemiological review with a multidisciplinary point of view]. / Gripe y eventos cardiorrespiratorios: una revisión clínico-epidemiológica multidisciplinar.

There is accumulating evidence showing that influenza infection and cardiorespiratory diseases are closely associated. Influenza has been described as a triggering factor capable of both exacerbate underlying chronic diseases as well as inducing the appearance of new respiratory and cardiovascular events. Consequently, influenza infection and its associated comorbidity have a significant impact on the health system. In this document, we extensively reviewed the current literature to describe the most relevant data on the relationship between influenza infection and cardiorespiratory diseases. Likewise, we analyzed the possible pathophysiological mechanisms explaining the connection between influenza infection and cardiac and respiratory events. Finally, reviewed data has been put into perspective to highlight the importance of influenza vaccination as an effective measure in the prevention of cardiorespiratory diseases, especially in the population with underlying chronic diseases.

Effectiveness of acellular pertussis vaccination during childhood (<7 years of age) for preventing pertussis in household contacts 1-9 years old in Catalonia and Navarra (Spain).

Pertussis vaccination with 4-5 doses of acellular vaccines is recommended in Spain to all children at 2 months to 6 years of age. The effectiveness of the acellular pertussis vaccination was assessed in this study by comparing the incidence of secondary pertussis in vaccinated (4-5 doses) and unvaccinated or partially vaccinated (0-3 doses) household contacts 1-9 years old of confirmed cases of pertussis in Spain in 2012-13. Eighty-five percent of contacts had been vaccinated with 4-5 doses of acellular pertussis vaccines. During the 2-year study period, 64 cases of secondary pertussis were detected among 405 household contacts 1-9 years old: 47 among vaccinated and 17 among unvaccinated or partially vaccinated contacts. The effectiveness for preventing secondary pertussis, calculated as 1 minus the relative risk (RR) of secondary pertussis in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated/partially vaccinated contacts, was 50 % [95 % confidence interval (CI): 19-69 %, p < 0.01] when household contacts were vaccinated using DTaP, Tdap, hexavalent or heptavalent vaccines, and it was 51.3 % (95 % CI: 21-70 %, p < 0.01) when they were vaccinated using DTaP or TdaP vaccines. The effectiveness adjusted for age, sex, pertussis chemotherapy and type of household contact was 58.6 % (95 % CI: 17-79 %, p < 0.05) when contacts were vaccinated using available acellular vaccines, and it was 59.6 % (95 % CI: 18-80 %, p < 0.01) when they were vaccinated using DTaP vaccines. Acellular pertussis vaccination during childhood was effective for preventing secondary pertussis in household contacts 1-9 years old of pertussis cases in Catalonia and Navarra, Spain.

Estimating influenza vaccine effectiveness in Spain using sentinel surveillance data.

We aimed to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) against laboratory-confirmed influenza during three influenza seasons (2010/11 to 2012/2013) in Spain using surveillance data and to compare the results with data obtained by the cycEVA study, the Spanish component of the Influenza Monitoring Vaccine Effectiveness (I-MOVE) network. We used the test-negative case­control design, with data from the Spanish Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System (SISS) or from the cycEVA study. Cases were laboratory-confirmed influenza patients with the predominant influenza virus of each season, and controls were those testing negative for any influenza virus. We calculated the overall and age-specific adjusted VE. Although the number of patients recorded in the SISS was three times higher than that in the cycEVA study, the quality of information for important variables, i.e. vaccination status and laboratory results, was high in both studies. Overall, the SISS and cycEVA influenza VE estimates were largely similar during the study period. For elderly patients (> 59 years), the SISS estimates were slightly lower than those of cycEVA, and estimates for children (0­14 years) were higher using SISS in two of the three seasons studied. Enhancing the SISS by collecting the date of influenza vaccination and reducing the percentage of patients with incomplete information would optimise the system to provide reliable annual influenza VE estimates to guide influenza vaccination policies.

Cryptosporidium hominis genotypes involved in increased incidence and clusters of cases, Navarra, Spain, 2012.

SUMMARY Two clusters of confirmed cryptosporidiosis infections were detected in Navarra, Spain, in the summer of 2012, in the context of an increased incidence in the region. Molecular subtyping of Cryptosporidium hominis determined that one cluster, occurring in an urban area, was due to the predominant circulating subtype IbA10G2R2 and the other cluster, with cases occurring in a rural area, was due to a rare subtype IaA18R3. No single exposure was associated with infection, although exposure to certain children's pools was reported by a majority of patients interviewed in each cluster. Genotyping tools were useful in the investigation and could aid investigation of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in Spain in the future.

Influenza vaccine effectiveness in Spain 2013/14: subtype-specific early estimates using the cycEVA study.

Adjusted early estimates of the 2013/14 influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in Spain for all age groups was 35% (95% CI: -9 to 62), 33% (95% CI: -33 to 67) and 28% (95% CI: -33 to 61) against any influenza virus type, A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses, respectively. For the population targeted for vaccination, the adjusted VE was 44% (95% CI: -11 to 72), 36% (95% CI: -64 to 75) and 42% (95% CI: -29 to 74), respectively. These preliminary results in Spain suggest a suboptimal protective effect of the vaccine against circulating influenza viruses.

Early estimates of influenza vaccine effectiveness in Navarre, Spain: 2012/13 mid-season analysis.

We present estimates of influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in Navarre, Spain, in the early 2012/13 season, which was dominated by influenza B. In a population-based cohort using electronic records from physicians, the adjusted VE in preventing influenzalike illness was 32% (95% confidence interval (CI): 15 to 46). In a nested test-negative case-control analysis the adjusted VE in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza was 86% (95% CI: 45 to 96). These results suggest a high protective effect of the vaccine.

Decline in influenza vaccine effectiveness with time after vaccination, Navarre, Spain, season 2011/12.

This study evaluates the influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in preventing laboratory-confirmed cases in Navarre, Spain, in the 2011/12 season in which the peak was delayed until week 7 of 2012. We conducted a test-negative case­control study. Patients with influenza-like illness in hospitals and primary healthcare were swabbed for testing by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Influenza vaccination status and other covariates were obtained from healthcare databases. The vaccination status of confirmed cases and negative controls was compared after adjusting for potential confounders. VE was calculated as (1-odds ratio)x100. The 411 confirmed cases (93% influenza A(H3)) were compared with 346 controls. Most characterised viruses did not match the vaccine strains. The adjusted estimate of VE was 31% (95% confidence interval (CI): -21 to 60) for all patients, 44% (95% CI: -11 to 72) for those younger than 65 years and 19% (95% CI: -146 to 73) for those 65 or older. The VE was 61% (95% CI: 5 to 84) in the first 100 days after vaccination, 42% (95% CI: -39 to 75) between 100 and 119 days, and zero thereafter. This decline mainly affected people aged 65 or over. These results suggest a low preventive effect of the 2011/12 seasonal influenza vaccine, and a decline in VE with time since vaccination.

Early estimates of the effectiveness of the 2011/12 influenza vaccine in the population targeted for vaccination in Spain, 25 December 2011 to 19 February 2012.

We present early estimates of influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in the population targeted for vaccination, during 25 December 2011 to 19 February 2012. The adjusted VE was 55% (95% CI: 3 to 79) against any type of influenza virus and 54% (95% CI: 1 to 79) against influenza A(H3N2) virus. This suggests a moderate protective effect of the vaccine in the targeted population in a late influenza epidemic with limited match between vaccine and circulating strains.

Impacto de la vacunación universal frente a la varicela en Navarra, 2006-2010 / Impact of universal varicella vaccination in Navarre, 2006-2010

Fundamento. En 2007 se introdujo la vacunación universalfrente a la varicela en el calendario vacunal deNavarra. Este estudio tiene por objeto evaluar el impactode dicha medida en la incidencia de varicela tanto enlas cohortes vacunadas (efecto directo), como en las novacunadas (efecto indirecto).Material y métodos. La varicela es una enfermedad dedeclaración obligatoria individualizada. Analizamos laincidencia anual por grupos de edad entre 2006 y 2010.Del conjunto mínimo básico de datos al alta hospitalariase tomaron los ingresos con diagnóstico principal de varicelao de varicela complicada de los años 2006 a 2009.Resultados. La incidencia de varicela ha disminuido un93,0%, desde 8,04 casos por 1.000 habitantes en 2006 a0,56 por 1000 habitantes en 2010 (p<0,0001). En niñosde 1 a 6 años (cohortes vacunadas), la incidencia de lavaricela ha disminuido un 96,3%. En las cohortes vacunadasa los 10 y 14 años, también se observa un descensodel 93,6% en niños de 10 a 14 años, y de un 85,0% enlos de 15 a 19 años. En los grupos de edad no vacunadosobservamos descensos del 88,2% en los niños menoresde un año, del 73,3% en los de 7 a 9 años, y del 84,6% enpersonas mayores de 20 años.En 2006 se produjeron 25 ingresos hospitalarios por varicelaen Navarra y en 2009 esta cifra descendió a 7. Latasa de ingresos descendió un 73%.Conclusión. La introducción de la vacunación universalde la varicela en Navarra ha llevado a una disminuciónrápida y muy pronunciada de la incidencia de la varicela,tanto en vacunados como en no vacunados(AU)

Background. In 2007 universal varicella vaccinationwas introduced in the childhood immunization scheduleof of Navarre. The aim of this study is to evaluate theimpact of this measure on the incidence of varicella inboth vaccinated cohorts (direct effect) and in the unvaccinated(indirect effect).Material and methods. Varicella is a notifiable disease.We analyzed the annual incidence by age groups between2006 and 2010. Hospital admissions with varicellaor complicated varicella as the principal diagnosis wereobtained from the minimum basic data set on hospitaldischarges for the years 2006 to 2009.Results. The incidence of varicella has decreased by93.0%, from 8.04 cases per 1,000 inhabitants in 2006 to0.56 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2010 (p<0,0001). In childrenfrom 1 to 6 years (vaccinated cohorts), the incidenceof varicella has fallen by 96.3%. In the cohortsvaccinated at 10 and 14 years, a decrease of 93.6% canalso be observed in children from 10 to 14 years, and of85.0% in those of 15 to 19 years. In the unvaccinated agegroups we can observe falls of 88.2% in children underone year, of 73.3% in those of 7 to 9 years, and of 84.6%in people over 20 years.In 2006 there were 25 hospital admissions due to varicellain Navarre and in 2009 this figure decreased to 7. Therate of admissions fell by 73%.Conclusion. The introduction of universal varicellavaccination in Navarre has resulted in a rapid and verysteep reduction of the incidence of varicella in bothvaccinated and unvaccinated people(AU)

Effectiveness of trivalent seasonal and monovalent influenza A(H1N1)2009 vaccines in population with major chronic conditions of Navarre, Spain: 2010/11 mid-season analysis.

We defined a cohort of people with major chronic conditions (152,585 subjects) in Navarre, Spain, using electronic records from physicians, to obtain 2010/11 mid-season estimates of influenza vaccine effectiveness. The adjusted estimates of the effectiveness of the 2010/11 trivalent influenza vaccine were 31% (95% confidence interval (CI): 20­40%) in preventing medically attended influenza-like illness, and 58% (95% CI: 11­80%) in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza. Having received the monovalent influenza A(H1N1)2009 vaccine in the 2009/10 season had an independent preventive effect against medically attended influenza-like illness (17%, 95% CI: 1­30%), and having received both vaccines had 68% (95% CI: 23­87%) effectiveness in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza.

Caracterización de la pandemia de gripe A H1N1 2009 en Navarra / The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in Navarre, Spain

Fundamento. Describir la actividad gripal durante la pandemia de 2009-2010 en Navarra y compararla con la de temporadas anteriores. Métodos. Se han analizado los casos de gripe notificados en atención primaria y todas las confirmaciones virológicas realizadas en pacientes de atención primaria y en hospitales de Navarra entre las semanas 21 de 2009 y 20 de 2010. Resultados. El virus de la gripe A (H1N1) 2009 se detectó en Navarra entre las semana 23 de 2009 a la 2 de 2010, periodo en el que se registraron 39 casos con diagnóstico médico de síndrome gripal por 1.000 habitantes. El umbral epidémico se superó en dos periodos, con un pico en julio y otro mayor en noviembre. La mayor incidencia se alcanzó en niños de 5 a 14 años (121 por mil), seguidos por el grupo de menores de 5 años. Se produjeron 224 hospitalizaciones (36 por 100.000 habitantes) con confirmación de gripe A H1N1 2009, 8% de ellos requirieron ingreso en unidades de cuidados intensivos y hubo cuatro defunciones (0,6 por 100.000 habitantes). La tasa de hospitalizaciones fue mayor en niños menores de 5 años (163 por 100.000 habitantes), mientras que la probabilidad de derivación a cuidados intensivos aumentó con la edad. Conclusión. A pesar de no haber dispuesto de una vacuna específica hasta que la temporada estaba muy avanzada, el virus de gripe A (H1N1) 2009 produjo una onda gripal en rangos similares a los de otras temporadas y su repercusión en hospitalizaciones y casos graves fue moderada (AU)

Background. To describe influenza activity during the2009-2010 pandemic in Navarre and compare it to previous seasons. Methods. An analysis was made of all influenza-like illness cases reported in primary care and all the virological confirmations made in patients in primary care and in hospitals of Navarre between week 21 of 2009 and week 20 of 2010. Results. Influenza 2009 H1N1 virus was detected in Navarre between week 23 of 2009 and week 2 of 2010, a period when 39 medically diagnosed cases of influenza-like illness per 1,000 inhabitants were registered. The epidemicthres hold was surpassed in two periods, with a peak in July and a greater one in November. The greatest incidence was reached in children aged between 5 and 14 years (121 per thousand), followed by the group of under fives.There were 224 hospitalisations (36 per 100,000 inhabitants)with confirmation of influenza 2009 H1N1 virus, 8% of whom required admission to intensive care units and there were four deaths (0.6 per 100,000 inhabitants). The rate of hospitalisation was greater amongst children under five (163 per 100,000 inhabitants), while the probability of referral to intensive care increased with age. Conclusion. In spite of not having a specific vaccine available until the season was very well advanced, influenza 2009 H1N1 virus produced a wave of cases with similar incidence to those of other seasons and its repercussion in hospitalizations and serious cases was moderate (AU)

[The 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic in Navarre, Spain]. / Caracterización de la pandemia de gripe a H1N1 2009 en Navarra.

BACKGROUND: To describe flu activity during the 2009-2010 pandemic in Navarre and compare it to previous seasons. METHODS: An analysis was made of all flu cases reported in primary care and all the virological confirmations made in patients in primary care and in hospitals of Navarre between week 21 of 2009 and week 20 of 2010. RESULTS: Influenza A (H1N1) Virus 2009 was detected in Navarre between week 23 of 2009 and week 2 of 2010, a period when 39 medically diagnosed cases of flu syndrome per 1,000 inhabitants were registered. The epidemic threshold was surpassed in two periods, with a peak in July and a greater one in November. The greatest incidence was reached in children aged between 5 and 14 years (121 per thousand), followed by the group of under fives. There were 224 hospitalisations (36 per 100,000 inhabitants) with confirmation of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus 2009, 8% of whom required admission to intensive care units and there were four deaths (0.6 per 100,000 inhabitants). The rate of hospitalisation was greater amongst children under five (163 per 100,000 inhabitants), while the probability of referral to intensive care increased with age. CONCLUSION: In spite of not having a specific vaccine available until the season was very well advanced, Influenza A (H1N1)Virus 2009 produced a flu wave with similar levels to those of other seasons and its repercussion in hospitalisations and serious cases was moderate.

Effectiveness of teicoplanin versus vancomycin lock therapy in the treatment of port-related coagulase-negative staphylococci bacteraemia: a prospective case-series analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of teicoplanin versus vancomycin lock therapy in the treatment of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) venous access port-related bloodstream infection (BSI). The study included 44 consecutive patients during a 36-month prospective case-series study. The primary endpoint was failure to cure. Treatment was successful in 39 patients. At the end of the study, the cumulative port survival rate was 100% in the teicoplanin lock group compared with 77% in the vancomycin lock group (P=0.06). In the Cox regression analysis, fever beyond 48 h of treatment was a significant predictor of treatment failure (P=0.02). Use of vancomycin or teicoplanin locks had an effectiveness of 88.6% in the treatment of CoNS port-related BSI. Teicoplanin locks reduced the failure rate from 18.5% to 0% compared with vancomycin locks. The presence of fever after beginning antimicrobial lock therapy was associated with treatment failure.

Population-based contact investigation of a cluster of tuberculosis cases in a small village.

A cluster of five cases of tuberculosis (TB) in persons aged 19-23 years who were not close contacts was detected in a small village in Spain in 2006. All culture isolates had the same chromosomal-DNA restriction pattern. Contact investigations of family members, friends, workmates and schoolmates were complemented with tuberculin screening offered to the resident population born between 1976 and 1995. Expanded contact tracing detected two new cases of TB, 27 tuberculin conversions and an excess of latent tuberculosis infections (LTI) in persons born between 1978 and 1990. The contacts of two cases had a significantly elevated prevalence of LTI. Two secondary cases of TB, 33.3% of those diagnosed with LTI and 47.8% of the converters were unaware of any contact with the TB cases, but had frequented some of the same bars. This study suggests that a considerable percentage of the episodes of TB transmission in young people may escape detection in conventional contact studies.

[Heptavalent-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar). Differences in effectiveness between populations]. / La vacuna neumocócica conjugada heptavalente (Prevenar). Diferencias en su efectividad en distintas poblaciones.

This article reviews the publications on the effectiveness of heptavalent-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children under five years of age. It also analyses the characteristics of the vaccine and its impact on the epidemiology of IPD in different places. Before the introduction of PCV7, the percentage of cases of IPD due to vaccine serogroups oscillated between 89% in the United States and 43% in Asia. In Spain it was 68%. Active laboratory-based surveillance shows that the introduction of PCV7 has had a highly variable impact on the incidence of IPD, with falls oscillating between 91% in the United States and 12% in Navarre, Spain. The global effectiveness of VNC7v in published studies varies between 31% and 89%, chiefly depending on the patterns of pneumococcal serotypes in each place. Numerous studies show a variable replacement capacity of the pneumococci, which means the effect of the vaccine can be reduced, as non-vaccine serotypes occupy the space left by the vaccine ones. A study in Navarre has found a risk of IPD due to non-vaccine serotypes that is 6 times higher in vaccinated children than in unvaccinated ones. In places where less than 70% of the serotypes that cause IPD are represented in the VNC7v, the effectiveness of its introduction in the vaccination will probably be slight and the routine vaccination schedule serotypes fast. In these cases, VNC7v could be reserved for children with IPD risk factors.

La vacuna neumocócica conjugada heptavalente (Prevenar™). Diferencias en su efectividad en distintas poblaciones / Heptavalent-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar™). Differences in effectiveness between populations

En el presente trabajo se revisan las publicaciones sobre la efectividad de la vacuna neumocócica conjugada heptavalente (VNC7v) en la prevención de enfermedad neumocócica invasiva (ENI) en niños menores de 5 años. También se analizan las características de la vacuna y su impacto en la epidemiología de la ENI en distintos lugares. Antes de la introducción de la VNC7v el porcentaje de casos de ENI debidos a serogrupos vacunales oscilaba entre el 89% en Estados Unidos y el 43% en Asia. En España era del 68%. La vigilancia activa basada en laboratorios demuestra que la introducción de la VNC7v ha tenido un impacto muy variable en la incidencia de ENI, con descensos que oscilan entre el 91% en Estados Unidos y el 12% en Navarra, España. La efectividad global de la VNC7v en trabajos publicados va desde el 31% al 89%, dependiendo principalmente de los patrones de serotipos de neumococo predominantes en cada lugar. Numerosos estudios demuestran una capacidad variable de reemplazo del neumococo, que hace que el efecto de la vacuna pueda verse mermado, al ir ocupando los serotipos no vacunales el lugar dejado por los vacunales. Un estudio en Navarra ha encontrado un riesgo de ENI por serogrupos no vacunales 6 veces mayor en los niños vacunados que en los no vacunados. En lugares donde menos del 70% de los serotipos causantes de ENI están representados en la VNC7v, la efectividad de su introducción en el calendario vacunal será probablemente escasa y el reemplazo de serotipos rápido. En estos casos la VNC7v podría reservarse para niños con factores de riesgo para ENI (AU)

This article reviews the publications on the effectiveness of heptavalent-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children under five years of age. It also analyses the characteristics of the vaccine and its impact on the epidemiology of IPD in different places. Before the introduction of PCV7, the percentage of cases of IPD due to vaccine serogroups oscillated between 89% in the United States and 43% in Asia. In Spain it was 68%. Active laboratory-based surveillance shows that the introduction of PCV7 has had a highly variable impact on the incidence of IPD, with falls oscillating between 91% in the United States and 12% in Navarre, Spain. The global effectiveness of VNC7v in published studies varies between 31% and 89%, chiefly depending on the patterns of pneumococcal serotypes in each place. Numerous studies show a variable replacement capacity of the pneumococci, which means the effect of the vaccine can be reduced, as non-vaccine serotypes occupy the space left by the vaccine ones. A study in Navarre has found a risk of IPD due to non-vaccine serotypes that is 6 times higher in vaccinated children than in unvaccinated ones. In places where less than 70% of the serotypes that cause IPD are represented in the VNC7v, the effectiveness of its introduction in the vaccination will probably be slight and the routine vaccination schedule serotypes fast. In these cases, VNC7v could be reserved for children with IPD risk factors (AU)

[Varicella and herpes zoster incidence prior to the introduction of systematic child vaccination in Navarre, 2005-2006]. / Incidencia de la varicela y el herpes zóster antes de la introducción de la vacunación sistemática infantil en Navarra, 2005-2006.

Varicella is an acute and highly contagious disease produced by the varicella-zoster virus, which leaves lasting immunity. Herpes zoster is produced by reactivation of a latent infection of the same virus. The introduction of systematic and free vaccination against varicella in children of 15 months in Navarre from 2007 onwards can be expected to produce important epidemiological changes. For this reason we describe the previous epidemiological situation in the period from 2005 to 2006. We analysed all cases of varicella and herpes zoster registered in the electronic clinical files of primary care, in the database of hospital discharges and in the mortality register. Between 2005 and 2006, 9,908 cases of varicella were diagnosed (8.29 annually per 1,000 inhabitants), with 90% in children under 15 years old. There were 80 hospital admissions (8 for every 1,000 cases), complications in 2.5 out of every 1,000 cases, and there was one death due to this cause (0.1 per 1,000 cases). In the same period, 4,959 cases of herpes zoster were diagnosed (4.15 cases per 1,000 inhabitants), half in people over 55 years old. There were 179 hospital admissions (36 per 1,000 cases), whose average age was 77, and 83 presented complications (16.7 per 1,000 cases). This epidemiological pattern is similar to that found in other places before the introduction of the vaccine.

Incidencia de la varicela y el herpes zóster antes de la introducción de la vacunación sistemática infantil en Navarra, 2005-2006 / Varicella and herpes zoster incidence prior to the introduction of systematic child vaccination in Navarre, 2005-2006

La varicela es una enfermedad aguda muy contagiosa producida por el virus varicela-zoster, que deja inmunidad duradera. El herpes zóster se produce por reactivación de una infección latente por el mismo virus. La introducción de la vacunación sistemática y gratuita frente a la varicela en niños de 15 meses de Navarra desde 2007, previsiblemente producirá cambios epidemiológicos importantes. Por ello, describimos la situación epidemiológica previa, en el periodo 2005-2006.Se han analizado los casos de varicela y herpes zóster registrados en las historias clínicas informatizadas de atención primaria, en la base de datos de altas hospitalarias (CMBD) y en el registro de mortalidad. Entre 2005 y 2006 se diagnosticaron 9908 casos de varicela (8,29 anuales por 1000 habitantes), siendo el 90% en menores de 15 años. Hubo 80 ingresos (8 por cada 1000 casos), complicaciones en 2,5 de cada 1.000 casos y se produjo un fallecimiento por esta causa (0,1 por 1000 casos). En el mismo periodo se diagnosticaron 4.959 casos de herpes zóster (4,15 casos anuales por 1.000 habitantes), la mitad en mayores de 55 años. Hubo 179 ingresos (36 por 1.000 casos), cuya edad media fue de77 años, y 83 presentaron complicaciones (16,7 por 1.000 casos). Este patrón epidemiológico es similar al encontrado en otros lugares antes de la introducción de la vacuna (AU)

Varicella is an acute and highly contagious disease produced by the varicella-zoster virus, which leaves lasting immunity. Herpes zoster is produced by reactivation of a latent infection of the same virus. The introduction of systematic and free vaccination against varicella in children of 15 months in Navarre from 2007 onwards can be expected to produce important epidemiological changes. For this reason we describe the previous epidemiological situation in the period from 2005 to 2006.We analysed all cases of varicella and herpes zoster registered in the electronic clinical files of primary care, in the database of hospital discharges and in the mortality register. Between 2005 and 2006, 9,908 cases of varicella were diagnosed (8.29 annually per 1,000 in habitants), with 90% in children under 15 years old. There were 80 hospital admissions (8 for every 1,000 cases), complications in 2.5 out of every 1,000 cases, and there was one death due to this cause (0.1 per 1,000 cases). In the same period, 4,959 cases of herpes zoster were diagnosed (4.15 cases per 1,000 in habitants), half in people over 55 years old. There were 179 hospital admissions (36 per 1,000 cases), whose average age was 77, and 83 presented complications (16.7 per 1,000 cases).This epidemiological pattern is similar to that found in other places before the introduction of the vaccine (AU)