The MVA vector expressing the F protein of bovine respiratory syncytial virus is immunogenic in systemic and mucosal immunization routes.

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) affects both beef and dairy cattle, reaching morbidity and mortality rates of 60-80% and 20%, respectively. The aim of this study was to obtain a recombinant MVA expressing the BRSV F protein (MVA-F) as a vaccine against BRSV and to evaluate the immune response induced by MVA-F after systemic immunization in homologous and heterologous vaccination (MVA-F alone or combined with a subunit vaccine), and after intranasal immunization of mice. MVA-F administered by intraperitoneal route in a homologous scheme elicited levels of neutralizing antibodies similar to those obtained with inactivated BRSV as well as better levels of IFN-γ secretion. In addition, nasal administration of MVA-F elicited local and systemic immunity with a Th1 profile. This study suggests that MVA-F is a good candidate for further evaluations combining intranasal and intramuscular routes, in order to induce local and systemic immune responses, to improve the vaccine efficacy against BRSV infection.

[Initial assessment of immigrant patients in primary care]. / Atención inicial al paciente inmigrante en atención primaria.

The clinical interview of immigrant patients requires cultural competence to ensure good understanding and correct communication, in addition to collecting specific information that differs from that of native patients, such as origin and migratory route or cultural identity. Screening for latent tuberculosis infection is recommended in certain cases and screening for other infections, both cosmopolitan with a higher prevalence in migrants (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C) and imported (Chagas, intestinal parasites, strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis), depending on origin. It is essential to check the vaccination status and complete the vaccination schedule, adapting it to the current calendar, prioritizing vaccines such as measles, rubella and poliomyelitis. We propose preventive activities to be carried out when traveling to countries of origin, due to their special characteristics and risks: general advice, exploring the risk of malaria, assessing specific vaccinations, advice regarding sexually transmitted infections and special considerations if they have chronic diseases; and addressing, if appropriate, the risks of female genital mutilation.

La pobreza extrema es prioridad: Un argumento sobre la distribución equitativa de la vacuna contra el COVID-19 en Perú.

La humanidad ya dispone de vacunas eficaces contra el COVID-19. En Perú se administraron 86 millones de dosis para cubrir la demanda de 33 millones de peruanos. Para ello, se ha priorizado la vacunación en grupos clave: personal de salud, sujetos con condiciones de salud preexistentes y mayores de 65 años. Sin embargo, dada la problemática social y la situación de la salud pública en Perú, este trabajo defiende que la prioridad de la vacunación debe centrarse en la población que vive en extrema pobreza. El método utilizado fue una argumentación ética sobre la distribución de la vacuna contra el COVID-19 en Perú. Esta argumentación se basa en el análisis de la población peruana que vive en extrema pobreza, la cual presenta diferentes estratos de vulnerabilidad, y que, ante una eventual infección por SARS-CoV-2, se irían agravando uno tras otro, a través de un efecto en cascada. Este escenario daría lugar a nuevas vulnerabilidades de las ya existentes, causando mayores daños. Los esfuerzos de vacunación en esta población clave les brindaría oportunidad de seguir encontrando formas de llevar alimentos a sus hogares, reduciendo significativamente el riesgo de contagio en su entorno y mitigando el efecto devastador de las enfermedades locales a las que ya está expuesta. Se plantean cuatro objeciones relacionadas con este argumento, con sus correspondientes respuestas. El acceso prioritario a la vacuna reduciría significativamente el daño a las personas que viven en la extrema pobreza, haciendo prevalecer los principios de justicia y equidad.

Comparison of the effectiveness of four SARS-COV-2 v accines in Nuevo Leon, Mexico: A test-negative control study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to provide statewide estimates of real-world effectiveness in reducing the odds of one primary (symptomatic COVID-19 infection) and two secondary outcomes (hospitalization and severe COVID-19 infection) by four vaccines BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca), Ad5-nCoV (CanSinoBIO), and CoronaVac (Sinovac Life Sciences), used in Northeast Mexico. DESIGN: We conducted a test-negative case-control study and analyzed statewide surveillance data from December 2020 to August 2021. SITE: Primary attention and hospitalization. PARTICIPANTS: Two inclusion criteria were applied, age≥18 years and having a real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction assay or a rapid test for antigen detection in postnasal samples (N=164,052). The vaccination was considered complete if at least 14 days had passed since the application of the single or second dose and the beginning of symptomatology. INTERVENTIONS: Does not apply. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Point and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of vaccine effectiveness were calculated per type of vaccine using the formula 1 - odds ratio, adjusted by sex and age. RESULTS: Complete vaccination offered from none (CoronaVac - Sinovac) to 75% (95%CI 71, 77) (BNT162b2 - Pfizer) effectiveness in reducing symptomatic COVID-19 infection, regardless of sex and age. The fully ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca) scheme reached the maximum effectiveness in hospitalization (80%, 95%CI 69, 87) and the fully BNT162b2 (Pfizer) scheme the maximum effectiveness in severity (81%, 95%CI 64, 90). CONCLUSIONS: More studies are needed to compare benefits of different vaccines and guide policy makers select the best option for their population.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cancer patients and healthcare workers vaccinated with two doses of BNT162b2 or AZD122. A propensity analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination is the most effective intervention for reducing the burden of SARS-CoV-2-related disease; however, gaps in knowledge regarding cancer patients (CPs) immune response persist. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the humoral response (anti-S antibodies) in CPs and healthcare workers (HCWs) vaccinated with two doses of BNT162b2 or AZD122 vaccines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Polyspecific anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-S) antibodies were quantified, and a 1:1 propensity score was used to balance baseline characteristics. Multiple logistic regressions were carried out to evaluate the effect of humoral response-related variables. RESULTS: One-hundred and twenty-seven CPs (22%) and 439 HCWs (78%) were included. Both populations developed anti-S antibodies in response to vaccination. The mRNA-based vaccine (BNT162b2) was associated with higher odds of having anti-S antibody titers ≥ 1,000 U/mL, while active cancer was related to a lower probability of developing high antibody titers. CONCLUSIONS: The BNT162b2 vaccine was associated with a higher humoral response. It is necessary for more information and vaccination strategies to be available for immunosuppressed patients in order to select the best biologics for this population based on individual characteristics.

ANTECEDENTES: La vacunación es la intervención más efectiva para reducir la carga de enfermedad por SARS-CoV-2; sin embargo, persisten brechas en el conocimiento en relación con la respuesta inmunológica de los pacientes con cáncer (PC). OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la respuesta humoral (anticuerpos anti-S) en PC y trabajadores de salud (TS) vacunados con dos dosis de la vacuna BNT162b2 o AZD122. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se cuantificaron anticuerpos poliespecíficos contra la proteína de espiga de SARS-CoV-2 (anti-S) y se efectuó una puntuación de propensión 1:1 para equilibrar las características basales. Se realizaron regresiones logísticas múltiples para evaluar el efecto de las variables relacionadas con la respuesta humoral. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 127 PC (22 %) y 439 TS (78 %). Ambas poblaciones desarrollaron anticuerpos anti-S en respuesta a la vacunación. La vacuna de ARNm (BNT162b2) se asoció a mayor probabilidad de mostrar concentraciones de anticuerpos anti-S ≥ 1000 UI/mL, mientras que el cáncer activo se relacionó con menor probabilidad de presentar títulos altos de anticuerpos. CONCLUSIONES: La vacuna BNT162b2 se asoció a respuesta humoral mayor. Es necesario contar con más información y estrategias de vacunación en pacientes inmunosuprimidos. Es relevante la selección de los mejores biológicos para esta población y considerar las características individuales.

Immunity and COVID-19 vaccines. Revisiting the bases.

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the challenges of the 21st century; science and technology were put to the test for the development vaccines, diagnostic techniques and treatments in record time. However, misinformation and misinterpretation have made the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines a subject of debate. This review addresses concepts on immunization mechanisms and vaccination, as well as evidence supporting that COVID-19 vaccines are immunogenic, efficacious and safe.

La pandemia de COVID-19 es uno de los retos del siglo XXI; la ciencia y la tecnología se pusieron a prueba para desarrollar vacunas, técnicas diagnósticas y tratamientos en tiempo récord. No obstante, la desinformación y mala interpretación han hecho que la seguridad y eficacia de las vacunas contra COVID-19 sean un tema de debate. En esta revisión se abordan conceptos sobre los mecanismos de la inmunización y la vacunación; así como la evidencia que sostiene que las vacunas contra COVID-19 son inmunogénicas, eficaces y seguras.

Changes in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Genital Warts Since the Introduction of Prophylactic Vaccines. / Modificación de la prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano en los condilomas acuminados tras la instauración de la vacuna profiláctica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), whose genotypes have traditionally been classified as low risk or high risk (oncogenic). The first 2 prophylactic vaccines included the most common genotypes at the time: HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-18. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV types in our setting 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients diagnosed with genital warts at the sexually transmitted infection unit of a dermatology department between January 2016 and June 2019. RESULTS: In total, 362 patients were diagnosed with genital warts during the study period, and 212 (58.6%) underwent genotyping. Thirty-two distinct HPV types were observed, the most common being HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, and HPV-42. HPV DNA was detected in 93.9% of the samples analyzed, and there were 299 genotypes (mean, 1.5 per patient). Overall, 26.6% of patients had more than a single HPV genotype, while 24.1% had at least 1 high-risk type. No significant associations were found between the presence of high-risk HPV types and any of the study variables. At least 2 of the 4 HPV types targeted in the original vaccines were detected in 94.1% of lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to 10 years ago, the prevalences of HPV types included in the first 2 prophylactic vaccines have decreased, while the proportion of patients with at least 1 of the 4 most common types has remained unchanged. We also observed a slight increase in infections with multiple HPV types or at least 1 high-risk type.

Are patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving adequate immunisation? / ¿Están recibiendo los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal una adecuada inmunización?

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) treatment may increase the risk of infections. Vaccines are part of the comprehensive IBD patient care. The aim of this study was to describe indications and adherence of immunizations in IBD and identify possible associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, analytic study was conducted in patients from an IBD Program of a tertiary center in Chile, between April - June 2019. Patients were asked to answer a vaccine survey and information also was obtained from the National Immunization Registry. Descriptive and association statistic were used (χ2; p<0.05). RESULTS: A total of 243 patients were included (148 ulcerative colitis (UC), 86 Crohn's disease (CD) and 9 non-classifiable IBD). Only six patients (2%) of IBD patients received a complete immunization schedule. The highest vaccine rates were against influenza (67%), hepatitis B virus (40%), 13-valent pneumococcal (34%) and 23-polysaccharide pneumococcal (16%). The influenza vaccine rate has significantly increased, reaching 67% in 2019. The survey showed that 23% of patients have not been immunized with any vaccine, mainly due to lack of time, lack of medical prescription and high cost. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, although vaccination rates are higher than previously reported, adherence to IBD immunization program would be improved, being considered since diagnosis by the multidisciplinary team.

Risk of infection associated with Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors and biological therapies in inflammatory intestinal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Prevention strategies. / Riesgo de infección asociado a los inhibidores de las quinasas Janus (JAK) y las terapias biológicas en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y artritis reumatoide. Estrategias de prevención.

Patients with certain immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have an increased risk of severe infectious diseases than the general population, which are mainly associated with the immunosuppressive treatments that they receive. These treatments act on the immune system through different mechanisms, causing different degrees of immunosuppression and a variable risk depending on whether the pathogen is a virus, bacteria or fungus. This article reviews the most relevant literature on the subject, which was selected and discussed by a panel of experts. The aim of this article is to review the risk of infections in patients with IBD and RA, and the potential preventive measures.

Baseline prevalence and type distribution of Human papillomavirus in sexually active non-vaccinated adolescent girls from Argentina.

In 2011, Argentina launched a government-funded national Human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program incorporating a bivalent HPV vaccine, with a 0-1-6-month schedule, for girls 11 years of age, born after January 2000. Monitoring the changes of HPV infection prevalence among young women has been proposed as an endpoint for early assessment of HPV vaccination programs. However, the data on HPV prevalence at young ages are very limited. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of HPV infection and type-specific distribution in sexually active 15-17-year-old non-vaccinated girls. Cervical samples from 1073 adolescents were collected for HPV detection and genotyping using the BSGP5+/GP6+PCR-reverse line blot (RLB) assay. Out of 957 specimens analyzed, 56.3% were positive for any HPV type; 42.2% harbored at least one high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) type and 30.8% low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) types. Multiple and single infections were identified in 36.3% and 20.0% of the samples respectively. The 6 most common HR-HPV types were HPV16 (11.1%), HPV52 (10.8%), HPV56 (8.3%), HPV51 (7.4%), HPV58 (7.3%) and HPV31 (7.1%). The prevalence of HR-HPV-16/18 was 15.2%. In conclusion, results confirm that HPV (particularly HR-types) are very common among sexually active adolescents, and prevalence rises quickly after their sexual debut. Our HPV type-specific prevalence baseline may be used to monitor post-vaccinal longitudinal changes in Argentina.

Distribution of PCV13 and PPSV23 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in Argentinean adults with invasive disease, 2013-2017.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of severe invasive disease associated with high mortality and morbidity worldwide. To identify the serotypes most commonly associated with infection in adults in Argentina, 791 pneumococcal isolates from 56 hospitals belonging to 16 provinces and Buenos Aires city were serotyped. The isolates were submitted as part of a National Surveillance Program for invasive pneumococcal disease in adults, which started in 2013. Serotypes 3, 8, 12F, 7F and 1 were the most prevalent among adult patients. During the study period there was no significant difference in serotype distribution between the age groups studied (18-64 and ≥65 years old), except for serotype 1, 3 and 23A. Most prevalent serotypes in pneumonia were serotype 7F, 1, 12F, 8, and 3. When the clinical diagnosis was meningitis, serotype 3 and 12F were the most prevalent, whereas when the diagnosis was sepsis/bacteremia the most prevalent was serotype 8. In this work, for the 18-64-year-old group, PPSV23 and PCV13 serotypes accounted for 74.56% and 44.54% respectively of the cases in the studied period. On the other hand, for the ≥65-year-old group, these serotypes represented 72.30% and 41.42% respectively. The aim of this work was to establish the knowledge bases of the serotypes that cause invasive pneumococcal diseases in the adult population in Argentina and to be able to detect changes in their distribution over time in order to explore the potential serotype coverage of the vaccines in current use.

[False beliefs about vaccines]. / Falsas creencias sobre las vacunas.

Vaccines are an essential tool for the prevention of infectious diseases. However, false ideas and rumours with no scientific foundation about their possible negative effects may dissuade people from being vaccinated, with the consequent risks for the health of the population. The objective of this article is to evaluate the origin and the arguments of some of the most frequent mistaken ideas and rumours about the possible adverse effects of vaccines. Some clearly established adverse effects are presented, as well as false beliefs about various vaccines and potential harm to health. Vaccines, like any drug, can cause adverse effects, but the possible adverse effects of vaccination programs are clearly lower than their individual (vaccinated) and collective benefits (those vaccinated and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons). The possible adverse effects attributable to vaccines should be detected by powerful and well-structured pharmacovigilance systems.

[Decrease in the incidence of chickenpox in the Community of Madrid after universal childhood immunization. Years 2001-2015]. / Descenso de la incidencia de la varicela en la Comunidad de Madrid tras la vacunación infantil universal. Años 2001-2015.

OBJECTIVE: Varicella vaccine was recommended in the Community of Madrid (CM) at 15months of age between November 2006 and December 2013. The objective was to describe the impact of vaccination on the incidence of varicella in the CM during the period 2001-2015. DESIGN: A descriptive study of cases of varicella reported to the Sentinel Physician Network of the CM and the cases recorded in the Minimum Basic Data Set at hospital discharge was carried out. Total incidence of cases and of hospital admissions were calculated, as well as specific incidence by age and sex. RESULTS: The incidence was 94.0% lower between 2012 and 2013 than between 2001 and 2003. Between 2014 and 2015 the incidence was 61.8% higher than between 2012 and 2013. The highest incidence was observed in children aged 0 to 4years except for 2010-2014, which was exceeded by the incidence in children aged 5 to 9. The trend in hospital admissions was also decreasing, with the highest incidence in children aged 0 to 1year, followed by 1-4years. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a significant decrease in the incidence of cases and of hospital admissions by varicella in all age groups after the recommendation to vaccinate at 15months of age, which is compatible with the effectiveness of a dose and its ability to produce immunity group. The withdrawal of this recommendation between 2014 and 2015 has led to an increase in the incidence.

Seroepidemiology: an underused tool for designing and monitoring vaccination programmes in low- and middle-income countries.

Seroepidemiology, the use of data on the prevalence of bio-markers of infection or vaccination, is a potentially powerful tool to understand the epidemiology of infection before vaccination and to monitor the effectiveness of vaccination programmes. Global and national burden of disease estimates for hepatitis B and rubella are based almost exclusively on serological data. Seroepidemiology has helped in the design of measles, poliomyelitis and rubella elimination programmes, by informing estimates of the required population immunity thresholds for elimination. It contributes to monitoring of these programmes by identifying population immunity gaps and evaluating the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns. Seroepidemiological data have also helped to identify contributing factors to resurgences of diphtheria, Haemophilus Influenzae type B and pertussis. When there is no confounding by antibodies induced by natural infection (as is the case for tetanus and hepatitis B vaccines), seroprevalence data provide a composite picture of vaccination coverage and effectiveness, although they cannot reliably indicate the number of doses of vaccine received. Despite these potential uses, technological, time and cost constraints have limited the widespread application of this tool in low-income countries. The use of venous blood samples makes it difficult to obtain high participation rates in surveys, but the performance of assays based on less invasive samples such as dried blood spots or oral fluid has varied greatly. Waning antibody levels after vaccination may mean that seroprevalence underestimates immunity. This, together with variation in assay sensitivity and specificity and the common need to take account of antibody induced by natural infection, means that relatively sophisticated statistical analysis of data is required. Nonetheless, advances in assays on minimally invasive samples may enhance the feasibility of including serology in large survey programmes in low-income countries. In this paper, we review the potential uses of seroepidemiology to improve vaccination policymaking and programme monitoring and discuss what is needed to broaden the use of this tool in low- and middle-income countries.

Rotavirus vaccines contribute towards universal health coverage in a mixed public-private healthcare system.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate rotavirus vaccination in Malaysia from the household's perspective. The extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) framework quantifies the broader value of universal vaccination starting with non-health benefits such as financial risk protection and equity. These dimensions better enable decision-makers to evaluate policy on the public finance of health programmes. METHODS: The incidence, health service utilisation and household expenditure related to rotavirus gastroenteritis according to national income quintiles were obtained from local data sources. Multiple birth cohorts were distributed into income quintiles and followed from birth over the first five years of life in a multicohort, static model. RESULTS: We found that the rich pay more out of pocket (OOP) than the poor, as the rich use more expensive private care. OOP payments among the poorest although small are high as a proportion of household income. Rotavirus vaccination results in substantial reduction in rotavirus episodes and expenditure and provides financial risk protection to all income groups. Poverty reduction benefits are concentrated amongst the poorest two income quintiles. CONCLUSION: We propose that universal vaccination complements health financing reforms in strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC). ECEA provides an important tool to understand the implications of vaccination for UHC, beyond traditional considerations of economic efficiency.

Multistakeholder partnerships with the Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea to improve childhood immunisation: A perspective from global health equity and political determinants of health equity.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the current partnerships to improve the childhood immunisation programme in the Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the context of the political determinants of health equity. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify public health collaborations with the DPRK government. Based on the amount of publicly accessible data and a shared approach in health system strengthening among the partners in immunisation programmes, the search focused on these partnerships. RESULTS: The efforts by WHO, UNICEF, GAVI and IVI with the DPRK government improved the delivery of childhood vaccines (e.g. pentavalent vaccines, inactivated polio vaccine, two-dose measles vaccine and Japanese encephalitis vaccine) and strengthened the DPRK health system by equipping health centres, and training all levels of public health personnel for VPD surveillance and immunisation service delivery. CONCLUSION: The VPD-focused programmatic activities in the DPRK have improved the delivery of childhood immunisation and have created dialogue and contact with the people of the DPRK. These efforts are likely to ameliorate the political isolation of the people of the DPRK and potentially improve global health equity.

[Acellular vaccines (DTPa/dTpa) against whooping cough, protection duration]. / Vacunas acelulares (DTPa/dTpa) contra la tos ferina: duración de la protección.

INTRODUCTION: An increase in whooping cough in most of the developed countries has been detected in the last decade. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the administration of dTpa vaccine instead of DTPa fifth dose is contributing to the appearance of these cases. METHODS: A descriptive study based on cases of whooping cough reported during an epidemic period in the city of Alicante in the first 5 months of 2014. Only pertussis cases confirmed by PCR were included in the study, and only those vaccinated with 5 doses were included in the analysis of the period of protection. RESULTS: A total of 104 cases of pertussis confirmed by PCR were reported, with 85 cases (82%) having had 5 doses of vaccine. The mean time and standard deviation (SD) of protection was 2.1±1.1 years with dTpa, and 5.1±1.5 years with DTPa (p<.001). In the protection, adjusted for age, it was observed that, after 3 years, only 47.6% of people vaccinated with dTpa were still protected, while people vaccinated with DTPa were 100% protected (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that people who were properly vaccinated against pertussis and received their last re-vaccination dose with dTpa had a shorter period of protection than those who were vaccinated with DTPa.

[Vaccination for international travelers]. / Vacunación en viajeros internacionales.

Traveler's vaccination is one of the key strategies for the prevention of infectious diseases during international travel. The risk of acquiring an infectious disease is determined in each case by the characteristics of the traveler and the travel, so the pre-departure medical advice of the traveler must be individualized. The World Health Organization classifies travelers vaccines into three groups. - Vaccines for routine use in national immunization programs: Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B, polio, measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus-diphtheria-whooping a cough, and chickenpox. - Vaccinations required by law in certain countries before to enter them: yellow fever, meningococcal disease and poliomyelitis. - Vaccines recommended depending on the circumstances: cholera, japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, meningococcal disease, typhoid fever, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and BCG. This review is intended to introduce the reader to the field of international vaccination.

[Prevalence of non-vaccinable high risk genotypes of human papillomavirus in the Early Detection of Cervical Cancer Program in Cantabria]. / Prevalencia de genotipos del virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo no vacunables dentro del programa de Detección Precoz de Cáncer de Cérvix en Cantabria.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of infection with non-vaccinable high risk genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LOCATION: Seven randomly selected health centres in Cantabria (Northern Spain). PARTICIPANTS: All women with an evaluable vaginal smear (n=3,359) between 2010 and 2011. MAIN MEASURES: The variables collected were cytological diagnosis, PCR results, and family planning method. The vaginal smear results were classified with the Bethesda system. The classification by Muñoz et al. was used for typing as oncogenic risk HPV. Proportions and odds ratio (OR) were estimated with corresponding confidence intervals at 95% (95% CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of HPV infection was 2.71% (95% CI: 2.15 to 3.27). The prevalence of high oncogenic risk HPV genotypes was 2.26%; (95% CI: 1.75 to 2.78). The most frequent genotype was 16 (28.89%). More than half of the women were positive for one of the non-vaccinable high risk genotypes: 51 (18.89%) and 58 (13.33%) and 68 (12.22%) or 31 (11.11%). At least two non-vaccinable high-risk genotypes co-existed in 23.33% of women. Younger women (≤30 years) had twice the risk of any HPV infection: OR 2.01 (95% CI: 1.02 to 3.96); and were twice as likely to use condoms compared to hormonal contraceptives, OR 2.09 (95% CI: 1.64 to 2.67). CONCLUSIONS: According to the high percentage of non-vaccinable high oncogenic risk HPV types, there should be a re-think of the prevention strategy in the population, who may have a false sense of protection.

Health policy for sickle cell disease in Africa: experience from Tanzania on interventions to reduce under-five mortality.

Tanzania has made considerable progress towards reducing childhood mortality, achieving a 57% decrease between 1980 and 2011. This epidemiological transition will cause a reduction in the contribution of infectious diseases to childhood mortality and increase in contribution from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Haemoglobinopathies are amongst the most common childhood NCDs, with sickle cell disease (SCD) being the commonest haemoglobinopathy in Africa. In Tanzania, 10,313 children with SCD under 5 years of age (U5) are estimated to die every year, contributing an estimated 7% of overall deaths in U5 children. Key policies that governments in Africa are able to implement would reduce mortality in SCD, focusing on newborn screening and comprehensive SCD care programmes. Such programmes would ensure that interventions such as prevention of infections using penicillin plus prompt diagnosis and treatment of complications are provided to all individuals with SCD.