A phase 3, single-arm, open-label study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, V114, in a 3+1 regimen in healthy infants in South Korea (PNEU-PED-KOR).

There is an ongoing burden of pneumococcal disease in children despite the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). This phase 3, open-label, single-arm, multisite, descriptive study was designed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a 3 + 1 regimen of V114 (VAXNEUVANCE™), a 15-valent PCV, in South Korean infants and toddlers. Adverse events (AEs) were reported for 14 d following any vaccination, and throughout the study period for serious AEs. Serotype-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) response rates (proportion of participants meeting an IgG threshold value of ≥0.35 µg/mL) and geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) for the 15 serotypes at 30 d postdose 3 (PD3) and at 30 d postdose 4 (PD4) were evaluated as endpoints. Healthy infants enrolled at 42-90 d after birth were vaccinated with V114 (N = 57). The most commonly reported AEs were those solicited in the trial. The majority of reported AEs were transient and of mild or moderate intensity. Few serious AEs were reported; none were vaccine related. No participants died nor discontinued the study vaccine because of an AE. V114 was immunogenic for all 15 serotypes contained in the vaccine, as assessed by IgG response rates at 30 d PD3 and IgG GMCs at 30 d PD3 and at 30 d PD4. V114 was well tolerated and immunogenic when administered as a 3 + 1 regimen in healthy South Korean infants and toddlers.

Despite the use of pneumococcal vaccines, the burden of pneumococcal disease in children persists. V114, a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, was immunogenic and well-tolerated in healthy South Korean infants and toddlers.

Live, Attenuated, Tetravalent Butantan-Dengue Vaccine in Children and Adults.

BACKGROUND: Butantan-Dengue Vaccine (Butantan-DV) is an investigational, single-dose, live, attenuated, tetravalent vaccine against dengue disease, but data on its overall efficacy are needed. METHODS: In an ongoing phase 3, double-blind trial in Brazil, we randomly assigned participants to receive Butantan-DV or placebo, with stratification according to age (2 to 6 years, 7 to 17 years, and 18 to 59 years); 5 years of follow-up is planned. The objectives of the trial were to evaluate overall vaccine efficacy against symptomatic, virologically confirmed dengue of any serotype occurring more than 28 days after vaccination (the primary efficacy end point), regardless of serostatus at baseline, and to describe safety up to day 21 (the primary safety end point). Here, vaccine efficacy was assessed on the basis of 2 years of follow-up for each participant, and safety as solicited vaccine-related adverse events reported up to day 21 after injection. Key secondary objectives were to assess vaccine efficacy among participants according to dengue serostatus at baseline and according to the dengue viral serotype; efficacy according to age was also assessed. RESULTS: Over a 3-year enrollment period, 16,235 participants received either Butantan-DV (10,259 participants) or placebo (5976 participants). The overall 2-year vaccine efficacy was 79.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70.0 to 86.3) - 73.6% (95% CI, 57.6 to 83.7) among participants with no evidence of previous dengue exposure and 89.2% (95% CI, 77.6 to 95.6) among those with a history of exposure. Vaccine efficacy was 80.1% (95% CI, 66.0 to 88.4) among participants 2 to 6 years of age, 77.8% (95% CI, 55.6 to 89.6) among those 7 to 17 years of age, and 90.0% (95% CI, 68.2 to 97.5) among those 18 to 59 years of age. Efficacy against DENV-1 was 89.5% (95% CI, 78.7 to 95.0) and against DENV-2 was 69.6% (95% CI, 50.8 to 81.5). DENV-3 and DENV-4 were not detected during the follow-up period. Solicited systemic vaccine- or placebo-related adverse events within 21 days after injection were more common with Butantan-DV than with placebo (58.3% of participants, vs. 45.6%). CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of Butantan-DV prevented symptomatic DENV-1 and DENV-2, regardless of dengue serostatus at baseline, through 2 years of follow-up. (Funded by Instituto Butantan and others; DEN-03-IB ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02406729, and WHO ICTRP number, U1111-1168-8679.).

Immunogenicity and safety of an investigational quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine administered as a booster dose in children vaccinated against meningococcal disease 3 years earlier as toddlers: A Phase III, open-label, multi-center study.

Booster doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccines induce long-term protection against invasive meningococcal disease. We evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of a booster dose of MenACYW-TT in pre-school children who were primed 3 years earlier with MenACYW-TT or MCV4-TT (Nimenrix®). In this Phase III, open-label, multi-center study (NCT03476135), children (4-5 years old), who received a primary dose of MenACYW-TT or MCV4-TT as toddlers in a previous study, received a booster dose of MenACYW-TT. Titers of antibody against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y were measured by serum bactericidal assay using human (hSBA) and baby rabbit (rSBA) complement in samples collected before (D0) and 30 days after (D30) booster vaccination. Safety was assessed over the 30-day study period. Ninety-one participants received the booster dose. In both study groups, hSBA titers increased from D0 to D30; serogroup C titers [95% confidence interval] were higher in the MenACYW-TT-primed vs MCV4-TT-primed group at D0 (106 [73.2, 153] vs 11.7 [7.03, 19.4], respectively) and D30 (5894 [4325, 8031] vs 1592 [1165, 2174], respectively); rSBA results were similar. Nearly all participants achieved ≥1:8 hSBA and rSBA titers at D30, which were higher or comparable to those observed post-primary dose, suggesting rapid booster responses. At D0, all hSBA and rSBA titers were higher than those observed pre-primary dose, suggesting persistence of immunogenicity. The MenACYW-TT booster dose was well-tolerated and had similar safety outcomes across study groups. These findings suggest that MenACYW-TT elicits robust booster responses in children primed 3 years earlier with MenACYW-TT or MCV4-TT.

Immunogenicity and safety of a quadrivalent meningococcal tetanus toxoid-conjugate vaccine (MenACYW-TT) in ≥56-year-olds: A Phase III randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Invasive meningococcal disease has a high mortality rate in individuals aged ≥56 years, but no vaccine is currently licensed in the USA for this age group. This study assessed the safety and immunogenicity of an investigational quadrivalent meningococcal tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACYW-TT) compared with a meningococcal quadrivalent polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) in this age group. METHODS: This was a Phase III, modified double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority study (NCT02842866) across 35 clinical sites in the USA and Puerto Rico in individuals aged ≥56 years. A single dose of the MenACYW-TT (n = 451) or MPSV4 vaccine (n = 455) was administered on Day 0. A serum bactericidal assay with human (hSBA) and baby rabbit (rSBA) complement was used to measure antibodies against serogroups A, C, W, and Y test strains at baseline and Day 30. Safety data were collected up to six months post-vaccination. RESULTS: The seroresponse to MenACYW-TT was non-inferior to MPSV4 for each of the serogroups (A: 58.2% vs. 42.5%; C: 77.1% vs. 49.7%; W: 62.6% vs. 44.8%, Y: 74.4% vs. 43.4%, respectively). At Day 30, participants achieving hSBA titers ≥1:8 were higher for all serogroups after MenACYW-TT vs. MPSV4 (77.4-91.7 vs. 63.1-84.2%, respectively). No safety concerns were identified for either vaccine. CONCLUSION: MenACYW-TT was well-tolerated and immunogenic in ≥56-year-olds, offering the potential to replace MPSV4 in this age group.

Intention to accept pertussis vaccine among pregnant women in Karachi, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Maternal immunization against pertussis is a potential strategy to protect young infants from severe disease. We assessed factors associated with intention to accept pertussis vaccination among pregnant women in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey between May and August 2013 in pregnant women who visited healthcare centers in urban slums of Karachi city. Women completed a survey examining socio-demographic factors, vaccination history, knowledge on pertussis disease, perception of vaccine recommendation sources, and potential influences on vaccine decision-making. RESULTS: Of the 283 participants, 259 (92%) provided their intention to either accept or decline pertussis vaccination. Eighty-three percent women were willing to accept the pertussis vaccine if offered during pregnancy. About half (53%) of the participants had ever heard of pertussis disease. Perceptions of pertussis vaccine efficacy, safety, and disease susceptibility were strongly associated with intention to accept pertussis vaccine (p<0.01). Healthcare providers, Ministry of Health, and mass media were considered as highly reliable sources of vaccine recommendation and associated with intention to accept antenatal pertussis vaccination (p<0.001). Healthcare provider recommendation was a common reason cited by respondents for pregnant women to accept antenatal pertussis vaccination (p=0.0005). However, opinion of primary decision-makers in the family (husbands and in-laws) was a crucial reason cited by respondents for pregnant women to reject pertussis vaccination in pregnancy (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Antenatal pertussis vaccination initiatives in South Asia should strongly consider inclusion of family members, healthcare providers, national health ministries, and mass media to help implement new vaccination programs.

Neonatal infections: Case definition and guidelines for data collection, analysis, and presentation of immunisation safety data.

Maternal vaccination is an important area of research and requires appropriate and internationally comparable definitions and safety standards. The GAIA group, part of the Brighton Collaboration was created with the mandate of proposing standardised definitions applicable to maternal vaccine research. This study proposes international definitions for neonatal infections. The neonatal infections GAIA working group performed a literature review using Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane collaboration and collected definitions in use in neonatal and public health networks. The common criteria derived from the extensive search formed the basis for a consensus process that resulted in three separate definitions for neonatal blood stream infections (BSI), meningitis and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). For each definition three levels of evidence are proposed to ensure the applicability of the definitions to different settings. Recommendations about data collection, analysis and presentation are presented and harmonized with the Brighton Collaboration and GAIA format and other existing international standards for study reporting.

Influenza vaccine acceptance among pregnant women in urban slum areas, Karachi, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Facilitators and barriers to influenza vaccination among pregnant women in the developing world are poorly understood, particularly in South Asia. We assessed intention to accept influenza vaccine among ethnically diverse low-income pregnant women in Pakistan. METHODS: From May to August 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women who visited health centers in urban slums in Karachi city. We assessed intention to accept influenza vaccine against socio-demographic factors, vaccination history, vaccine recommendation sources, and other factors. RESULTS: In an unvaccinated study population of 283 respondents, 87% were willing to accept the vaccine, if offered. All except two participants were aware of symptoms typically associated with influenza. Perceived vaccine safety, efficacy, and disease susceptibility were significantly associated with intention to accept influenza vaccine (p<0.05). Regardless of intention to accept influenza vaccine, 96% rated healthcare providers as highly reliable source of vaccine information. While a recommendation from a physician was critical for influenza vaccine acceptance, parents-in-law and husbands were often considered the primary decision-makers for pregnant women seeking healthcare including vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal influenza vaccination initiatives in South Asia should strongly consider counseling of key familial decision-makers and inclusion of healthcare providers to help implement new vaccination programs.

Detection of vaccine-derived polioviruses in Mexico using environmental surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Early detection and control of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) emergences are essential to secure the gains of polio eradication. METHODS: Serial sewage samples were collected in 4 towns of Mexico before, throughout, and after the May 2010 oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) mass immunization campaign. Isolation and molecular analysis of polioviruses from sewage specimens monitored the duration of vaccine-related strains in the environment and emergence of vaccine-derived polioviruses in a population partially immunized with inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). RESULTS: Sabin strains were identified up to 5-8 weeks after the campaign in all towns; in Aguascalientes, 1 Sabin 3 was isolated 16 weeks after the campaign, following 7 weeks with no Sabin strains detected. In Tuxtla Gutiérrez, type 2 VDPV was isolated from 4 samples collected before and during the campaign, and type 1 VDPV from 1 sample collected 19 weeks afterward. During 2009-2010, coverage in 4 OPV campaigns conducted averaged only 57% and surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) was suboptimal (AFP rate<1 per 100,000 population<15 years of age) in Tuxtla Gutierrez. CONCLUSIONS: VDPVs may emerge and spread in settings with inadequate coverage with IPV/OPV vaccination. Environmental surveillance can facilitate early detection in these settings.

Contribution of Mexico's Universal Immunization Program to the Fourth Millennium Development Goal.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe 1) progress achieved thus far in meeting the commitments of the Fourth Millennium Development Goal (MDG 4) in Mexico, mainly the contribution of the Universal Immunization Program (UIP) over the last 20 years, and 2) new opportunities for further reducing mortality among children under 5 years old. METHODS: An observational, descriptive, retrospective study was carried out to examine registered causes of death in children under 5 between 1990 and 2010. Indicators were built according to the recommendations of the United Nations. RESULTS: In 2010, deaths among children under 5 decreased 64.3% compared to the baseline (1990) figure. Of the total deaths of the children under 5, the neonatal period was the most affected (52.8%), followed by the 1 to 11 months (30.9%), and the 12 to 59 months (16.2%) groups. A 34% overall mortality reduction was observed after the universalization of immunization against influenza, rotavirus, and pneumococcus in children under 5. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a significant reduction in under-5 mortality in Mexico over the last 20 years, largely due to the successes of the UIP, several challenges remain, particularly in improving preventive and curative services during pre- and postnatal care.

Contribution of Mexico's Universal Immunization Program to the Fourth Millennium Development Goal / Contribución del Programa de Vacunación Universal de México al cuarto Objetivo de Desarrollo del Milenio

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe 1) progress achieved thus far in meeting the commitments of the Fourth Millennium Development Goal (MDG 4) in Mexico, mainly the contribution of the Universal Immunization Program (UIP) over the last 20 years, and 2) new opportunities for further reducing mortality among children under 5 years old. METHODS: An observational, descriptive, retrospective study was carried out to examine registered causes of death in children under 5 between 1990 and 2010. Indicators were built according to the recommendations of the United Nations. RESULTS: In 2010, deaths among children under 5 decreased 64.3% compared to the baseline (1990) figure. Of the total deaths of the children under 5, the neonatal period was the most affected (52.8%), followed by the 1 to 11 months (30.9%), and the 12 to 59 months (16.2%) groups. A 34% overall mortality reduction was observed after the universalization of immunization against influenza, rotavirus, and pneumococcus in children under 5. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a significant reduction in under-5 mortality in Mexico over the last 20 years, largely due to the successes of the UIP, several challenges remain, particularly in improving preventive and curative services during pre- and postnatal care.

OBJETIVO: Determinar y describir 1) el progreso logrado hasta el momento en el cumplimiento de los compromisos del cuarto Objetivo de Desarrollo del Milenio en México, principalmente la contribución del Programa de Vacunación Universal (PVU) durante los 20 últimos años; y 2) las nuevas oportunidades para reducir aún más la mortalidad en niños menores de cinco años. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio de observación, descriptivo y retrospectivo para analizar las causas registradas de muerte en niños menores de cinco años entre 1990 y el 2010. Se elaboraron indicadores según las recomendaciones de las Naciones Unidas. RESULTADOS: En el 2010, las defunciones en niños menores de cinco años se habían reducido en 64,3% en comparación con las cifras de referencia (1990). La mayor disminución de la mortalidad se observó en recién nacidos (52,8%), seguidos por los lactantes de 1 a 11 meses (30,9%) y los niños de 12 a 59 meses (16,2%). Se observó una reducción total de la mortalidad de 34% tras la universalización de la vacunación contra la gripe, el rotavirus y el neumococo en niños menores de cinco años. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de una reducción significativa de la mortalidad en menores de cinco años en México durante los 20 últimos años, en gran parte debida a los éxitos del PVU, siguen existiendo diversos retos, en particular en cuanto a la mejora de los servicios preventivos y curativos durante la atención prenatal y posnatal.

Intention to accept Bordetella pertussis booster vaccine during pregnancy in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE: Adult booster vaccination against pertussis can help prevent severe infections in young infants. We examined influences on intention to accept pertussis booster vaccination among pregnant women in Mexico City. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey, recruiting convenience samples of pregnant women receiving prenatal care from three public healthcare centers between March and May 2012. Our primary outcome was intention to accept pertussis vaccination during pregnancy. We examined socio-demographic factors, vaccination history, pertussis knowledge, perceptions of vaccine information sources, and other potential influences on vaccine decision-making. RESULTS: A total of 402 pregnant women agreed to participate, of which 387 (96%) provided their intention to accept or decline pertussis vaccination. Among respondents, 57% intended to accept a pertussis booster vaccine if offered, but only 16% had ever heard of pertussis, and only 2% knew someone who had contracted this disease. Over 80% of respondents would accept pertussis vaccination if recommended by an obstetrician-gynecologist. The most frequently selected reasons to refuse pertussis vaccination were concerns that the vaccine might harm the unborn baby or pregnant woman. In multivariate analysis, rating doctors and nurses as good sources of vaccine information, and having ever heard of pertussis, were independently associated with intention to accept pertussis vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Promoting patient awareness about pertussis disease and vaccine safety, and encouraging general practitioners, nurses and obstetricians to recommend pertussis booster vaccine, may increase vaccine uptake among pregnant women.

[Diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus in epidemic outbreaks]. / Enfermedad diarreica por rotavirus en brotes epidémicos.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the epidemiological profile of outbreaks of acute diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus (RV) occurring in pediatric patients, based on a critical review of the literature published between 2000 and 2010. METHODS: A search was carried out for articles published from January 2000 to April 2010, collected by the Artemisa, EBSCO, Embase, Imbiomed, Lilacs, Ovid, PubMed, and Science Direct databases. In the studies that met the inclusion criteria, possible confounding factors were identified and risks of bias were attributed based on the number of items considered inadequate in each case. The epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of the outbreaks were described. RESULTS: The sample was comprised of only 14 (10.8%) of the 129 titles identified, which accounted for 91 092 reported cases of acute diarrhea. In 5 250 of these cases, a search for rotavirus was conducted, yielding 1 711 (32.5%) positive isolations. It was observed that the RV from Group A was the causative agent in 100% of the outbreaks, while genotype G9 was documented in 50% of the articles. CONCLUSIONS: Rotavirus, mainly serotype G9, was one of the principal agents responsible for outbreaks of acute diarrheal disease over the past decade. A careful outbreak study can contribute valuable information for RV disease control and prevention.

Factors mediating seasonal and influenza A (H1N1) vaccine acceptance among ethnically diverse populations in the urban south.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the acceptability of the influenza A (H1N1) and seasonal vaccinations immediately following government manufacture approval to gauge potential product uptake in minority communities. We studied correlates of vaccine acceptance including attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, and influenza immunization experiences, and sought to identify communication approaches to increase influenza vaccine coverage in community settings. METHODS: Adults ≥18 years participated in a cross-sectional survey from September through December 2009. Venue-based sampling was used to recruit participants of racial and ethnic minorities. RESULTS: The sample (N=503) included mostly lower income (81.9%, n=412) participants and African Americans (79.3%, n=399). Respondents expressed greater acceptability of the H1N1 vaccination compared to seasonal flu immunization (t=2.86, p=0.005) although H1N1 vaccine acceptability was moderately low (38%, n=191). Factors associated with acceptance of the H1N1 vaccine included positive attitudes about immunizations [OR=0.23, CI (0.16, 0.33)], community perceptions of H1N1 [OR=2.15, CI (1.57, 2.95)], and having had a flu shot in the past 5 years [OR=2.50, CI (1.52, 4.10). The factors associated with acceptance of the seasonal flu vaccine included positive attitudes about immunization [OR=0.43, CI (0.32, 0.59)], community perceptions of H1N1 [OR=1.53, CI (1.16, 2.01)], and having had the flu shot in the past 5 years [OR=3.53, CI (2.16, 5.78)]. Participants were most likely to be influenced to take a flu shot by physicians [OR=1.94, CI (1.31, 2.86)]. Persons who obtained influenza vaccinations indicated that Facebook (χ(2)=11.7, p=0.02) and Twitter (χ(2)=18.1, p=0.001) could be useful vaccine communication channels and that churches (χ(2)=21.5, p<0.001) and grocery stores (χ(2)=21.5, p<0.001) would be effective "flu shot stops" in their communities. CONCLUSIONS: In this population, positive vaccine attitudes and community perceptions, along with previous flu vaccination, were associated with H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccine acceptance. Increased immunization coverage in this community may be achieved through physician communication to dispel vaccine conspiracy beliefs and discussion about vaccine protection via social media and in other community venues.

Enfermedad diarreica por rotavirus en brotes epidémicos / Diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus in epidemic outbreaks

OBJETIVO: Determinar el perfil epidemiológico de los brotes de enfermedad diarreica aguda por rotavirus (RV) ocurridos en pacientes pediátricos, mediante una revisión crítica de la literatura publicada entre 2000 y 2010. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos publicados desde enero de 2000 hasta abril de 2010, recogidos por las bases de datos Artemisa, EBSCO, Embase, Imbiomed, Lilacs, Ovid, PubMed y Science Direct. En los estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, se identificaron posibles factores de confusión y se atribuyeron riesgos de sesgo con base en el número de ítems considerados inadecuados en cada caso. Se describieron las características epidemiológicas y microbiológicas de los brotes. RESULTADOS: Solo 14 (10,8 por ciento) de los 129 títulos identificados formaron parte de la muestra, los cuales sumaron 91 092 casos de diarrea aguda notificados. En 5 250 de estos casos se realizó la búsqueda de RV, la cual arrojó 1 711 (32,5 por ciento) aislamientos positivos. Se observó que el RV del grupo A fue el agente causal en 100 por ciento de los brotes, mientras que el genotipo G9 fue documentado en 50 por ciento de los artículos. CONCLUSIONES: El RV, principalmente el serotipo G9, fue uno de los principales agentes responsables de los brotes de EDA en la última década. Un cuidadoso estudio de brote puede aportar información valiosa para el control y la prevención de la enfermedad por RV.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the epidemiological profile of outbreaks of acute diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus (RV) occurring in pediatric patients, based on a critical review of the literature published between 2000 and 2010. METHODS: A search was carried out for articles published from January 2000 to April 2010, collected by the Artemisa, EBSCO, Embase, Imbiomed, Lilacs, Ovid, PubMed, and Science Direct databases. In the studies that met the inclusion criteria, possible confounding factors were identified and risks of bias were attributed based on the number of items considered inadequate in each case. The epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of the outbreaks were described. RESULTS: The sample was comprised of only 14 (10.8 percent) of the 129 titles identified, which accounted for 91 092 reported cases of acute diarrhea. In 5 250 of these cases, a search for rotavirus was conducted, yielding 1 711 (32.5 percent) positive isolations. It was observed that the RV from Group A was the causative agent in 100 percent of the outbreaks, while genotype G9 was documented in 50 percent of the articles. CONCLUSIONS: Rotavirus, mainly serotype G9, was one of the principal agents responsible for outbreaks of acute diarrheal disease over the past decade. A careful outbreak study can contribute valuable information for RV disease control and prevention.

[Booster vaccination against Bordella pertussis during pregnancy]. / Vacunación de refuerzo contra Bordetella pertussis en mujeres embarazadas.

During the last decades, the incidence of whopping cough, has been rising worldwide, despite the high coverage of the immunization programs. The highest mortality is found among children under 6 month of age, who are too young to have completed a primary vaccination series with three doses the pertussis vaccine, nevertheless this disease also affects adolescents and adults, who may only manifest mild symptomatology. Hence they do not get diagnosed or treated, becoming a potential community source of infection for young children. In order to prevent this transmission, the recommendation of vaccinating adolescents and adults, including of women in child bearing age, was issued. Nevertheless the immunization coverage among these populations was low. Postpartum vaccination was also recommended, but recent evidence have shown that the antibody levels in breast milk are detectable at least a week after immunization, allowing a window of opportunity for the infection in the newborn. Finally, it has been suggested that a booster dose against Bordetella pertussis, given to pregnant women is safe and immunogenic. Therefore, the antibody transferred across the placenta and through breast milk, could protect the product in the early stages of life.

Enfermedad diarreica por rotavirus en brotes epidémicos / Diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus in epidemic outbreaks

Objetivo. Determinar el perfil epidemiológico de los brotes de enfermedad diarreica aguda por rotavirus (RV) ocurridos en pacientes pediátricos, mediante una revisión crítica de la literatura publicada entre 2000 y 2010. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos publicados desde enero de 2000 hasta abril de 2010, recogidos por las bases de datos Artemisa, EBSCO, Embase, Imbiomed, Lilacs, Ovid, PubMed y Science Direct. En los estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, se identificaron posibles factores de confusión y se atribuyeron riesgos de sesgo con base en el número de ítems considerados inadecuados en cada caso. Se describieron las características epidemiológicas y microbiológicas de los brotes. Resultados. Solo 14 (10,8%) de los 129 títulos identificados formaron parte de la muestra, los cuales sumaron 91 092 casos de diarrea aguda notificados. En 5 250 de estos casos se realizó la búsqueda de RV, la cual arrojó 1 711 (32,5%) aislamientos positivos. Se observó que el RV del grupo A fue el agente causal en 100% de los brotes, mientras que el genotipo G9 fue documentado en 50% de los artículos. Conclusiones. El RV, principalmente el serotipo G9, fue uno de los principales agentes responsables de los brotes de EDA en la última década. Un cuidadoso estudio de brote puede aportar información valiosa para el control y la prevención de la enfermedad por RV.

Objective. Determine the epidemiological profile of outbreaks of acute diarrheal disease caused by rotavirus (RV) occurring in pediatric patients, based on a critical review of the literature published between 2000 and 2010. Methods. A search was carried out for articles published from January 2000 to April 2010, collected by the Artemisa, EBSCO, Embase, Imbiomed, Lilacs, Ovid, PubMed, and Science Direct databases. In the studies that met the inclusion criteria, possible confounding factors were identified and risks of bias were attributed based on the number of items considered inadequate in each case. The epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of the outbreaks were described. Results. The sample was comprised of only 14 (10.8%) of the 129 titles identified, which accounted for 91 092 reported cases of acute diarrhea. In 5 250 of these cases, a search for rotavirus was conducted, yielding 1 711 (32.5%) positive isolations. It was observed that the RV from Group A was the causative agent in 100% of the outbreaks, while genotype G9 was documented in 50% of the articles. Conclusions. Rotavirus, mainly serotype G9, was one of the principal agents responsible for outbreaks of acute diarrheal disease over the past decade. A careful outbreak study can contribute valuable information for RV disease control and prevention.

Acceptance of pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) vaccine in a minority population: determinants and potential points of intervention.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) vaccine acceptance in a minority community including correlates of vaccine hesitancy and refusal. We identified intervention points to increase H1N1 vaccine coverage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Minority parents and caregivers of children ≤ 18 years participated in a cross-sectional survey. Statistical analyses included bivariate correlations, exploratory factor analyses, internal-consistency assessment, and logistic regressions. RESULTS: The sample (N = 223) included mostly lower-income (71% [n = 159]) and black (66% [n = 147]) participants. Potential and actual receipt of pediatric H1N1 vaccination was low (36% [n = 80]). Pediatric H1N1 vaccine acceptance was associated with lack of insurance (odds ratio [OR]: 3.04 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26-7.37]), perceived H1NI pediatric susceptibility (OR: 1.66 [95% Cl: 1.41-1.95]), child vaccination prioritization in family (OR: 3.34 [95% CI: 1.33-8.38]), believing that H1N1 is a greater community concern than other diseases (OR: 1.77 [95% CI: 1.01-3.09]), believing that other methods of containment (eg, hand-washing, masks) are not as effective as the H1N1 vaccine (OR: 1.73 [95% CI: 1.06-2.83]), and a desire to promote influenza vaccination in the community (OR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.53-3.61]). CONCLUSIONS: We found low acceptance of the H1N1 vaccine in our study population. Perceived influenza susceptibility, concern about H1N1 disease, and confidence in vaccinations as preventive methods were associated with vaccine acceptance. Physician support for HIN1 vaccination will aid in increasing immunization coverage for this population, and health departments are perceived as ideal community locations for vaccine administration.

Acceptance of a vaccine against novel influenza A (H1N1) virus among health care workers in two major cities in Mexico.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Further cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) outbreak are expected in the coming months. Vaccination has been proven to be essential to control a pandemic of influenza; therefore, considerable efforts and resources have been devoted to develop a vaccine against the influenza A (H1N1) virus. With the current availability of the vaccine, it will be important to immunize as many people as possible. However, previous data with seasonal influenza vaccines have shown that there are multiple barriers related to perceptions and attitudes of the population that influence vaccine use. The aim of the study was to evaluate the acceptance of a newly developed vaccine against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza A among healthcare workers (HCW) in Mexico. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among HCW in three hospitals in the two largest cities in Mexico-Mexico City and Guadalajara-between June and September 2009. RESULTS: A total of 1097 HCW participated in the survey. Overall, 80% (n = 880) intended to accept the H1N1 pandemic vaccine and 71.6% (n = 786) reported they would recommend the vaccine to their patients. Doctors were more likely to accept and recommend the vaccine than nurses. HCWs who intend to be immunized will be more likely to do so if they know that the vaccine is safe and effective. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the willingness to accept the vaccine can be used to plan strategies that will effectively respond to the needs of the population studied, reducing the health and economic impact of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.