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Wang Z, Li X, Li S, Guan J, Hu P, Wang W, Yang F, Zhang D. Association between ambient temperature and varicella among adults in Qingdao, China during 2008-2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35220835 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2043251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Little concern has been paid to the relationship between temperature and varicella among adults. Daily meteorological data and varicella cases in Qingdao among adults from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2019 were collected. A combination of quasi-Poisson generalized additive model (GAM) and distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was conducted to assess the temperature-lag-varicella relationship. We also estimated the lag-response curves for different temperatures and the exposure-response relationships for different lag days. The number of varicella cases was 10,296. Compared with the minimum-varicella temperature (25°C), we found the largest effect of temperature on varicella within 21 lag days was at 1°C (RR, 6.72; 95% CI, 2.90-15.57), and then the effect declined as the temperature increased. A similar trend of rising first and then falling was found in temperature-response curves for different lag days. A reverse U-shape lag pattern was found for different levels of temperatures. Temperature may affect varicella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The School of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaofan Li
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shanpeng Li
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Guan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ping Hu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wencheng Wang
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, The School of Public Health of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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2
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Lu JY, Zhang ZB, He Q, Ma XW, Yang ZC. Association between climatic factors and varicella incidence in Guangzhou, Southern China, 2006-2018. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 728:138777. [PMID: 32330739 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the correlation between climatic factors and the incidence of varicella in Guangzhou, and improve the prevention measures about public health. METHODS Data for daily climatic variables and varicella incidence from 2006 to 2018 in Guangzhou were collected from the Guangzhou Meteorological Bureau and the National Notifiable Disease Report System. Distributed lag nonlinear models were applied to evaluate the association between climatic factors and varicella incidence. RESULTS The nonlinear effects of meteorological factors were observed. At lag day21,when the mean temperature was 31.8 °C, the relative risk was the highest as 1.11 (95% CI: 1.07-1.16). When the diurnal temperature range was 24.0 °C at lag day 20, the highest RR was 1.11 (95% CI: 1.05-1.17). For rainfall, the highest RR was 1.09 (95% CI: 1.01-1.19) at lag day 21,when the aggregate rainfall was 160 mm. When air pressure was 1028 hPa, the highest RR was 1.08 (95% CI: 1.04-1.13) at lag day 21. When wind speed was 0.7 m/s, the highest RR was 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04-1.11) at lag day 7. When the hours of sunshine were 9.0 h at lag day 21, the RR was highest as 1.04 (95% CI: 1.02-1.05). Aggregate rainfall, air pressure, and sunshine hours were positively correlated with the incidence of varicella, which was inconsistent with the wind velocity. Mean temperature showed a reverse U-shape curve relationship with varicella, while the diurnal temperature range showed a binomial distribution curve. The extreme effect of climatic factors on the varicella cases was statistically significant, apart from the extremely low effect of rainfall. CONCLUSION Our preliminary results offered fundamental knowledge which might be benefit to give an insight into epidemic trends of varicella and develop an early warning system. We could use our findings about influential factors to strengthen the intervention and prevention of varicella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Yun Lu
- Department of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Baiyun District Qi De Road in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510440, China
| | - Zhou-Bin Zhang
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Baiyun District Qi De Road in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510440, China
| | - Qing He
- Department of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Baiyun District Qi De Road in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510440, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Ma
- Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Baiyun District Qi De Road in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510440, China
| | - Zhi-Cong Yang
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Baiyun District Qi De Road in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510440, China.
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Schreiner P, Mueller NJ, Fehr J, Maillard MH, Brand S, Michetti P, Schoepfer A, Restellini S, Vulliemoz M, Vavricka SR, Juillerat P, Rogler G, Biedermann L. Varicella zoster virus in inflammatory bowel disease patients: what every gastroenterologist should know. J Crohns Colitis 2020; 15:jjaa132. [PMID: 32592587 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Primary Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) infection results in varicella (chickenpox) while its reactivation results in herpes zoster (HZ; shingles). Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are susceptible to complications of primary VZV infection and have an increased risk of HZ. Concerns of VZV and HZ infection in the IBD population has been highlighted by the emergence of JAK-inhibitors and their safety profile in this patient population such as tofacitinib for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The current pipeline of emerging therapies include novel molecules targeting multiple pathways including JAK/signal transducer and cytokine signalling pathways such as JAK/STAT. Hence VZV and HZ will be increasingly relevant for gastroenterologists treating IBD patients in light of these emerging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schreiner
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich
| | - Nicolas J Mueller
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Fehr
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Public & Global Health, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michel H Maillard
- Crohn and Colitis Center, Gastroentérologie Beaulieu SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Brand
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Sankt Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Michetti
- Crohn and Colitis Center, Gastroentérologie Beaulieu SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alain Schoepfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Restellini
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Vulliemoz
- Crohn and Colitis Center, Gastroentérologie Beaulieu SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan R Vavricka
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich
- Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CH, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Juillerat
- Gastroenterology, Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Rogler
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich
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Vos RA, Mollema L, van Boven M, van Lier A, Smits G, Janga-Jansen AVA, Baboe-Kalpoe S, Hulshof K, Stienstra Y, van der Klis FRM, de Melker HE. High varicella zoster virus susceptibility in Caribbean island populations: Implications for vaccination. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 94:16-24. [PMID: 32112964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is reported regularly among adolescents and adults in Caribbean island populations. The disease more often runs a severe course among these populations, causing a substantial burden. The aim of this sero-epidemiological study was to obtain an insight into VZV susceptibility and its determinants in island populations of the Caribbean Netherlands (CN). METHODS Participants from Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba (n = 1829, aged 0-90 years) donated a blood sample and completed a questionnaire. VZV-specific IgG antibodies were determined using a bead-based multiplex immunoassay. Risk factors were analysed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS Overall seroprevalence in CN was 78%, being lowest on St. Eustatius (73%) and highest on Bonaire and Saba (79%). Seropositivity increased gradually with age, with 60% and 80% at ages 10 years and 30 years, respectively, and ranging between 80% and 90% thereafter. Higher odds for VZV seronegativity were seen among persons who were born in CN or had resided there since early childhood, and among single-person households. CONCLUSIONS VZV susceptibility is relatively high among adolescents and adults in CN. In order to reduce the burden of VZV-related disease in these populations, routine varicella vaccination is recommended. As data are scarce, the study findings can serve as a blueprint for the epidemiology in tropical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regnerus A Vos
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre/University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Liesbeth Mollema
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Michiel van Boven
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Alies van Lier
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Gaby Smits
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Alcira V A Janga-Jansen
- Department of Public Health, Public Entity Bonaire, Kaya Neerlandia 41, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands, The Netherlands.
| | - Sharda Baboe-Kalpoe
- Department of Public Health, Public Entity St. Eustatius, Cottageroad z/n, Oranjestad, St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands, The Netherlands.
| | - Koen Hulshof
- Department of Public Health, Public Entity Saba, The Bottom, Saba, Caribbean Netherlands, The Netherlands.
| | - Ymkje Stienstra
- Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre/University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Fiona R M van der Klis
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Hester E de Melker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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Choi YJ, Lim YH, Lee KS, Hong YC. Elevation of ambient temperature is associated with an increased risk of herpes zoster: a time-series analysis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12254. [PMID: 31439885 PMCID: PMC6706431 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48673-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although varicella zoster (VZ) and herpes zoster (HZ) are caused by the same varicella zoster virus (VZV), the former is caused by primary infection while the latter is caused by reactivation of latent VZV, and their relationships with ambient temperature are also different. It is relatively well-established that VZ incidence declines with ambient temperature, but the relationship between HZ and ambient temperature is inconclusive. Thus, we investigated the effects of ambient temperature on the incidence of HZ in time-series analysis by using data from the Korean National Emergency Department Information System between 2014 and 2016. We applied a generalized linear model to investigate the relationship between ambient temperature and emergency room (ER) visits due to HZ, after controlling for confounders in seven metropolitan cities and nine provinces in South Korea. Region-specific estimates were pooled to obtain the national average estimates. There were a total of 61,957 ER visits nationwide for HZ during the study period. HZ significantly increased by 2.03% to 2.94% in the moving average lag models throughout 0 to 11 days with maximum percent increase of 2.94% (95% CI: 2.20, 3.68) in the 6-day moving average lag model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Jung Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Hee Lim
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Environmental Health Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Shin Lee
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Environmental Health Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Environmental Health Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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6
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Leung J, McCollum AM, Radford K, Hughes C, Lopez AS, Guagliardo SAJ, Nguete B, Likafi T, Kabamba J, Malekani J, Shongo Lushima R, Pukuta E, Karhemere S, Muyembe Tamfum JJ, Reynolds MG, Wemakoy Okitolonda E, Schmid DS, Marin M. Varicella in Tshuapa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2009-2014. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:839-848. [PMID: 31062445 PMCID: PMC8786670 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe varicella cases in Tshuapa Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo identified during monkeypox surveillance. METHODS Demographic, clinical and epidemiological data were collected from each suspected monkeypox case 2009-2014. Samples were tested by PCR for both Orthopoxviruses and varicella-zoster virus (VZV); a subset of VZV-positive samples was genotyped. We defined a varicella case as a rash illness with laboratory-confirmed VZV. RESULTS There were 366 varicella cases were identified; 66% were ≤19 years old. Most patients had non-typical varicella rash with lesions reported as the same size and stage of evolution (86%), deep and profound (91%), on palms of hands and/or soles of feet (86%) and not itchy (49%). Many had non-typical signs and symptoms, such as lymphadenopathy (70%) and sensitivity to light (23%). A higher proportion of persons aged ≥20 years than persons aged ≤19 years had ≥50 lesions (79% vs. 65%, P = 0.007) and were bedridden (15% vs. 9%, P = 0.056). All VZV isolates genotyped from 79 varicella cases were clade 5. During the surveillance period, one possible VZV-related death occurred in a 7-year-old child. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of patients presented with non-typical varicella rash and clinical signs and symptoms, highlighting challenges identifying varicella in an area with endemic monkeypox. Continued surveillance and laboratory diagnosis will help in rapid identification and control of both monkeypox and varicella and improve our understanding of varicella epidemiology in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Leung
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta GA USA
| | - Andrea M. McCollum
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA USA
| | - Kay Radford
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta GA USA
| | - Christine Hughes
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA USA
| | - Adriana S Lopez
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta GA USA
| | - Sarah Anne J. Guagliardo
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30333, United States
| | - Beatrice Nguete
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Toutou Likafi
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Joelle Kabamba
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jean Malekani
- University of Kinshasa, Department of Biology, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Elisabeth Pukuta
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Stomy Karhemere
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Mary G. Reynolds
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA USA
| | | | - D Scott Schmid
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta GA USA
| | - Mona Marin
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta GA USA
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7
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Epidemiology and factors influencing varicella infections in tropical countries including Sri Lanka. Virusdisease 2018; 29:277-284. [PMID: 30159361 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-018-0459-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections occur worldwide but the epidemiology differs between different geographical regions. Epidemiology of varicella is partly understood in tropical and subtropical regions. Various hypotheses showing differences in exposure rates in different age groups have been proposed. Exposure to VZV during late childhood or adolescent stage causes high morbidity, especially in high school children, university students and young work force in tropical nations. Exposure to VZV infection or sero-prevalence rates through anti-VZV immunoglobulin G appears to be lower in Sri Lanka, similar to other tropical countries prior to the millennium. In contrast, a more recent study in a group of antenatal women showed a relatively higher exposure rate to VZV when compared to the exposure rates prior to 2004 in Sri Lanka. Climatic factors, socioeconomic conditions, mobility and cultural practices appear to play a role in the differences in the exposure rates to VZV infection in the tropics. In most tropical Asian countries including Sri Lanka, routine vaccination against varicella is not carried out. Individuals with negative history for varicella take the vaccine when there is a necessity. Medical and nursing students take the vaccine prior to their clinical training to avoid adulthood varicella.
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8
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) and is associated with significant global morbidity. Most epidemiological data on VZV come from high-income countries, and to date there are limited data on the burden of VZV in Africa. METHODS We assessed the seroprevalence of VZV antibodies among children in the Democratic Republic of Congo in collaboration with the 2013-2014 Demographic and Health Survey. Dried blood spot samples collected from children 6-59 months of age were run on Dynex™ Technologies Multiplier FLEX® chemiluminescent immunoassay platform to assess serologic response. Multivariate logistic regression was then used to determine risk factors for VZV seropositivity. RESULTS Serologic and survey data were matched for 7,195 children 6-59 months of age, among whom 8% were positive and 2% indeterminate for VZV antibodies in weighted analyses. In multivariate analyses, the odds of seropositivity increased with increasing age, increasing socioeconomic status, mother's education level, rural residence, and province (South Kivu, North Kivu, Bandundu, Bas Congo had the highest odds of a positive test result compared with Kinshasa). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that VZV is circulating in DRC, and seropositivity is low among children 6-59 months. Seropositivity increased with age and varied by other sociodemographic factors, such as geographic location. This study provides the first nationally representative estimates of VZV infection among children in the DRC.
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9
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Varicella infection in a non-universally vaccinated population: Actual epidemiology in Bulgaria (2013-2015). J Infect Public Health 2017; 11:326-330. [PMID: 29017751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella is a common and usually mild disease but it has great importance in regard to general infectious morbidity. The current study aimed to characterize possible risk factors of varicella epidemiology in Bulgaria, a country where infection follows its natural epidemiological pattern as no mandatory or recommended vaccine is currently applied. METHODS Administrative regions of Bulgaria were used as units of observation and a set of sociodemographic and economic determinants, as well as geographic location (south or north) were tested for associations with the mean 3-year varicella incidence rates (2013-2015). RESULTS The proportion of urban population, proportion of females, number of health care units and proportion of urban population aged <10 years were the four sociodemographic variables most strongly and significantly correlated (p<0.05) with varicella frequency (Spearman's rank correlation coefficients of 0.62, 0.47, 0.43, and 0.38, respectively). After reducing the number of intercorrelated factors to a few principal components and accounting for confounders, the demographic component and geographic location remained most robustly associated with varicella incidence in Bulgaria (adjusted R2 of 0.51, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results obtained identify important determinants in the local epidemiology of varicella and show that community characteristics should be considered, to improve our understanding of varicella distribution.
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10
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Varan AK, Lederman ER, Stous SS, Elson D, Freiman JL, Marin M, Lopez AS, Stauffer WM, Joseph RH, Waterman SH. Serological Susceptibility to Varicella Among U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detainees. JOURNAL OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE 2017; 24:84-95. [PMID: 28945148 DOI: 10.1177/1078345817727287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for detaining unauthorized aliens during immigration proceedings. During 2014 to 2015, adult ICE detainees at a California facility were invited to complete a survey concerning self-reported varicella history and risk factors. Participants underwent serological testing for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG; susceptible individuals were offered varicella vaccination. Among 400 detainees with available serology results, 48 (12%) were susceptible to varicella. Self-reported varicella history was negatively associated with susceptibility (adjusted odds ratio = 0.16; 95% confidence interval [0.07, 0.35]). Among 196 detainees reporting a positive history, 95% had VZV IgG levels suggestive of varicella immunity. Among 44 susceptible detainees offered vaccination, 86% accepted. Given relatively high varicella susceptibility, targeted screening and vaccination among ICE detainees lacking a positive history might reduce varicella transmission risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiden K Varan
- 1 CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship Program, Atlanta, GA, USA.,2 Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Diego, CA, USA.,3 County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Edith R Lederman
- 4 Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Shanon S Stous
- 4 Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Diana Elson
- 5 Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jennifer L Freiman
- 5 Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Service Corps, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mona Marin
- 6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adriana S Lopez
- 6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William M Stauffer
- 7 Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.,8 Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rachael H Joseph
- 7 Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephen H Waterman
- 9 Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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11
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Hoff NA, Morier DS, Kisalu NK, Johnston SC, Doshi RH, Hensley LE, Okitolonda-Wemakoy E, Muyembe-Tamfum JJ, Lloyd-Smith JO, Rimoin AW. Varicella Coinfection in Patients with Active Monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:564-574. [PMID: 28894977 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
From 2006 to 2007, an active surveillance program for human monkeypox (MPX) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo identified 151 cases of coinfection with monkeypox virus and varicella zoster virus from 1158 suspected cases of human MPX (13%). Using clinical and socio-demographic data collected with standardized instruments by trained, local nurse supervisors, we examined a variety of hypotheses to explain the unexpectedly high proportion of coinfections among the sample, including the hypothesis that the two viruses occur independently. The probabilities of disease incidence and selection necessary to yield the observed sample proportion of coinfections under an assumption of independence are plausible given what is known and assumed about human MPX incidence. Cases of human MPX are expected to be underreported, and more coinfections are expected with improved surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Hoff
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 41-275 CHS, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Douglas S Morier
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 41-275 CHS, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Neville K Kisalu
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sara C Johnston
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Reena H Doshi
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 41-275 CHS, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lisa E Hensley
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - James O Lloyd-Smith
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 41-275 CHS, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Anne W Rimoin
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 41-275 CHS, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Chen B, Sumi A, Wang L, Zhou W, Kobayashi N. Role of meteorological conditions in reported chickenpox cases in Wuhan and Hong Kong, China. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:538. [PMID: 28774264 PMCID: PMC5541728 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2640-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chickenpox is a common contagious disease that remains an important public health issue worldwide. Over 90% of unvaccinated individuals become infected, but infection occurs at different ages in different parts of the world. Many people have been infected by 20 to 30 years of age in China, and adults and pregnant women who become infected often develop severe infection. Furthermore, a mortality rate of 2-3 per 100,000 infected persons has been reported. In this study, we explore the temperature-dependent transition of patterns of reported chickenpox cases in two large subtropical climate cities, Wuhan and Hong Kong, China, to aid in the prediction of epidemics and preparation for the effects of climatic changes on epidemiology of chickenpox in China. METHODS We used a time series analysis comprising a spectral analysis based on the maximum entropy method in the frequency domain and the nonlinear least squares method in the time domain. Specifically, the following time series data were analyzed: data of reported chickenpox cases and meteorological data, including the mean temperature, relative humidity and total rainfall in Wuhan and Hong Kong from January 2008 to June 2015. RESULTS The time series data of chickenpox for both Wuhan and Hong Kong have two peaks per year, one in winter and another in spring, indicating a bimodal cycle. To investigate the source of the bimodal cycle of the chickenpox data, we defined the contribution ratio of the 1-year cycle, Q 1, and the 6-month cycle, Q 2, as the contribution of the amplitude of a 1-year cycle and a 6-month cycle, respectively, to the entire amplitude of the time-series data. The Q 1 values of Wuhan and Hong Kong were positively correlated with the annual mean temperature and rainfall of each city. Conversely, the Q 2 values of Wuhan and Hong Kong were negatively correlated with the annual mean temperature and rainfall of Wuhan and Hong Kong. CONCLUSION Our results showed that the mean temperature and rainfall have a significant influence on the incidence of chickenpox, and might be important predictors of chickenpox incidence in Wuhan and Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banghua Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Ayako Sumi
- Department of Hygiene, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556 Japan
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Hubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Wang Zhou
- Wuhan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Jianghanbei Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430000 China
| | - Nobumichi Kobayashi
- Department of Hygiene, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8556 Japan
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De Paschale M, Clerici P. Microbiology laboratory and the management of mother-child varicella-zoster virus infection. World J Virol 2016; 5:97-124. [PMID: 27563537 PMCID: PMC4981827 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v5.i3.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicella-zoster virus, which is responsible for varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles), is ubiquitous and causes an acute infection among children, especially those aged less than six years. As 90% of adults have had varicella in childhood, it is unusual to encounter an infected pregnant woman but, if the disease does appear, it can lead to complications for both the mother and fetus or newborn. The major maternal complications include pneumonia, which can lead to death if not treated. If the virus passes to the fetus, congenital varicella syndrome, neonatal varicella (particularly serious if maternal rash appears in the days immediately before or after childbirth) or herpes zoster in the early years of life may occur depending on the time of infection. A Microbiology laboratory can help in the diagnosis and management of mother-child infection at four main times: (1) when a pregnant woman has been exposed to varicella or herpes zoster, a prompt search for specific antibodies can determine whether she is susceptible to, or protected against infection; (2) when a pregnant woman develops clinical symptoms consistent with varicella, the diagnosis is usually clinical, but a laboratory can be crucial if the symptoms are doubtful or otherwise unclear (atypical patterns in immunocompromised subjects, patients with post-vaccination varicella, or subjects who have received immunoglobulins), or if there is a need for a differential diagnosis between varicella and other types of dermatoses with vesicle formation; (3) when a prenatal diagnosis of uterine infection is required in order to detect cases of congenital varicella syndrome after the onset of varicella in the mother; and (4) when the baby is born and it is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of varicella (and its complications), make a differential diagnosis between varicella and other diseases with similar symptoms, or confirm a causal relationship between maternal varicella and malformations in a newborn.
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Hoseini SG, Kelishadi R, Kasaeian A, Ataei B, Yaran M, Motlagh ME, Heshmat R, Ardalan G, Safari O, Qorbani M, Mostafavi SN. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Varicella Zoster Infection in Iranian Adolescents: A Multilevel Analysis; The CASPIAN-III Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158398. [PMID: 27355931 PMCID: PMC4927171 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the varicella zoster virus (VZV) immunity in Iranian adolescents. It was conducted as a primary study for vaccine implementation, and to investigate the association of climatic and socioeconomic factors with the epidemiology of this infection. In this cross- sectional study, anti VZV antibodies were measured in serum samples obtained in a national school-based health survey (CASPIAN- III). Association of demographic, socio-economic, and climate of the living region with the frequency of VZV was investigated by multivariate multilevel analysis. Overall, sera of 2753 individuals aged 10–18 were tested for VZV antibodies, from those 87.4% were positive. The prevalence was statistically different in four socio-geographic regions (P<0.001), varying between 85.24% in West region (mostly mountainous areas with cold climate) to 94.59% in Southeast region (subtropical climate). Among variables studied, only age and mean daily temperature of the living area were positively associated with the VZV seroprevalence. Our findings show that most Iranians develop immunity to VZV before the age of 10, but a substantial proportion of them are yet susceptible to the infection. Therefore, it seems that the best strategy to reduce the burden of the disease is to vaccinate high- risk adults, i.e. those without a history of varicella infection. The regional temperature might be the only determinant of VZV epidemiology in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Ghaffari Hoseini
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Kasaeian
- Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrooz Ataei
- Nosocomial Infection Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majid Yaran
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Ramin Heshmat
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gelayol Ardalan
- Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Omid Safari
- Pediatrics Department, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mostafa Qorbani
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotics Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: (MQ); (SNM)
| | - Seyed Naseredin Mostafavi
- Pediatrics Department, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- * E-mail: (MQ); (SNM)
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Yang Y, Geng X, Liu X, Wang W, Zhang J. Association between the incidence of varicella and meteorological conditions in Jinan, Eastern China, 2012-2014. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:179. [PMID: 27102884 PMCID: PMC4840874 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1507-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella remains an important public health issue in China. In this study we explored the effect of weather conditions on the incidence of varicella in the temperate city of Jinan, Eastern China during 2012-2014 to inform public health prevention and control measures. METHODS Data on reported cases of varicella were obtained from National Notifiable Disease Report System. Meteorological data for the same time period were obtained from the Jinan Meteorological Bureau. A negative binomial regression model was used to assess the relationships between meteorological variables and the incidence of varicella. Given collinearity between average temperature and atmospheric pressure, separate models were constructed: one including average temperature without atmospheric pressure, the other including atmospheric pressure but without average temperature. Both models included relative humidity, wind velocity, rainfall, sunshine, and year as independent variables. RESULTS Annual incidence rates of varicella were 44.47, 53.69, and 46.81 per 100,000 for 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. Each increase of 100 Pa (hPa) in atmospheric pressure was estimated to be associated with an increase in weekly incidence of 3.35 % (95 % CI = 2.94-3.67 %), while a 1 °C rise in temperature was associated with a decrease of 3.44 % (95 % CI = -3.73-3.15 %) in the weekly incidence of varicella. Similarly, a 1 % rise in relative humidity corresponded to a decrease of 0.50 % or 1.00 %, a 1 h rise in sunshine corresponded to an increase of 1.10 % or 0.50 %, and a 1 mm rise in rainfall corresponded to an increase of 0.20 % or 0.30 %, in the weekly incidence of varicella cases, depending on the variable considered in the model. CONCLUSION Our findings show that weather factors have a significant influence on the incidence of varicella. Meteorological conditions should be considered as important predictors of varicella incidence in Jinan, Eastern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqing Yang
- />Faculty of Public Health, Shandong University, Shandong Province, 250100 P. R. China
| | - Xingyi Geng
- />Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Province, 250021 P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxue Liu
- />Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Province, 250021 P. R. China
| | - Weiru Wang
- />Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Province, 250021 P. R. China
| | - Ji Zhang
- />Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Province, 250021 P. R. China
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16
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The effects of ambient temperature on outpatient visits for varicella and herpes zoster in Shanghai, China: A time-series study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015; 73:660-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Cohen J, Breuer J. Chickenpox: treatment. BMJ CLINICAL EVIDENCE 2015; 2015:0912. [PMID: 26077272 PMCID: PMC4468609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chickenpox is extremely contagious. More than 90% of unvaccinated people will become infected during their lifetime, but infection occurs at different ages in different parts of the world. In the US, the UK, and Japan, more than 80% of people have been infected by the age of 10 years, and by the age of 20 to 30 years in India, South East Asia, and the West Indies. It is usually a mild and self-limiting disease, but it can be severely complicated by pneumonitis or disseminated disease in some individuals, particularly neonates and those who are immunocompromised. METHODS AND OUTCOMES We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of treatment for chickenpox in healthy adults and children (including neonates) within 24 hours after onset of rash? What are the effects of treatment for chickenpox in healthy adults and children (including neonates) later than 24 hours after onset of rash? What are the effects of treatment for chickenpox in immunocompromised adults and children (including neonates)? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to January 2014 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). RESULTS We found six studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic overview we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of aciclovir, within 24 hours of onset of rash or later than 24 hours of onset of rash, in otherwise-healthy adults and children (including neonates); and aciclovir in immunocompromised adults and children (including neonates).
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18
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Abstract
Annual periodicities of reported chickenpox cases have been observed in several countries. Of these, Japan has reported a two-peaked, bimodal annual cycle of reported chickenpox cases. This study investigated the possible underlying association of the bimodal cycle observed in the surveillance data of reported chickenpox cases with the meteorological factors of temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. A time-series analysis consisting of the maximum entropy method spectral analysis and the least squares method was applied to the chickenpox data and meteorological data of 47 prefectures in Japan. In all of the power spectral densities for the 47 prefectures, the spectral lines were observed at the frequency positions corresponding to the 1-year and 6-month cycles. The optimum least squares fitting (LSF) curves calculated with the 1-year and 6-month cycles explained the underlying variation of the chickenpox data. The LSF curves reproduced the bimodal and unimodal cycles that were clearly observed in northern and southern Japan, respectively. The data suggest that the second peaks in the bimodal cycles in the reported chickenpox cases in Japan occurred at a temperature of approximately 8·5 °C.
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Allami A, Mohammadi N. Varicella immunity in Iran: an age-stratified systematic review and meta-analysis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2014; 6:372-81. [PMID: 25926953 PMCID: PMC4411421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To generate synthesized information on the epidemiology of VZV infection, as well as an estimation of prevalence of age-specific antibody in Iranian less than 40. MATERIAL AND METHODS After exclusion of irrelevant and overlapping reports, 15 papers were included (from nine major cities). Studies were pooled according to the heterogeneity test results. Random effect model methods were used for meta-analysis where significant heterogeneity was observed (age 1-16years).For other age groups, fixed model were used. RESULTS Significant heterogeneity was observed in prevalence rates of all childhood age-groups. The seropositivity prevalence increased steeply from the age of 1-5 to 6-10 [from 21.9% (95% CI; 10.8-33.1) to 42.1 %(95% CI; 33.6-50.6)]. At the age of 11 15, 59.4% (95% CI; 46.1-72.8) of children showed to be infected. The rate of seropositivity was more than 87% in individuals of 40 and older. CONCLUSION The varicella seroeprevalence in Iran is in accordance with average tropical and temperate areas. Comparison of conducted studies during 2003 to 2011 didn't show any alteration in VZV seroprovalence in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Allami
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Navid Mohammadi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Hervás D, Hervás-Masip J, Nicolau A, Reina J, Hervás JA. Solar radiation and water vapor pressure to forecast chickenpox epidemics. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 34:439-46. [PMID: 25265908 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-014-2243-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The clear seasonality of varicella infections in temperate regions suggests the influence of meteorologic conditions. However, there are very few data on this association. The aim of this study was to determine the seasonal pattern of varicella infections on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca (Spain), and its association with meteorologic conditions and schooling. Data on the number of cases of varicella were obtained from the Network of Epidemiologic Surveillance, which is composed of primary care physicians who notify varicella cases on a compulsory basis. From 1995 to 2012, varicella cases were correlated to temperature, humidity, rainfall, water vapor pressure, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and solar radiation using regression and time-series models. The influence of schooling was also analyzed. A total of 68,379 cases of varicella were notified during the study period. Cases occurred all year round, with a peak incidence in June. Varicella cases increased with the decrease in water vapor pressure and/or the increase of solar radiation, 3 and 4 weeks prior to reporting, respectively. An inverse association was also observed between varicella cases and school holidays. Using these variables, the best fitting autoregressive moving average with exogenous variables (ARMAX) model could predict 95 % of varicella cases. In conclusion, varicella in our region had a clear seasonality, which was mainly determined by solar radiation and water vapor pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hervás
- University Institute for Health Sciences Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain,
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21
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CHAN JYC, LIN HL, TIAN LW. Meteorological factors and El Nino Southern Oscillation are associated with paediatric varicella infections in Hong Kong, 2004-2010. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 142:1384-92. [PMID: 24074377 PMCID: PMC9168225 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268813002306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicella accounts for substantial morbidities and remains a public health issue worldwide, especially in children. Little is known about the effect of meteorological variables on varicella infection risk for children. This study described the epidemiology of paediatric varicella notifications in Hong Kong from 2004 to 2010, and explored the association between paediatric varicella notifications in children aged <18 years and various meteorological factors using a time-stratified case-crossover model, with adjustment of potential confounding factors. The analysis found that daily mean temperature, atmospheric pressure and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) were positively associated with paediatric varicella notifications. We found that an interquartile range (IQR) increase in temperature (8·38°C) at lag 1 day, a 9·50 hPa increase in atmospheric pressure for the current day, and a 21·91 unit increase in SOI for the current day may lead to an increase in daily cases of 5·19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·90-8·58], 5·77% (95% CI 3·01-8·61), and 4·32% (95% CI 2·98-5·68), respectively. An IQR increase in daily relative humidity (by 11·96%) was associated with a decrease in daily paediatric varicella (-2·79%, 95% CI -3·84 to -1·73). These findings suggest that meteorological factors might be important predictors of paediatric varicella infection in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Y. C. CHAN
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - H. L. LIN
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - L. W. TIAN
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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Papaloukas O, Giannouli G, Papaevangelou V. Successes and challenges in varicella vaccine. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN VACCINES 2014; 2:39-55. [PMID: 24757524 DOI: 10.1177/2051013613515621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by primary infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). VZV infection, as well as varicella vaccination, induces VZV-specific antibody and T-cell-mediated immunity, essential for recovery. The immune responses developed contribute to protection following re-exposure to VZV. When cell-mediated immunity declines, as occurs with aging or immunosuppression, reactivation of VZV leads to herpes zoster (HZ). It has been almost 20 years since universal varicella vaccination has been implemented in many areas around the globe and this has resulted in a significant reduction of varicella-associated disease burden. Successes are reviewed here, whilst emphasis is put on the challenges ahead. Most countries that have not implemented routine childhood varicella vaccination have chosen to vaccinate high-risk groups alone. The main reasons for not introducing universal vaccination are discussed, including fear of age shift of peak incidence age and of HZ incidence increase. Possible reasons for not observing the predicted increase in HZ incidence are explored. The advantages and disadvantages of universal vs targeted vaccination as well as different vaccination schedules are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orestis Papaloukas
- Second Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, P&A Kyriakou Childrens' Hospital, Greece
| | - Georgia Giannouli
- Second Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, P&A Kyriakou Childrens' Hospital, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Papaevangelou
- Third Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, General University Hospital 'ATTIKON', Rimini 1, Chaidari 124 62, Greece
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Quinlivan M, Breuer J. Clinical and molecular aspects of the live attenuated Oka varicella vaccine. Rev Med Virol 2014; 24:254-73. [PMID: 24687808 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
VZV is a ubiquitous member of the Herpesviridae family that causes varicella (chicken pox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Both manifestations can cause great morbidity and mortality and are therefore of significant economic burden. The introduction of varicella vaccination as part of childhood immunization programs has resulted in a remarkable decline in varicella incidence, and associated hospitalizations and deaths, particularly in the USA. The vaccine preparation, vOka, is a live attenuated virus produced by serial passage of a wild-type clinical isolate termed pOka in human and guinea pig cell lines. Although vOka is clinically attenuated, it can cause mild varicella, establish latency, and reactivate to cause herpes zoster. Sequence analysis has shown that vOka differs from pOka by at least 42 loci; however, not all genomes possess the novel vOka change at all positions, creating a heterogeneous population of genetically distinct haplotypes. This, together with the extreme cell-associated nature of VZV replication in cell culture and the lack of an animal model, in which the complete VZV life cycle can be replicated, has limited studies into the molecular basis for vOka attenuation. Comparative studies of vOka with pOka replication in T cells, dorsal root ganglia, and skin indicate that attenuation likely involves multiple mutations within ORF 62 and several other genes. This article presents an overview of the clinical aspects of the vaccine and current progress on understanding the molecular mechanisms that account for the clinical phenotype of reduced virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Quinlivan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
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Changing seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus infection in a tropical city state, Singapore. Int J Infect Dis 2013; 22:73-7. [PMID: 24269652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the seroepidemiology of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the Singaporean population, based on a paediatric survey conducted in 2008-2010 and the 2010 National Health Survey. The findings were compared with previous studies carried out in 1989-1990, 1993, 1998, and 2004. METHODS The paediatric survey involved 1200 subjects; residual diagnostic serum samples were collected from Singapore residents aged 1-17 years at two hospitals. The adult survey involved 3293 subjects; residual serum samples were obtained from Singapore residents aged 18-79 years who had participated in the 2010 National Health Survey. RESULTS The seroprevalence in children under 5 years of age increased from 4% in 1989/1990 to 11.7% in 1998 and 33.2% in 2008-2010. For children aged 5-14 years, the corresponding seroprevalences were 22.8%, 59.5%, and 58.0%. The seroprevalence in children aged 5-14 years in 2008-2010 was not significantly different from that in 1998 (p=0.721). Among Singapore adults over 25 years of age, the seroprevalence remained consistently high at around 88% from 1998/1990 to 2010. CONCLUSIONS Nearly two-thirds of pre-school children, 39.5% of primary school children, and 29% of adolescents aged 13-17 years are susceptible to VZV infection. At this level of immunity, it can be expected that outbreaks will continue to occur unless the varicella vaccine is introduced into the national childhood immunization programme.
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Risk factors for susceptibility to varicella in newly arrived adult migrants in Canada. Epidemiol Infect 2013; 142:1695-707. [PMID: 24176291 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268813002768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicella occurs at an older age in tropical compared to cold climates. Migrants from tropical countries provide the opportunity to gain insights into observed global differences in varicella epidemiology. Severity of varicella increases with age thus, description of risk factors for varicella susceptibility will identify those who would benefit most from vaccination. A total of 1480 migrants, with a mean age of 32 years, were recruited in the pre-vaccination period (2002-2004) in Montreal, Canada. A questionnaire was administered and serum varicella antibodies were measured. Overall 6% were susceptible and ranged from 0·8% to 14·1% in subgroups. Risk factors for susceptibility were younger age, recent arrival, and originating from a tropical country. This could be modified by conditions that increased the probability of person-to-person spread of varicella through direct contact in source countries such as larger community size or household crowding. Many new young adult migrants would benefit from targeted varicella vaccination programmes.
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Varicella zoster virus in American Samoa: seroprevalence and predictive value of varicella disease history in elementary and college students. Epidemiol Infect 2013; 142:1002-7. [PMID: 23890292 DOI: 10.1017/s095026881300174x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology of varicella is believed to differ between temperate and tropical countries. We conducted a varicella seroprevalence study in elementary and college students in the US territory of American Samoa before introduction of a routine varicella vaccination programme. Sera from 515 elementary and 208 college students were tested for the presence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) IgG antibodies. VZV seroprevalence increased with age from 76·0% in the 4-6 years group to 97·7% in those aged ⩾23 years. Reported history of varicella disease for elementary students was significantly associated with VZV seropositivity. The positive and negative predictive values of varicella disease history were 93·4% and 36·4%, respectively, in elementary students and 97·6% and 3·0%, respectively, in college students. VZV seroprevalence in this Pacific island appears to be similar to that in temperate countries and suggests endemic VZV circulation.
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Critselis E, Nastos PT, Theodoridou K, Theodoridou M, Tsolia MN, Hadjichristodoulou C, Papaevangelou V. Time trends in pediatric hospitalizations for varicella infection are associated with climatic changes: a 22-year retrospective study in a tertiary Greek referral center. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52016. [PMID: 23284855 PMCID: PMC3532345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The transmission rate of air-borne infectious diseases may vary secondary to climate conditions. The study assessed time trends in the seasonality of hospitalized varicella cases in a temperate region in relation to climatic parameters prior to the implementation of universal varicella immunization. METHODS A retrospective descriptive study was conducted among all pediatric and adolescent varicella patients (n = 2366) hospitalized at the "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital during 1982-2003 in Athens, Greece. Date of infection was computed based on hospital admission date. Seasonal and monthly trends in the epidemiology of varicella infection were assessed with time series analysis (ARIMA modeling procedure). The correlation between the frequency of varicella patients and the meteorological parameters was examined by the application of Generalized Linear Models with Gamma distribution. RESULTS During 1982-2003, the occurrence of hospitalized varicella cases increased during summer (p = 0.025) and decreased during autumn (p = 0.021), and particularly in September (p = 0.003). The frequency of hospitalized varicella cases was inversely associated with air temperature (p<0.001). In contrast, the occurrence of hospitalized varicella cases was positively associated with wind speed (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric hospitalizations for varicella infection rates have increased during summer and decreased during autumn in the examined temperate region. Time trends in hospitalized varicella cases are associated with climatic variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Critselis
- Second University Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis T. Nastos
- Laboratory of Climatology and Atmospheric Environment, Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Theodoridou
- First University Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Theodoridou
- First University Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria N. Tsolia
- Second University Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Vassiliki Papaevangelou
- Second University Department of Pediatrics, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
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Masuet-Aumatell C, Ramon-Torrell JM, Casanova-Rituerto A, Banqué-Navarro M, Dávalos-Gamboa MDR, Montaño-Rodríguez SL. Seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus infection in children from Cochabamba: tropical or temperate pattern? Trop Med Int Health 2012; 18:296-302. [PMID: 23279637 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the seroprevalence of varicella-zoster viral (VZV) infections in schoolchildren from the Cochabamba region (Bolivia), and its association with socio-demographic variables, socio-economic status and geographical location. METHODS Seroepidemiological survey (n = 436) on VZV of schoolchildren living in the Cochabamba region of Bolivia in 2010. An ELISA test was used to measure varicella antibodies. Parents or guardians completed a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic information (age, gender, living area, parental educational level, presence of siblings and number of family members in the household), and a blood sample was collected from each child to check for VZV antibodies. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS The global prevalence of VZV was 78.2% (95% CI 74.3-82.1). It was higher in females (82.1%), pre-adolescents (aged 10.1-13 years: 81.4%) and adolescents (aged >13 years: 80.2%), in children with less well-educated parents (81.3% to 81.6%), in warmer municipalities (81.4% to 82.2%), in rural areas (80.0%), in children with siblings (80.1%), those who although the latter association was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of VZV infection in childhood was relatively high for a tropical country, and much closer to that of temperate countries prior to the introduction of varicella vaccine into vaccination programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Masuet-Aumatell
- International Health Center and Travel Medicine Clinic, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Bellvitge, Spain.
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Vergara-Castañeda A, Escobar-Gutiérrez A, Ruiz-Tovar K, Sotelo J, Ordoñez G, Cruz-Rivera MY, Fonseca-Coronado S, Martinez-Guarneros A, Carpio-Pedroza JC, Vaughan G. Epidemiology of varicella in Mexico. J Clin Virol 2012; 55:51-7. [PMID: 22750018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2012] [Revised: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiological patterns of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection, which are strongly associated with climate, are characterized by more frequent infections occurring among children in temperate regions than in the tropics. In temperate regions, varicella exhibits a seasonal cyclic behavior in which the number of cases increases significantly during the winter and spring seasons, further supporting the role of environmental factors in disease transmission. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this distinctive behavior are not fully understood. In Mexico, information regarding the epidemiology of varicella is scarce, and the distribution of VZV infection has not been analyzed. OBJECTIVES In this article we investigate the epidemiological patterns of varicella in Mexico and their relationship with different environmental and demographic factors. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study was conducted using the data reported by the National Center of Epidemiological Surveillance and Disease Control. The overall varicella incidence was calculated and associated with temperature, overcrowding, age, gender and population density. RESULTS The epidemiology of varicella showed an intriguing pattern, in which warmer regions were characterized by higher incidences than in temperate regions. Young children were the most affected age group. There was no correlation between varicella incidence and overcrowding or population density. CONCLUSIONS The epidemiology of varicella in Mexico significantly departs from the characteristic patterns observed in other tropical latitudes, with some features resembling those commonly associated with temperate regions.
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Seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus among pregnant women in Hong Kong: Comparison with self-reported history. Vaccine 2011; 29:8186-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.08.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Idrovo AJ, Albavera-Hernández C, Rodríguez-Hernández JM. Social epidemiology of a large outbreak of chickenpox in the Colombian sugar cane producer region: a set theory-based analysis. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2011; 27:1393-402. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-311x2011000700014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few social epidemiologic studies on chickenpox outbreaks, although previous findings suggested the important role of social determinants. This study describes the context of a large outbreak of chickenpox in the Cauca Valley region, Colombia (2003 to 2007), with an emphasis on macro-determinants. We explored the temporal trends in chickenpox incidence in 42 municipalities to identify the places with higher occurrences. We analyzed municipal characteristics (education quality, vaccination coverage, performance of health care services, violence-related immigration, and area size of planted sugar cane) through analyses based on set theory. Edwards-Venn diagrams were used to present the main findings. The results indicated that three municipalities had higher incidences and that poor quality education was the attribute most prone to a higher incidence. Potential use of set theory for exploratory outbreak analyses is discussed. It is a tool potentially useful to contrast units when only small sample sizes are available.
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Chan JY, Tian L, Kwan Y, Chan W, Leung C. Hospitalizations for varicella in children and adolescents in a referral hospital in Hong Kong, 2004 to 2008: a time series study. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:366. [PMID: 21605371 PMCID: PMC3119164 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Varicella accounts for significant morbidities and remains a public health issue worldwide. Climatic factors have been shown to associate with the incidence and transmission of various infectious diseases. We describe the epidemiology of varicella in paediatric patients hospitalized at a tertiary referral hospital in Hong Kong from 2004 to 2008, and to explore the possible association between the occurrence of varicella infection and various climatic factors. Methods The hospital discharge database of Princess Margaret Hospital was retrospectively analyzed for admissions associated with varicella from 2004 to 2008. Meteorological data were obtained from the monthly meteorological reports from the Hong Kong Observatory website. Time series analysis was performed with Poisson regression using a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) approach. Results During the study period, 598 children were hospitalized for varicella. The mean age on admission was 57.6 months, and the mean duration of hospitalization was 3.7 days. The overall complication rate was 47%. The mean monthly relative humidity, especially in cool seasons, was inversely correlated with the monthly varicella cases of the same month. Conclusions Varicella can lead to serious complications and prolonged hospitalization, even in previously healthy children. Lower relative humidity in cool seasons is associated with higher number of paediatric varicella hospital admissions. These findings are useful for a better understanding of the pattern of paediatric varicella hospitalization in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Yc Chan
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Rice PS. Ultra-violet radiation is responsible for the differences in global epidemiology of chickenpox and the evolution of varicella-zoster virus as man migrated out of Africa. Virol J 2011; 8:189. [PMID: 21513563 PMCID: PMC3094303 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Of the eight human herpes viruses, varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and zoster, has a unique epidemiology. Primary infection is much less common in children in the tropics compared with temperate areas. This results in increased adult susceptibility causing outbreaks, for example in health-care workers migrating from tropical to temperate countries. The recent demonstration that there are different genotypes of varicella-zoster virus and their geographic segregation into tropical and temperate areas suggests a distinct, yet previously unconsidered climatic factor may be responsible for both the clinical and molecular epidemiological features of this virus infection. Presentation of the hypothesis Unlike other human herpes viruses, varicella-zoster virus does not require intimate contact for infection to occur indicating that transmission may be interrupted by a geographically restricted climatic factor. The factor with the largest difference between tropical and temperate zones is ultra-violet radiation. This could reduce the infectiousness of chickenpox cases by inactivating virus in vesicles, before or after rupture. This would explain decreased transmissibility in the tropics and why the peak chickenpox incidence in temperate zones occurs during winter and spring, when ultra-violet radiation is at its lowest. The evolution of geographically restricted genotypes is also explained by ultra-violet radiation driving natural selection of different virus genotypes with varying degrees of resistance to inactivation, tropical genotypes being the most resistant. Consequently, temperate viruses should be more sensitive to its effects. This is supported by the observation that temperate genotypes are found in the tropics only in specific circumstances, namely where ultra-violet radiation has either been excluded or significantly reduced in intensity. Testing the Hypothesis The hypothesis is testable by exposing different virus genotypes to ultra-violet radiation and quantifying virus survival by plaque forming units or quantitative mRNA RT-PCR. Implications of the hypothesis The ancestral varicella-zoster virus, most probably a tropical genotype, co-migrated with man as he left Africa approximately 200,000 years ago. For this virus to have lost the selective advantage of resistance to ultra-violet radiation, the hypothesis would predict that the temperate, ultra-violet sensitive virus should have acquired another selective advantage as an evolutionary trade-off. One obvious advantage could be an increased reactivation rate as zoster to set up more rounds of chickenpox transmission. If this were so, the mechanism responsible for resistance to ultra-violet radiation might also be involved in reactivation and latency. This could then provide the first insight into a genetic correlate of the survival strategy of this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip S Rice
- Department of Medical Microbiology, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, UK.
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Breuer J, Fifer H. Chickenpox. BMJ CLINICAL EVIDENCE 2011; 2011:0912. [PMID: 21486500 PMCID: PMC3275319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chickenpox is extremely contagious. Over 90% of unvaccinated people become infected, but infection occurs at different ages in different parts of the world - over 80% of people have been infected by the age of 10 years in the US, the UK, and Japan, and by the age of 20 to 30 years in India, South East Asia, and the West Indies. METHODS AND OUTCOMES We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of interventions to prevent chickenpox in healthy adults and children? What are the effects of interventions to prevent chickenpox in children exposed prenatally? What are the effects of interventions to prevent chickenpox in immunocompromised adults and children? What are the effects of treatments for chickenpox in healthy adults and children? What are the effects of treatments for chickenpox in immunocompromised adults and children? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS We found 11 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: aciclovir, famciclovir, live attenuated vaccine, valaciclovir, and varicella zoster immunoglobulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Breuer
- Research Department of Infection, University College London, London, UK
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Nichols RA, Averbeck KT, Poulsen AG, al Bassam MM, Cabral F, Aaby P, Breuer J. Household size is critical to varicella-zoster virus transmission in the tropics despite lower viral infectivity. Epidemics 2010; 3:12-8. [PMID: 21420656 PMCID: PMC3072572 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2010.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Revised: 10/28/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology and severity of infections can vary dramatically in different geographical regions. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a particularly tractable model for investigating such global differences, since infections can be unambiguously identified. VZV is spread by aerosol to cause chickenpox, which, in temperate countries, is a relatively benign childhood infection; yet in tropical countries it tends to occur at later age, a trend associated with markedly increased severity including complications, hospitalization, and overall burden of care. To investigate global differences in the epidemiology of chickenpox we studied a population in Guinea Bissau, which in contrast to other tropical countries has an unexpectedly early age of infection with VZV, comparable to temperate latitudes. In this study we used detailed records from over 3000 houses during an outbreak of chickenpox, combined with viral genetic information on routes of infection, to obtain precise estimates of disease transmission within and between houses. This community contains many large households in which different families live under a single roof, in living quarters divided by partitions. Our data show that household infectivity in tropical Guinea Bissau is reduced four-fold compared with temperate climates (14.8% versus 61–85%), with an intermediate rate between members of the same family who are in more intimate contact (23.5%). All else being equal, these lower infection rates would be expected to lead to a later age of infection as is commonly seen in other tropical countries. The young age of infection, which had drawn our attention to the Guinea Bissau population, can however be explained by the exceptionally large household sizes (mean 14.5 people). We have combined genetic and demographic data to show that the epidemiology of chickenpox in tropical Guinea Bissau is dependent on the interaction of the social and physical environments. The distinctive clinical presentation of VZV and its ubiquitous distribution make it an attractive model for estimating the variables that contribute to global differences in the transmission of airborne viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Nichols
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, UK
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Manikkavasagan G, Dezateux C, Wade A, Bedford H. The epidemiology of chickenpox in UK 5-year olds: An analysis to inform vaccine policy. Vaccine 2010; 28:7699-705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 09/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ayres KL, Talukder Y, Breuer J. Humoral immunity following chickenpox is influenced by geography and ethnicity. J Infect 2010; 61:244-51. [PMID: 20600297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2010.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 06/24/2010] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the contribution of ethnicity and geographical location to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) serostatus and antibody concentrations. METHODS The presence and concentrations of antibodies to VZV were measured in 639 Bangladeshi women born in Bangladesh (BBB), 94 Bangladeshi women born in the UK (BUK) and 262 White women born in the UK (WUK). The results were analysed in relation to demographic and social data. RESULTS BBB women were significantly less likely to be VZV seropositive at all ages than both BUK and WUK women. However, the odds of a Bangladeshi-born woman being seropositive increased by 1.04 for each year under the age of 15 spent in the UK. In contrast, antibody concentrations were significantly lower in ethnic Bangladeshi women, irrespective of country of birth. White, but not Bangladeshi women, showed evidence of antibody boosting over time despite the latter having more exposure to children. CONCLUSION Geographical location during childhood is the major influence on age of primary infection with VZV while the level of antibody is related to ethnicity. Since the risk of re-infection with VZV following both natural infection and vaccination is increased as antibody concentrations fall, these results have implications for VZV vaccination programmes particularly in non-White populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Ayres
- Applied Statistics, The University of Reading, Philip Lyle Building, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6BX, UK
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Shimakawa Y, Camélique O, Ariyoshi K. Outbreak of chickenpox in a refugee camp of northern Thailand. Confl Health 2010; 4:4. [PMID: 20175899 PMCID: PMC2847996 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1505-4-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although chickenpox is a generally mild, self-limited illness of children, it can cause fatal disease in adults. Accumulating reports from tropical countries showed a high prevalence of seronegativity among the adults, implying that varicella diseases could become a heavy burden in tropical countries. However, in the situation of humanitarian emergencies in tropical areas, chickenpox has largely been ignored as a serious communicable disease, due to lack of data regarding varicella mortality and hospital admissions in such a context. This is the first report describing an outbreak of chickenpox in a refugee camp of tropical region. In 2008, we experienced a varicella outbreak in ethnic Lao Hmong refugee camp in Phetchabun Province, northern Thailand. The attack rate was 4.0% (309/7,815) and this caused 3 hospitalizations including one who developed severe varicella pneumonia with respiratory failure. All hospitalizations were exclusively seen in adults, and the proportion of patients > or = 15 years old was 13.6% (42/309). Because less exposure to varicella-zoster virus due to low population density has previously been suggested to be one of the reasons behind higher prevalence of susceptible adults in tropics, the influx of displaced people from rural areas to a densely populated asylum might result in many severe adult cases once a varicella outbreak occurs. Control interventions such as vaccination should be considered even in refugee camp, if the confluence of the risk factors present in this situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Shimakawa
- gCOE program, Institute of Tropical Medicine (Nekken), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, 852-8523, Japan
- Médecins Sans Frontières, 8 rue Saint Sabin, 75011, Paris, France
| | | | - Koya Ariyoshi
- gCOE program, Institute of Tropical Medicine (Nekken), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, 852-8523, Japan
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Geretti AM, Brook G, Cameron C, Chadwick D, Heyderman RS, MacMahon E, Pozniak A, Ramsay M, Schuhwerk M. British HIV Association guidelines for immunization of HIV-infected adults 2008. HIV Med 2009; 9:795-848. [PMID: 18983477 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2008.00637.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A M Geretti
- Department of Virology, Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK.
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Bonanni P, Breuer J, Gershon A, Gershon M, Hryniewicz W, Papaevangelou V, Rentier B, Rümke H, Sadzot-Delvaux C, Senterre J, Weil-Olivier C, Wutzler P. Varicella vaccination in Europe - taking the practical approach. BMC Med 2009; 7:26. [PMID: 19476611 PMCID: PMC2697173 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-7-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicella is a common viral disease affecting almost the entire birth cohort. Although usually self-limiting, some cases of varicella can be serious, with 2 to 6% of cases attending a general practice resulting in complications. The hospitalisation rate for varicella in Europe ranges from 1.3 to 4.5 per 100,000 population/year and up to 10.1% of hospitalised patients report permanent or possible permanent sequelae (for example, scarring or ataxia). However, in many countries the epidemiology of varicella remains largely unknown or incomplete. In countries where routine childhood vaccination against varicella has been implemented, it has had a positive effect on disease prevention and control. Furthermore, mathematical models indicate that this intervention strategy may provide economic benefits for the individual and society. Despite this evidence and recommendations for varicella vaccination by official bodies such as the World Health Organization, and scientific experts in the field, the majority of European countries (with the exception of Germany and Greece) have delayed decisions on implementation of routine childhood varicella vaccination, choosing instead to vaccinate high-risk groups or not to vaccinate at all. In this paper, members of the Working Against Varicella in Europe group consider the practicalities of introducing routine childhood varicella vaccination in Europe, discussing the benefits and challenges of different vaccination options (vaccination vs. no vaccination, routine vaccination of infants vs. vaccination of susceptible adolescents or adults, two doses vs. one dose of varicella vaccine, monovalent varicella vaccines vs. tetravalent measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines, as well as the optimal interval between two doses of measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines). Assessment of the epidemiology of varicella in Europe and evidence for the effectiveness of varicella vaccination provides support for routine childhood programmes in Europe. Although European countries are faced with challenges or uncertainties that may have delayed implementation of a childhood vaccination programme, many of these concerns remain hypothetical and with new opportunities offered by combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines, reassessment may be timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Public Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Judith Breuer
- Skin Virus Laboratory, Centre for Cutaneous Research, St Bartholomew's and The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary College, London, UK
| | - Anne Gershon
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA
| | - Michael Gershon
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA
| | | | - Vana Papaevangelou
- Second Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, "P & A Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Bernard Rentier
- Unit of Fundamental Virology and Immunology, GIGA-Research, B34 University of Liége, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Hans Rümke
- Vaxinostics, University Vaccine Center Rotterdam Nijmegen, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Catherine Sadzot-Delvaux
- Unit of Fundamental Virology and Immunology, GIGA-Research, B34 University of Liége, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | | | | | - Peter Wutzler
- Institute of Virology and Antiviral Therapy, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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Viral load, clinical disease severity and cellular immune responses in primary varicella zoster virus infection in Sri Lanka. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3789. [PMID: 19023425 PMCID: PMC2582489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2008] [Accepted: 10/22/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Sri Lanka, varicella zoster virus (VZV) is typically acquired during adulthood with significant associated disease morbidity and mortality. T cells are believed to be important in the control of VZV replication and in the prevention of reactivation. The relationship between viral load, disease severity and cellular immune responses in primary VZV infection has not been well studied. METHODOLOGY We used IFNgamma ELISpot assays and MHC class II tetramers based on VZV gE and IE63 epitopes, together with quantitative real time PCR assays to compare the frequency and phenotype of specific T cells with virological and clinical outcomes in 34 adult Sri Lankan individuals with primary VZV infection. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Viral loads were found to be significantly higher in patients with moderate to severe infection compared to those with mild infection (p<0.001) and were significantly higher in those over 25 years of age (P<0.01). A significant inverse correlation was seen between the viral loads and the ex vivo IFNgamma ELISpot responses of patients (P<0.001, r = -0.85). VZV-specific CD4+ T cells expressed markers of intermediate differentiation and activation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these data show that increased clinical severity in Sri Lankan adults with primary VZV infection associates with higher viral load and reduced viral specific T cell responses.
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Swingler GH. Chickenpox. BMJ CLINICAL EVIDENCE 2007; 2007:0912. [PMID: 19454112 PMCID: PMC2943770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chickenpox is extremely contagious. Over 90% of unvaccinated people become infected, but infection occurs at different ages in different parts of the world - over 80% of people have been infected by the age of 10 years in the USA, the UK, and Japan, and by the age of 20-30 years in India, South East Asia, and the West Indies. METHODS AND OUTCOMES We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of interventions to prevent chickenpox in healthy adults and children? What are the effects of interventions to prevent chickenpox in children exposed prenatally? What are the effects of interventions to prevent chickenpox in immunocompromised adults and children? What are the effects of treatments for chickenpox in healthy adults and children? What are the effects of treatments for chickenpox in immunocompromised adults and children? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library and other important databases up to March 2007 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS We found 13 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: acyclovir, famciclovir, live attenuated vaccine, valaciclovir, varicella zoster immunoglobulin, and zoster immunoglobulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- George H Swingler
- School of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Talukder YS, Kafatos G, Pinot de Moira A, Aquilina J, Parker SP, Crowcroft NS, Brown DWG, Breuer J. The seroepidemiology of varicella zoster virus among pregnant Bangladeshi and white British women in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, UK. Epidemiol Infect 2007; 135:1344-53. [PMID: 17445317 PMCID: PMC2870708 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268807008497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the comparative seroepidemiology of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in pregnant women of two ethnic groups, white British and Bangladeshi, living in an inner city area of London, United Kingdom. Women aged 16-45 years were recruited from antenatal clinics of the Royal London Hospital in the Borough of Tower Hamlets. Complete data were obtained from 275 white British and 765 Bangladeshi women. VZV antibody prevalence was 93.1% (95% CI 89.4-95.8) and 86.0% (95% CI 83.3-88.4) respectively. Women who were born in Bangladesh and lived there at least until the age of 15 years had the lowest odds of being immune (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.22-0.63). This implies they will have an increased risk of varicella during pregnancy. Women arriving in the United Kingdom in adulthood should be screened routinely during pregnancy and vaccination offered postpartum if they are susceptible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Talukder
- Centre for Infectious Disease, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
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Lee GM. Varicella Vaccination in Adults: Is It Cost-Effective? Clin Infect Dis 2007; 44:1049-50. [PMID: 17366447 DOI: 10.1086/512744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2007] [Accepted: 01/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Chang CK, Tan HF, Tseng HF, Lin CC. Analysis of factors associated with varicella-zoster virus susceptibility among children 0–12 years old in Taiwan. Med Mal Infect 2007; 37:222-8. [PMID: 17368781 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2006.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2006] [Accepted: 10/02/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Varicella is a highly infectious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The aim of this study was to explore the geographical difference of VZV antibody seroprevalence among children in private vaccination areas in Taiwan, controlling for potential factors relating to varicella susceptibility. PATIENTS AND METHOD A cross-sectional survey of the seroprevalence of VZV antibodies among children 0-12 years of age was conducted in Taiwan between August and December 2003. Sera of children visiting the outpatient unit of the participating hospitals around the island were collected. Six hundred and fifty-six parents among those of the 931 children studied agreed to answer the self-administered questionnaire regarding the possible factors associated with varicella susceptibility. IgG antibodies to VZV were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, Enzygnost anti VZV/IgG. RESULTS The susceptibility was the highest at age 1 year, and then decreased as the age increased. Children living in southern and eastern Taiwan showed higher susceptibility to varicella than those living in northern area (odds ratio (OR) = 2.71 and 2.10, respectively). Prior history of varicella infection, varicella vaccination, and contact with cases remained to be associated with the susceptibility after multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Children who lived in tropical and rural regions and those who had no history of varicella infection, varicella vaccination, and contact with cases, might be more susceptible to varicella. Island-wide VZV seroprevalence surveillance is required to examine whether the geographical difference of susceptibility in Taiwan will become less significant or disappear after the mass varicella vaccination program initiated in 2004.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Chang
- Department of Sport Management and Sport Science Research Center, National Taiwan College of Physical Education, 16, Sec. 1, Shuan-Shih Road, Taichung 404, Taiwan, ROC
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Macaladad N, Marcano T, Guzman M, Moya J, Jurado F, Thompson M, Meechan C, Li D, Schlienger K, Chan I, Sadoff J, Schödel F, Silber JL. Safety and immunogenicity of a zoster vaccine in varicella-zoster virus seronegative and low-seropositive healthy adults. Vaccine 2007; 25:2139-44. [PMID: 17250932 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2006] [Revised: 10/24/2006] [Accepted: 11/02/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate immunogenicity and tolerability of a live attenuated zoster vaccine in varicella-zoster virus (VZV) seronegative or low-seropositive adults > or = 30 years of age. STUDY DESIGN Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter study. Subjects were enrolled in two stages by prescreened serostatus. Subjects with a low VZV antibody titer (< or = 5 gpELISA units/mL) were enrolled in Stage 1. Subjects with undetecable VZV antibodies and no safety issues identified during Stage 1 were enrolled in Stage 2. All enrolled subjects were randomized 4:1 to receive one dose (approximately 50,000 PFU) of zoster vaccine or placebo and were followed for safety for 42 days postvaccination. Primary objectives/hypotheses: (1) no vaccine-related serious adverse experiences (AE); (2) < or = 1 laboratory-confirmed varicella-like rash with > 50 lesions within 42 days postvaccination. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE summarize the VZV antibody response postvaccination. RESULTS Twenty-one subjects (age 27 to 69 years; median 34) enrolled (1148 prescreened); 18 (including 4 seronegative subjects) received vaccine and 3 (including 1 seronegative subject) received placebo. Twenty subjects completed the study; one subject withdrew for reasons unrelated to safety. No serious vaccine-related AE or laboratory-confirmed varicella-like rashes with > 50 lesions were reported. In the zoster vaccine group, all 4 of the initially seronegative subjects (age 32 to 36 years; median 33.5) seroconverted and 6 of the 13 (46.2%) initially seropositive subjects had a > or = 4-fold rise in VZV-specific antibody titer at 6 weeks postvaccination. CONCLUSIONS The zoster vaccine appears to be immunogenic and generally well tolerated in healthy adults > or = 30 years of age, regardless of initial VZV antibody serostatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Macaladad
- De la Salle University Medical Center, Cavite, Philippines
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Nysse LJ, Pinsky NA, Bratberg JP, Babar-Weber AY, Samuel TT, Krych EH, Ziegler AW, Jimale MA, Vierkant RA, Jacobson RM, Poland GA. Seroprevalence of antibody to varicella among Somali refugees. Mayo Clin Proc 2007; 82:175-80. [PMID: 17290724 DOI: 10.4065/82.2.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the seroprevalence of varicella antibody among recent Somali refugees living in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and to estimate the risk of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection in this group. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We obtained blood samples from the study subjects, along with demographic information, immunization records, and vaccine-preventable disease history. Serum samples were tested using a whole-virus IgG VZV-specific commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. This study was completed in 1998. RESULTS Overall, 200 Somali refugees, comprising 33 extended families, were interviewed, with 193 providing adequate blood samples. Thirty-five subjects (18%) were seronegative for varicelia. Males had a significantly higher seronegativity rate (25% [n = 23]) compared with females (12% [n = 12]; P = .02); however, this association disappeared after adjustment for age and varicella infection history. Five percent (5/92) of adults were seronegative compared with 30% (30/101) of all children (P < .001). Eight percent (5/61) of the adult females were seronegative, whereas none (0/31) of the adult males were seronegative. Conversely, 38% (23/60) of male children were seronegative compared with 17% (7/41) of female children (P < .001). CONCLUSION These results demonstrate a high prevalence of varicella seronegativity among Somali refugees who have immigrated to an endemic area. We recommend instituting improved education regarding varicella among Somali communities and increasing vaccine uptake or routine testing for serum varicella antibody to prevent VZV-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in adolescents, adult refugees, and women of childbearing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana J Nysse
- Mayo Vaccine Research Group , Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA
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Diaz C, Dentico P, Gonzalez R, Mendez RG, Cinquetti S, Barben JL, Harmon A, Chalikonda I, Smith JG, Stek JE, Robertson A, Caulfield MJ, Biasio LR, Silber JL, Chan CY, Vessey R, Sadoff J, Chan ISF, Matthews H, Wang W, Schlienger K, Schödel FP. Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a two-dose regimen of high-titer varicella vaccine in subjects ≥13 years of age. Vaccine 2006; 24:6875-85. [PMID: 17050042 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2006] [Revised: 06/02/2006] [Accepted: 06/07/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A new manufacturing process, known as process upgrade varicella vaccine (PUVV) was developed for a refrigerated formulation of varicella vaccine and for an investigational zoster vaccine. Safety and tolerability of a two-dose regimen of high-titered (approximately 50,000 PFU) PUVV were compared to a lower-titer formulation (approximately 5400 PFU) of VARIVAX; in 1366 healthy subjects > or =13 years old. Only one vaccine-related clinical serious adverse experience (pruritus; no hospitalization) was reported, in the VARIVAX group. Injection-site adverse experiences following any dose were higher in the PUVV group, 70.0%, than in the VARIVAX group, 56.2%, but generally were mild. Immunogenicity were similar in both groups in seronegative subjects. PUVV was generally well tolerated, and elicited an immune response similar to that induced by the marketed formulation of VARIVAX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemente Diaz
- University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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