Vaccines under development: group B streptococcus, herpes-zoster, HIV, malaria and dengue

OBJECTIVES: To review the current state of development of streptococcus B, herpes-zoster, HIV, malaria and dengue vaccines. These vaccines were selected both because of imminent commercial release and because of specific problems with their development. SOURCES OF DATA: A review of the literature was performed by means of a MEDLINE search, on the period 1996 to 2006, for the epidemiology and immunology of these diseases, analyzing both the greatest obstacles to creating a vaccine and the current state of research, with emphasis on studies in the most advanced stages. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Each of the five diseases chosen presents specific problems for vaccine development. Nevertheless, in the majority of cases these have been or are in sight of being resolved, allowing for the prediction that a safe and effective vaccine - or vaccines - will be available in the near future. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the problems faced in developing these vaccines, advances in molecular biology and immunology have made it possible to overcome most obstacles, opening up the prospects for new vaccines.OBJETIVOS: As vacinas contra o estreptococo B, o herpes-zóster, o HIV, a malária e a dengue, selecionadas por critérios de comercialização iminente ou devido a problemas específicos para sua obtenção, foram objeto de uma revisão sobre o estado atual do seu desenvolvimento. FONTE DOS DADOS:Foi realizada revisão da literatura através da MEDLINE no período de 1996 a 2006, sobre a epidemiologia e imunologia das doenças, analisando tanto os maiores problemas para a obtenção de uma vacina como o estado atual dos estudos, com ênfase para os que estavam em fase mais adiantada. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Cada uma das cinco doenças escolhidas apresenta problemas específicos para o desenvolvimento de uma vacina. No entanto, a maioria deles já foi ou está em vias de ser resolvido, permitindo prever que uma vacina - ou vacinas - eficaz e segura estará disponível em futuro próximo. CONCLUSÕES:Apesar dos problemas enfrentados para o desenvolvimento dessas vacinas, os avanços da biologia molecular e da imunologia permitiram superar a maioria deles, abrindo a perspectiva para a obtenção de novas vacinas.s115s12

Healthcare-Associated Infections Among Neonates in Brazil

Abstract Objective: To describe the epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among neonates. Design: Prospective surveillance of HAIs was conducted during 2 years. Infections beginning within 48 hours of birth were defined as HAIs of maternal origin. Death occurring during an active episode of HAI was considered related to HAI. Setting: Seven neonatal units located in three Brazilian cities. Patients: All admitted neonates were included and observed until discharge. Results: Twenty-two percent of 4,878 neonates had at least one HAI. The overall incidence density was 24.9 per 1,000 patient-days, and 28.1% of all HAIs were maternally acquired. HAI rates ranged from 12.3% in the group with a birth weight (BW) of more than 2,500 g to 51.9% in the group with a BW of 1,000 g or less. The main HAIs were bloodstream infection (BSI) and pneumonia. Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Enterobacter species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the main pathogens. Forty percent of all deaths were related to HAI. Central venous catheter (CVC)-associated BSIs per 1,000 CVC-days ranged from 17.3 (BW, 1,501 to 2,500 g; device utilization [DU], 0.11) to 34.9 (BW, ≤ 1,000 g; DU, 34.92). Ventilator-associated pneumonia per 1,000 ventilator-days ranged from 7.0 (BW, ≤ 1,000 g; DU, 0.34) to 9.2 (BW, 1,001 to 1,500 g; DU, 0.14). Conclusions: The high proportion of HAIs of maternal origin highlights perinatal care issues in Brazil and the need to improve the diagnosis of neonatal HAIs. The very low BW group and device-associated infections should be priorities for prevention strategies in this populatio

Expert review of global real-world data on COVID-19 vaccine booster effectiveness and safety during the omicron-dominant phase of the pandemic

Introduction COVID-19 vaccines have been highly effective in reducing morbidity and mortality during the pandemic. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant and subvariants as the globally dominant strains have raised doubts about the effectiveness of currently available vaccines and prompted debate about potential future vaccination strategies. Areas covered Using the publicly available IVAC VIEW-hub platform, we reviewed 52 studies on vaccine effectiveness (VE) after booster vaccinations. VE were reported for SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic infection, severe disease and death and stratified by vaccine schedule and age. In addition, a non-systematic literature review of safety was performed to identify single or multi-country studies investigating adverse event rates for at least two of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines. Expert opinion Booster shots of the current COVID-19 vaccines provide consistently high protection against Omicron-related severe disease and death. Additionally, this protection appears to be conserved for at least 3 months, with a small but significant waning after that. The positive risk-benefit ratio of these vaccines is well established, giving us confidence to administer additional doses as required. Future vaccination strategies will likely include a combination of schedules based on risk profile, as overly frequent boosting may be neither beneficial nor sustainable for the general population

Brazilian recommendations on the safety and effectiveness of the yellow fever vaccination in patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

Background: In Brazil, we are facing an alarming epidemic scenario of Yellow fever (YF), which is reaching the most populous areas of the country in unvaccinated people. Vaccination is the only effective tool to prevent YF. In special situations, such as patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (CIMID), undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, as a higher risk of severe adverse events may occur, assessment of the risk-benefit ratio of the yellow fever vaccine (YFV) should be performed on an individual level. Main body of the abstract: Faced with the scarcity of specific orientation on YFV for this special group of patients, the Brazilian Rheumatology Society (BRS) endorsed a project aiming the development of individualized YFV recommendations for patients with CIMID, guided by questions addressed by both medical professionals and patients, followed an internationally validated methodology (GIN-McMaster Guideline Development). Firstly, a systematic review was carried out and an expert panel formed to take part of the decision process, comprising BRS clinical practitioners, as well as individuals from the Brazilian Dermatology Society (BDS), Brazilian Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Study Group (GEDIIB), and specialists on infectious diseases and vaccination (from Tropical Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Immunizations National Societies); in addition, two representatives of patient groups were included as members of the panel. When the quality of the evidence was low or there was a lack of evidence to determine the recommendations, the decisions were based on the expert opinion panel and a Delphi approach was performed. A recommendation was accepted upon achieving ≥80% agreement among the panel, including the patient representatives. As a result, eight recommendations were developed regarding the safety of YFV in patients with CIMID, considering the immunosuppression degree conferred by the treatment used. It was not possible to establish recommendations on the effectiveness of YFV in these patients as there is no consistent evidence to support these recommendations. Conclusion: This paper approaches a real need, assessed by clinicians and patient care groups, to address specific questions on the management of YFV in patients with CIMID living or traveling to YF endemic areas, involving specialists from many areas together with patients, and might have global applicability, contributing to and supporting vaccination practices. We recommended a shared decision-making approach on taking or not the YFV

Vacinas em desenvolvimento: estreptococo do grupo B, herpes-zóster, HIV, malária e dengue

OBJETIVOS: As vacinas contra o estreptococo B, o herpes-zóster, o HIV, a malária e a dengue, selecionadas por critérios de comercialização iminente ou devido a problemas específicos para sua obtenção, foram objeto de uma revisão sobre o estado atual do seu desenvolvimento. FONTE DOS DADOS:Foi realizada revisão da literatura através da MEDLINE no período de 1996 a 2006, sobre a epidemiologia e imunologia das doenças, analisando tanto os maiores problemas para a obtenção de uma vacina como o estado atual dos estudos, com ênfase para os que estavam em fase mais adiantada. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Cada uma das cinco doenças escolhidas apresenta problemas específicos para o desenvolvimento de uma vacina. No entanto, a maioria deles já foi ou está em vias de ser resolvido, permitindo prever que uma vacina - ou vacinas - eficaz e segura estará disponível em futuro próximo. CONCLUSÕES:Apesar dos problemas enfrentados para o desenvolvimento dessas vacinas, os avanços da biologia molecular e da imunologia permitiram superar a maioria deles, abrindo a perspectiva para a obtenção de novas vacinas

Respiratory syncytial virus outbreak in neonatal intensive care unit: Impact of infection control measures plus palivizumab use

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The occurrence of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreak in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is related to unfavorable outcomes, as this infection can lead to respiratory distress and death in premature in infants. Report the successful control of an outbreak that occurred in April 2010 in a NICU.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>After the index case, of 18 premature infants placed in the same room 10 infants were infected. Of those 10, 6 developed mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, 4 persisted asymptomatic and no death occurred. Contact and respiratory precautions were rapidly initiated, the infants were cohorted in 3 different rooms and palivizumab was administered to all contacts.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The outbreak was controlled and no new cases were subsequently indentified.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Standard infection control measures plus palivizumab prophylaxis were efficient in rapid control of the outbreak.</p

Brazilian guidelines for the management of candidiasis - a joint meeting report of three medical societies: Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia, Sociedade Paulista de Infectologia and Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical

Candida infections account for 80% of all fungal infections in the hospital environment, including bloodstream, urinary tract and surgical site infections. Bloodstream infections are now a major challenge for tertiary hospitals worldwide due to their high prevalence and mortality rates. The incidence of candidemia in tertiary public hospitals in Brazil is approximately 2.5 cases per 1000 hospital admissions. Due to the importance of this infection, the authors provide a review of the diversity of the genus Candida and its clinical relevance, the therapeutic options and discuss the treatment of major infections caused by Candida. Each topography is discussed with regard to epidemiological, clinical and laboratory diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations based on levels of evidence.28331