Trends in HIV surveillance data in the EU/EEA, 2005 to 2014: New HIV diagnoses still increasing in men who have sex with men

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission remains significant in Europe. Rates of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have declined, but not in all countries. New HIV diagnoses have increased among native and foreign-born men who have sex with men. Median CD4+T-cell count at diagnosis has increased, but not in all groups, and late diagnosis remains common. HIV infection and AIDS can be eliminated in Europe with resolute prevention measures, early diagnosis and access to effective treatment

Varicella infection and the impact of late entry into the Irish healthcare system

We present a case which highlights several areas of concern relating to the prevention and management of varicella in Ireland. We review the pathophysiology of this virus and highlight its greater potential for morbidity in certain groups, most particularly adult males. The experience and opinions with regard to varicella vaccination in the US and other temperate countries is reviewed along with evidence of changing epidemiology of varicella infection. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) guidelines are reviewed in the context of our experience. Keywords: Varicella, Vaccination, Migration, Adult, Brugad

Tick-borne encephalitis surveillance systems and vaccination recommendations in UE/EEA, 2009

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an acute disease of the central nervous system caused by a virus from the Flaviviridae family. The infection, caused by one of the subtypes of TBE virus circulating in Europe, usually progresses biphasically. The first (viremic) phase often is asymptomatic or cause influenza like symptoms. Only about one third of cases progress to the second phase. The disease may present as meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, meningoencephalomyelitis or can cause other clinical syndromes. Sequelae are reported in 35-58% of patients. There is no curative treatment for TBE. The only successful method of prevention is active immunization. The first vaccine against TBE was produced in 1937. It was the first vaccine against Flavivirus and the third vaccine against viruses in the world. In Europe two highly effective and safe vaccines are used in preventing TBE infection and its chronic consequences. They typically need three doses of primary immunization at 0-1-6 months, and booster doses every 3-5 years. In spite of presence of effective vaccine, the TBE is growing a public health problem in Central and Northern Europe. From 1974 to 2003 a 400% increase was observed in TBE morbidity in Europe. Each year about 3000 clinical cases are reported in Europe. The aim of the study was to evaluate TBE vaccination strategies and outline localization and modalities of ascertainment of TBE endemic areas in the EU/EFTA countries. The specific objectives of the study were: · Assess TBE incidence data available in countries, · Characterize surveillance systems for TBE in particular countries, · Describe existing information on TBE endemic areas, and methods of their ascertainment; · Summarize vaccination recommendations in particular countries; · Summarize methods used for immunization coverage assessment.peer-reviewe

Comparison of rubella seroepidemiology in 17 countries: progress towards international disease control targets

OBJECTIVE: To standardize serological surveillance to compare rubella susceptibility in Australia and 16 European countries, and measure progress towards international disease-control targets. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2004, representative serum banks were established in 17 countries by collecting residual sera or community sampling. Serum banks were tested in each country and assay results were standardized. With a questionnaire, we collected information on current and past rubella vaccination programmes in each country. The percentage of seronegative ( 10%). The proportion of women of childbearing age without rubella protection (< 10 IU/ml) was calculated and compared with WHO targets of < 5%. FINDINGS: Only Romania had no rubella immunization programme at the time of the survey; the remaining countries had a two-dose childhood schedule using the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The percentage of susceptible children defined five countries as group I, seven as group II and four as group III. Women of childbearing age without rubella protection were < 5% in only five countries. CONCLUSION: Despite the low reported incidence in many countries, strengthening the coverage of the routine two-dose of MMR vaccine among children is needed, especially in group III countries. Catch-up campaigns in older age groups and selective targeting of older females are needed in many countries to ensure necessary levels of protective immunity among women of childbearing age