Measurement Of Antibody Titers Research Articles

COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for Immunocompromised Patient Populations: Delphi Panel and Consensus Statement Generation in the United States.

The United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend COVID-19 vaccines for all immunocompromised individuals. Certain disease groups are at increased risk of comorbidity and death for which disease-specific recommendations should be considered. The objective of the Delphi panel of experts was to summarize expert consensus on COVID-19 vaccinations for patients with rheumatologic disease, renal disease, hematologic malignancy and solid organ transplant (SOT) in the US. A two-stage Delphi panel method was employed, starting with qualitative interviews with key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the four disease areas (n = 4 KOLs, n = 16 total) followed by three rounds of iterative revision of disease-specific COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Final consensus was rated after the third round. Statements addressed primary and booster dosing (e.g., number and frequency) and other considerations such as vaccine type or heterologous messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccination. Following the Delphi Panel, an online survey was conducted to assess physician agreement within the disease areas (n = 50 each, n = 200 total) with the consensus statements. Moderate to strong consensus was achieved for all primary series vaccination statements across disease groups, except one in hematology. Similarly, moderate to strong consensus was achieved for all booster series statements in all disease areas. However, statements on antibody titer measurements for re-vaccination considerations and higher dosages for immunocompromised patients did not reach agreement. Overall, approximately 62%-96% of physicians strongly agreed with the primary and booster vaccine recommendations. However, low agreement (29%-69%) was found among physicians for time interval between disease-specific treatment and vaccination, recommendations for mRNA vaccines, heterologous mRNA vaccination, antibody titer measurement and higher vaccine dosage for immunocompromised groups. Consensus was achieved for disease-specific COVID-19 vaccine recommendations concerning primary and booster series vaccines and was generally well accepted by practicing physicians.

Delphi Panel Consensus Statement Generation: COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for Immunocompromised Populations in the European Union.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems globally. The lack of quality guidelines on the management of COVID-19 in rheumatologic disease, renal disease, hematological malignancy, and solid organ transplant recipients has resulted in a wide variation in clinical practice. Using a Delphi process, a panel of 16 key opinion leaders developed clinical practice statements regarding vaccine recommendations in areas where standards are absent or limited. Agreement among practicing physicians with consensus statements was also assessed via an online physician survey. The strength of the consensus was determined by the following rating system: a strong rating was defined as all four key opinion leaders (KOLs) rating the statement ≥ 8, a moderate rating was defined as three out of four KOLs rating the statement ≥ 8, and no consensus was defined as less than three out of four KOLs provided a rating of ≤ 8. Specialists voted on agreement with each consensus statement for their disease area using the same ten-point scoring system. Key opinion leaders in rheumatology, nephrology, and hematology achieved consensuses for all nine statements pertaining to the primary and booster series with transplant physicians reaching consensus on eight of nine statements. Experts agreed that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and well tolerated by patients with rheumatological conditions, renal disease, hematologic malignancy, and recipients of solid organ transplants. The Delphi process yielded strong to moderate suggestions for the use of COVID-19 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines and the necessity of the COVID-19 booster for the immunocompromised population. The expert panel had mixed feelings concerning the measurement of antibody titers, higher-dose mRNA vaccines, and the development of disease-specific COVID-19 guidance. These results confirmed the necessity of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters in immunocompromised patients with rheumatologic disease, renal disease, hematological malignancy, and solid organ transplant recipients. Statements where consensus was not achieved were due to absent or limited evidence.

Immunogenicity and safety of different combinations involving a third booster dose of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine, inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine, and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged ≥60 years: a phase 4, randomized, open-label study.

Concomitant administration of COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal vaccines could reduce the burden on healthcare systems. However, the immunogenicity and safety of various combinations of a third booster dose of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac), inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (IIV4), and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23), particularly in different age groups, is still unknown. A phase 4, randomized, open-label, controlled trial was conducted in Beijing, China. 636 healthy adults were divided into two age groups (18-59 and ≥60 years) and randomized equally into three groups: CoronaVac and IIV4 followed by PPV23; CoronaVac and PPV23 followed by IIV4; or CoronaVac followed by IIV4 and PPV23, with a 28-day interval between vaccinations. Immunogenicity was evaluated by measuring antibody titers, and safety was monitored. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05298800. Co-administration of a third dose of CoronaVac, IIV4, and PPV23 in any combination was safe. Among adults aged 18-59, co-administration with PPV23 maintained non-inferiority of antibody levels for CoronaVac and IIV4, despite a slight reduction in antibody responses. This reduction was not observed in participants ≥60 years. Furthermore, co-administration of IIV4 and PPV23 affected seroconversion rates for both vaccines. Co-administration of the third dose of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine with the influenza vaccine, followed by PPV23, may be optimal for adults aged 18-59. In adults ≥60, all vaccine combinations were immunogenic, suggesting a flexible vaccination approach. Since antibody measurements were taken 28 days post-vaccination, ongoing surveillance is essential to assess the longevity of the immune responses.

Field assessment of potential exposure of dogs to leptospirosis by measuring antibody titers in dogs: a multisite study in five geographic regions of the United States.

Leptospirosis vaccine for dogs in the United States is considered a lifestyle or non-core vaccine, making individual veterinary practitioners responsible for determining if vaccination is necessary for their patients. Veterinary professionals often base their vaccination decisions on local rates of clinical cases. However, even subclinical leptospirosis infections have zoonotic potential. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is effective for screening unvaccinated animals, but previous vaccination can lead to inconsistent results and variable MAT titers over time. This prospective research survey evaluated if local experience was sufficient to justify selective vaccination for leptospirosis. MAT analyses were performed on sera collected from well-cared-for, unvaccinated dogs residing in five different geographies across the United States: South-Central (East Texas), New England, the Mid-Atlantic (North Carolina and Virginia), Midwest (Wisconsin/northern Illinois), and Southwest (southern California). Thirty-eight clinics participated, submitting a total of 1345 qualified samples from unvaccinated dogs over 1 year of age. 11.6% of these unvaccinated dogs had MAT titers for one or more serogroups of Leptospira. While seropositivity does not necessarily indicate that disease will result or that a specific serovar is involved, these MAT-positive cases do indicate that the potential for exposure exists and clinical signs or a carrier-state could result from infection. These survey results would indicate that a more aggressive vaccination protocol for leptospirosis should be considered.

Case-series of patients treated with anti-NMDAR encephalitis at Semmelweis University

Introduction Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder, characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as mood instability, psychosis, catatonia, dyskinesia, seizures and vegetative lability. Psychiatric symptoms usually occur in the initial phase, therefore almost half of the patients are first observed at a psychiatric unit, however in later phases the patients’ condition often show progression with the characteristic neurological symptoms, such as perioral dyskinesia and seizures. Although, early recognition and treatment is essential to reach good outcomes, delay in the diagnostic process often happens due to the unspecific early symptoms and the lack of knowledge of this disorder amongst psychiatrists. Moreover, there are cases, where neurological symptoms do not appear, which can lead to diagnostic failure and mismanagement of these patients. Since anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a rare condition, it is important to treat such cases in specific centres, where sufficient knowledge and multidisciplinary approaches are available.ObjectivesOur aim was to gather all patients’ data treated with anti-NMDAR encephalitis at two departments (Neurology and Psychiatry) of Semmelweis University. We wanted to analyse psychiatric manifestations of the disorder in details and follow these symptoms long term, with special interest on the cognitive symptoms.One of our aims was to follow-up these patients and measure antibody titres in their serum, to be able to asses, whether there was any association between prolonged serum positivity and cognitive impairment.MethodsWe have retrospectively analysed data of previous cases and prospectively followed up recently hospitalised patients.Neurocognitive assessment had been conducted by the same psychologist, all the patients were followed up by the same interdisciplinary team, including a neurologist and two psychiatrists. Laboratory tests (autoimmune antibody essays) were conducted by the Immunological Laboratory at Semmelweis University.ResultsAltogether, 13 female patients were treated with anti-NMDAR encephalitis in the past ten years at Semmelweis University. All of them received plasma exchange, iv. steroids and azathioprine. 8 out of the 13 needed ventilation and intensive care treatment. 2 of these patients have mild psychiatric symptoms as residual symptoms, and 1 of them is still in the recovery stage, currently experiencing mild cognitive symptoms.Only two patient had ovarian teratomas out of the 13, which is a lower number than expected from previous studies. 4 out of 12 had positive antibody titre at follow up, one patient is still at recovery stage, however her antibody titres are still very high.ConclusionsSemmelweis University is one of the largest centre treating patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis in Hungary. We had altogether 13 patients in the last ten years, with very good outcome, since all of them recovered, although 2 have residual symptoms.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Live-attenuated vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease while continuing or after elective switch to vedolizumab.

Vedolizumab (VDZ) is a gut-selective agent with a favorable safety profile. We aimed to assess the feasibility of elective switch from other advanced therapies to VDZ and subsequent live-attenuated vaccination while continuing VDZ in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We measured antibody titers specific for measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella viruses in IBD patients under immunosuppressive therapy. Those with negative titers and without vaccination history were judged unimmunized. Patients were administered vaccines while continuing VDZ or switched to VDZ if receiving other advanced therapies and then administered vaccines. Co-primary outcomes were the rate of maintaining disease severity after vaccination and the rate without vaccine-induced infection. Among 107 unimmunized patients, 37 agreed to receive live-attenuated vaccines while continuing VDZ (17 patients) or after switching to VDZ (20 patients). In the 20 patients who electively switched to VDZ, disease severity was maintained except for 1 patient who developed intestinal infection. After 54 weeks, 18 patients (90%) continued to receive VDZ, excluding 2 patients who reverted to their originally administered biologics. In all 37 patients administered live-attenuated vaccines under VDZ treatment, disease severity was maintained after vaccination. Antibody titers became positive or equivocal in 34 patients (91.9%). There were no cases of vaccine-induced infection during a median observation period of 121 weeks. While live-attenuated vaccines are contraindicated under immunosuppressive therapy, they may be safely administered while receiving VDZ immunotherapy. Switching from other advanced therapies to VDZ and subsequently receiving live-attenuated vaccines may be a safe alternative in unimmunized patients.

Phytochemical analysis and immunomodulatory activities in vitro and in vivo of Aframomum melegueta K Schum seed extracts.

Aframomum melegueta K Schum (A. melegueta), an herbaceous plant renowned for its medicinal seeds, was investigated for its potential immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo using ethanolic and methanolic extracts. The immunomodulatory effect was evaluated by measuring antibody titers using the agglutination technique, while anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in a carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema model. In vitro immunomodulatory activity was measured by lysozyme release from neutrophils. Additionally, white blood cell counts were analyzed post-extracts treatment. The MTT assay was employed to determine cytotoxicity, and the biochemical parameters of liver toxicity were evaluated. Remarkably, both extracts exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in paw edema (p < 0.001), with the most significant reduction observed at 1g/kg (78.13 and 74.27% for ethanolic and methanolic extracts, respectively). Neutrophil degranulation was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.003), reaching maximal inhibition at 100μg/mg (60.78 and 39.7% for ethanolic and methanolic extracts, respectively). In comparison to the control group, both antibody production and white blood cell counts were reduced. Neither of the extracts showcased any cytotoxicity or toxicity. These findings suggest that A. melegueta extracts exhibit immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities due to the presence of various biomolecules.

Difference in the Dynamics of Antibody Titers between COVID-19 Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Healthcare Workers - A Case Study Based on Long-Term and Densely Repeated Measurements of Antibody Titers.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is prevalent worldwide, and effective and safe vaccines against this virus have been developed. Although trends in antibody titers after vaccination and/or SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported, long-term studies with high frequency of measurements are limited. This report describes the long-term and detailed trends in the antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 S protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) measured repeatedly after vaccination and/or infection in 3 healthcare workers. All healthcare workers were administered 30 µg of the messenger RNA vaccine, BNT162b2, during all vaccinations. The peak value of the SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD titer was reached at 1-2 weeks after vaccination and then decreased by half within 8 weeks after vaccination; the peak values of the antibody titer increased with repeated vaccinations. In contrast, after SARS-CoV-2 infection, the peak value of the antibody titer was reached at 4-8 weeks after infection, and the antibody titer remained elevated up to 16-40 weeks after the peak. This report describes the long-term and detailed trends in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD titers, showing different patterns after vaccination and/or SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Ascites Caused by Intestinal Anisakiasis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection affecting the human gastrointestinal tract. It is caused by the consumption of contaminated, raw or inadequately cooked fish or squid, which is typically used for making sushi and sashimi. Most cases involve gastric anisakiasis, whereas intestinal anisakiasis is rare. This report describes the case of a 63-year-old Japanese woman with a history of raw fish consumption who presented with acute-onset abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) demonstrated thickened small bowel loops and ascites on the liver surface. The patient was admitted for supportive care. On the second day of hospitalization, contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed that the ascites had moved from the liver surface to the pouch of Douglas. On the fifth day of hospitalization, the patient was discharged with a substantial improvement in abdominal pain. Five days after the discharge, her eosinophil count was elevated, and parasitic disease was therefore suspected. Anti-Anisakis IgG/A and IgE (RAST) antibody levels were elevated, confirming the diagnosis of intestinal anisakiasis. A review of 51 reported cases of intestinal anisakiasis suggests that the presence of ascites and measurement of anti-Anisakis antibody titers are helpful for diagnosis in cases presenting with nonspecific abdominal symptoms after consumption of raw or undercooked fish.

Differences Of COVID-19 Antibody Titer In The Group After The Two Sinovac Vaccine And The Three Moderna Of Prodia Employees Yogyakarta

This study compared antibody levels in individuals after receiving the second dose of the Sinovac vaccine and the third dose of the Moderna vaccine. Sinovac, developed in China, uses the inactivated virus method, meaning it contains no live virus. In contrast, the Moderna vaccine, created in the United States, is an mRNA vaccine that prompts the immune system to produce spike proteins, leading to antibody production without using a live virus. Conducted on Prodia employees in Yogyakarta, this observational research used a cross-sectional approach to measure antibody titers after vaccination. The results, analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed test, showed a significant difference in COVID-19 antibody levels between the two groups.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses in Newly Recovered Patients from Covid-19 Infection

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic continues, causing considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostic assays are a goal standard for case ascertainment and diagnosis. Comparing to PCR, serological testing is advantageous with faster turn-around time, high-throughput and less workload. However, the clinical value of antibodies largely depends on the understanding of host antibody responses during infection. Immunoglobulin G (IgG)) in response to SARS-CoV-2 in patients newly recovered from different severity Covid-19 infection in Baquba-Iraq. Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study a (93) patients with recent covid-19 infection who came to the central blood bank of Diyala for convalescent plasma donation for the period from the 1st June 2020 till 1st August 2020 were enrolled. The questionnaire form were filled regarding the time of infection, clinical manifestations, severity and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. While blood were taken for antibody titer measurement using the SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG VIDAS test. Results: Male constitute about 91% of the study population. About 74% of the cases were below 40 years old. Fifty four of the patients had mild disease, 28% had moderate severity while the other 18% had severe type of the disease. fatigue and fever were the most common symptoms and seen in 87%,84% respectively. IgM Antibodies start to be positive before 21 days post infection mainly in mild and moderate cases 100%, While 0% of severe cases were positive at this time. After 49 day from the time of the infection 67%and 75% of the mild and moderate cases where IgM positive respectively and 100% of the severe cases where IgM positive. IgG Antibodies were positive in 100%, 0% of the mild and severe cases respectively at 21 day post infection but it's positive in 100% of both mild and severe cases after 49 day post infection. Conclusion: : Although the serological response for SARS-CoV-2 appears in the first three weeks from the disease onset this response differs from patient to another according to the time from the infection and the severity of the infection.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses in Newly Recovered Patients from Covid-19 Infection

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic continues, causing considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostic assays are a goal standard for case ascertainment and diagnosis. Comparing to PCR, serological testing is advantageous with faster turn-around time, high-throughput and less workload. However, the clinical value of antibodies largely depends on the understanding of host antibody responses during infection. Objective: To investigate the dynamics of (Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG)) in response to SARS-CoV-2 in patients newly recovered from different severity Covid-19 infection in Baquba-Iraq. Patients and Methods: In this cross sectional study a (93) patients with recent covid-19 infection who came to the central blood bank of Diyala for convalescent plasma donation for the period from the 1st June 2020 till 1st August 2020 were enrolled. The questionnaire form were filled regarding the time of infection, clinical manifestations, severity and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. While blood were taken for antibody titer measurement using the SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG VIDAS test. Results: Male constitute about 91% of the study population. About 74% of the cases were below 40 years old. Fifty four of the patients had mild disease, 28% had moderate severity while the other 18% had severe type of the disease. fatigue and fever were the most common symptoms and seen in 87%,84% respectively. IgM Antibodies start to be positive before 21 days post infection mainly in mild and moderate cases 100%, While 0% of severe cases were positive at this time. After 49 day from the time of the infection 67%and 75% of the mild and moderate cases where IgM positive respectively and 100% of the severe cases where IgM positive. IgG Antibodies were positive in 100%, 0% of the mild and severe cases respectively at 21 day post infection but it's positive in 100% of both mild and severe cases after 49 day post infection. Conclusion: Although the serological response for SARS-CoV-2 appears in the first three weeks from the disease onset this response differs from patient to another according to the time from the infection and the severity of the infection. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, serological response, Immunoglobulin G Antibodies.

Pre-Clinical Safety and Immunogenicity Study of a Coronavirus Protein-Based Subunit Vaccine for COVID-19.

Creating an effective and safe vaccine is critical to fighting the coronavirus infection successfully. Several types of COVID-19 vaccines exist, including inactivated, live attenuated, recombinant, synthetic peptide, virus-like particle-based, DNA and mRNA-based, and sub-unit vaccines containing purified immunogenic viral proteins. However, the scale and speed at which COVID-19 is spreading demonstrate a global public demand for an effective prophylaxis that must be supplied more. The developed products promise a bright future for SARS-CoV-2 prevention; however, evidence of safety and immunogenicity is mandatory before any vaccine can be produced. In this paper, we report on the results of our work examining the safety, toxicity, immunizing dose choice, and immunogenicity of QazCoVac-P, a Kazakhstan-made sub-unit vaccine for COVID-19. First, we looked into the product's safety profile by assessing its pyrogenicity in vaccinated rabbit models and using the LAL (limulus amebocyte lysate) test. We examined the vaccine's acute and sub-chronic toxicity on BALB/c mice and rats. The vaccine did not cause clinically significant toxicity-related changes or symptoms in our toxicity experiments. Finally, we performed a double immunization of mice, ferrets, Syrian hamsters, and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We used ELISA to measure antibody titers with the maximum mean geometric titer of antibodies in the animals' blood sera totaling approximately 8 log2. The results of this and other studies warrant recommending the QazCoVac-P vaccine for clinical trials.

The Safety and Protective Efficacy Evaluation of an Attenuated M. bovis-BoHV-1 Bivalent Vaccine in Rabbits.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a global prevalent multifactorial infection primarily caused by viral and bacterial coinfections. In China, Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) and bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) are the predominant pathogens associated with BRD. Our previous study involved the development of attenuated M. bovis HB150 and BoHV-1 gG-/tk- vaccine strains, which were thoroughly assessed for their safety profiles and protective efficacy in cattle. In this study, we applied a combination of vaccines in varying ratios and used a rabbit model to determine the safety and protective efficacy. We used PCR/RT-PCR to detect the postimmunization and challenge shedding of M. bovis and BoHV-1. Additionally, we measured antibody titers and the expression of IFN-β and TNF-α to evaluate the humoral and cellular immune responses, respectively. Furthermore, we performed a histopathological analysis to assess lung damage. Our study provides evidence of the safety and effectiveness of the bivalent M. bovis-BoHV-1 vaccine in rabbits, particularly when applying a combination of 1.0 × 108 CFU of M. bovis HB150 and 1.0 × 106 TCID50 of the BoHV-1 gG-/tk- strain. The bivalent vaccine significantly enhanced both the long-term antibody immune response and cellular protection against the M. bovis and BoHV-1 challenge. These findings provide a valuable model for the potential application in cattle.

Investigation the longevity of hepatitis B surface antibody in vaccinated students of Hormozgan university of medical sciences.

Hepatitis B is a common chronic viral infection in humans. Universal use of hepatitis B vaccine is crucial for controlling the infection, but the duration of vaccine-induced immunity remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess hepatitis B antibody levels (anti-HBs) after vaccination in infancy and adolescence, and explore the relationship between immunity levels and variables such as age, sex, BMI, place of birth, and duration since last vaccination among students at Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences from 2019 to 2021. The study included 1134 students who completed a questionnaire and provided blood samples for ELISA-based measurement of antibody titers. The findings revealed that 727 students (64.1%) had no protective antibody level (anti-HBs <10 mIU/ml), 299 (26.4%) had partial immunity (anti-HBs 10-100 mIU/ml), and 108 (9.5%) had complete immunity (anti-HBs >100 mIU/ml). No statistically significant relationships were observed between anti-HBs titer and age, sex, or BMI. However, antibody titer decreased with increasing time since last vaccination (P<0.001). This study highlights the decline in antibody titer over time following primary vaccination. Sustained immunity against hepatitis B virus relies on antibody durability or robust immunological memory, suggesting the importance of timing booster vaccinations.

Antibody response after third dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients is comparable to that in healthy counterparts.

To determine the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients, we measured antibody titer serially in 92 allo-HSCT patients. Among the evaluable 87patients, median age at vaccination was 53years (range,18-75). The average time between allo-HSCT and vaccination was 3.3years (range,0.5-15.7). One month after the second dose, 70 patients (80.5%) had a positive response, whereas 17 patients (19.5%) had a negative response (< 20U/mL). Only patients older than 44 years hada negative response. Low IgM level was the only significant predictor of vaccine failure in elderly patients. When antibody response before and after the third vaccination was examined in 47 patients, antibodies increased significantly from a median of 18.3 U/mL to 312.6 U/mL (P < 0.01). The median antibody titer after the third vaccination of healthy individuals (n = 203) was 426.4 U/mL, which was comparable to that of patients (P = 0.2). The antibody titer after the third mRNA vaccination increased even in patients whose first two mRNA vaccinationsfailed. These findings suggest that allo-HSCT recipients should receive the mRNA vaccine regularly.

Immunogenicity and safety of influenza vaccine in patients with lung cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: A single-center prospective cohort study

IntroductionPatients with lung cancer have a high risk of influenza complications. International guidelines recommend annual influenza vaccination for patients with cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are progressively used to treat lung cancer. Data regarding immunogenicity and safety of influenza vaccine are limited in patients with lung cancer receiving ICIs; therefore, we conducted this single-center, prospective observational study in the Japanese population. MethodsPatients with lung cancer receiving ICIs and influenza immunization were enrolled. Blood samples were collected from patients for serum antibody titer measurement pre- and 4 ± 1 weeks post-vaccination. The primary endpoint was seroprotection rate (sP) at 4 ± 1 weeks post-vaccination. The secondary endpoints were geometric mean titer (GMT), mean fold rise, seroresponse rate (sR), seroconversion rate (sC), and immune-related adverse events (irAEs), defined as adverse effects caused by ICI administration, 6 months post-vaccination. ResultsInfluenza vaccination in the 23 patients included in the immunogenicity analyses significantly increased GMT for all strains, and sP, sR, and sC were 52%–91%, 26%–39%, and 26%–35%, respectively. In the 24 patients included in the safety analyses, 7 (29%) and 5 (21%) patients exhibited systemic and local reactions, respectively. Only one patient (4%) (hypothyroidism, grade 2) showed post-vaccination irAEs. ConclusionsOverall, influenza vaccination in patients with lung cancer receiving ICIs showed acceptable immunogenicity and safety, thus supporting annual influenza vaccination in this population.

Characterizing antibody responses to mosquito salivary antigens of the Southeast Asian vectors of malaria and dengue with a human challenge model of controlled exposure: a protocol.

Background: Measurement of antibody titers directed against mosquito salivary antigens in blood samples has been proposed as an outcome measure to assess human exposure to vector bites. However, only a handful of antigens have been identified and the specificity and longitudinal dynamics of antibody responses are not well known. We report the protocol of a clinical trial of controlled exposure to mosquito bites that aims to identify and validate biomarkers of exposure to bites of mosquito vector species that transmit malaria and dengue in Southeast Asia and some other parts of the world. Methods: This study is an exploratory factorial randomized control trial of controlled exposure to mosquito bites with 10 arms corresponding to different species ( Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Anopheles dirus, An. maculatus and An. minimus) and numbers of bites (35 or 305 bites in total over 6 weeks). Blood samples will be collected from study participants before, during and after mosquito biting challenges. Candidate peptides will be identified from published literature with antigen prediction algorithms using mosquito DNA sequence data and with immunoblotting assays carried out using protein extracts of dissected mosquito salivary glands and participants samples. Antibody titers against candidate peptides will be determined in participants samples with high-throughput cutting-edge immuno-assays. Quantification of the antibody response profile over time (including an estimate of the decay rate) and the effect of the number of bites on the antibody response will be determined using linear and logistic mixed-effects models for the continuous and the binary response, respectively. Conclusion: This research is expected to generate important knowledge for vector sero-surveillance and evaluation of vector-control interventions against malaria and dengue in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Registration: This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04478370) on July 20 th, 2020.

A simplified method for measuring neutralising antibodies against rabies virus

Rabies virus (RABV) causes a fatal encephalitis that can be prevented through timely vaccination. The levels of virus neutralising antibodies against rabies virus induced by vaccination can be measured using the fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) test. Following incubation of live virus with sera, this method involves the fixation of cell monolayers and staining of rabies virus-specific antigen using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) -conjugated antibody to enable visualisation of rabies virus antigen using a fluorescence microscope. To simplify this procedure, a fluorescent recombinant rabies virus was constructed using reverse genetics by inserting the gene for the mCherry fluorescent protein in front of the ribonucleoprotein gene of the SAD B-19 genome and replacing its glycoprotein with that of the Challenge Virus Standard (CVS)-11 RABV strain to ensure antigenic authenticity with the FAVN. This new recombinant virus (termed mCCCG) expressed the mCherry protein to high levels enabling direct observation of infected cells. In vitro growth kinetics of mCCCG were indistinguishable from that of CVS-11. The stability of the recombinant virus was assessed by sequencing several passages of the rescued virus and only minor changes were detected. Comparative assessment of the virus neutralisation test using mCherry producing virus (NTmCV) against the FAVN demonstrated that test results were equivalent to each other; therefore, mCCCG can be used as an alternative to CVS-11 for measuring antibody titres against the rabies virus. The use of NTmCV removes the need for expensive antibody conjugates and significantly reduces assay time. This would be particularly beneficial for RABV serological assessment in resource limited settings. Moreover, the reading of the plates can be automatically using a cell imaging reader.

Sexual Function and Depressive Symptoms in Young Women with Euthyroid Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Receiving Vitamin D, Selenomethionine and Myo-Inositol: A Pilot Study.

Thyroid autoimmunity is associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to compare sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis receiving different treatments. The study included euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis, untreated or receiving vitamin D, selenomethionine, or myo-inositol. Apart from measuring antibody titers and hormone levels, all participants completed questionnaires evaluating female sexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). In untreated women, the overall FSFI scores and domain scores for desire, arousal, lubrication, and sexual satisfaction were lower than in women receiving vitamin D, selenomethionine, and myo-inositol. In the vitamin D-treated women, the total FSFI scores and scores for desire and arousal were higher than in women receiving the remaining micronutrients. The BDI-II score was lowest in the vitamin D-treated women and highest in the untreated patients with thyroiditis. Vitamin D-treated women were also characterized by lower antibody titers and higher testosterone levels than the women receiving the remaining micronutrients. There were no differences in sexual functioning and depressive symptoms between the selenomethionine- and myo-inositol-treated women. The study results suggest that although all antibody-lowering treatments are associated with better sexual functioning and well-being in young women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis, the greatest benefits are observed in patients receiving vitamin D.