Vaccination Protocols Research Articles

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Onset in the Setting of COVID Vaccination - Case Report and Recommendations

Background: As of 2024, the COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 700 million people resulting in over 7 million deaths worldwide. The vaccination has had significant controversy, partially implicated through a number of reported adverse events. Previous studies have suggested that vaccines can trigger autoimmune disease and the COVID-19 vaccine has been no exception to this. This study presents a case report and literature review exploring the potential link between the COVID-19 vaccination and autoimmune reactions. Case Report: We present a previously healthy 28 year old male who developed a diffuse pruritic rash two weeks after receiving a booster Moderna vaccine for COVID-19. The patient, with a history of hypothyroidism and positive antinuclear antibody (ANA), exhibited pink erythematous, minimally scaly papules and plaques, predominantly on his hands, forearms, wrists, face, neck, and left shoulder. Subsequent workup revealed elevated anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) levels, leading to a diagnosis of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). This paper also features a review on cutaneous and systemic autoimmune conditions thought to be triggered by COVID-19 vaccines. Potential mechanisms are explored including molecular mimicry, bystander activation, and epitope spreading. Findings indicate that cutaneous reactions like dermatitis, urticaria, and morbilliform rashes are relatively common and can predispose more severe autoimmune conditions. Conclusion: Implications of this study are the importance for medical professionals and patients to be wary of autoimmune reactions post-vaccination. Early recognition and management of these reactions is critical in ensuring patient safety, improving vaccination protocols, and maintaining public trust in vaccination programs and efforts.

Protective efficacy of classical vaccines and vaccination protocols against an exotic Newcastle disease virus genotype VII.2 in Belgian layer and broiler chickens

Vaccination against Newcastle disease (ND) has been routinely implemented in the Belgian professional poultry sector since 1993, using genotype I and II vaccines. Despite this, an outbreak of genotype VII.2 avian paramyx-ovirus 1 (APMV-1) occurred in 2018, with 20 reported cases over the course of 3 months. Although the economic impact on the professional poultry sector was limited, this epizootic raised questions regarding the efficacy of implemented classical genotype I and II vaccines against phylogenetically distant exotic velogenic strains. The present study provides insights into the protective efficacy of standard vaccination programs applied in layer and broiler flocks against the introduction and transmission of this velogenic APMV-1 VII.2 strain. For fully field-vaccinated 26-week-old layer chickens, high levels of specific antibodies were measured at the time of the velogenic APMV-1 challenge, resulting in good clinical protection. However, despite the observed humoral immunity, viral excretion was not prevented, leading to transmission of the virus to non-infected sentinel birds. In fully field-vaccinated 4-week-old broiler chickens, assessment of vaccine uptake and coverage revealed low levels of ND specific antibodies despite double vaccination at day 1 and day 14. Consequently, poor protection against velogenic APMV-1 infection was observed, with both clinical signs and viral excretion occurring in both infected and sentinel birds. This study demonstrates that the introduction of velogenic APMV-1 VII.2 can lead to its dissemination among the Belgian avian poultry population despite the implementation of standard vaccination.

A Study on the Persistence of Immunity Following Two-Dose Varicella Vaccination With Varying Intervals in Chinese Children Aged 2-7 years.

Varicella, a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), remains prevalent in China despite the introduction of the varicella vaccine in 1997. The current vaccination protocol in China involves a voluntary, self-funded single-dose regimen. This study aims to investigate the longevity of immune response in Chinese children following two-dose varicella vaccination administered at different intervals, with the objective of optimizing vaccination strategies. This 4-year prospective cohort observational study categorized participants into three groups based on the interval between the two varicella vaccine doses: 1-, 3-, and 5-year intervals. Antibody detection was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The temporal evolution of IgG antibody levels following the two-dose vaccination was analyzed using a binary logistic regression model with restricted cubic splines (RCS). The study revealed a significant decline in both seropositivity rates and geometric mean concentrations (GMC) over time following the two-dose vaccination. Seropositivity rates decreased from 100.0% to 79.8%, while GMC dropped from 575.1 to 251.9 mIU/mL. No statistically significant differences were observed in seropositivity rates or GMC among the different interval groups (p > 0.05). The RCS-fitted model demonstrated an "inverted U-shaped" relationship between the time since the last vaccination and seropositivity. Antibody levels peaked approximately 22 months after the second dose, with the odds ratio (OR) for antibody concentrations ≥ 50 mIU/mL exhibiting a nonlinear trend in relation to time post-immunization (poverall < 0.001, pnonlinear ≤ 0.001). While the interval between vaccine doses did not significantly impact long-term immune response, a critical turning point in antibody levels was observed at approximately 22 months postvaccination. Furthermore, enhanced long-term monitoring of postvaccination immune responses, particularly beyond the identified turning point, is recommended to facilitate the evaluation and optimization of existing vaccination protocols.

Comparison of the sequences of the viral capsid protein 1 and viral capsid protein 2 encoded genes in symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of canine parvovirus 2 in dogs

Background and Aim: Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious virus that infects wild and domestic canines. Despite the use of a routine vaccination protocol, it is endemic in Iraq. The genetic drift of CPV-2 is a major issue worldwide because it abrogates virus control. In Iraq, there is a knowledge gap regarding the genetic sequences of asymptomatic and symptomatic CPV-2 cases. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a genetic analysis of viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) and viral capsid protein 2 (VP2), two major capsid-encoding genes, to demonstrate the possible role of certain mutations in triggering infection. Materials and Methods: Symptomatic and asymptomatic cases (n = 100/each) were tested by a polymerase chain reaction targeting VP1 and VP2 genes. Results: The analysis revealed numerous synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations in VP1 and VP2 and in the intergenic sequence. Conclusion: The study identified significant genetic mutations in VP1, VP2, and the intergenic regions of CPV-2 in symptomatic and asymptomatic cases in Iraq. These mutations may contribute to the virus’s ability to evade control measures such as vaccination. These findings indicate that CPV-2 polymorphisms can influence the clinical state of the disease and/or trigger infection. Understanding these genetic variations provides critical insights into CPV-2 pathogenesis and could inform improved vaccination strategies to mitigate the virus’s impact in endemic regions. Keywords: canine parvovirus-2, capsid encoded genes, mutations.

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccination coverage in European and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

In relatively wealthy countries, substantial between-country variability in COVID-19 vaccination coverage occurred. We aimed to identify influential national-level determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake at different COVID-19 pandemic stages in such countries. We considered over 50 macro-level demographic, healthcare resource, disease burden, political, socio-economic, labor, cultural, life-style indicators as explanatory factors and coverage with at least one dose by June 2021, completed initial vaccination protocols by December 2021, and booster doses by June 2022 as outcomes. Overall, we included 61 European or Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. We performed 100 multiple imputations correcting for missing data and partial least squares regression for each imputed dataset. Regression estimates for the original covariates were pooled over the 100 results obtained for each outcome. Specific analyses focusing only on European Union (EU) or OECD countries were also conducted. Higher stringency of countermeasures, and proportionately more older adults, female and urban area residents, were each strongly and consistently associated with higher vaccination rates. Surprisingly, socio-economic indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), democracy, and education had limited explanatory power. Overall and in the OECD, greater perceived corruption related strongly to lower vaccine uptake. In the OECD, social media played a noticeable positive role. In the EU, right-wing government ideology exhibited a consistently negative association, while cultural differences had strong overall influence. Relationships between country-level factors and COVID-19 vaccination uptake depended on immunization stage and country reference group. Important determinants include stringency, population age, gender and urbanization, corruption, government ideology and cultural context.

Audio-Visual Distraction- A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Alleviate Pain in Pediatric Vaccine Administration: An Observational Study

Introduction: The routine vaccine injections are one of the most common and painful procedures during childhood specifically in infancy. In order to improve the effectivity of pain reduction during routine vaccination OPD this study was done to analyse the effectiveness of audio-visual gadgets as a distraction tool for pain reduction in infants during the vaccination procedure. Methods: A comparative observational study conducted at a tertiary healthcare center vaccination out patient department. Children aged 1 month to 2 years receiving the vaccine were included in the study. The study group was exposed to audio-visual clip while the control group received the vaccine as per routine vaccination protocol. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Controllability Scale score was used to assess the behavioural reactions to pain which assesses five behavioural areas. The study protocol was approved by the Institute Ethics Committee (Reference number: BJGMC/IEC/1122238-238).Results: The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Controllability Scale score were studied among two groups, it was observed that the pain score and every component of the score had a statistically significant lower mean score in audio-visual group as compared to the control group. Mean pain score in the audio-visual group was 6.31±0.79 as compared to 9.57±0.65 in the control group with the p value of 0.001.Conclusions: A lower pain score in response to vaccination with an audio-visual distraction indicates that it can be regularly used to reduce pain during the vaccination procedure and can be used during different painful procedures.

Vaccination After Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A Review of the Literature and Proposed Vaccination Protocol.

Background/Objectives: Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) induces profound immunosuppression, significantly increasing susceptibility to severe infections. This review examines vaccinations' necessity, timing, and efficacy post-HCT to reduce infection-related morbidity and mortality. It aims to provide a structured protocol aligned with international and national recommendations. Methods: A systematic review of current guidelines and studies was conducted to assess vaccination strategies in HCT recipients. The analysis included the timing of vaccine administration, factors influencing efficacy, and contraindications. Recommendations for pre- and post-transplant vaccination schedules were synthesised, specifically for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), immunosuppressive therapy, and hypogammaglobulinemia. Results: Vaccination is essential as specific immunity is often lost after HCT. Inactivated vaccines are recommended to commence three months post-transplant, including influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccines. Live attenuated vaccines remain contraindicated for at least two years post-transplant and in patients with ongoing GVHD or immunosuppressive therapy. Factors such as GVHD and immunosuppressive treatments significantly impact vaccine timing and efficacy. The review also underscores the importance of pre-transplant vaccinations and ensuring that patients' close contacts are adequately immunised to reduce transmission risks. Conclusions: Implementing a structured vaccination protocol post-HCT is critical to improving patient outcomes. Timely and effective vaccination strategies can mitigate infection risks while addressing individual patient factors such as GVHD and immunosuppression. This review highlights the need for tailored vaccination approaches to optimize immune reconstitution in HCT recipients.

Vaccination of children and adolescents treated for acute leukemia, excluding HSCT recipients: Recommendations of the French Society for Childhood and Adolescent Cancer and Leukemia (SFCE)

Children and adolescents who are being treated or have been treated for acute leukemia have a secondary immunodeficiency linked to chemotherapy, resulting in an increased risk of infections. Some of which can be prevented by vaccination but its effectiveness is not optimal during chemotherapy. Upon cessation of chemotherapy, the time required for immune reconstitution varies from three months to more than a year, depending on lymphocyte subpopulations, the patient's age, and the intensity of the treatment received. Although they may have regained their immune functions, studies show that most patients have lost part of their vaccine-induced protection post-chemotherapy and require booster doses of vaccines. Most practitioners agree on the importance of vaccinating or revaccinating these children, but practices are heterogeneous among pediatric hematologist-oncologists in France. Based on a practice study and a recent review of the literature, this work aims to propose new French recommendations for the vaccination strategy to be adopted for children and adolescents treated or recently treated for acute leukemia, excluding allogeneic transplant recipients, in 2024. These recommendations specifically include the vaccination protocols for human papillomavirus and meningococcal infections but do not address the COVID-19 vaccination, as its guidelines are subject to rapid changes.

Técnica de aplicación de la vacuna BCG y la presencia de reacciones adversas

The BCG vaccine is one of the first vaccines administered as part of the national immunization schedule, under the responsibility of nursing professionals. Its administration requires mastering the correct intradermal technique. Although it is considered one of the safest vaccines, it is not exempt from generating adverse reactions in the population. This study aimed to evaluate the BCG vaccine application technique associated with adverse reactions. Through a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study at Health Center N°1, Riobamba-Ecuador, involving 8 licensed nurses, 2 nursing interns, and 31 children immunized with the BCG vaccine, two methodological instruments were implemented: an observation guide for BCG vaccine application and a survey to identify potential post-vaccination adverse effects, both validated by expert health professionals. The study revealed significant deficiencies in the vaccination procedure by nursing staff: 20% did not provide complete information about the process and post-vaccination care, 40% omitted hand disinfection prior to the procedure, 60% did not perform hand washing afterward, 30% did not adequately position the patient, and 30% failed to meet intradermal administration parameters. Regarding adverse reactions, the following were documented: injection site pain (12.9%), large pustule (9.7%), fever (3.2%), and keloid scar (3.2%), highlighting the need to improve vaccination and follow-up protocols. There is a correlation between the BCG vaccine application technique and the adverse reactions presented in immunized patients.

An outbreak of Marek’s Disease in a Commercial Poultry Farm in Naththandiya, Sri Lanka: A Case Study

Introduction: Marek’s disease (MD) is a major threat to the poultry industry worldwide and significantly affects production and economic stability. In this context, an outbreak in a commercial poultry farm in Naththandiya, Sri Lanka, served as a crucial alarm to avian health management. The clinical signs found during this outbreak not only highlight the virulence of MD virus but also raise questions regarding the effectiveness of the current control measures. Case report: The outbreak was found in a commercial poultry farm with 4500 Brown Leghorn female chickens including 2500 of 14 weeks old chickens, and 2000 of 6 weeks old chickens in Naththandiya, which was characterized by marked mortalities of 15-20 chickens/day in elder chickens and 35-40 chickens/day in 6 weeks old chickens. The older chickens have been vaccinated with the oral Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) vaccine at 3 weeks and 11 weeks of age and also with Fowl Pox vaccine at 8 weeks of age. The younger chickens have been given only IBD vaccine at 3 weeks of age. The outbreak showed a wide range of clinical signs, including swollen and closed eyes, nasal discharge, respiratory distress, and anorexia. The post-mortem examination revealed pathognomonic lesions such as grey-white foci of neoplastic tissue in the liver, lungs, and kidneys, enlargement of the sciatic nerve with loss of cross striations, visceral organ enlargement such as liver, kidney, and spleen which indicates the presence of MD virus along with secondary infections caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). Histopathological examination and bacterial culture confirmed the MD and E. coli infections respectively. Conclusion: This outbreak highlights the importance of vigilant surveillance, proactive management, and continuous review of vaccination protocols to control the transmission of Marek’s disease effectively.

Complications of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine as an early warning sign of inborn errors of immunity: a report of 197 patients.

According to the WHO's recommendation for developing countries, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination has been implemented in some countries as part of national vaccination programs at birth. Although it is generally considered safe, some complications may occur; including BCGitis (local) or BCGosis (systemic), ranging from mild like local abscesses to fatal impediments like osteomyelitis and disseminated BCG infection. This study aimed to determine the spectrum of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) in BCG-vaccinated neonates experiencing local or systemic complications. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated Iranian children referred to the Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research Institute (IAARI) between 2007-2023 for suspected immunodeficiency. Medical history was recorded, and primary screening tests for immunodeficiency were conducted for all cases. For suspected cases, more advanced immunologic investigations were performed to reach a definitive diagnosis. Furthermore, the study incorporated the documented genetic findings of the patients under investigation. All patients with inborn error of immunity who had a history of BCG vaccine complications within the first year of vaccination were enrolled in the study. We investigated 3,275 cases suspected of IEI, identifying197 patients with both IEI and BCG vaccine complications. Among these, 127 (64.5%) were male. Symptoms began at or before 3 months of age in 64.8% of the cases, and parental consanguinity was reported in 79.2%. Genetic diagnoses were confirmed in 108 patients. Of the 197 patients, 108 (54.8%) had BCGitis, while 89 (45.2%) experienced systemic complications (BCGosis). A family history of IEI, BCG-related complications, and unexplained deaths were observed in 20.3%, 12.2%, and 29.9% of cases, respectively. Furthermore, 46.2% had at least one of these three risk factors in their history. Early BCG vaccine complications may indicate an underlying immunodeficiency, particularly when there is a positive family history of BCG complications, immunodeficiency, or unexplained deaths. Nation-wide vaccination protocols should address this issue by delaying inoculation to allow for immunological screening of suspected immunodeficient patients, thereby preventing BCG vaccine-related morbidity and mortality.

Live attenuated goatpox vaccination in pregnant Murcia-Granada goats: dosage implications and outcomes

BackgroundInfectious diseases, particularly the Goatpox virus (GTPV) from the Poxviridae family, significantly impact livestock health and agricultural economies, especially in developing regions. Recent GTPV outbreaks in previously eradicated areas underscore the need for effective control measures, with vaccination being the most reliable strategy. This study investigates the effects of administering standard and double doses of live attenuated goatpox vaccine in pregnant Murcia-Granada goats, a non-native breed in Iran, to determine optimal vaccination protocols.ResultsIn 2018, 400 healthy and pregnant Murcia Granada goats imported from Spain were divided into groups of 200 and vaccinated with either a standard dose (0.5 ml) or a double dose (single 0.9 ml injection) of live attenuated goatpox vaccine. Post-vaccination, the goats were monitored daily for clinical signs of infection, with samples collected for PCR analysis to detect the presence of GTPV strains. In group A, which received the standard vaccine dose, no abortions or vaccine-related side effects were observed, and body temperatures remained normal. In group B, administered a double dose, 37% of the goats experienced abortions, displaying signs of GTPV infection, such as skin lesions (pox lesions) and increased body temperatures. Molecular analysis confirmed the vaccine strain of GTPV as the infection source, ruling out external contamination. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in abortion rates concerning gestational age or t he age of the pregnant goats.ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of adhering to standard vaccine dosages in pregnant Murcia Granada goats to prevent adverse outcomes like abortions. This study emphasizes the necessity to review and revise vaccination protocols tailored to specific breeds and varying maintenance conditions, including pregnancy and outbreak scenarios. These findings stress the necessity for cautious and tailored vaccination strategies to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines in different goat breeds.

Nurses' Characteristics Associated with Good Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of the Malaria Vaccine in Bungoma County, Kenya.

The study examined nurse characteristics associated with Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) regarding malaria vaccination in Bungoma County, Kenya. Malaria remains a major health burden in Kenya, with 3.4 million cases and 12,000 deaths in 2021. Bungoma County, a malaria-endemic area, implemented the RTS S1 malaria vaccine, but dropout rates for subsequent doses are high. The fourth dose dropout, particularly in Bungoma and Siaya, poses a significant challenge to vaccine adherence. A cross-sectional descriptive study comprising mixed research methods; comprising key informant interviews was conducted among nurses in Bungoma County. A stratified random sampling was used to select 63 health facilities providing malaria vaccine. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, observation checklist, and key informant interview guide. Hawthorne effect was minimized by rapport building or familiarizing the participants by spending a whole morning at the facility CWC and assuring sampled participants of anonymity, this made the participants calm and can provide immunization services without fear of being judged. Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics to determine associations between nurse demographics and KAP scores. The study found good KAP was significantly associated with characteristics such as age, years of experience, education level, and prior malaria vaccine training. Nurses aged over 35, with higher education, and those trained in malaria vaccine administration had a higher likelihood of exhibiting good knowledge and positive attitudes. The study concludes that implementing targeted training programs and mentorship initiatives for less experienced and younger nursing staff is essential for strengthening vaccine implementation effectiveness. Enhanced continuous education programs in Bungoma County would likely improve malaria vaccine practices and outcomes. Additionally, the findings indicate that structured support systems and ongoing professional development are crucial elements in maintaining high standards of vaccine delivery. The study recommends that mandatory comprehensive training programs should be established, incorporating both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills development. These programs should be regularly updated to reflect current best practices and emerging challenges in vaccine delivery. Furthermore, the implementation of structured on-site mentorship programs, combined with continuous supervision, should be prioritized to ensure consistent application of proper vaccination protocols. Regular refresher courses should be offered to maintain and update healthcare workers' knowledge and skills, while a peer support system should be established to facilitate knowledge sharing and professional development.

O USO DE SORO HIPERIMUNE NA CLÍNICA DE PEQUENOS ANIMAIS

The immune system is intended to defend the body against harmful invaders. Antibodies are largely responsible for defense against pathogenic antigens. The immunological defense of some conditions, both innate and acquired, may have nonspecific production and insufficient antibodies to combat them. The use of hyperimmune serum can be an alternative in defending the body against specific pathogens, a procedure which transfers antibodies ready for defense against antigens. This therapy consists of using plasma or serum extracted by centrifugation from the blood of an animal previously vaccinated or already cured of a specific disease. The serum is offered to an animal that has had a failure in the vaccination protocol or has contracted a certain disease. The objective of this study was to carry out a literature review regarding the use and application of hyperimmune serum in small animals. Also used as complementary therapy, hyperimmune serum has demonstrated excellent results in reducing free antigens in the serum of patients affected by certain pathologies. It proved to be relevant in clinically improving recovery from diseases such as distemper and parvovirus. This technique presents a promising prognosis, but there are many studies to be carried out to effectively prove the application of hyperimmune serum in the complementary treatment of certain diseases that affect dogs and cats.

Comparison of Three Different IBD Vaccination Protocols in Broiler Chicken-Efficacy, Serological Baselines and Histo-Pathological Lesions in the Bursa of Fabricius.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly infectious disease of chicken found in all latitudes, due to the very high resistance to environmental conditions and commonly used disinfectants of the IBD virus (IBDV). This study was conducted to evaluate three IBD vaccination protocols in broiler chicken in terms of their effectiveness (clinical observations and production performance of the flock), estimation of serological baseline values (with the use of two different commercial ELISA kits) and the degree of progression of BF lesions (histopathological lesion score (HLS)) after vaccination. The three protocols were (I) single vaccination using an intermediate plus vaccine, (II) double vaccination with an intermediate vaccine and (III) double vaccination with an intermediate plus vaccine. Birds on farms vaccinated with protocol II were characterized by the lowest antibody titers in both ELISA tests and the lowest average HLS. The highest IDEXX titers were obtained in birds vaccinated with protocol III, while in the BIOCHEK test the highest titers were obtained for birds vaccinated with protocol I. Protocols I and III were characterized by similar HLSs. Birds vaccinated with protocols I and III had higher immune uniformity. The estimated serological baseline values and the degree of HLSs presents a clear picture of the differences between the different vaccination protocols and allows their adaptation for different farms depending on the current IBD epidemiological situation.

Venom immunization: IgG/IgE titers, safety, risk, and methods of the VIPRBITEM cohort

Background: This is the first study to examine a cohort that engages in the practice of immunization with snake venoms. In this practice, either fresh wet venom or venom reconstituted from freeze-dried form is used in vaccination protocols to produce hyper-immunity to venom. Methods: This is a retrospective community-initiated collaborative research (CICR) project that collated the records of venom immunization. Records of schedules, formulations, photographs, medical records, and diaries were collated from existing practitioners and evaluated by inspection and interviews. One accidental bite was observed over 3 days, with vital signs, and photographic records of swelling taken to verify reality of the bite. Over 74 snake-genera man-years, and 24 man-years of injection data from 8 participants, for 22 species of venomous snakes from Elapidae and Viperidae are represented. Six of those participants had detailed records of date, dose and effects. Results: IgG titers to 6 venoms for 4 cohort members tested of 8 included 2 with clear hyper-immune status. IgE titers were elevated for some. In 861 injections, records showed a rate of atopy/anaphylaxis of 4.3% , an infection rate of 0.58% and an abscess rate of 1.51% . Serious adverse reactions were rare and these appeared to be linked to overly aggressive immunization schedules and formulation accidents. We note that greater cross-immunity of IgE over IgG is suggested. Two basic protocols were followed, one was an approximate one month interval, the other was one or more injection(s) per week. In 176 envenomations, 175 were without antivenom treatment, two hospitalizations occurred, and one received full antivenom treatment. Dry bites were not included in our dataset. Envenomations showed a 1.14% rate of atopy/anaphylaxis, a 0.57% rate of infection and a 1.7% rate of abscess. Conclusions: Immunization of humans to snakebite is effective, and reasonably safe with care. Injection records suggest immune cross-reactivity between ophidians within the same family, and better cross-reactivity within the same genera. A cohort participant was pronounced dead based on EEG, and then recovered without treatment. A neurotoxin case with &amp;ldquo;brain death&amp;rdquo; EEG should stay on life support for 6 weeks to allow time for the immune system to clear venom.

Clinical Pathology Evaluation in Pet Rabbits Vaccinated Against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2).

A recombinant vaccine for rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2, a highly pathogenic virus, was granted emergency use authorization in the United States after the detection and spread of the virus starting in 2018. The goal of the current study was to assess pet rabbits (n = 29) through physical examination and routine clinical pathology testing using repeated assessments post-vaccination. In addition, seroconversion was also monitored after the initial vaccination and booster vaccination. Neither owners nor clinicians detected any physical abnormalities in relationship to the vaccine protocol. Hematological and clinical biochemistry testing showed some changes although median values were within species specific reference intervals. A significant increase in antibody levels was observed at day 21 (post-initial vaccination) and day 49 (post-booster vaccination) versus that present at baseline (p < 0.0001). However, variability in study rabbits was noted with some individuals showing low antibody levels as well as a lower overall response in older rabbits (r = -0.56, p = 0.006). A second cohort of rabbits was assessed at 11-12 months post-initial vaccination. In this second group, antibody levels were not significantly different from baseline levels (p = 0.21). Additional studies should be conducted to further define the variability in seroconversion and the term of protection in pet rabbits as the industry moves forward in the optimization of RHDV2 vaccines.

Rabies Vaccination for Sheep and Goats: Influence of Booster on Persistence of Antibody Response

Infrequent rabies cases occur in Israel, endangering humans and animals. While dogs receive mandatory vaccinations, farm animals are vaccinated voluntarily. However, optimal vaccination protocol for small ruminants is lacking. The aim of this study was to test the immunological responses to the rabies vaccine, with or without a booster, in sheep and goats; 70 ewes and 49 does participated in the trial. Following the first vaccine, 88% of the ewes and 100% of the does had a sufficient level of rabies antibodies (&gt;0.5 IU/mL) 30 days post-vaccination. A year later, 82% of the ewes that had received a booster dose remained protected, whereas 46% of the non-boosted ewes had a sufficient antibody level. For does, 83% of those receiving a booster maintained sufficient antibody levels 1 year later; 80% of the non-boosted does remained protected, demonstrating no significant contribution of the booster dose in this group of goats. However, while the initial immunological response of the does was higher, the change in response between 1 month and 12 months post-vaccination differed significantly between species, with a greater titer reduction in the does. Differential immunological responses between individuals and between species warrant longer-term studies to recommend a proper vaccine protocol for each species.

A field comparison study of two vaccine protocols against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in two types of swine breeds in Spain

Erysipelas still causes large economic losses to pig industry. Maternal immunity is critical to prevent erysipelas in young animals, thus, intensive vaccination protocols or practices focused on the improvement of the maternally derived immunity could provide substantial benefits. The present study evaluates potential changes in antibodies levels in sows and their offspring using two types of tests (commercial ELISA, Ingenasa or rSpaA415 ELISA) when two different vaccination programs (before farrowing or after farrowing) against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae were applied to sows from Iberian (A) or conventional Large White-Landrace (B) pig farms. The results showed a statistical correlation between titers found in sows and their one-week old piglets in both tests. The overall mean of (log) antibody titers in farm B measured by the commercial ELISA test was significantly higher in pre-farrowing vaccinated sows compared to the post-farrowing vaccine protocol (p = 0.0278). Additionally, using the rSpaA415 ELISA test, the overall mean of (log) antibody titers was significantly higher in pre-farrowing sows (p = 0.0056) compared to sows following post-farrowing vaccine protocol (p = 0.0003) or non- vaccinated sows. None of the above-mentioned differences were found in farm A. The overall mean of (log) antibody titers in piglets from the pre-farrowing vaccination protocol was significantly higher than piglets from the post-farrowing vaccination protocol in farm A (p = 0.0059; rSpaA415 ELISA) and farm B (p = 0.0168 and p = 0.0098 for the commercial and rSpaA415 ELISA data, respectively). Additionally, higher proportion of piglets from pre-farrowing vaccinated sows remained seropositive during the post-weaning period (days 42 to 84) compared to piglets from non-vaccinated or post-farrowing vaccinated groups in both farms A and B.

Consensus Statements on Assessments and Vaccinations Prior to Commencement of Advanced Therapies for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Given the introduction of new advanced therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), expanded risk mitigation strategies are essential. To create a comprehensive set of statements on assessment procedures and vaccinations before starting monoclonal antibodies, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors or sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) modulators for IBD. We examined literature, guidelines and drug product information regarding vaccination and assessment recommendations for initiating advanced IBD therapies. Using a modified Delphi approach, delegates voted anonymously on the acceptability of these statements prior to and following consensus discussion. We developed eight statements on the domains of infectious diseases screening, vaccinations and assessments prior to commencing JAK inhibitors and S1P modulators. Six statements received agreement. Pre-advanced therapy screening for infectious diseases was established, and the vaccination protocol was revised. Malignancy, cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk assessments are necessary before initiating JAK inhibitors. Those starting S1P modulators need cardiac and ophthalmic assessments. These consensus statements combine vaccination and assessments on the currently available advanced therapies for IBD as a single comprehensive document that may reduce IBD complications associated with use of advanced therapies. Knowledge gaps identified during the consensus process will provide further research opportunities.