Administration Of Booster Dose Research Articles

A single-center COVID-19 vaccine experience with CoronaVac and BNT162b2 in familial Mediterranean fever patients.

AimTo determine frequency of adverse events and attacks related to vaccination in recipients of CoronaVac and BNT162b2 in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients, and to search whether history of prior COVID‐19 or a booster dose increases occurrence of adverse events/attacks.MethodsFMF patients were surveyed for administration of any COVID‐19 vaccine and vaccine‐related adverse events or FMF attacks. Demographic, clinical, vaccine‐related data, history of COVID‐19 infection before or after vaccination, adherence to FMF treatment during vaccination were collected.ResultsA total of 161 vaccinated FMF patients were included. Ninety‐three patients out of 161 had reported suffering from an adverse event/attack after a vaccine dose. There were 54.7% of BNT162b2 recipients who reported any adverse event after any vaccine dose in comparison to 29.9% of CoronaVac recipients (P < .001). There were 22.2% of BNT162b2 recipients who reported suffering from a FMF attack within 1 month after vaccination in comparison to 19.4% of CoronaVac recipients (P = .653). When patients with or without adverse event/attack were compared, no significant differences were observed in means of demographics, comorbid diseases, disease duration, total vaccine doses, or treatments adhered to for FMF. Rates of adverse events/attacks were similar between patients with and without prior COVID‐19. In booster recipients, adverse events/attacks were most frequent after the booster dose.ConclusionsA considerable number of FMF patients suffered from vaccine‐related adverse events/attacks, particularly with BNT162b2. No serious events or mortalities due to vaccination were detected. Demographics, clinical characteristics and prior history of vaccination did not significantly affect these results. We observed an increased rate of adverse events/attacks with booster dose administration.

Динамика гуморального иммунного ответа к SARS-CoV-2 в профессионально однородной группе людей за двухлетний эпидемический период COVID-19

It is important to control the levels of specific IgG against SARS-CoV-2 to ensure the timely monitoring of immunity in patients with COVID-19. Yet it is unclear what antibody levels protect against new infection and how long the protection is maintained. The study was aimed to assess the dynamic changes in the levels of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 by the two-year controlled observation. Healthy individuals (n = 70), COVID-19 survivors (n = 42), and people vaccinated with Sputnik V (n = 43) were enrolled. They were followed-up from April 2020 to April 2022. Serum IgG levels were defined (n = 312) using immunochip and the commercially available test system. Significance of differences was estimated using the Mann–Whitney U test for р ≤ 0.05. IgG levels in the disease survivors (median 97.1; 95% CI: 80–162 BAU/mL) and vaccinated individuals (103.1; 78–139 BAU/mL) were significantly higher than in healthy people (4.3; 4.1–4.5 BAU/mL). Intensity of immune response significantly increased after vaccination of the disease survivors (up to 1023; 657–1191 BAU/mL) or administration of booster dose to vaccinated individuals (413; 213–545 BAU/mL). In elderly convalescents (60+), IgG levels were significantly higher, and in vaccinated people these were significantly lower, than in people under the age of 60. IgG levels decreased faster in vaccinated individuals (after 3–4 months), than in the disease survivors, and stabilized at &lt;100 BAU/mL in 60% of subjects within 5–9 months. Thus, intensity and duration of immune response in COVID-19 survivors and vaccinated people vary significantly depending on age, observation period, and additional vaccinations/revaccinations. Three cases of infection after full vaccination were reported over the entire follow-up period, including infection in a patient having a history of the disease and subsequent vaccination.

MO887: Humoral Response to the Pfizer BNT162b2 Vaccine Booster Dose in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS COVID-19 is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Recent breakthrough infection in vaccinated people has led some authorities to recommend a booster dose to patient fully vaccinated 5–8 months ago. The recent emergence of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant has heightened this issue. We aimed to assess, the humoral response following a booster dose with the BNT162b2 vaccine in MHD patients. METHOD The study included 102 MHD patients vaccinated with 2 doses of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine. A third dose (booster) was recommended to all MHD Patients in our center and was given to all patients that opt to receive it, resulting in a booster group and a control group that did not receive the booster. Previous exposure was excluded by testing for the presence of the Anti-Nucleocapsid Antibody (SARS-CoV-2) or positive PCR. We assessed the humoral response before and after the booster dose. RESULTS 98.5% (65/66) subjects in the booster group developed a positive antibody response (472.7 ± 749.5 to 16 336.8 ± 15 397.3 AU/mL) as compared with a sustained decrease in the control group (n = 22, 695.7 ± 642.7 to 383.6 ± 298.6 AU/mL), P &amp;lt; 0.0001 (Figure 1). No significant adverse effects were reported. Prior antibody titers were positively correlated to IgG S1 levels following the booster dose. There was a significant association between malnutrition-inflammation markers and the humoral response. CONCLUSION The vast majority of MHD patients developed a substantial humoral response following the booster dose administration, it was significantly higher than levels previously reported for MHD patients following administration of 2 doses alone. Further studies and observations are needed in order to determine the exact timing and dosing schedule.

MO846: Temporal Evolution of Humoral Response in Haemodialysis Patients Vaccinated With Two Doses of CHADOX1-S Vaccine

BACKGROUND AND AIMSPatients on long term haemodialysis have been found to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection with greater severity of infection and mortality rates. Vaccination is instrumental in preventing morbidity and mortality in this group. The study was conducted to evaluate the humoral response of vaccination in patients on long term haemodialysis and its evolution over time.METHODThe study was conducted between March 2021 and December 2021. It included 59 patients who received two doses of ChAdOx1-S vaccine. Demographic data was collected and antibody level against the S1 subunit of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antigen was measured 4 weeks and 26 weeks after the administration of second dose. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on time interval between the two doses (Group I: up to 6 weeks and Group II: >6 weeks).RESULTSThe mean age of the patients was 62.57 years. Out of 59 patients, 38 (64.40%) were males. 31 patients (52.54%) had history of diabetes mellitus (DM) and 7 (11.86%) had history of COVID-19 infection at least 3 months prior to vaccination (Table 1). Four weeks after the administration of second dose, antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were present in 53 (89.83%) patients. 85.29% patients (29 out of 34) in group I and 96% patients (24 out of 25) in group II had detectable antibodies. There was a wide variation between the anti-spike antibody levels in the patients, ranging from 0.4 to as high as 18 933 U/mL (Figure 1) and the levels remained high even 26 weeks after the second dose of the vaccine. Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were present in 49 (92.45%) patients out of the total 53 patients in whom 26 weeks had elapsed after second dose of vaccination. 91.17% patients (31 out of 34) in group I and 94.7% (18 out of 19) in group II had detectable antibodies after 26 weeks of receiving second dose of the vaccine.Table 1. CONCLUSIONThe study provides evidence that two doses of ChAdOx1-S vaccine generate good antibody response in majority of patients on long-term haemodialysis. It is sustained at 26 weeks post second dose of vaccine. Increasing the time interval between two doses of the vaccine lead to better humoral response. The antibody levels decrease over time necessitating the administration of booster doses.

Cutaneous reactions following booster dose administration of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine: A first look from the American Academy of Dermatology/International League of Dermatologic Societies registry

To the Editor: Booster doses for COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines ≥6 months after the completion of a patient’s primary vaccine series are now in use across the globe.1,2 Although cutaneous reactions have been widely reported in response to the original series of mRNA vaccines,3-5 little is known about adverse cutaneous reactions to the administration of booster doses. We sought to evaluate cutaneous side effects after mRNA COVID-19 booster to (1) describe reaction sequences after first, second and booster doses, and (2) characterize cutaneous reaction morphology following vaccine booster administration.

Vaccine-Induced Antibody Responses against SARS-CoV-2 Variants-Of-Concern Six Months after the BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination

ABSTRACTThe emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has raised concern about increased transmissibility, infectivity, and immune evasion from a vaccine and infection-induced immune responses. Although COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have proven to be highly effective against severe COVID-19 disease, the decrease in vaccine efficacy against emerged Beta and Delta variants emphasizes the need for constant monitoring of new virus lineages and studies on the persistence of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies. To analyze the dynamics of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine-induced antibody responses, we followed 52 health care workers in Finland for 6 months after receiving two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine with a 3-week interval. We demonstrate that, although anti-S1 antibody levels decrease 2.3-fold compared to peak antibody levels, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies persist for months after BNT162b2 vaccination. Variants D614G, Alpha, and Eta are neutralized by sera of 100% of vaccinees, whereas neutralization of Delta is 3.8-fold reduced and neutralization of Beta is 5.8-fold reduced compared to D614G. Despite this reduction, 85% of sera collected 6 months postvaccination neutralizes Delta variant.IMPORTANCE A decrease in vaccine efficacy against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants has increased the importance of assessing the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific antibodies and neutralizing antibodies. Our data show that after 6 months post two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine, antibody levels decrease yet remain detectable and capable of neutralizing emerging variants. By monitoring the vaccine-induced antibody responses, vaccination strategies and administration of booster doses can be optimized.

Autochthonous Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in Booster-Vaccinated (3 Doses) Healthcare Workers in Southern Italy: Just the Tip of the Iceberg?

The Omicron variant of concern (VOC), first detected in Italy at the end of November 2021, has since spread rapidly, despite high vaccine coverage in the Italian population, especially in healthcare workers (HCWs). This study describes an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in 15 booster-vaccinated HCWs. On 16 December 2021, two HCWs working in the same ward were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The Omicron VOC was suspected due to S gene target failure on molecular testing. Further investigation revealed that 15 (65%) of 23 HCWs attending a social gathering on 13 December were infected with Omicron, as shown by whole-genome sequencing, with a phylogenetic tree suggesting a common source of exposure. Five of these HCWs experienced mild symptoms. A patient with multiple chronic conditions hospitalized in the same ward was also infected by one of the HCWs involved in the outbreak. Despite being booster vaccinated, this patient required ICU treatment. Ten subjects achieved negativity in 10–19 days. The outbreak in booster-vaccinated subjects confirms the high transmissibility and immune evasion of the Omicron VOC. More stringent non-pharmaceutical interventions, administration of booster doses, and genomic surveillance are crucial long-term strategies to mitigate the consequences of the spread of the Omicron VOC.

COVID-19 vaccine: what are we doing and what should we do?

COVID-19 vaccine: what are we doing and what should we do?

Association of a Third Dose of BNT162b2 Vaccine With Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Health Care Workers in Israel

Administration of a BNT162b2 booster dose (Pfizer-BioNTech) to fully vaccinated individuals aged 60 years and older was significantly associated with lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe illness. Data are lacking on the effectiveness of booster doses for younger individuals and health care workers. To estimate the association of a BNT162b2 booster dose with SARS-CoV-2 infections among health care workers who were previously vaccinated with a 2-dose series of BNT162b2. This was a prospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary medical center in Tel Aviv, Israel. The study cohort included 1928 immunocompetent health care workers who were previously vaccinated with a 2-dose series of BNT162b2, and had enrolled between August 8 and 19, 2021, with final follow-up reported through September 20, 2021. Screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection was performed every 14 days. Anti-spike protein receptor binding domain IgG titers were determined at baseline and 1 month after enrollment. Cox regression with time-dependent analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios of SARS-CoV-2 infection between booster-immunized status and 2-dose vaccinated (booster-nonimmunized) status. Vaccination with a booster dose of BNT162b2 vaccine. The primary outcome was SARS-CoV-2 infection, as confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Among 1928 participants, the median age was 44 years (IQR, 36-52 years) and 1381 were women (71.6%). Participants completed the 2-dose vaccination series a median of 210 days (IQR, 205-213 days) before study enrollment. A total of 1650 participants (85.6%) received the booster dose. During a median follow-up of 39 days (IQR, 35-41 days), SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 44 participants (incidence rate, 60.2 per 100 000 person-days); 31 (70.5%) were symptomatic. Five SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred in booster-immunized participants and 39 in booster-nonimmunized participants (incidence rate, 12.8 vs 116 per 100 000 person-days, respectively). In a time-dependent Cox regression analysis, the adjusted hazard ratio of SARS-CoV-2 infection for booster-immunized vs booster-nonimmunized participants was 0.07 (95% CI, 0.02-0.20). Among health care workers at a single center in Israel who were previously vaccinated with a 2-dose series of BNT162b2, administration of a booster dose compared with not receiving one was associated with a significantly lower rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection over a median of 39 days of follow-up. Ongoing surveillance is required to assess durability of the findings.

Association of COVID-19 Vaccination and Clinical Severity of Patients Infected with Delta or Omicron Variants - China, May 21, 2021-February 28, 2022.

What is already known about this topic?Compared with the international mRNA and adenovirus-vectored coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, there is less real-world research data about breakthrough cases in people vaccinated with China-made COVID-19 vaccines. Analyses of clinical outcomes of breakthrough cases will be an important supplement to the clinical trial efficacy and observational effectiveness data of China-made COVID-19 vaccines.What is added by this report?COVID-19 vaccine age-eligible individuals (≥3 years old) who received full primary series and a booster dose of China-made COVID-19 vaccines had good protection from pneumonia caused by Delta variant infection. There was only one serious Delta case in children (unvaccinated), but among adults 18 years and older, there was good protection from serious illness with primary vaccination and booster vaccination. Among people ≥60 years, full vaccination and booster vaccination were associated with protection from pneumonia and risk of serious COVID-19 caused by Omicron variant infection. There were few serious Omicron cases.What are the implications for public health practice?Everyone 3 years and older without contraindications should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19; schedule-eligible adults should receive booster doses. The pace of booster dose administration, especially among the elderly, should be accelerated.

An unusual presentation of pemphigus foliaceus following COVID‐19 vaccination

An unusual presentation of pemphigus foliaceus following COVID‐19 vaccination

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Pursuing vaccinations against COVID-19 brings hope to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and remains the most rational decision under pandemic conditions. However, it does not come without challenges, including temporary shortages in vaccine doses, significant vaccine inequity, and questions regarding the durability of vaccine-induced immunity that remain unanswered. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 has undergone evolution with the emergence of its novel variants, characterized by enhanced transmissibility and ability to at least partially evade neutralizing antibodies. At the same time, serum antibody levels start to wane within a few months after vaccination, ultimately increasing the risk of breakthrough infections. This article discusses whether the administration of booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines is urgently needed to control the pandemic. We conclude that, at present, optimizing the immunity level of wealthy populations cannot come at the expense of low-income regions that suffer from vaccine unavailability. Although the efficiency of vaccination in protecting from infection may decrease over time, current data show that efficacy against severe disease, hospitalization, and death remains at a high level. If vaccine coverage continues at extremely low levels in various regions, including African countries, SARS-CoV-2 may sooner or later evolve into variants better adapted to evade natural and vaccine-induced immunity, ultimately bringing a global threat that, of course, includes wealthy populations. We offer key recommendations to increase vaccination rates in low-income countries. The pandemic is, by definition, a major epidemiological event and requires looking beyond one’s immediate self-interest; otherwise, efforts to contain it will be futile.

Meningococcal Vaccination: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2020.

SummaryThis report compiles and summarizes all recommendations from CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for use of meningococcal vaccines in the United States. As a comprehensive summary and update of previously published recommendations, it replaces all previously published reports and policy notes. This report also contains new recommendations for administration of booster doses of serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine for persons at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. These guidelines will be updated as needed on the basis of availability of new data or licensure of new meningococcal vaccines. ACIP recommends routine vaccination with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) for adolescents aged 11 or 12 years, with a booster dose at age 16 years. ACIP also recommends routine vaccination with MenACWY for persons aged ≥2 months at increased risk for meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, or Y, including persons who have persistent complement component deficiencies; persons receiving a complement inhibitor (e.g., eculizumab [Soliris] or ravulizumab [Ultomiris]); persons who have anatomic or functional asplenia; persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection; microbiologists routinely exposed to isolates of Neisseria meningitidis; persons identified to be at increased risk because of a meningococcal disease outbreak caused by serogroups A, C, W, or Y; persons who travel to or live in areas in which meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic; unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated first-year college students living in residence halls; and military recruits. ACIP recommends MenACWY booster doses for previously vaccinated persons who become or remain at increased risk.In addition, ACIP recommends routine use of MenB vaccine series among persons aged ≥10 years who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease, including persons who have persistent complement component deficiencies; persons receiving a complement inhibitor; persons who have anatomic or functional asplenia; microbiologists who are routinely exposed to isolates of N. meningitidis; and persons identified to be at increased risk because of a meningococcal disease outbreak caused by serogroup B. ACIP recommends MenB booster doses for previously vaccinated persons who become or remain at increased risk. In addition, ACIP recommends a MenB series for adolescents and young adults aged 16–23 years on the basis of shared clinical decision-making to provide short-term protection against disease caused by most strains of serogroup B N. meningitidis.

Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV-1 and Correlation with Molecular Markers among Multi-Transfused Thalassemia Patients in Western India.

BackgroundMultitransfused β-thalassemia major patients are always at high risk of having Transfusion Transmitted Infections (TTIs). This study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBsAg, Anti-HIV-1/2, and Anti-HCV among these patients and to correlate the same with NAT testing.MethodsA total of 196 patients with β-thalassemia were included in the study. Patients were screened for the presence of viral markers by third-generation ELISA test as well as for viral DNA/RNA by NAT test.ResultsAmong 196 multi-transfused Beta-thalassemia patients, the seroprevalence of anti-HCV was very high 100 (51.1%), however, anti-HIV1/2 was 6 (3.1%), and HBsAg were 3 (1.5%). Surprisingly similar patterns were observed in the prevalence of molecular markers, as HCV-RNA were 66 (33.7%) of the patients along with HIV-1 RNA were 8 (4.1%), and HBV-DNA were 5 (2.5%) patients. Overall eight (4.1%) patients were found to have coinfections, where two were positive for HBsAg/anti-HCV by ELISA along with 3 (1.5%) were positive for HBV-DNA/ HCV-RNA, 1 (0.5%) was positive for HIV-RNA/HBV-DNA, and 2 (1%) had coinfection of HIV-RNA/ HCV RNA by NAT testingConclusionThe prevalence of HCV infection among multi-transfused β-thalassemia patients is significantly higher than that of the HBV and HIV infections. This scenario should be controlled and monitored by doing regular follow-up testing schedules of such patients and also the administration of the booster dose of the HBV vaccine along with HCV treatment with antiviral DAAs.

Vaccine Preperative Trial for Leptospirosis and their Pathological, Immunological Study by Serum Electrophoresis

Leptospirosis is a fatal infectious disease caused by different serovars of Leptospira spirochetes affecting humans and animals. In the present study, the trials of the whole-cell killed formalin treated monovalent vaccine using Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae and trivalent vaccine using Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, Leptospira louisiana, and Leptospira hebdomadis were studied. The serum electrophoresis studies were done after administration of the vaccine into the experimental albino mice along with the booster dose of the vaccinated serum by densitometric readings. Similarly, the pathological observations were made by dissecting the virulent mice, vaccinated mice, and comparing them with the control mice. The MAT titre was also studied after the booster dose administration of the vaccinated serum. The monovalent and trivalent whole-cell killed formalin treated vaccines shows significant raise in the total proteins, albumin, globulin, α 1 globulin, α 2 globulin, β globulin and γ globulins of the serum as well as increase in significant levels in the antibody levels after the administration of the booster dose at an interval of 14 days.&#x0D; Keywords: Leptospira, Whole-cell killed formalin treated vaccine, Immunological study, Pathological study, Serum electrophoresis.

Resurgence of diphtheria: clinical profile and outcome in a tertiary care hospital of South India

Background: Diphtheria is a potentially fatal acute disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheria. It was one of the leading causes of mortality in the pre vaccination era. This study is an attempt to highlight the clinical profile, outcome and demographic characteristics, immunization status of pediatric diphtheria cases in South India. Objective of the study was to analyze the clinical profile, immunization status and outcome in children with diphtheria admitted to the PICU in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India. The case records of all children admitted to the hospital between January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2018 with clinically suspected diphtheria were analyzed. The data was analyzed with respect to clinical features, demographic characteristics, immunization status, complications and outcome using appropriate statistical methods.Results: 18 cases were clinically suspected to have diphtheria. The average age of children presenting with diphtheria was 9 years. Out of the 18 cases, 11 were male, 7 were female. 16 out of 18 cases were from rural areas, whereas only 2 cases were from urban areas. Fever, sore throat and dysphagia were the presenting complaints in all cases. Neck swelling, white patch over tonsil and tender cervical lymphadenopathy were the other findings noted. Out of 18 cases, 7 were completely immunized, 8 were incompletely immunized and 3 were not immunized. Antidiphtheritic serum was given in 14 cases. Myocarditis, airway compromise and neurological deficits were the complications noted. Case fatality rate was 50%.Conclusions: Diphtheria still remains a major public health problem in developing countries like India. Mortality and morbidity due to diphtheria continues to be high despite ready availability of vaccines and antitoxin. Childhood immunization program, especially follow up and administration of booster doses must be prioritized.

Compliance with immunization and a biological risk assessment of health care workers as part of an occupational health surveillance program: The experience of a university hospital in southern Italy

The active immunization of health care workers (HCWs) is a primary measure to prevent nosocomial infection; despite this, vaccine coverage among HCWs in most countries is low. To increase vaccine coverage in the health care setting, the hygiene and occupational medicine departments of Bari Policlinico General University-Hospital implemented a vaccination procedure. This operative procedure requires that during the occupational medical examination, all employees are evaluated for immunity/susceptibility to vaccine-preventable diseases, with vaccination offered to those determined to be susceptible. The study sample comprised HCWs who attended the biological risk assessment program from December 2017 to January 2019 (n = 449). Susceptibility was higher for hepatitis B virus (23%), followed by rubella (11%), varicella (9%), mumps (8%), and measles (7%). The seroconversion rate after the administration of booster dose(s) was >80% for all vaccines. Overall, 15% of the HCWs refused the offered vaccine(s), and the main determinants of vaccination compliance were younger age (P < .0001) and being a physician (P < .05). Despite the several recommendations and campaigns to promote vaccinations, achieving high immunization rates among HCWs is still a challenge. In this scenario, public health institutions have to choose between the enforcement of the promotion or the adoption of a mandatory policy.

Immunization against Porphyromonas gingivalis for Prevention of Experimentally Induced Periodontitis in Rats

Aim: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease causing destruction of tooth-supporting structures. It is often caused by gram-negative microorganisms such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Common treatments for periodontitis are often nonspecific and include mechanical plaque removal and surgery. This study aimed to assess the amount of bone loss and antibody titer against P. gingivalis in rats. Materials and methods: This in vitro experimental study was conducted on 66 Surrey rats free of black pigmented pathogens, which were randomly divided into six groups of 11. Groups I and II were vaccinated with formalin-killed whole-cell (FKWC) P. gingivalis with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant as the vaccine carrier, and groups III and IV were vaccinated with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant and PG buffer. Groups V and VI were considered as positive and negative controls, respectively. Three weeks later, they were vaccinated with a booster dose. At 28 days, groups I, III, and V were inoculated with viable P. gingivalis (ATCC 33277) four times at 48-hour intervals for induction of periodontitis. One week after booster dose administration and two weeks after oral inoculation of bacteria, serum and saliva samples were obtained for assessment of antibody titer. Ten weeks after final bacterial inoculation, the serum and saliva samples were obtained to assess antibody titer, and subgingival plaque samples were obtained from the maxillary second molar site to assess the bacterial count. The rats were then sacrificed to assess bone loss. Results: Serum and saliva antibody titers in groups I and II were significantly different from those in other groups one week after booster dose and two and 10 weeks after oral inoculation of bacteria (p 0.99), but had a significant difference with the positive control (group V) and group III (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed successful immunization against P. gingivalis, which increased serum IgG and saliva IgA titers, limited the colonization of P. gingivalis in subgingival plaque, and restricted the alveolar bone loss. © 2019, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of seroprevalence against poliovirus among Italian adolescents and adults

ABSTRACTIn 2002, the WHO European Region was declared polio-free. Nonetheless global eradication has not yet been completed and the reintroduction from at risk areas is still possible. This seroprevalence study evaluated samples collected from each Italian region in the 12−50 years old age range to assess protection against Poliovirus (PV) 1, 2 and 3 among subjects immunised with different vaccination schedules. 1073 samples (50.5% females) were examined. WHO standardized microneutralization assay was used. Seroprotection rates were 92.9%, 96.2% and 83.4%, for PV1, PV2 and PV3, respectively. Geometric Mean Titres (GMTs) were higher for PV2 (52.8) and PV1 (41.1) than for PV3 (21.0). Increasing the age, a decreasing trend in seropositivity was observed, in particular for PV3. The 2017–2019 Italian National Immunisation Plan emphasises, as primary objective, the maintenance of the polio-free status and strongly validates the 2 + 1 schedule in the first year of life with IPV vaccine associated with the administration of booster doses at 6 years and during the adolescence. Surveillance system and high population immunity are crucial to ensure the maintenance of polio-free status.

Prevalence of Sero-Molecular Markers of Hepatitis C and B Viruses among Patients with β-Thalassemia Major in Northern West Bank, Palestine.

Background HCV and HBV present a great challenge in the management of β-thalassemia patients. Objective The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of both HBV and HCV in multitransfused-dependent β-thalassemia patients in northern West Bank, Palestine, using sero-molecular markers. Methods Serum sample from 139 multitransfused β-thalassemia patients were tested for HBV and HCV markers including HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, HBV-DNA, and anti-HCV and HCV-RNA. Demographic data and selected clinical parameters were collected by means of a questionnaire and from the patients' medical files. Results and Conclusion The mean (±SD) age of patients was 18.1 years (±10.6). The overall prevalence of the HCV was 10% (14/139), which is 50 times higher than the normal Palestinian population (0.2%). Of which, 3 were positive for anti-HCV alone, 7 positives for HCV-RNA alone, and 4 positives for both anti-HCV and PCR-RNA. On the other hand, low prevalence of HBV was detected at a level of 0.7% (1/139). Only one patient had HCV-HBV coinfection. Twenty-five patients (19%) were positive for anti-HBc, while 99 (71%) were immune with the anti-HBs level above 10 IU/mL. Anti-HBc was insignificantly high (P=0.07) in HCV-positive cases. In conclusion, the prevalence of HCV among β-thalassemia patients is considered high compared to normal population. Determination of HCV prevalence should be based on the detection of both HCV-RNA and anti-HCV. On the contrary, HBV showed a low prevalence. A follow-up schedule and administration of booster dose of HBV vaccine is strongly recommended for β-thalassemia patients whose anti-HBs level <10 IU/ml.