Introduction Of Vaccine Research Articles

Between nudges and mandates: The drivers of COVID-19 vaccination intentions and subsequent uptake in Russia

Despite high levels of morbidity and mortality, as well as the widespread availability of domestic vaccines, Russia demonstrated significantly low rates of vaccination throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This research explores vaccination intentions before the start of the immunisation campaign and the consequent uptake in Russia after the introduction of mandatory vaccination policy in certain industries and proof-of-immunisation for social activities. Using a nationally representative panel dataset, we analyse factors behind individual vaccination decisions using binary and multinomial logistic regressions. Special attention is given to the effect of employment in industries with vaccine mandates and personal factors which determine individual “nudgeability” to vaccination (e.g., personality traits, beliefs, vaccine alertness, self-perceived vaccine availability etc.). Our results show that 49 per cent of the population received at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccine by autumn 2021 after the introduction of mandatory vaccination. Vaccination intentions before the rollout of the nationwide immunisation campaign are correlated with the consequent attitudes and uptake, although the prediction is not perfect. 40 percent of vaccine refusers eventually got vaccinated, while 16 percent of vaccine supporters turned into refusers, revealing the lack of promotion of vaccine safety and effectiveness. To a large extent, vaccination refusal and hesitance are explained by vaccine alertness. Vaccine mandates significantly increased the uptake in several affected industries, especially education. These results offer important insights for designing information policy, relevant for future vaccination campaigns.

Surveillance of Neisseria meningitidis carriage four years after menACWY vaccine implementation in the Netherlands reveals decline in vaccine-type and rise in genogroup e circulation

Carriage of Neisseria meningitidisis an accepted endpoint in monitoring meningococcal vaccine effects. We applied molecular methods to assess the impact of menACWY vaccine implementation on meningococcal carriage and genogroup-specific prevalence in young adults in Fall of 2022, four years after the introduction of the tetravalent vaccine in the Netherlands. The overall carriage rate of genogroupable meningococci was not significantly different compared to a pre-menACWY cohort investigated in 2018 (20.8 % or 125 of 601 versus 17.4 % or 52 of 299 individuals, p = 0.25). Of 125 carriers of genogroupable meningococci, 122 (97.6 %) were positive for either vaccine-types menC, menW, menY or genogroups, menB, menE, and menX, which are not targeted by the menACWY vaccine. Compared with a pre-vaccine-implementation cohort, there was 3.8-fold reduction (p < 0.001) in vaccine-type carriage rates and 9.0-fold increase (p < 0.0001) in non-vaccine type menE prevalence. We observe a reduction in menW and menY and an increase in menE, which suggest that implementation of menACWY vaccine affected carriage.

Opportunities to accelerate immunization progress in middle-income countries

There has been increasing recognition of vaccine access challenges in middle-income countries and the need for increased action, particularly in countries that are not eligible for or have transitioned out of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance support. These countries’ immunization systems are more vulnerable than ever as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates existing programme challenges, increasing the risk of delayed vaccine introductions, backsliding immunization coverage rates, and increased coverage inequity. The potential health and equity impact of improving immunization outcomes in middle-income countries is substantial. Modelling suggests that the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and vaccines for rotavirus and human papillomavirus in this set of Gavi-transitioned and non-Gavieligible middle-income countries in 2020 could have saved an estimated 70,000 lives if 90 % coverage had been reached. Further, increasing coverage for already-introduced vaccines to 90 % could have saved an additional estimated 16,000 lives. Over the past decade, stakeholders have made considerable efforts to identify immunization challenges in middle-income countries as documented in the 2015 SAGE-endorsed Shared Partner Middle-Income Country Strategy. In the coming decade, new global platforms like Gavi 5.0 and the Immunization Agenda 2030 provide opportunities to align on MIC strategies and provide coordinated global support to middle-income countries. The international COVID-19 pandemic response has the potential to lay the foundation for long term support beyond the scope of COVID-19 to non-Gavi eligible middle-income countries. Meanwhile regional mechanisms to address immunization barriers in middle-income countries have grown in number and strength, offering sustainable platforms for cross-country collaboration and the provision of tailored technical support. To ensure that these opportunities are successfully acted upon and that middle-income countries achieve the Immunization Agenda 2030 goals, comprehensive, multi-stakeholder consultations were conducted to identify areas of action with the greatest potential to accelerate immunization progress. Stakeholders should work together to put these findings, highlighted in this paper, into action, adapting their approaches to specific country contexts and learning from and building on existing efforts.

TIME Is Ticking for Cervical Cancer.

Cervical cancer (CC) is a major health problem among reproductive-age females and comprises a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major risk factor associated with CC incidence. However, lifestyle is also a critical factor in CC pathogenesis. Despite HPV vaccination introduction, the incidence of CC is increasing worldwide. Therefore, it becomes critical to understand the CC tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to develop immune cell-based vaccination and immunotherapeutic approaches. The current article discusses the immune environment in the normal cervix of adult females and its role in HPV infection. The subsequent sections discuss the alteration of different immune cells comprising CC TIME and their targeting as future therapeutic approaches.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Pregnant Women.

Background COVID-19 has struck the world severely and caused much damage, losses, and a massive impact on different aspects of life. It is an airborne disease that spreads rapidly among populations and can cause severe illness or death. The rapid nature of its spread led to significant challenges to control it. With the introduction of vaccines, strategies need to be developed to prioritize high-risk populations to lower complication rates, hospitalization, and death. Pregnant women are considered a group of high-risk populations. Misinformation about the vaccination efficacy or side effects contributed to general hesitancy, especially among pregnant women. Purpose This study aims to describe the drivers of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study among pregnant women in the OB/Gyn clinic in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNG-HA), using an online survey. Descriptive statistics (univariate analysis) was used to examine the population characteristics. The Chi-square test was used for categorical variables, and t-test for continuous variables. Further, we used the logistics regression model (multivariate analysis), adjusted for potential confounders, to examine factors associated with women's hesitancy to take the COVID-19 vaccine. All statistical tests were two-sided, and findings were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. All analyses were conducted using SAS statistical software version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Result The study included 303 pregnant women. Nearly half of the respondents had their vaccine during their pregnancy (42.24%), believing that the current vaccines' effectiveness for the coronavirus is good (41.25%). More than 73% of participants have received their COVID-19 vaccine before pregnancy. The mean hesitancy and anxiety score was 2 (agree), which concluded that the respondents were hesitant and anxious to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion The study showed a significant correlation between pregnant women's worries and the intention to take the vaccine. The concerns were mainly about the impact of the vaccine on themselves, their babies, and the pregnancy.

The Incidence of Graves’ Hyperthyroidism Before and After COVID-19 Messenger RNA Vaccination

ObjectiveCase reports of postvaccine early-onset Graves’ hyperthyroidism (PVGD) after the administration of COVID-19 vaccination have emerged. Our aim was to investigate whether the incidence of Graves’ hyperthyroidism (GD) has increased after the introduction of COVID-19 vaccination. MethodsWe compared the incidence of new-onset GD at a single academic center during 2 periods: December 2017 to October 2019 and December 2020 to October 2022, ie, before and after the implementation of COVID-19 vaccinations. We defined PVGD as laboratory-confirmed hyperthyroidism and GD within 4 weeks after the vaccination or clear onset of symptoms of thyrotoxicosis within 4 weeks of vaccination with evidence of hyperthyroidism and GD within 3 months. ResultsDuring the prevaccination period, 803 patients carried diagnoses of GD, and of these, 131 were new. During the postvaccination period, 901 patients carried diagnoses of GD, and of these, 138 were new. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of GD (P = .52), age at onset, gender, or race between the 2 groups. Twenty-four of 138 newly diagnosed patients in the post–COVID-19 group met the criteria for PVGD. The median free T4 was higher, but this was not statistically significant (3.9 vs 2.5 ng/dL, P = .05). There were no differences in age, gender, race, antibody titers, or type of vaccination between PVGD and controls. ConclusionThere was no increase in new-onset GD after COVID-19 vaccination. Median free T4 was higher in patients with PVGD, but this was not statistically significant.

Efficacy of HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer in the Tomsk region

Background. The age-standardized cervical cancer incidence rate in the Tomsk region in 2021 was consistently higher than the average for the Russian Federation (21.2 / 100,000 versus 13.6 / 100,000 women). Primary prevention of cervical cancer is best achieved by human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of girls. Aim. To evaluate HPV vaccine efficacy for the prevention of cervical cancer in the Tomsk region within the framework of implementation of two regional programs: “Prevention of gynecological cancer and rehabilitation of women diagnosed with gynecological cancer in 2008–2010” and “Urgent measures to improve cancer care for the population of the Tomsk region in 2011–2013”. Material and methods. We studied the tolerability and efficacy of HPV vaccination for the prevention of HPV-associated cervical cancer in 439 vaccinated girls aged 9–26 years during a follow-up time of 14-years. Results. The assessment of a 14-year follow-up study of the impact of HPV vaccination on HPV-associated cervical lesions has shown that HPV vaccine is safe and 100 % effective. Conclusion. Further prospects for primary prevention of cervical cancer before the introduction of vaccines against HPV infection in the national immunization schedule indicates the feasibility and real clinical effectiveness of the introduction of regional and regional programs with the development of a mathematical model for optimizing financial costs for primary prevention of cervical cancer, taking into account demographic parameters and socio-economic damage from cervical cancer in the study area.

Night-time population consistently explains the transmission dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 in three megacities in Japan.

Mobility data are crucial for understanding the dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the consistency of the usefulness of these data over time has been questioned. The present study aimed to reveal the relationship between the transmissibility of COVID-19 in Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi prefectures and the daily night-time population in metropolitan areas belonging to each prefecture. In Japan, the de facto population estimated from GPS-based location data from mobile phone users is regularly monitored by Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare and other health departments. Combined with this data, we conducted a time series linear regression analysis to explore the relationship between daily reported case counts of COVID-19 in Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi, and night-time de facto population in downtown areas estimated from mobile phone location data, from February 2020 to May 2022. As an approximation of the effective reproduction number, the weekly ratio of cases was used. Models using night-time population with lags ranging from 7 to 14 days were tested. In time-varying regression analysis, the night-time population level and the daily change in night-time population level were included as explanatory variables. In the fixed-effect regression analysis, the inclusion of either the night-time population level or daily change, or both, as explanatory variables was tested, and autocorrelation was adjusted by introducing first-order autoregressive error of residuals. In both regression analyses, the lag of night-time population used in best fit models was determined using the information criterion. In the time-varying regression analysis, night-time population level tended to show positive to neutral effects on COVID-19 transmission, whereas the daily change of night-time population showed neutral to negative effects. The fixed-effect regression analysis revealed that for Tokyo and Osaka, regression models with 8-day-lagged night-time population level and daily change were the best fit, whereas in Aichi, the model using only the 9-day-lagged night-time population level was the best fit using the widely applicable information criterion. For all regions, the best-fit model suggested a positive relationship between night-time population and transmissibility, which was maintained over time. Our results revealed that, regardless of the period of interest, a positive relationship between night-time population levels and COVID-19 dynamics was observed. The introduction of vaccinations and major outbreaks of Omicron BA. Two subvariants in Japan did not dramatically change the relationship between night-time population and COVID-19 dynamics in three megacities in Japan. Monitoring the night-time population continues to be crucial for understanding and forecasting the short-term future of COVID-19 incidence.

Two decades of malaria control in Malawi: Geostatistical Analysis of the changing malaria prevalence from 2000-2022

Background Malaria remains a public health problem in Malawi and has a serious socio-economic impact on the population. In the past two decades, available malaria control measures have been substantially scaled up, such as insecticide-treated bed nets, artemisinin-based combination therapies, and, more recently, the introduction of the malaria vaccine, the RTS,S/AS01. In this paper, we describe the epidemiology of malaria for the last two decades to understand the past transmission and set the scene for the elimination agenda. Methods A collation of parasite prevalence surveys conducted between the years 2000 and 2022 was done. A spatio-temporal geostatistical model was fitted to predict the yearly malaria risk for children aged 2–10 years (PfPR 2–10) at 1×1 km spatial resolutions. Parameter estimation was done using the Monte Carlo maximum likelihood methods. District level prevalence estimates adjusted for population are calculated for the years 2000 to 2022. Results A total of 2,595 sampled unique locations from 2000 to 2022 were identified through the data collation exercise. This represents 70,565 individuals that were sampled in the period. In general, the PfPR2_10 declined over the 22 years. The mean modeled national PfPR2_10 in 2000 was 43.93 % (95% CI:17.9 to 73.8%) and declined to 19.2% (95%CI 7.49 to 37.0%) in 2022. The smoothened estimates of PfPR2_10 indicate that malaria prevalence is very heterogeneous with hotspot areas concentrated on the southern shores of Lake Malawi and the country's central region. Conclusions The last two decades are associated with a decline in malaria prevalence, highly likely associated with the scale up of control interventions. The country should move towards targeted malaria control approaches informed by surveillance data.

#5520 EFFICACY OF MRNA VACCINE BNT162B2 AGAINST NOVEL SARS-COV-2 VIRUS IN END-STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract Background and Aims Covid-19 pandemic affected more than 600 million people worldwide. Chronic kidney disease was shown to be a significant risk factor for disease severity. The introduction of the novel mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 prompted studies to evaluate their efficacy and safety. This study aims to assess the humoral response to the BNT162b2 vaccine, its durability, the booster effect, and breakthrough infections among end-stage renal disease patients (ESRD). Methods A one-year, single center, observational prospective study was conducted between 2021 and 2022. The cohort included adult dialysis patients (n = 143), kidney transplant recipients (11), and healthy controls (n = 75). Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from electronic medical records. All participants received 30 µg/dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, at 0 and 3 weeks. A third vaccine (booster) was administered at least 6 months after the first dose. SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed based on PCR test of nasal and oropharyngeal swabs. Infections that occurred from January 2022 were attributed to omicron variant. Longitudinal blood samples were collected as indicated in Figure after the first vaccine dose (V1) and after the booster dose (V3). Humoral immune response was assessed by measuring serum IgG antibodies against the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit, using the ABBOTT kit. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board and was conducted in adherence to the Declaration of Helsinki. Results Twenty-eight weeks after two doses of vaccine, the median antibody levels were significantly lower in dialysis and transplant patients compared with healthy controls (122 AU/mL (2–4,557) and 6 AU/mL (1–217) vs 831 AU/mL (117–40,000), respectively). Furthermore, only 75% of dialysis patients developed positive antibody response (&amp;gt;50 AU/mL) as compared to 100% in controls (see Figure 1). A significant waning of immunity was seen over time in both dialysis and healthy participants (p &amp;lt; .0001). Four weeks after a booster dose, antibody levels surged and did not differ between dialysis and healthy participants 13,840 ± 15,126 AU/mL vs 18,080 ± 13,354 AU/mL, respectively (p = .283). Non-responder rate among dialysis patients dropped from 21% after a 2-dose vaccination to 7% after a booster dose. Lower antibody levels measured at 28-week after the first vaccination were associated with higher risk for Covid-19 infection (p = .021). Of note, all infection cases occurred in subjects with antibody levels below 1050 AU/mL. However, no association was found between antibody levels and Covid-19-omicron variant infection rate among dialysis patients and healthy controls (p = 0.650). Conclusions Dialysis patients had a blunted humoral immune response after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine compared with healthy controls, which improved after a booster dose. Based on the observed omicron variant breakthrough infections, further studies are needed to improve the vaccines' efficacy against the evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.

#5916 ANALYSIS OF SARS-COV2 INFECTION AND COVID-19 VACCINATION IN TWO DIAVERUM CLINICS IN NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract Background and Aims Hemodialysis patients as a separate group of immunosuppressive patients are at highest risk of severe clinical complications and death caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus. With the introduction of COVID-19 vaccination in hemodialysis patients, the situation has changed significantly. The aim of the study was to analyze the difference in morbidity and mortality between two groups of hemodialysis patients, vaccinated and unvaccinated for Covid-19 in two Diaverum Clinics. Method The study is based on analysis of the data of hemodialysis patients in two Diaverum clinics during the period from April 2020, when the first case of SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in Diaverum Kochani Clinic, to August 2022, when the last case of SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in both clinics. Analytical data are taken from IRIMS database used only by Diaverum Clinics worldwide. Results During the period of observation, a total number of 214 hemodialysis patients were treated in both Diaverum Clinics. Regarding gender distribution 63% are males and 37% are females. From the total number of patients in both clinics, 67% (143) were vaccinated with two or three doses of the COVID 19 vaccines, while the remaining 33% (71) patients were COVID-19 unvaccinated. The majority of the patients (67%) were vaccinated with Chinese vaccine Sinopharm; 19% with Sinovac; 7% with Astra Zeneca; 7% with Pfizer BioNTech (the vaccines that were available in that period in our country). In 2020 a total of 28 COVID infection occurred in both clinics, all of them were unvaccinated patients; 16 of them were hospitalized and 9 of them died. Hospitalization rate was 57% and mortality rate 32% among the positive patients. In 2021 a total of 35 COVID infections were registered, 18 were hospitalized (unvaccinated 61% vs 39% vaccinated). 26% (9) of the positive patients died, 6 were unvaccinated and 3 were vaccinated with 2 doses. Hospitalization rate was 51% and mortality rate 26%. In 2022 a total of 43 COVID infections occurred, only 4 were hospitalized and only 1 patient died; hospitalization rate 9%; mortality rate 2,3%. When the whole study period was analyzed, the infection rate between the vaccinated and unvaccinated patients in both clinics was statistically not significant, 51% vs 46,5%, p = 0,5634 (Fisher exact two-tailed test). But, when the hospitalization rate was compared between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, 12,3% vs 84,8%, the difference was highly statistically significant (p = 0,0001). When death rate was compared between the two groups, the difference was also highly statistically significant, 5,5% vs 45,4% in the unvaccinated group (p = 0,0001). Conclusion The results of our study showed no difference in the infection rate between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, but they confirmed high level of protection from hospitalization and mortality in vaccinated patients.

COVID-19 vaccinations and mental health among U.S. adults: Individual and spillover effects

RationaleThe COVID-19 pandemic led to dramatic increases not only in physical illness, but also in mental health symptoms and disorders among U.S. adults. Although the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines dramatically lowered rates of physical illness and death, little is known about the effects of vaccines on mental health. ObjectivesWe assessed both individual and spillover effects of COVID-19 vaccination on mental health disorders, and whether effects of individual vaccination varied based on contextual risks indicated by state infection rates and state vaccination rates. MethodsUsing data from the Household Pulse Survey, we assessed 448,900 adults surveyed within approximately the first six months of the U.S. vaccine rollout (February 3 - August 2, 2021). Coarsened exact matching balanced vaccinated and non-vaccinated participants on demographic and economic characteristics. ResultsLogistic regression analyses found 7% lowered odds of depression among vaccinated individuals, but no significant difference in anxiety. Reflecting potential spillover effects, state vaccination rates predicted lowered odds of anxiety and depression (1% decrease in odds for each additional 1% of the state population vaccinated). Although state COVID-19 infection rates did not moderate effects of individual vaccination on mental health outcomes, significant interactions indicated that effects of individual vaccination on mental health were stronger in contexts of lower state vaccination rates, and links between state vaccination rates and mental health problems were stronger among unvaccinated individuals. ConclusionsResults suggest that COVID-19 vaccinations improved the mental health of adults in the U.S., with lower rates of self-reported mental health disorders both among vaccinated individuals themselves and among other individuals living in the same state, particularly when those individuals were not themselves vaccinated. These direct and spillover effects on mental health expand our understanding of the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for the wellbeing of adults in the U.S.

Modeling the potential health impact of prospective Strep A vaccines

The World Health Organization published the preferred product characteristics for a Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) vaccine in 2018. Based on these parameters for the age of vaccination, vaccine efficacy, duration of protection from vaccine-derived immunity, and vaccination coverage, we developed a static cohort model to estimate the projected health impact of Strep A vaccination at the global, regional, and national levels and by country-income category. We used the model to analyse six strategic scenarios. Based on Strep A vaccine introduction between 2022 and 2034 for the primary scenario, we estimated vaccination at birth for 30 vaccinated cohorts could avert 2.5 billion episodes of pharyngitis, 354 million episodes of impetigo, 1.4 million episodes of invasive disease, 24 million episodes of cellulitis, and 6 million cases of rheumatic heart disease globally. Vaccination impact in terms of burden averted per fully vaccinated individual is highest in North America for cellulitis and in Sub-Saharan Africa for rheumatic heart disease.

Serotypes and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in children under 5 years of age pre- and post-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction in Paraguay.

Introduction. Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide in children <5 years of age, even with advances in vaccination programmes.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Reviewing and reporting trends in the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes and antimicrobial resistance in Paraguay will be useful for decision-making in public health.Aim. This study analysed the serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance of S. pneumoniae and the characteristics of pneumococcal disease in children <5 years old before and after the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).Methodology. A total of 885 isolates and 278 S. pneumoniae PCR-positive clinical specimens were referred to the Central Laboratory of Public Health (LCSP) within the meningitis and pneumonia laboratory based-surveillance network in the period 2006-2020. Conventional and molecular microbiological techniques were used for confirmation and characterization.Results. We identified 563 cases of pneumococcal disease in the pre-vaccination period, 325 cases in the post-PCV10 period and 275 cases in the post-PCV13 period. The serotypes covered by PCV10 decreased from 78.6-6.5 %. However, additional serotypes covered by PCV13 increased from 6.6-57.5% and non-PCV13 serotypes increased from 14.8-36.0 % (P<0.001) in the post-PCV13 period. In cases of meningitis, the rate of resistance to penicillin decreased after the introduction of conjugate vaccines. No resistance to ceftriaxone was found in any period. In cases without meningitis, the rate of resistance to penicillin and ceftriaxone decreased slightly. However, the rate of resistance to erythromycin and tetracycline increased and that to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) decreased in the post-PCV13 period compared to the pre-PCV period. The multidrug resistance rate was 8.5 %.Conclusion. A change in the circulating serotypes and antimicrobial resistance to certain antibiotics was observed. Non-vaccine serotype circulation and multidrug resistance may compromise the success of the conjugate vaccines.

Increased expression of tyrosine protein phosphatase (CD45) on the surface of human blood granulocytes under the influence of the plague microbe vaccine strain &lt;I&gt;Yersinia pestis&lt;/I&gt; EV NIIEG &lt;I&gt;ex vivo&lt;/I&gt; and &lt;I&gt;in vivo&lt;/I&gt;

Tyrosine protein phosphatase (common leukocyte antigen CD45) regulates FcᵧR-mediated cell signaling and secretory function of neutrophilic granulocytes (NG) when interacting with antigen-antibody immune complexes. The aim of the work is to study changes in the expression of CD45 on the surface of human granulocytes in ex vivo modeling of bacteremia by live cells of the plague microbe vaccine strain Yersinia pestis EV NIIEG and to evaluate the priming effect of the live plague vaccine (LPV) in vivo in terms of this parameter. The expression density of CD45 on NG was determined by flow cytometry in conventional units of fluorescence intensity (MFI) after staining the cells with the CD45-FITC labeled mouse antibody reagent (Backman Coulter, USA) during immunophenotyping of blood leukocytes according to the Lyse/No Wash protocol. In donors not previously vaccinated against plague (group 1), the value of the indicator was assessed before and 30 min, 2 h, 6 h after the addition of Y pestis EV cells to whole blood at a dose of 108 mc/ml, as well as 1 month and 6 months after the primary anti-plague vaccination. In individuals who had previously been repeatedly vaccinated with LPV in the territory of the natural plague focus (group 2), CD45 expression on blood granulocytes was determined one year after the last annual vaccination, and then 1 month and 6 months after revaccination. Getting into human blood, living cells of the vaccine strain Y pestis EV of the plague microbe induced a change in the NC phenotype already after 30 minutes, associated with a 3.5-fold increase in the surface expression of CD45, which remained at an elevated level for 6 hours. The studied indicator depended ex vivo on the degree of resistance of plague microbes to phagocytosis and killing of NG. Plague vaccination had a similar stimulating effect on human peripheral blood NG in vivo. Under the influence of HPV, CD45 expression increased on blood NG in groups 1 and 2 one month after vaccination, and the changes persisted in volunteers for 6 months. The experimental data obtained in the work may reflect the result of NG priming with lipopolysaccharide and other Y. pestis antigens. The registered functional activation of NG by expression of tyrosine protein phosphatase probably indicates the formation of “immune memory” at the level of innate immunity cells under the influence of LPV, the functioning of which explains the development of a faster and more intense antigen-specific immune response to repeated introduction of the plague vaccine into the body.

Genomic characterization of the rotavirus G3P[8] strain in vaccinated children, reveals possible reassortment events between human and animal strains in Manhiça District, Mozambique.

Mozambique introduced the rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix®; GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium) in 2015, and since then, the Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça has been monitoring its impact on rotavirus-associated diarrhea and the trend of circulating strains, where G3P[8] was reported as the predominant strain after the vaccine introduction. Genotype G3 is among the most commonly detected Rotavirus strains in humans and animals, and herein, we report on the whole genome constellation of G3P[8] detected in two children (aged 18 months old) hospitalized with moderate-to-severe diarrhea at the Manhiça District Hospital. The two strains had a typical Wa-like genome constellation (I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1) and shared 100% nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) identities in 10 gene segments, except for VP6. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that genome segments encoding VP7, VP6, VP1, NSP3, and NSP4 of the two strains clustered most closely with porcine, bovine, and equine strains with identities ranging from 86.9-99.9% nt and 97.2-100% aa. Moreover, they consistently formed distinct clusters with some G1P[8], G3P[8], G9P[8], G12P[6], and G12P[8] strains circulating from 2012 to 2019 in Africa (Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi) and Asia (Japan, China, and India) in genome segments encoding six proteins (VP2, VP3, NSP1-NSP2, NSP5/6). The identification of segments exhibiting the closest relationships with animal strains shows significant diversity of rotavirus and suggests the possible occurrence of reassortment events between human and animal strains. This demonstrates the importance of applying next-generation sequencing to monitor and understand the evolutionary changes of strains and evaluate the impact of vaccines on strain diversity.

Diagnostics for Typhoid Fever: Current Perspectives and Future Outlooks for Product Development and Access.

Typhoid is an enteric disease caused by Salmonella Typhi. Like many febrile illnesses, typhoid presents with nonspecific symptoms. In routine healthcare settings in low- and middle-income countries, typhoid fever is suspected and treated empirically. Though many diagnostic tests are available for typhoid diagnosis, there are currently no diagnostic tests that meet ideal requirements for sensitivity, specificity, speed, and cost-effectiveness. With introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccine, it is essential to explore the current and future typhoid approach in the context of use case and access to ensure their utilization for disease control.

The impact of HPV vaccination in Florida compared to New York.

10544 Background: HPV is responsible for cancers including anus, penis, vulvovaginal, and oropharyngeal but cervical cancer is the most common cancer caused by HPV. To study the impact of HPV vaccination, we compared age-adjusted cervical cancer incidence and death rates in New York, a state with a high HPV vaccination rate, to Florida, a state with a lower vaccination rate, prior to HPV vaccination and 10 years post HPV vaccination availability. Methods: This is an ecologic study observing the cervical cancer incidence and death rates prior to (2005) and after (2016) the introduction of the HPV vaccination using state wide healthcare cancer registries. Results: The HPV vaccine became available in the United States in 2006. Historically, Florida was found to have a low HPV vaccination rate in 2009 with less than 40% compared to New York which had a high rate of 50% in 2009. By 2016, Florida’s HPV vaccination rate improved to 55% but was still low compared to New York with a rate greater than 70%. New York had a decline of cervical cancer incidence of 9.7 per 100,000 in 2005 to 8.3 in 2016. New York had a decrease in death rate from 3.0 in 2005 to 2.7 in 2016. In Florida, the cervical cancer incidence rate from 2005 to 2016 increased from 9.7 to 9.9 and the mortality was 3.0 in 2005 and 2.9 in 2016. When comparing New York’s cervical cancer incidence rates, there was a statistically significant drop in age-adjusted incidence before HPV-vaccination compared to 10 years post vaccination availability. When analyzing cervical cancer incidence in 2016, significant increase in cases between Florida’s incidence compared to New York’s. Conclusions: Since the introduction of the HPV vaccination, age-adjusted incidence rate of cervical cancer has declined in New York but not in Florida. This may be due to lagging HPV vaccination rates in Florida in addition to other sociodemographic or healthcare factors. There has been minimal change in cervical cancer death rates between both states, likely attributed by the low death rate associated with cervical cancer. The medical community needs to work together to address the barriers to HPV vaccination and promote programs to increase vaccination rates which will reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical, anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and oropharyngeal cancer. [Table: see text]

Antiviral strategies for epidemic and pandemic preparedness

Broad(er)-acting antiviral drugs, active against entire genera or families of viruses, should be developed and stockpiled in epidemic/pandemic peacetime. They can be used to counter outbreaks as soon as the new virus has been identified and will also remain important pharmacological tools after the introduction of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.

Hepatitis A seroprevalence and demographic risk factors in the susceptible population: a cross-sectional study.

The epidemiology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is influenced by variables such as age, sex, environmental conditions, and vaccination status. This study aimed to evaluate HAV seropositivity after the inclusion of hepatitis A vaccination in the national childhood immunization program and identify demographic risk factors of the susceptible population before routine vaccination.This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted by retrospectively examining the laboratory records of patients who underwent HAV serology testing in a tertiary care center in eastern Turkey between 2008 and 2019.Overall immunity to HAV was 81.6%. According to birthplace and year, the rate of anti-HAV positivity was higher among people born before 2006 in the Southeast and Eastern Anatolia regions. For those born in 2012 or later, the lowest seropositivity was among those born in the Southeast region, while it was over 60% in the other regions. When analyzed by year of birth, the lowest seropositivity was in those born between 1994 and 2011, and the frequency of seropositivity increased with age. Of those born between 1982 and 1999, the seropositivity rate was higher among men than women. Rural dwellers born before 2012 had higher seropositivity than urban dwellers. Among those born before the introduction of routine childhood HAV vaccination, female sex, urban dwelling, and each additional year of age were identified as independent demographic risk factors for HAV susceptibility.Socioeconomic development and immunization programs have altered HAV seroprevalence patterns. Planning catch-up vaccinations, especially in adolescents and young adults (born in 1994-2011) with low seropositivity and ensuring the continuity of hygiene and sanitation practices are important to protect the susceptible population.