Effectiveness of Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavaria Nordic Vaccination in a Population at High Risk of Mpox: A Spanish Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: With more than 7500 cases reported since April 2022, Spain has experienced the highest incidence of mpox in Europe. From 12 July onward, the modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavaria Nordic (MVA-BN) smallpox vaccine was offered as pre-exposure prophylaxis for those receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-PrEP). Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of 1 dose of MVA-BN vaccine as pre-exposure prophylaxis against mpox virus (MPXV) infection in persons on HIV-PrEP. METHODS: National retrospective cohort study between 12 July and 12 December 2022. Individuals aged ≥18 years receiving HIV-PrEP as of 12 July with no previous MPXV infection or vaccination were eligible. Each day, we matched individuals receiving a first dose of vaccine and unvaccinated controls of the same age and region. We used a Kaplan-Meier estimator, calculated risk ratios (RR) and vaccine effectiveness (VE = [1 - RR]x100). RESULTS: We included 5660 matched pairs, with a median follow-up of 62 days (interquartile range, 24-97). Mpox cumulative incidence was 5.6 per 1000 (25 cases) in unvaccinated and 3.5 per 1000 (18 cases) in vaccinated. No effect was found during days 0-6 post-vaccination (VE, -38.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], -332.7 to 46.4), but VE was 65% at ≥7 days (95% CI, 22.9 to 88.0) and 79% at ≥14 days (95% CI, 33.3 to 100.0) post-vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: One dose of MVA-BN vaccine offered protection against mpox in most-at-risk population shortly after the vaccination. Further studies need to assess the VE of a second dose and the duration of protection over time.

Duration of antibiotic therapy among paediatricians: A national survey of current clinical practice in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: Appropriate duration of antibiotic treatment is a key principle to reduce the emergence of bacterial resistance and antibiotic harm. The aim of this study was to document current clinical practice among Spanish paediatricians in terms of the duration of antibiotic therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings, mapping the difference between practice and guidelines, and thus identifying opportunities to improve practice. METHODS: A national exploratory work survey was distributed in 2020 as a questionnaire about seven main infectious syndromes in children: genitourinary; skin and soft tissue; osteoarticular; ear, nose and throat; pneumonia; central nervous system; and bacteraemia. The answers were contrasted with current recommendations regarding the duration of antibiotic therapy. Demographic analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 992 paediatricians in Spain, representing 9.5% of paediatricians working in the Spanish national health system. Hospital care clinicians accounted for 42.7% (6662/15590) of responses. The antibiotic duration used in practice was longer than recommended in 40.8% (6359/15590) of responses, and shorter than recommended in 16% (1705/10654) of responses. Only 25% (249/992) and 23% (229/992) of respondents indicated that they would prescribe antibiotics for the recommended treatment duration for lower urinary tract infection and community-acquired pneumonia (AI evidence). Among severe hospital-managed infections, a tendency towards longer courses of antibiotics was found for non-complicated meningococcal infections and non-complicated pneumococcal, Gram-negative and S. aureus bacteraemia. CONCLUSIONS: A noteworthy tendency towards prescribing antibiotics for longer than recommended among paediatricians was evidenced in this nationwide study, highlighting a wide range of opportunities for potential improvement.

Effectiveness of a Meningococcal Group B Vaccine (4CMenB) in Children.

BACKGROUND: In September 2015, the four-component, protein-based meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB; Bexsero) became available for private purchase in Spain. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide matched case-control study to assess the effectiveness of 4CMenB in preventing invasive meningococcal disease in children. The study included all laboratory-confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease in children younger than 60 months of age between October 5, 2015, and October 6, 2019, in Spain. Each case patient was matched with four controls according to date of birth and province. 4CMenB vaccination status of the case patients and controls was compared with the use of multivariate conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: We compared 306 case patients (243 [79.4%] with serogroup B disease) with 1224 controls. A total of 35 case patients (11.4%) and 298 controls (24.3%) had received at least one dose of 4CMenB. The effectiveness of complete vaccination with 4CMenB (defined as receipt of at least 2 doses, administered in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations) was 76% (95% confidence interval [CI], 57 to 87) against invasive meningococcal disease caused by any serogroup, and partial vaccination was 54% (95% CI, 18 to 74) effective. Complete vaccination resulted in an effectiveness of 71% (95% CI, 45 to 85) against meningococcal serogroup B disease. Vaccine effectiveness with at least one dose of 4CMenB was 64% (95% CI, 41 to 78) against serogroup B disease and 82% (95% CI, 21 to 96) against non-serogroup B disease. With the use of the genetic Meningococcal Antigen Typing System, serogroup B strains that were expected to be covered by 4CMenB were detected in 44 case patients, none of whom had been vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: Complete vaccination with 4CMenB was found to be effective in preventing invasive disease by serogroup B and non-serogroup B meningococci in children younger than 5 years of age.

Bronchiolitis before and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Twelve years of experience in a Spanish paediatric hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Acute bronchiolitis is the main cause of hospitalization in children under 2 years of age, with a regular seasonality, mostly due to the respiratory syncytial virus. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology of bronchiolitis hospitalizations in our center in the last 12 years, and analyze the changes in clinical characteristics, microbiology, and adverse outcomes during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. METHODS: Observational study including patients admitted for bronchiolitis between April 2010 and December 2021 in a Spanish tertiary paediatric hospital. Relevant demographic, clinical, microbiological, and adverse outcome variables were collected in an anonymized database. The pandemic period (April 2020 to December 2021) was compared to 2010-2015 seasons using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: There were 2138 bronchiolitis admissions, with a mean of 195.6 per year between 2010 and 2019 and a 2-4-month peak between November and March. In the expected season of 2020, there was a 94.4% reduction of bronchiolitis hospitalizations, with only 11 cases admitted in the first year of the pandemic. Bronchiolitis cases increased from the summer of 2021 during a 6-month long peak, reaching a total of 171 cases. Length of stay was significantly shorter during the pandemic, but no differences were found in clinical and microbiological characteristics or other adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has modified the seasonality of bronchiolitis hospitalizations, with a dramatic decrease in cases during the expected season of 2020-2021, and an extemporaneous summer-autumn peak in 2021 with longer duration but similar patient characteristics and risk factors.

Molecular epidemiology of paediatric invasive pneumococcal disease in Andalusia, Spain.

This study aimed to assess the impact of the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 13 (PCV13) on the molecular epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children from Andalusia. A population-based prospective surveillance study was conducted on IPD in children aged <14 years from Andalusia (2018-2020). Pneumococcal invasive isolates collected between 2006 and 2009 in the two largest tertiary hospitals in Andalusia were used as pre-PCV13 controls for comparison of serotype/genotype distribution. Overall IPD incidence rate was 3.55 cases per 100 000 in 2018; increased non-significantly to 4.20 cases per 100 000 in 2019 and declined in 2020 to 1.69 cases per 100 000 (incidence rate ratio 2020 vs. 2019: 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20-0.89, P = 0.01). Proportion of IPD cases due to PCV13 serotypes in 2018-2020 was 28% (P = 0.0001 for comparison with 2006-2009). Serotypes 24F (15%) and 11A (8.3%) were the most frequently identified non-PCV13 serotypes (NVT) in 2018-2020. Penicillin- and/or ampicillin-resistant clones mostly belonged to clonal complex 156 (serotype 14-ST156 and ST2944 and serotype 11A-ST6521). The proportion of IPD cases caused by PCV13 serotypes declined significantly after the initiation of the PCV13 vaccination programme in 2016. Certain NVT, such as serotypes 24F and 11A, warrant future monitoring in IPD owing to invasive potential and/or antibiotic resistance rates.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas de la neumonía por Pneumocystis jirovecii en un hospital de tercer nivel en España / Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a tertiary hospital in Spain

Introducción: La infección por VIH era el principal factor de riesgo para presentar neumonía por Pneumocystis jirovecii (NPJ). En la actualidad, las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la NPJ en niños han cambiado, existiendo pocos estudios en este sentido. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacientes pediátricos diagnosticados de NPJ durante 17 años en un hospital de tercer nivel en España. Resultados: Se recogió a 23 pacientes, de los que 11/23 (47,8%) presentaban enfermedad hematológica, 5/23 (21,7%) inmunodeficiencia primaria y 4/23 (17,4%) infección por VIH. Recibían profilaxis con trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol (TMP-SMX) 11/23 pacientes (47,8%). Todos recibieron tratamiento con TMP-SMX y 18/23 (78,3%), glucocorticoides sistémicos. Fallecieron 6/23 pacientes (26,1%), de los que 1/6 (16,7%) presentaba infección por VIH. En los pacientes no VIH con mayor leucocitosis, mayor retención de CO2 y mayor frecuencia cardíaca al inicio, se evidenció mayor mortalidad, diferencias no objetivadas en pacientes con VIH. No se encontraron diferencias en mortalidad en relación con el factor predisponente, empleo de TMP-SMX ni tratamiento con glucocorticoides. Conclusiones: En la actualidad, los pacientes pediátricos con neoplasias hematológicas constituyen el principal grupo de riesgo de desarrollar NPJ en este grupo etario. No hemos encontrado diferencias de mortalidad entre pacientes con o sin infección por VIH como factor predisponente. Entre los pacientes no VIH la mortalidad fue mayor en aquellos que presentaron mayor leucocitosis, mayor retención de CO2 y mayor frecuencia cardíaca al inicio. No se objetivó mejor pronóstico en pacientes que recibían profilaxis con TMP-SMX previamente al desarrollo de la NPJ ni en los que recibieron glucocorticoides sistémicos como parte del tratamiento. (AU)

Introduction: HIV infection was the main risk of suffering Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). The clinical-epidemiological characteristics of PJP have currently changed, with there being few studies on this. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out on paediatric patients diagnosed with PJP over a 17 year period in a third level hospital in Spain. Results: A total of 23 patients were included, of whom 7/23 (47.8%) suffered a haematological disease, 5/23 (21.7%) a primary immunodeficiency, and 4/23 (17.4%) an HIV infection. Prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) was received by 11/23 (47.8%) patients. All were treated with TMP-SMX and 18/23 (78.3%) with systemic glucocorticoids. There were 6(26.1%) deaths, of which one of them (16.7%) suffered an HIV infection. A higher mortality was seen in the non-HIV patients with greater leucocytosis, greater CO2 retention, and a higher heart rate at onset, differences not observed in HIV patients. No differences were found in mortality in relation to the predisposing factor, use of pTMP-SMX, or treatment with glucocorticoids. Conclusions: Paediatric patients with haematological cancers are currently the main risk group of developing PJP in this age group. No differences were found in mortality between patients with or without HIV infection as predisposing factor. The mortality among non-HIV patients was higher in those that had greater leucocytosis, greater CO2 retention, and increased heart rate at onset. A better prognosis was not seen in patients that received prophylaxis with TMP-SMX prior to the development of the PJP, or in those that received glucocorticoids as part of the treatment. (AU)

Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a tertiary hospital in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: HIV infection was the main risk of suffering Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). The clinical-epidemiological characteristics of PJP have currently changed, with there being few studies on this. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was carried out on paediatric patients diagnosed with PJP over a 17 year period in a third level hospital in Spain. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were included, of whom 7/23 (47.8%) suffered a haematological disease, 5/23 (21.7%) a primary immunodeficiency, and 4/23 (17.4%) an HIV infection. Prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) was received by 11/23 (47.8%) patients. All were treated with TMP-SMX and 18/23 (78.3%) with systemic glucocorticoids. There were six (26.1%) deaths, of which one of them (16.7%) suffered an HIV infection. A higher mortality was seen in the non-HIV patients with greater leucocytosis, greater CO2 retention, and a higher heart rate at onset, differences not observed in HIV patients. No differences were found in mortality in relation to the predisposing factor, use of pTMP-SMX, or treatment with glucocorticoids. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric patients with haematological cancers are currently the main risk group of developing PJP in this age group. No differences were found in mortality between patients with or without HIV infection as predisposing factor. The mortality among non-HIV patients was higher in those that had greater leucocytosis, greater CO2 retention, and increased heart rate at onset. A better prognosis was not seen in patients that received prophylaxis with TMP-SMX prior to the development of the PJP, or in those that received glucocorticoids as part of the treatment.

Distinct Laboratory and Clinical Features of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Pediatric Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Retrospective Analysis of 127 Children in Andalusia, Spain (2004-2019).

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic in Southern Europe. However, details regarding disease burden, clinical presentations, laboratory markers, management and outcome in children are scarce. METHODS: Medical records of children (<14 years) admitted with VL to 10 pediatric units in Andalusia (2004-2019) were retrospectively reviewed. VL diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, serology, microscopy and molecular methods. Diagnosis of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) was established using the hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-2004 criteria. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients were identified. Median age was 14.5 months; the main clinical presentations were fever and splenomegaly (95.3% each). Cytopenias were the most common laboratory abnormalities. Diagnostics as well as treatment regimens varied over time and the participating centers. Liposomal amphotericin B was prescribed in 97.6%; relapses as well as adverse events were rarely observed (3.1% each). Thirty-seven patients, diagnosed with sHLH required longer hospital admission (P = 0.001), an increased number of platelet (P < 0.006) and red blood cell (P = 0.0001) transfusions and pediatric intensive care unit admission (P = 0.007). Monocytopenia (P = 0.011) and high C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.031), variables not included in the hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-2004 criteria, were associated with sHLH. One patient deceased in the context of the Leishmania infection. CONCLUSIONS: We report data on the largest pediatric VL cohort from Europe, commonly associated with sHLH. Raised C-reactive protein levels and monocytopenia appear to be associated with sHLH. The latter may help to identify these patients and to guide decisions regarding need of additional supportive clinical care and immunomodulatory therapies. The observed high rate of heterogeneity in terms of diagnosis and management warrants the establishment of appropriate guidelines.

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Executive Summary of the Consensus Document on the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Primary Immunodeficiencies.

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are rare, undiagnosed and potentially fatal diseases. Clinical manifestations of PID can be fatal or leave sequelae that worsen the quality of life of patients. Traditionally, the treatment of PIDs has been largely supportive, with the exception of bone marrow transplantation and, more recently, gene therapy. The discovering of new affected pathways, the development of new molecules and biologics, and the increasing understanding of the molecular basis of these disorders have created opportunities in PIDs therapy. This document aims to review current knowledge and to provide recommendations about the diagnosis and clinical management of adults and children with PIDs based on the available scientific evidence taking in to account current practice and future challenges. A systematic review was conducted, and evidence levels based on the available literature are given for each recommendation where available.

Executive Summary of the Consensus Document on the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Primary Immunodeficiencies.

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are rare, undiagnosed and potentially fatal diseases. Clinical manifestations of PID can be fatal or leave sequelae that worsen the quality of life of patients. Traditionally, the treatment of PIDs has been largely supportive, with the exception of bone marrow transplantation and, more recently, gene therapy. The discovering of new affected pathways, the development of new molecules and biologics, and the increasing understanding of the molecular basis of these disorders have created opportunities in PIDs therapy. This document aims to review current knowledge and to provide recommendations about the diagnosis and clinical management of adults and children with PIDs based on the available scientific evidence taking in to account current practice and future challenges. A systematic review was conducted, and evidence levels based on the available literature are given for each recommendation where available.

Executive Summary of the Consensus Document on the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Primary Immunodeficiencies / Resumen ejecutivo del Documento de consenso sobre diagnóstico y manejo de pacientes con inmunodeficiencias primarias

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are rare, undiagnosed and potentially fatal diseases. Clinical manifestations of PID can be fatal or leave sequelae that worsen the quality of life of patients. Traditionally, the treatment of PIDs has been largely supportive, with the exception of bone marrow transplantation and, more recently, gene therapy. The discovering of new affected pathways, the development of new molecules and biologics, and the increasing understanding of the molecular basis of these disorders have created opportunities in PIDs therapy. This document aims to review current knowledge and to provide recommendations about the diagnosis and clinical management of adults and children with PIDs based on the available scientific evidence taking in to account current practice and future challenges. A systematic review was conducted, and evidence levels based on the available literature are given for each recommendation where available

Las inmunodeficiencias primarias (IDP) son unas enfermedades raras, frecuentemente infradiagnosticadas y potencialmente fatales. Las manifestaciones clínicas de las IDP pueden ser muy graves y ocasionar secuelas que empeoran la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Tradicionalmente, el tratamiento de las IDP ha sido fundamentalmente de soporte, con excepción del trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos y, más recientemente, la terapia génica. El descubrimiento de nuevos mecanismos patogénicos, el desarrollo de nuevas moléculas y fármacos biológicos y los avances en el conocimiento de las bases moleculares de estas enfermedades han abierto oportunidades para el tratamiento de esta afección. El objetivo de este documento es revisar el conocimiento actual y aportar recomendaciones para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento clínico de los pacientes adultos y pediátricos con IDP basado en la evidencia científica disponible y teniendo en cuenta la actual práctica y los retos futuros. Se realizó una revisión sistemática, que justifica los niveles de evidencia para cada recomendación

Documento de consenso sobre la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en los niños. SENP-SEPAR-SEIP / Consensus Document on Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children. SENP-SEPAR-SEIP

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) es una enfermedad prevalente en la edad pediátrica y que ofrece frecuentemente dudas tanto diagnósticas como terapéuticas. Se ha realizado un consenso entre SEPAR, SENP y SEIP, con las siguientes conclusiones: 1. La etiología depende fundamentalmente de la edad y de otros factores, como estado inmunitario, presencia de enfermedad de base o estado vacunal y no existe un marcador analítico único con una absoluta fiabilidad diagnóstica. 2. Ante la sospecha clínica de neumonía, no es imprescindible la realización de una radiografía de tórax en los niños sanos. La ecografía torácica se va imponiendo como método de seguimiento, e incluso de diagnóstico. 3. El tratamiento antibiótico empírico de elección en las formas típicas es la amoxicilina oral a una dosis de 80mg/kg/ día generalmente durante 7 días, mientras que en las atípicas en mayores de 5 años son los macrólidos. En las formas típicas graves se recomienda la combinación de cefalosporina de 3.a generación y cloxacilina (o clindamicina o vancomicina) por vía intravenosa. 4. En caso de requerir drenaje pleural, se recomienda la inserción ecoguiada de un catéter de pequeño tamaño. La administración intrapleural de fibrinolíticos (urocinasa) reduce la estancia hospitalaria en comparación con el drenaje pleural simple. 5. En el derrame pleural paraneumónico el tratamiento con antibioticoterapia junto con drenaje pleural y fibrinolíticos se asocia con una estancia hospitalaria y una tasa de complicaciones similar al tratamiento antibiótico más videotoracoscopia asistida. 6. Se recomienda la vacunación antineumocócica conjugada sistemática en menores de 5 años, ya que reduce la incidencia de NAC y de hospitalización por esta causa

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a prevalent disease among children and is frequently associated with both diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainties. Consensus has been reached between SEPAR, SENP and SEIP, and their conclusions are as follows: 1. Etiology depends mainly on age and other factors and no single analytical marker offers absolute diagnostic reliability. 2. In the event of clinical suspicion of pneumonia in a healthy child, chest X-ray is not necessary. Chest ultrasound is increasingly implemented as a follow-up method, and even as a diagnostic method. 3. The empirical antibiotic treatment of choice In typical forms of the disease is oral amoxicillin at a dose of 80mg/kg/day for 7 days, while in atypical presentations in children older than 5 years, macrolides should be selected. In severe typical forms, the combination of 3rd generation cephalosporins and cloxacillin (or clindamycin or vancomycin) administered intravenously is recommended. 4. If pleural drainage is required, ultrasound-guided insertion of a small catheter is recommended. Intrapleural administration of fibrinolytics (urokinase) reduces hospital stay compared to simple pleural drainage. 5. In parapneumonic pleural effusion, antibiotic treatment combined with pleural drainage and fibrinolytics is associated with a similar hospital stay and complication rate as antibiotic treatment plus video-assisted thoracoscopy. 6. Systematic pneumococcal conjugate vaccination is recommended in children under 5 years of age, as it reduces the incidence of CAP and hospitalization for this disease

Influence of pneumococcal vaccination on the hospitalization of healthy pediatric patients due to typical Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION: Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most frequent causes of hospital admission in children. Our objective is to measure the impact of the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on the hospitalization of previously healthy children due to CAP. METHOD: From 2011 to 2016, a partially retrospective, prospective, and descriptive study was carried out on healthy pediatric patients (3 months-14 years old) with CAP, who required hospital admission. Clinical, epidemiological, and demographic characteristics were collected, and vaccination status was obtained from medical records. RESULTS: A total of 292 cases were included, with a mean age of 33.4 months, 54% males. There was a progressive and significant 42% decrease in the number of admissions each year, without significant changes in the annual percentage of parapneumonic pleural effusion (PPE). Fifty-six percent of patients were immunized with a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). The percentage of children who were not vaccinated decreased by 14%, and the coverage with PCV-13 increased by 46%. This revealed a significant increase of PPE in vaccinated patients with PCV-7 (63%) compared with unvaccinated (45%) and with PCV-13 (57%), without association with the presence of severe PPE. Moreover, no significant differences in severity or hospital stay were observed in unvaccinated patients, compared to those who were vaccinated. In >2-year-olds, we observed a significant increase in PPE (59%) compared to 45% in younger children. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in vaccination coverage with PCV-13 resulted in a decrease in hospitalizations due to CAP and PPE. Vaccination with PCV-7 is associated in our sample with an increase in PPE but not with severe PPE nor an increase in the hospital stay. There was an epidemiological shift of severe forms of pneumonia and empyema at later ages (>2 years).

Consensus Document on Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children. SENP-SEPAR-SEIP. / Documento de consenso sobre la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en los niños. SENP-SEPAR-SEIP.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a prevalent disease among children and is frequently associated with both diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainties. Consensus has been reached between SEPAR, SENP and SEIP, and their conclusions are as follows.

The challenges of influenza for public health.

Influenza, an infectious disease of the respiratory system, represents a major burden for public health. This disease affects all age groups with different prognosis, being life threatening for vulnerable individuals. Despite influenza being a vaccine-preventable disease, the control of the infection needs annual vaccination campaigns and constant improvements. Herein, the main challenges of influenza in relation to the pathogenic agent, the available vaccines and the health impact identified during the Light on Vax event, an expert meeting organized by the Asociación Española de Vacunología [Spanish Vaccinology Association] (AEV), are reported. Further possible steps in the control of influenza are also suggested. Ideally, the development of innovative and universal vaccines that would confer life-lasting and broader-spectrum immunity is highly desirable.

Recomendaciones para la vacunación frente al ROTAvirus de los recién nacidos PREMaturos (ROTAPREM) / Recommendations for vaccination against ROTAvirus in PREMature newborns (ROTAPREM)

El rotavirus (RV) es la causa principal de diarrea infantil grave en todo el mundo e infecta prácticamente a todos los niños en los primeros 5 años de vida, sobre todo en los primeros 2años. Existen dos vacunas atenuadas de administración oral frente al RV disponibles en nuestro medio que han demostrado ser seguras y eficaces frente a la enfermedad. El objetivo principal de estas vacunas ha sido reproducir la historia natural de la infección y proteger frente a la enfermedad grave en los primeros meses de vida. Los recién nacidos prematuros son especialmente vulnerables a la enfermedad por RV, no solo por tener más riesgo de adquirir la infección, sino también por sus complicaciones. La vacunación frente al RV en niños prematuros ha mostrado resultados de eficacia y seguridad similares a los comunicados en niños a término, y los datos existentes sugieren un riesgo bajo de diseminación e infección nosocomial cuando la vacunación se realiza durante la hospitalización. Dado que un porcentaje estimable de recién nacidos prematuros permanecen ingresados en las unidades neonatales más allá de las 12semanas de vida, se considera que estos, siempre que su condición clínica lo permita, deben recibir la vacunación frente al RV sin retrasos, incluso durante la hospitalización si así fuese necesario

Rotavirus (RV) is the leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in infants worldwide. Most children are infected by RV by the age of 5 years, and especially in the first 2 years. Two oral attenuated vaccines against RV are licensed in industrialised countries, which have proven to be safe and effective against the disease. The main objective of these vaccines has been to reproduce the natural history of infection and protect against severe disease in the first months of life. Preterm infants are at higher risk of severe RV infection compared to full-term infants and infants with normal birth weight. Data collected on RV vaccination in preterm infants demonstrated that RV vaccines are effective and safe, compared with full-term infants, with a marginal risk of horizontal viral transmission and dissemination when vaccination is performed during hospitalisation. Preterm infants frequently require admission to hospital after the beginning of the 12 th week of life, which suggests that they should receive RV vaccines during admission according to the official immunisation schedule

[Recommendations for vaccination against ROTAvirus in PREMature newborns (ROTAPREM)]. / Recomendaciones para la vacunación frente al ROTAvirus de los recién nacidos PREMaturos (ROTAPREM).

Rotavirus (RV) is the leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis in infants worldwide. Most children are infected by RV by the age of 5years, and especially in the first 2years. Two oral attenuated vaccines against RV are licensed in industrialised countries, which have proven to be safe and effective against the disease. The main objective of these vaccines has been to reproduce the natural history of infection and protect against severe disease in the first months of life. Preterm infants are at higher risk of severe RV infection compared to full-term infants and infants with normal birth weight. Data collected on RV vaccination in preterm infants demonstrated that RV vaccines are effective and safe, compared with full-term infants, with a marginal risk of horizontal viral transmission and dissemination when vaccination is performed during hospitalisation. Preterm infants frequently require admission to hospital after the beginning of the 12th week of life, which suggests that they should receive RV vaccines during admission according to the official immunisation schedule.

Does exposure of pregnant women to epidemic respiratory syncytial virus affect the severity of bronchiolitis? / ¿Afecta la exposición de la embarazada al virus respiratorio sincitial epidémico a la gravedad de la bronquiolitis?

INTRODUCTION: Passive transplacental immunity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) appears to mediate in the protection of the infant for the first 6 months of life. Lower environmental exposure in pregnant women to RSV epidemic may influence the susceptibility of these infants to infection by lowering the levels of antibodies that are transferred to the fetus. OBJECTIVES: To contrast the risk of severe disease progression in infants with acute bronchiolitis by RSV, according to the mother's level of exposure to epidemic. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study of previously healthy infants with RSV-acute bronchiolitis during 5 epidemics was made. We compared the severity of the infection in those born during the period of risk (when is less likely the mother's exposure to epidemic and the transfer of antibodies to the fetus: October 15th-December 15 th in our latitude) with the rest of acute bronchiolitis. Bivariate analysis was performed regarding birth in period of risk and the rest of variables, using the Chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to study possible classical confounding factors. RESULTS: 695 infants were included in the study. 356 infants were born during the period of risk. Of the 56 patients requiring admission to PICU, 40 of them (71.4%) were born in this period (p = 0.002). In the multivariate analysis, the birth in the period of risk showed a 6.5 OR (95% CI: 2.13-19.7) independently of the rest of variables. CONCLUSIONS: The worst clinical disease progression of the acute bronchiolitis by the RSV in less than 6 months age is related to lower exposure of the pregnant woman to the RSV epidemic

INTRODUCCIÓN: La inmunidad pasiva transplacentaria contra el virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS) parece mediar en la protección del lactante durante los primeros 6 meses de vida. La menor exposición ambiental en embarazadas a la epidemia del VRS puede influir en la susceptibilidad de estos niños a la infección al disminuir los niveles de anticuerpos que se transfieren al feto. OBJETIVOS: Contrastar el riesgo de progresión grave de la enfermedad en los lactantes con bronquiolitis aguda por VRS, de acuerdo con el nivel de exposición de la madre a la epidemia. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de recién nacidos previamente sanos con bronquiolitis aguda por VRS durante 5 epidemias. Comparamos la gravedad de la infección en los nacidos durante el período de riesgo (cuando es menos probable la exposición de la madre a la epidemia en nuestra latitud y la transferencia de anticuerpos al feto: del 15 de octubre al 15 de diciembre) con el resto de las bronquiolitis agudas. El análisis bivariante se realizó con respecto al nacimiento en el período de riesgo y el resto de las variables, utilizando la prueba de Chi-cuadrado. Posteriormente un análisis de regresión logística multivariable para estudiar los posibles factores de confusión. RESULTADOS: Seiscientos noventa y cinco bebés fueron incluidos en el estudio. Trescientos cincuenta y seis bebés nacieron durante el período de riesgo. De los 56 pacientes que requieren ingreso en la UCIP, 40 de ellos (71,4%) nacieron en este período (p = 0,002). En el análisis multivariante, el nacimiento en el período de riesgo mostró una OR de 6,5 (IC 95%: 2,13-19,7) independientemente del resto de las variables. CONCLUSIONES: La evolución más grave de la enfermedad clínica de la bronquiolitis aguda por el VRS en menores de 6 meses de edad se relaciona con una menor exposición de la embarazada a la epidemia del VRS