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Xuan K, Zhang N, Li T, Pang X, Li Q, Zhao T, Wang B, Zha Z, Tang J. Epidemiological Characteristics of Varicella in Anhui Province, China, 2012-2021: Surveillance Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e50673. [PMID: 38579276 PMCID: PMC11031691 DOI: 10.2196/50673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella is a mild, self-limited disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. Recently, the disease burden of varicella has been gradually increasing in China; however, the epidemiological characteristics of varicella have not been reported for Anhui Province. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of varicella in Anhui from 2012 to 2021, which can provide a basis for the future study and formulation of varicella prevention and control policies in the province. METHODS Surveillance data were used to characterize the epidemiology of varicella in Anhui from 2012 to 2021 in terms of population, time, and space. Spatial autocorrelation of varicella was explored using the Moran index (Moran I). The Kulldorff space-time scan statistic was used to analyze the spatiotemporal aggregation of varicella. RESULTS A total of 276,115 cases of varicella were reported from 2012 to 2021 in Anhui, with an average annual incidence of 44.8 per 100,000, and the highest incidence was 81.2 per 100,000 in 2019. The male-to-female ratio of cases was approximately 1.26, which has been gradually decreasing in recent years. The population aged 5-14 years comprised the high-incidence group, although the incidence in the population 30 years and older has gradually increased. Students accounted for the majority of cases, and the proportion of cases in both home-reared children (aged 0-7 years who are not sent to nurseries, daycare centers, or school) and kindergarten children (aged 3-6 years) has changed slightly in recent years. There were two peaks of varicella incidence annually, except for 2020, and the incidence was typically higher in the winter peak than in summer. The incidence of varicella in southern Anhui was higher than that in northern Anhui. The average annual incidence at the county level ranged from 6.61 to 152.14 per 100,000, and the varicella epidemics in 2018-2021 were relatively severe. The spatial and temporal distribution of varicella in Anhui was not random, with a positive spatial autocorrelation found at the county level (Moran I=0.412). There were 11 districts or counties with high-high clusters, mainly distributed in the south of Anhui, and 3 districts or counties with high-low or low-high clusters. Space-time scan analysis identified five possible clusters of areas, and the most likely cluster was distributed in the southeastern region of Anhui. CONCLUSIONS This study comprehensively describes the epidemiology and changing trend of varicella in Anhui from 2012 to 2021. In the future, preventive and control measures should be strengthened for the key populations and regions of varicella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Xuan
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tao Li
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xingya Pang
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Qingru Li
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tianming Zhao
- School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Binbing Wang
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhenqiu Zha
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jihai Tang
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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Shah HA, Meiwald A, Perera C, Casabona G, Richmond P, Jamet N. Global Prevalence of Varicella-Associated Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:79-103. [PMID: 38117427 PMCID: PMC10828225 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00899-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Varicella (chickenpox) is an infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus affecting children, adolescents, and adults. Varicella symptoms are usually self-limiting; however, different complications with widespread and systemic manifestations can occur. This systematic literature review aims to explore and quantify varicella-associated complication rates. METHODS Two databases (Embase and MEDLINE), congress abstracts, and reference lists of systematic reviews were screened to identify evidence on varicella complications. Complications were identified and grouped into 14 clinically relevant categories. Proportional meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model and tests for heterogeneity and publication bias were performed. Subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses were also conducted. A total of 78 studies, spanning 30 countries, were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS Pooled prevalence was highest in severe varicella (22.42%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.13-37.77), skin-related complications (20.12%; 95% CI 15.48-25.20), and infection-related complications (10.03%; 95% CI 7.47-12.90). Cardiovascular (0.55%; 95% CI 0.08-1.33), genitourinary (1.17%; 95% CI 0.55-1.99), and musculoskeletal (1.54%; 95% CI 1.06-2.11) complications had the lowest pooled prevalence. The remaining complication categories ranged between 1% and 10%. Subgroup analysis showed that complications were more prevalent in children versus adults and in hospitalized patients versus outpatients. Meta-regression analysis found that no ecological level covariates were accurate predictors for the overall prevalence of varicella-associated complications. There was substantial heterogeneity and publication bias across all meta-analyses. CONCLUSION Results suggest that different types of varicella-associated complications could be frequent, impacting quality of life, and healthcare resource utilisation and budgets. These findings are crucial to raise awareness of the health and economic burden of varicella disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter Richmond
- University of Western Australia School of Medicine, Telethon Kids Institute and Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
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Salo H, Perälä J, Hannila-Handelberg T, Sarvikivi E, Luomala O, Ollgren J, Leino T. Decline in varicella cases contacting primary health care after introduction of varicella vaccination in Finland - A population-based register study. Vaccine 2023; 41:6535-6541. [PMID: 37743119 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
A two-dose varicella vaccination programme at the age of 18 months and 6 years started in September 2017 in Finland with catch-up vaccinations, based on earlier modelling results, for children <12 years (born in 2006 or later) with no history of varicella. Nationwide population-based register data were used to assess the age-specific vaccination coverage and the annual incidence rates of varicella cases contacting public primary health care in 2014-2020. Age-specific incidence rates after (2022) and before (2014-2016) the implementation of the vaccination programme was compared by incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95 % confidence interval. In 2019-2022, the first-dose coverage of varicella vaccination among children following the routine vaccination programme ranged from 85 to 87 % (children born in 2016 or later). The second-dose coverage was 58 % for the children born in 2016. The coverage of the catch-up vaccinations ranged from 18 % (children born in 2006) to 82 % (children born in 2015) for the first dose and from 10 % to 64 % for the second dose in the respective birth cohorts. In 2022, compared to the pre-vaccination period (2014-2016) the annual incidence rate of varicella cases contacting public primary health care declined in all age groups. The reduction ranged from 92 % to 98 % among the children eligible for the vaccinations (born 2006 or later). The 87 % reduction in the incidence rate among the unvaccinated children < 1 year suggests the indirect effect of the vaccinations. Introducing varicella vaccinations with catch-up was associated with rapid reduction in the varicella cases contacting primary health care in all ages. However, the coverage of the routine programme needs to be improved further as presently susceptibles accumulate and enable thus further outbreaks in coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heini Salo
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jori Perälä
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Hannila-Handelberg
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emmi Sarvikivi
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Oskari Luomala
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Ollgren
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuija Leino
- Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations Unit, Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
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Qiu L, Liu S, Zhang M, Zhong G, Peng S, Quan J, Lin H, Hu X, Zhu K, Huang X, Peng J, Huang Y, Huang S, Wu T, Xu J, Dong Z, Liang Q, Wang W, Su Y, Zhang J, Xia N. The epidemiology of varicella and effectiveness of varicella vaccine in Ganyu, China: a long-term community surveillance study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1875. [PMID: 37770829 PMCID: PMC10537126 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The real-world data of long-term protection under moderate vaccination coverage is limited. This study aimed to evaluate varicella epidemiology and the long-term effectiveness under moderate coverage levels in Ganyu District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province. METHODS This was a population-based, retrospective birth cohort study based on the immunization information system (IIS) and the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS) in Ganyu District. Varicella cases reported from 2009 to 2020 were included to describe the epidemiology of varicella, and eleven-year consecutive birth cohorts (2008-2018) were included to estimate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of varicella by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 155,232 native children and 3,251 varicella cases were included. The vaccination coverage was moderate with 37.1%, correspondingly, the annual incidence of varicella infection increased 4.4-fold from 2009 to 2020. A shift of the varicella cases to older age groups was observed, with the peak proportion of cases shifting from 5-6 year-old to 7-8 year-old. The adjusted effectiveness of one dose of vaccine waned over time, and the adjusted VE decreased from 72.9% to 41.8% in the one-dose group. CONCLUSIONS The insufficient vaccination coverage (37.1%) may have contributed in part to the rising annual incidence of varicella infection, and a shift of varicella cases to older age groups occurred. The effectiveness of one dose of varicella vaccine was moderate and waned over time. It is urgent to increase varicella vaccine coverage to 80% to reduce the incidence of varicella and prevent any potential shift in the age at infection in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxian Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Ganyu County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ganyu County, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minglei Zhang
- Ganyu County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ganyu County, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guohua Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Siying Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jiali Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hongyan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaowen Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Kongxin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xingcheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Junchao Peng
- Information Technology and Laboratory Management Center, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, Fujian, China
| | - Yue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shoujie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinbo Xu
- Ganyu County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ganyu County, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zifang Dong
- Ganyu County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ganyu County, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Liang
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu , China.
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Yingying Su
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biologic Products, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, the Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- The Research Aff of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen, China
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Barrero Guevara LA, Goult E, Rodriguez D, Hernandez LJ, Kaufer B, Kurth T, Domenech de Cellès M. Delineating the Seasonality of Varicella and Its Association With Climate in the Tropical Country of Colombia. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:674-683. [PMID: 37384795 PMCID: PMC10503957 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella causes a major health burden in many low- to middle-income countries located in tropical regions. Because of the lack of surveillance data, however, the epidemiology of varicella in these regions remains uncharacterized. In this study, based on an extensive dataset of weekly varicella incidence in children ≤10 during 2011-2014 in 25 municipalities, we aimed to delineate the seasonality of varicella across the diverse tropical climates of Colombia. METHODS We used generalized additive models to estimate varicella seasonality, and we used clustering and matrix correlation methods to assess its correlation with climate. Furthermore, we developed a mathematical model to examine whether including the effect of climate on varicella transmission could reproduce the observed spatiotemporal patterns. RESULTS Varicella seasonality was markedly bimodal, with latitudinal changes in the peaks' timing and amplitude. This spatial gradient strongly correlated with specific humidity (Mantel statistic = 0.412, P = .001) but not temperature (Mantel statistic = 0.077, P = .225). The mathematical model reproduced the observed patterns not only in Colombia but also México, and it predicted a latitudinal gradient in Central America. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate large variability in varicella seasonality across Colombia and suggest that spatiotemporal humidity fluctuations can explain the calendar of varicella epidemics in Colombia, México, and potentially in Central America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andrea Barrero Guevara
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Goult
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Benedikt Kaufer
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Kurth
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Ma A, Bradley BT. Clinical testing of pediatric mpox specimens: Unique features and challenges in a low prevalence population. J Clin Virol 2023; 163:105447. [PMID: 37068452 PMCID: PMC10089974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric mpox cases comprise less than 0.3% of the total cases reported in the United States during the global 2022 outbreak. As a result, relatively little is known about the epidemiology or performance characteristics of clinical testing in this group. METHODS We retrospectively extracted and analyzed results for pediatric mpox specimens tested at a national reference laboratory from July to December 2022. RESULTS During our study period 13.4% (2,063/15,385) of specimens were from individuals <18 years of age. The positivity rate of pediatric specimens was significantly lower than in adults (1.3% vs 22.3%). The pediatric cohort also consisted of a higher percentage of females (42.7% vs 31.0%) and lower percentage of specimens from genital sources (9.0% vs 19.7%) as compared to adults. In children, specimens were most frequently collected from 1-year-olds (10.1%) and least frequently from 11-year-olds (3.5%). Positivity rates were disproportionately elevated in the less than 1-year-old and 17-year-old age groups (7.8% and 6.4%, respectively). Ct values of positive cases were not statistically different between pediatric and adult cohorts (25.2 vs 22.2, p>0.05). When all pediatric cases with an initial positive mpox result were examined, 5/26 were classified as inconclusive and 2/26 were determined to be false positives. The positive predictive value of monkeypox virus detection was 90.5% (95% CI: 70.4-97.4%) in children. CONCLUSION These results highlight important differences between pediatric and adult mpox populations and reinforce the need for clinical correlation when reporting positive results from a low prevalence population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ma
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Benjamin T Bradley
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
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Lee YH, Choe YJ, Lee J, Kim E, Lee JY, Hong K, Yoon Y, Kim YK. Global varicella vaccination programs. Clin Exp Pediatr 2022; 65:555-562. [PMID: 36457198 PMCID: PMC9742762 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2021.01564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicella (chickenpox) is an infectious disease caused by the highly contagious varicella zoster virus with a secondary attack rate greater than 90%. From this perspective, we aimed to establish the basis for a national varicella vaccine policy by reviewing vaccination programs and policies of countries that have introduced universal varicella vaccinations. As a result of the spread of varicella, an increasing number of countries are providing 2-dose vaccinations and universally expanding their use. In practice, the efficacy and effectiveness of vaccination differ among vaccines and vaccination programs. Optimized vaccination strategies based on each country's local epidemiology and health resources are required. Accordingly, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of varicella vaccines in different settings. Given the short-term and fragmented vaccine effectiveness evaluation in Korea, it is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness at the national level and determine its schedule based on the evidence generated through these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hwa Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young June Choe
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jia Lee
- Division of Immunization, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Eunseong Kim
- Division of Immunization, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jae Young Lee
- Division of Immunization, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Kwan Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoonsun Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun-Kyung Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea.,Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Lee YH, Choe YJ, Hwang SS, Cho SI. Spatiotemporal distribution of varicella in the Republic of Korea. J Med Virol 2021; 94:703-712. [PMID: 34738261 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27434] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Given its tendency to cluster geographically, spatial analyses may provide a better understanding of the pattern of varicella transmission. We investigated the spatial characteristics of varicella in Korea and the risk factors for varicella at a national level. Using national surveillance and demographic data, we examined the spatial distribution of incidence rates and their spatial autocorrelation and calculated Moran's index. Spatial regression analysis was used to identify sociodemographic predictors of varicella incidence at the district level. An increasing tendency in the annual incidence of varicella was observed over a 12-year period (2006-2018), with a surge in 2017. There was a clear positive spatial autocorrelation of the varicella incidence rate during the surveillance period. During 2006-2014, High-High (HH) clusters were mostly confined to the northeast region and neighboring districts. The spatial error model showed that population density had a negative coefficient and childhood percentage, percentage of children under 12 years of age among the total population, had positive coefficient, whereas vaccine coverage was insignificant. The varicella incidence according to geographic region varied with population density, childhood percentage, suggesting the importance of community-level surveillance and monitoring strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hwa Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young June Choe
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Sik Hwang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Il Cho
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Umit Z, Sahbudak Bal Z, Zeytinoglu A, Gulbahar Aydogan T, Bag O, Guner Ozenen G, Ozkinay F, Kurugol Z. The comparison of seroconversion rates among different varicella vaccines administered Turkish children; MAV/06 and vOka. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:4190-4193. [PMID: 34643479 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1967037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicella is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the incidence of varicella has declined since the introduction of varicella vaccine campaigns. A wild type of varicella zoster virus (VZV) was isolated from a 33-month-old child with varicella in Korea in 1989, a different strain (MAV/06). A live-attenuated varicella vaccine containing strain (MAV/06), Suduvax®, was developed in South Korea in 1994. Turkey introduced the varicella vaccine containing the MAV/06 strain (Varicella Vaccine-GCC, Green Cross, South Korea) in January 2019. Therefore, we aimed to compare the seroconversion rates among MAV/06 vaccine- and vOka-administered children. We prospectively collected blood samples from 98 received vOKA and 98 received MAV/06 children 6 weeks after administration, and seroconversion rates were determined by an indirect fluorescence assay (Anti-VZV IIFT IgG, Euroimmun, Germany). Seroconversion rate was significantly higher in vOka group than MAV/06 group (82.7% vs. 64.3%; p = .004). Of the children vaccinated with vOka strain, 17 children did not develop antibodies, 12 were weakly positive, and the remaining 69 children were strongly positive. Of the children who were administered MAV/06 strain, 35 were negative, 20 were weakly positive, and 43 were strongly positive. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that MAV/06 varicella vaccine had lower seroconversion rates and the strong seropositive cases were less common than vOka-administered children. Larger and prospective studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuhal Umit
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zumrut Sahbudak Bal
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aysin Zeytinoglu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Ozlem Bag
- Departments of Social Pediatrics, Dr Behcet Uz 'Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gizem Guner Ozenen
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ferda Ozkinay
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zafer Kurugol
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Epidemiological impact of universal varicella vaccination on consecutive emergency department visits for varicella and its economic impact among children in Kobe City, Japan. J Infect Chemother 2021; 28:35-40. [PMID: 34620534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.09.017] [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: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies reported a dramatic decline in the incidence of varicella and varicella-related deaths after implementing universal varicella vaccination (VarV). Although previous studies reported the effectiveness and economic impact of VarV, they were unknown in the emergency department (ED) setting. METHODS To determine the effectiveness and economic impact of VarV in the ED, Kobe, Japan, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical database of consecutive patients younger than 16 years presenting to our primary ED from 2011 to 2019. RESULTS Of the 265,191 children presenting to our ED, 3,092 patients were clinically diagnosed with varicella. The number of patients with varicella was approximately 500 annually, before introducing the universal two-dose VarV for children aged 1 to <3 years in October 2014, in the Japanese national immunization program, and decreased to approximately 200 in 2019. The number of patients with varicella younger than 1 year (ineligible for the vaccination) also decreased. Regarding the economic impact, the medical cost in our ED reduced after the introduction of VarV was JPY 4.1 million (US$ 40,049) annually. From the central data, approximately 95% of children were vaccinated after October 2014; however, a relatively large percentage of infected unvaccinated children (59.0%) presented to ED in this study. After the implementation of the universal VarV, infection was mainly observed in older children (i.e., the unvaccinated generation). CONCLUSIONS Our data showed the effectiveness and economic impact of VarV in the ED setting. Additionally, our data suggested that the public vaccination program should include older unvaccinated children and other unvaccinated individuals.
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Hu P, Yang F, Li X, Wang Y, Xiao T, Li H, Wang W, Guan J, Li S. Effectiveness of one-dose versus two-dose varicella vaccine in children in Qingdao, China: a matched case-control study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:5311-5315. [PMID: 34623220 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1982281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate whether two-dose of varicella vaccine would provide a better protection to children from varicella than one-dose, we conducted a 1:3 matched case-control study in children in Qingdao, China. A total of 509 varicella cases aged 6-11 y were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP). And 1,527 controls, who did not suffer from varicella, were selected and matched with cases by age and class. The varicella vaccine effectiveness (VE) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. The vaccination coverage rate of one-dose varicella vaccine in the cases was 52.9%, while for the controls was 59.1%. And the two-dose vaccination rate in the cases and controls were 4.3% and 14.5%, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found in the immunization history between the cases and controls (P < .001).The overall varicella VE was 56.1% (95% CI: 45.0%-64.9%), and the VE of two-dose vaccination (81.6%, 95% CI: 70.5%-88.4%) was substantially higher than that of one-dose vaccination (44.7%, 95% CI: 31.6%-55.4%). For less than 2 y, 2-4 y, 4-6 y, and more than 6 y after only one-dose vaccination, the varicella VE were 96.6% (95% CI: 75.0%-99.5%), 81.2% (95% CI: 55.6%-92.0%), 60.8% (95% CI: 46.8%-70.2%), and 18.0% (95% CI: 4.3%-35.6%), respectively. The varicella VE gradually decreased over time (P for trend < 0.001). It is recommended that the coverage of varicella vaccine should be increased and two-dose of varicella vaccine should be included in the National Immunization Program of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Hu
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaofan Li
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Tingting Xiao
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Han Li
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Wencheng Wang
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Guan
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Shanpeng Li
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, Qingdao, China
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Abreu E Silva HBD, Corrêa HP, Ribeiro IA, Nascimento VAM, Greco CM, Pinto ICT, Teixeira DC, Diniz LMO, Ribeiro JGL. Impact of six years of routine varicella vaccination on the disease-related hospitalizations at Minas Gerais, Brazil. Vaccine 2021; 40:390-395. [PMID: 34507860 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The varicella vaccine was first introduced into the Brazilian immunization schedule in September 2013 as a single dose for children aged 15 months. In 2018, a second dose was recommended for individuals between 4 and 6 years old. This study aims to assess the impact of routine varicella vaccination on the number and profile of hospitalized varicella patients during the single dose period, as well as in the first two years after the adoption of the second dose. METHODS An observational retrospective study was conducted in an infectious disease pediatric hospital, in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Clinical as well as epidemiological data from patients hospitalized due to varicella between 2010 and 2019 were collected. Patients were split into groups based on the vaccine introduction: pre-vaccine period, single dose and two-dose period. They were compared by age, sex, reason for admission, illness-related complications and clinical outcome. RESULTS There were 1193 admissions due to varicella during the studied period. When compared with the pre-vaccine period, the number of hospitalizations decreased in 61.5% during the single-dose regime, reaching 95.2% in the two-dose period. Hospitalization rates decreased in all age groups, including non-vaccinated individuals such as those younger than 12 months (92.1%). As for reasons of admission, secondary bacterial skin infections were perceived to be the most common cause (>70%). A reduction was also seen in admission of immunocompromised or HIV positive patients (84.8%). CONCLUSION The collected data shows a significant impact in the number of hospital admissions due to varicella after six years of the implementation of the vaccine, positively affecting both vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals. Further reduction was seen after the second dose was initiated, but its true impact will only be understood fully after a longer period of continuous vaccination.
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Zhang Z, Suo L, Pan J, Zhao D, Lu L. Two-dose varicella vaccine effectiveness in China: a meta-analysis and evidence quality assessment. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:543. [PMID: 34107891 PMCID: PMC8188742 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06217-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objectives of this review were to evaluate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the two-dose varicella vaccine for healthy children in China and explore the application of the approach of Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) in observational studies on VE. METHODS We searched for observational studies on two-dose varicella VE for children in China aged 1-12 years that were published from 1997 to 2019, and assessed the quality of each study using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). We used meta-analysis models to obtain the pooled two-dose VE, and the studies were divided into subgroups and analysed according to whether or not it was an outbreak investigation and its NOS score. The quality of evidence of VEs were rated by approach of the GRADE system. RESULTS A total of 12 studies and 87,196 individuals were included. The pooled two-dose VE was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69-97%). The VE of outbreak studies (87% [95% CI: 76-93%]) was lower than non-outbreak studies (99% [95% CI: 98-99%]). There was no significant difference in VEs by different NOS quality. The quality of the evidence assessment of pooled two-dose VE was "low", which was rated down by one category in limitations and publication bias respectively and rated up by two category in large effect. The quality of evidence assessment in subgroup of NOS score ≥ 7 was "moderate". CONCLUSIONS The VE of two-dose varicella vaccine is relatively high in preventing varicella, and is recommended for countries which need further control for varicella. However, higher quality evidence is needed as a supplement for stronger recommendations. The approach of GRADE could be applied for rating the quality of evidence in observational study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhujiazi Zhang
- Department of Immunization and Prevention, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, He Ping Li Zhong Jie No.16, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100013, China
| | - Luodan Suo
- Department of Immunization and Prevention, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, He Ping Li Zhong Jie No.16, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100013, China
| | - Jingbin Pan
- Department of Immunization and Prevention, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, He Ping Li Zhong Jie No.16, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100013, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Immunization and Prevention, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, He Ping Li Zhong Jie No.16, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100013, China
| | - Li Lu
- Department of Immunization and Prevention, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, He Ping Li Zhong Jie No.16, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100013, China.
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Kauffmann F, Bechini A, Bonanni P, Casabona G, Wutzler P. Varicella vaccination in Italy and Germany – different routes to success: a systematic review. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:843-869. [DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1825947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Bechini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Peter Wutzler
- Section of Experimental Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University-Hospital Jena, Germany
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Impact of the tetra viral vaccine introduction on varicella morbidity and mortality in the Brazilian macro regions. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2020; 96:702-709. [PMID: 31862301 PMCID: PMC9432131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2019.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the impact of the introduction of the viral tetra vaccine in the National Immunization Program in 2013 for 15-month-old children in mortality rates and hospitalization associated with varicella in Brazil. METHODS Mortality rates and hospitalizations rates associated with varicella were evaluated between 2010 and 2016 and described according to Brazilian macro regions and age. The population was stratified into age groups: < 1year, 1-4 years, and 5-14 years. Data were collected from the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System. A percentage difference was calculated between rates of hospitalizations and mortality in the pre (2010-2012) and post-vaccination periods (2014-2016) to estimate the approximate effectiveness of the vaccine. DATA SYNTHESIS At the national level, vaccination significantly reduced the mortality rates and hospitalizations rates in all age groups analyzed. Among those under 5 years of age, mortality rates and hospitalizations rates decreased 57-49% and 40-47%, respectively. There was a national decrease of up to 57% in the mortality rates due to the disease, with smaller decreases seen in the North and Northeast regions and the largest in the South and Southeast regions. The hospitalizations rates for varicella reached a maximum national decline of 47%. In children aged 1-4 years, with higher vaccination coverage, the highest reduction was observed in both mortality rates and hospitalizations rates, which decreased from 2.6 to 0.4/100,000/year. CONCLUSIONS The tetra vaccine proved to be effective in reducing both mortality and hospitalizations of children and adolescents up to 15 years of age in the 2014-2016 triennium.
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Vitale F, Amodio E. Evaluation of varicella vaccine effectiveness as public health tool for increasing scientific evidence and improving vaccination programs. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Vitale F, Amodio E. Evaluation of varicella vaccine effectiveness as public health tool for increasing scientific evidence and improving vaccination programs. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2020; 96:670-672. [PMID: 32619409 PMCID: PMC9432120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Vitale
- University of Palermo, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Amodio
- University of Palermo, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Palermo, Italy
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18
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Ribeiro MZ, Kupek E, Ribeiro PV, Pinheiro CEA. Impact of the tetra viral vaccine introduction on varicella morbidity and mortality in the Brazilian macro regions. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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19
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Varicella vaccination as useful strategy for reducing the risk of varicella-related hospitalizations in both vaccinated and unvaccinated cohorts (Italy, 2003–2018). Vaccine 2020; 38:5601-5606. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.06.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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The impact of long-term moderate level of vaccination coverage for epidemiology of varicella in Lu'an, China: should we change immunisation strategy now? Epidemiol Infect 2020; 148:e74. [PMID: 32167037 PMCID: PMC7118725 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268820000667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As China implements the voluntary vaccination programme of one-dose of varicella vaccine (VarV) for decades, robust estimates of the impact of voluntary vaccination era on epidemiology of varicella are needed. We estimated the vaccination coverage (VC) of VarV by using surveillance data on immunisation. The descriptive epidemiological method was used to describe the changing epidemiology of varicella from 2007 to 2018. The screening method was used to estimate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of VarV. The overall VC for VarV was 71.7%, ranged from 47.7% to 79.5% among 2008–2017 birth cohorts. In total, 16 660 varicella cases were reported during 2007–2018, the incidence increased from 10.0 cases per 100 000 population in 2007 to 65.2 cases per 100 000 population in 2018. A shift in age group of varicella was observed since 2012, with the age increased from 5–9 years to 10–14 years. The overall VE was 79.9%, and the VE increased from 60.1% in 2008 birth cohort to 96.2% in 2017 birth cohort. We found that the overall VE for VarV is moderate, but appears highly effective within 5 years after vaccination. In addition, a shift varicella infection to older ages has occurred at the long-term moderate level VC of one-dose VarV. Therefore, to contain the incidence of varicella and prevent any potential shift to older ages, the introduction of VarV into routine immunisation programme is likely needed in Lu'an.
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Qin W, Xu XK, Wang Y, Meng XM, Yang CW, Xia F, Su H. Clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with breakthrough varicella during varicella outbreaks. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:1851-1856. [PMID: 32118512 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1704574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although a varicella vaccine has been available in China since 1998 in the private sector, varicella outbreaks and breakthrough varicella (BV) still occur. In 2018, four varicella outbreaks with high BV rate sequentially occurred in four schools in Lu'an, sparking local public health authority's concerns on the varicella vaccine. Therefore, we conducted this investigation to evaluate varicella vaccine effectiveness (VE), characterize BV, and detect potential risk factors associated with BV. METHODS This was a three-stage study. First, a retrospective cohort study was done in each school to estimate the VEs of varicella vaccine during outbreaks. Second, a descriptive epidemiological method was used to describe the characteristics of the four outbreaks and to compare the clinical characteristics between the BV cases and unvaccinated varicella cases. To identify the risk factors associated with BV, we conducted an unmatched case-control study in the third stage of the study. RESULTS A total of 199 cases were identified among four outbreaks, and the overall attack rate was 14%. Of 1203 students with available vaccination information, 822 (68%) were vaccinated at least once. The overall VEs among four outbreaks ranged from 19% to 69%, whereas the VE against moderate or severe varicella ranged from 74% to 90%. Compared with unvaccinated varicella cases, the moderate or severe varicella (p < .001) and fever (p = .029) in the BV group were less common. Besides, BV cases had a shorter duration of disease (p = .007). Children vaccinated more than six years before the outbreak had a higher risk of developing BV compared with those vaccinated within the past six years (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-4.8). The risk of developing BV differed by the exposure intensity. Compared with the presence of three or fewer varicella cases in the same class, the OR was 7.8 (95% CI: 3.6-16.9) for four to nine cases in the same class and 25.2 (95% CI: 13.5 -47.2) for that of 10 or more cases. CONCLUSIONS The overall VE was insufficient to protect varicella infection, and the VE for moderate or severe varicella was only moderate. The manifestations of BV cases were generally milder than those seen in natural varicella infection. The time since vaccination and the intensity of exposure are risk factors for developing BV during an outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qin
- Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Kang Xu
- Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Xiang-Mei Meng
- Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Cheng-Wu Yang
- Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Huoshan County Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Feng Xia
- Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Huoqiu County Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University , Hefei, Anhui, China
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Zhong JM, Zhang M, Huang ZY, Qiu GP, Rao F, Lu ZH, Chen T, Zhang QL. A persistent outbreak of varicella in a primary school in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060519887847. [PMID: 31771379 PMCID: PMC7607272 DOI: 10.1177/0300060519887847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To describe the epidemiological features of a school varicella outbreak in
Dongguan City, China, to identify the reasons underlying persistent spread,
and to assess the effectiveness of the varicella vaccine. Methods We identified all cases during the outbreak. We described the outbreak
epidemic course and examined the influence of the following variables on the
outbreak: sleeping in the dormitory, eating in school, taking school
transportation, hand-washing habits, morning examinations, and effectiveness
of case isolation. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio
and 95% confidence interval (CI) of contracting varicella. Results A total of 92 varicella cases were reported, accounting for 5.53% (92/1663)
of all students. Among cases, 64.13% (59/92) were vaccinated. The outbreak
lasted for 93 days and occurred in six generations. Vaccination coverage was
between 78.05% and 85.67%. The varicella vaccine was effective in 56.63% of
recipients (95% CI: 35.49–70.84%). Vaccine effectiveness significantly
decreased after 4–6 years. Conclusions The varicella vaccine was unable to prevent virus spread even with high
vaccination coverage. Delayed and inefficient isolation of cases was the
primary cause of the persistent outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Ming Zhong
- Futian District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Field Epidemiology Training Program, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Guangdong Field Epidemiology Training Program, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Yu Huang
- Dongguan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Gui-Ping Qiu
- Guangdong Field Epidemiology Training Program, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Boluo County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Rao
- Dongguan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hui Lu
- Dongguan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianmu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao-Li Zhang
- Dongguan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
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Hagemann C, Krämer A, Grote V, Liese JG, Streng A. Specific Varicella-Related Complications and Their Decrease in Hospitalized Children after the Introduction of General Varicella Vaccination: Results from a Multicenter Pediatric Hospital Surveillance Study in Bavaria (Germany). Infect Dis Ther 2019; 8:597-611. [PMID: 31674000 PMCID: PMC6856245 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-019-00273-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal varicella vaccination (UVV) for children introduced in Germany in 2004 resulted in a significant overall decline of varicella-related hospitalizations (VRHs). We investigated the incidence of specific types of varicella-related complications (VRCs) in hospitalized children and the impact of UVV on VRCs during the first 7 years of UVV. METHODS Children < 17 years of age hospitalized with an ICD-10-based (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) discharge diagnosis of varicella were identified as VRH in pediatric hospitals in Bavaria by annual standardized data queries of the hospital databases (2005-2011). For each VRH, the hospitals reported basic demographic data, duration of hospital stay, all diagnostic and procedural codes, and outcome. VRCs were reported overall, per year, and by immune status. Complication rates were calculated as mean number per complication category per hospital and per year; VRC trends over time were assessed by linear regression. RESULTS Between 78% (2005) and 61% (2011) of Bavarian hospitals participated and reported a total of 1263 VRHs. Specific VRCs were reported in 954 (76%) children. Complication rates per hospital and year decreased from 6.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.1-8.3] in 2005 to 1.5 (95% CI: 0.8-2.3) in 2011, with the strongest reduction of 90% in children < 5 years of age from 5.3 (95% CI: 4.0-6.6) in 2005 to 0.5 (95% CI: 0.1-0.9) in 2011. Significant decreases were observed for children with upper respiratory tract (URT, by 97%), lower respiratory tract (LRT, by 90%), skin (by 81%), gastrointestinal (by 78%), and neurologic (by 65%) VRCs. Forty-eight children with VRCs were immunocompromised; their annual rate decreased by 87%. DISCUSSION Corresponding to increasing varicella vaccination coverage in the population, the incidence of VRC decreased by 77% from 2005 to 2011, with the most substantial decrease in the target group for UVV. CONCLUSION Within 7 years, UVV in Germany led to a decrease of about 77% of all types of VRCs, with the highest reductions observed for VRCs of the respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Hagemann
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alexander Krämer
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Veit Grote
- Dr. von Haunersches Children's Hospital, University of Munich, Lindwurmstr. 4, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes G Liese
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Streng
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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Gabutti G, Bolognesi N, Sandri F, Florescu C, Stefanati A. Varicella zoster virus vaccines: an update. Immunotargets Ther 2019; 8:15-28. [PMID: 31497569 PMCID: PMC6689529 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s176383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the etiological agent of varicella, a highly infectious, self-limiting disease with serious complications. The decline in cell-mediated immunity (CMI) that occurs with aging or immunodepression causes a reactivation of the latent VZV as herpes zoster (HZ). Prevention of VZV through varicella vaccination strategies allows to avoid the primary infection in newborns and susceptible subjects. Available monovalent and combined VZV vaccines are effective, safe and generally well tolerated. Universal varicella vaccination has significantly impacted on incidence, complications and deaths related to this disease. Prevention of HZ through vaccination is a priority to avoid the significant burden of its incidence and complications. Currently two HZ vaccines are available. The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), approved by the FDA in 2017 and Zoster Vaccine Live (ZVL) licensed in the United States by the FDA in 2006. The advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP) preferentially recommends RZV. ZVL remains an option for prevention of HZ in immunocompetent adults aged ≥60 years, although the CMI tends to wane a few years after vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Gabutti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Niccolò Bolognesi
- Postgraduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Sandri
- Postgraduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Caterina Florescu
- Postgraduate School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Armando Stefanati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Wolfson LJ, Castillo ME, Giglio N, Meszner Z, Molnar Z, Vazquez M, Wysocki J, Altland A, Kuter BJ, Rickard J, Rampakakis E. Varicella healthcare resource utilization in middle income countries: a pooled analysis of the multi-country MARVEL study in Latin America & Europe. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 15:932-941. [PMID: 30681397 PMCID: PMC6605820 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1559687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicella is a mild and self-limited illness in children, but can result in significant healthcare resource utilization (HCRU). To quantify/contrast varicella-associated HCRU in five middle-income countries (Hungary, Poland, Argentina, Mexico, and Peru) where universal varicella vaccination was unimplemented, charts were retrospectively reviewed among 1-14 year-olds. Data were obtained on management of primary varicella between 2009-2016, including outpatient/inpatient visits, allied healthcare contacts, tests/procedures, and medications. These results are contrasted across countries, and a regression model is fit to extrapolated country-level costs as a function of gross domestic product (GDP). A total of 401 outpatients and 386 inpatients were included. Significant differences between countries were observed in the number of skin lesions among outpatients, ranging from 5.3% to 25.4% of patients with ≥250 lesions. Among inpatients, results were less variable. Average ambulatory medical visits ranged from 1.1 to 2.2. Average hospital stay ranged from 3.6 to 6.8 days. Use of tests/procedures was infrequent in outpatients, except in Argentina (13.3%); among inpatients, a test/procedure was ordered for 81.3% of patients, without regional variation. Prescription medications were administered in 44.4% of outpatients (range 9.3%-80.0%), and in 86% of inpatients (range 70.4%-94.9%). Total estimated spending on varicella treatment in the absence of vaccination was predicted from income levels (GDP) with an exponential function (R2 = 0.89). This study demonstrates that substantial HCRU is associated with varicella resulting in significant public health burden that could be alleviated through the use of varicella vaccination. Differences observed between countries possibly reflect treatment guidelines, healthcare resource availabilities and physician practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara J Wolfson
- a Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence , Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Maria Esther Castillo
- b Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño (INSN) , Breña , Perú.,c Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) , Lima , Perú
| | - Norberto Giglio
- d Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Zsofia Meszner
- e St. László Hospital for Infectious Diseases , Budapest , Hungary
| | | | - Mirella Vazquez
- g Instituto Nacional de Pediatría , Ciudad de México , México
| | - Jacek Wysocki
- h Poznan University of Medical Sciences , Poznan , Poland
| | - Alexandra Altland
- a Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence , Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Barbara J Kuter
- i Global Vaccines Medical Affairs , Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
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Abstract
Varicella is a common vaccine-preventable disease that usually presents as a mild disorder but can lead to severe complications. Before the implementation of universal varicella vaccination (UVV) in some European countries, the burden of varicella disease was broadly similar across the region. Despite this, countries adopted heterogeneous varicella vaccination strategies. UVV is currently recommended in 12 European countries. Known barriers to UVV implementation in Europe include (1) a perceived low disease burden and low public health priority; (2) cost-effectiveness and funding availability; (3) concerns related to a shift in varicella disease and incidence of herpes zoster and (4) safety concerns related to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella-associated febrile seizures after the first dose. Countries that implemented UVV experienced decreases in varicella incidence, hospitalizations and complications, showing overall beneficial impact. Alternative strategies targeting susceptible individuals at higher risk of complications have been less effective. This article discusses ways to overcome the barriers to move varicella forward as a truly vaccine preventable disease.
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Lee YH, Choe YJ, Cho SI, Bang JH, Oh MD, Lee JK. Increasing varicella incidence rates among children in the Republic of Korea: an age-period-cohort analysis. Epidemiol Infect 2019; 147:e245. [PMID: 31364576 PMCID: PMC6805734 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268819001389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Republic of Korea, despite the introduction of one-dose universal varicella vaccination in 2005 and achieving a high coverage rate of 98.9% in 2012, the incidence rate has been increased sevenfold. This study aimed to investigate time trends of varicella incidence rate, assessing the age, period and birth cohort effects. We used national data on the annual number of reported cases from 2006 to 2017. A log-linear Poisson regression model was used to estimate age-period-cohort effects on varicella incidence rate. From 2006 to 2017, the incidence of varicella increased from 22.5 cases to more than 154.8 cases per 100 000. Peak incidence has shifted from 4 to 6 years old. The estimated period and cohort effects showed significant upward patterns, with a linear increasing trend by net drift. There has been an increase in the incidence among the Korean population regarding period and cohort despite the universal vaccination of varicella vaccine. Our data suggest the need for additional studies to address the current gap in herd immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hwa Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Seoul National University School of Public Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young June Choe
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sung-Il Cho
- Department of Epidemiology, Seoul National University School of Public Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hwan Bang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-don Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Koo Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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MacDonald SE, Russell ML, Liu XC, Simmonds KA, Lorenzetti DL, Sharpe H, Svenson J, Svenson LW. Are we speaking the same language? an argument for the consistent use of terminology and definitions for childhood vaccination indicators. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 15:740-747. [PMID: 30457475 PMCID: PMC6605715 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1546526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination indicators are used to measure the health status of individuals or populations and to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination programs or policies. Ensuring that vaccination indicators are clearly and consistently defined is important for effective communication of outcomes, accurate program evaluation, and comparison between different populations, times, and contexts. The purpose of this commentary is to describe commonly used vaccination indicators and to highlight inconsistencies in how childhood vaccine researchers use and define these terms. The indicators we describe are vaccine coverage, uptake, and rate; vaccination status, initiation, and completion; and up-to-date, timely, partial, and incomplete vaccination. We conclude that many vaccination indicators are not explicitly defined within published research studies and/or are used quite differently across studies. We also note that the choice of indicator in a given study is often driven by program or vaccine specific factors, may be constrained by data availability, and should be chosen to best reflect the outcome of interest. We conclude that the use of consistent language and definitions would promote more effective communication of research findings. We also propose some standardized definitions for common indicators, with the goal of provoking discussion and debate on the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E. MacDonald
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Margaret L. Russell
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xianfang C. Liu
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kimberley A. Simmonds
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Analytics and Performance Reporting Branch, Alberta Ministry of Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Diane L. Lorenzetti
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Health Sciences Library, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Heather Sharpe
- Respiratory Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, USA
- Department of Medicine, Cummings School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jill Svenson
- Analytics and Performance Reporting Branch, Alberta Ministry of Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lawrence W. Svenson
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Analytics and Performance Reporting Branch, Alberta Ministry of Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Varela FH, Pinto LA, Scotta MC. Global impact of varicella vaccination programs. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 15:645-657. [PMID: 30427766 PMCID: PMC6605725 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1546525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although varicella is usually a mild and self-limited disease, complications can occur. In 1998, the World Health Organization recommended varicella vaccination for countries where the disease has a significant public health burden. Nonetheless, concerns about a shift in the disease to older groups, an increase in herpes zoster in the elderly and cost-effectiveness led many countries to postpone universal varicella vaccine introduction. In this review, we summarize the accumulating evidence, available mostly from high and middle-income countries supporting a high impact of universal vaccination in reductions of the incidence of the disease and hospitalizations and its cost-effectiveness. We have also observed the effect of herd immunity and noted that there is no definitive and consistent association between vaccination and the increase in herpes zoster incidence in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Hammes Varela
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Araújo Pinto
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Comerlato Scotta
- Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil
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Deadly outbreak of chickenpox at district Faisalabad, Pakistan: possible causes, and preventive way forward. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 45:2941-2943. [PMID: 30187309 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4347-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This article details our recommendations for the deadly outbreak of chickenpox to consider the additional referral of the absence of a monitoring system of prevention and control along with poor vaccination system for children in low-resource settings. The recent spread of chickenpox outbreak in Pakistan has claimed dozens of lives. The deaths in this current outbreak in quick successions are beyond understanding. Re-emergence of chickenpox in the area has raised many questions. Keeping in view the spread of chickenpox mainly in Faisalabad and its international reputation in trading, chickenpox breakout needs international attention to control its spread. It should be taken as an eye opener for the Government of Pakistan and government should develop and implement Centralized Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System that will help to narrow down the pathogens as far as the epidemics are concerned and also for early preventive and countermeasure response.
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Morino S, Tanaka-Taya K, Satoh H, Arai S, Takahashi T, Sunagawa T, Oishi K. Descriptive epidemiology of varicella based on national surveillance data before and after the introduction of routine varicella vaccination with two doses in Japan, 2000-2017. Vaccine 2018; 36:5977-5982. [PMID: 30166199 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Routine childhood immunization using two doses of the varicella vaccine was introduced in Japan in October 2014. In this study, we analyzed the data extracted from national varicella surveillance, including pediatric sentinel surveillance from 2000 to 2017 and hospitalized varicella surveillance from the 38th week of 2014 to the 37th week of 2017. Compared with the 2000-2011 baseline data, the number of varicella cases per sentinel decreased substantially by 76.6% overall and by 88.2% among children aged 1-4 years in 2017. Of 997 hospitalized patients, we found a decreasing trend in the number of cases among children aged <5 years. We also found a decreasing trend in the number of cases with complications among children aged 1-4 years. Data on the self-reported transmission sites in 35.5% (354/997) of the hospitalized varicella patients showed that transmission of varicella zoster virus (VZV) occurred frequently in household, at school for young children, in the workplace for adults, and at hospital for all age groups. Data from 29.0% (289/997) of the hospitalized patients with a self-reported source of infection showed that transmission of VZV occurred from a patient with herpes zoster (HZ) in 30.4% (88/289) of cases. Our data demonstrate a substantial decrease in the number of varicella cases in young children following introduction of routine childhood vaccination program with two-dose varicella vaccination in Japan. These data highlight the unique aspects of transmission sites across age groups and the important role of HZ cases in disease circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeko Morino
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Keiko Tanaka-Taya
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Satoh
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Satoru Arai
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Takuri Takahashi
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Tomimasa Sunagawa
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Kazunori Oishi
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
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Heterogeneity in coverage for measles and varicella vaccination in toddlers - analysis of factors influencing parental acceptance. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:724. [PMID: 28927384 PMCID: PMC5606112 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4725-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2004, routine varicella vaccination was introduced in Germany for children aged 11-14 months. Routine measles vaccination had already been introduced in 1973 for the same age group, but coverage is still too low (<95%) in some areas to eliminate measles. The present study assessed varicella and measles vaccination coverage and determinants of parental acceptance in two study regions, situated in Northern and Southern Bavaria (Germany). METHODS From 2009 to 2011, annual cross-sectional parent surveys were performed on random samples of 600 children aged 18-36 months in the Bavarian regions of both Munich and Würzburg. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with varicella and measles vaccination. RESULTS In 2009, 2010 and 2011, vaccination coverage was lower in Munich than in Würzburg, for both varicella (Munich 53%, 67%, 69% vs. Würzburg 72%, 81%, 83%) and for measles (Munich 88%, 89%, 91% vs. Würzburg 92%, 93%, 95%). Recommendation by the physician was the main independent factor associated with varicella vaccination in both regions (adjusted odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI): Munich OR 19.7, CI 13.6-28.6; Würzburg OR 34.7, CI 22.6-53.2). Attendance at a childcare unit was positively associated with a higher acceptance of varicella vaccination in Munich (OR 1.5, CI 1.1-2.2). Regarding measles vaccination, attendance at a childcare unit was positively associated in both regions (Munich OR 2.0; CI 1.3-3.0; Würzburg OR 1.8; CI 1.1-3.1), and a higher level of parental school education was negatively associated in Würzburg (OR 0.5, CI 0.3-0.9). CONCLUSIONS Vaccination rates differed between regions, with rates constantly higher in Würzburg. Within each region, vaccination rates were lower for varicella than for measles. Measles vaccination status was mainly dependent upon socio-demographic factors (attendance at a childcare unit, parental school education), whereas for the more recently introduced varicella vaccination recommendation by the physician had the strongest impact. Hence, different strategies are needed to further improve vaccination rates for both diseases.
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Meszner Z, Molnar Z, Rampakakis E, Yang HK, Kuter BJ, Wolfson LJ. Economic burden of varicella in children 1-12 Years of age in Hungary, 2011-2015. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:495. [PMID: 28705150 PMCID: PMC5513371 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2575-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although live-attenuated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in preventing varicella and real-word evidence shows routine childhood immunization programs are effective in dramatically reducing varicella associated morbidity and mortality, varicella vaccine is not included in the National Immunization Program (NIP) in Hungary. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and economic burden associated with varicella in Hungary. Methods This was a multicenter, retrospective, chart review study of patients aged 1–12 years with a primary varicella diagnosis between 2011 and 2015. Healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) associated with varicella, unit costs, and work loss were used to estimate direct and indirect costs. All costs are presented in 2015 HUF / Euros (€). Results 156 children with varicella were included (75 outpatients, 81 inpatients), with a mean age of 4.4 (SD: 2.0) and 3.7 (SD: 2.1) years, respectively. One or more complications were reported by 12.0% of outpatients and 92.6% of inpatients, the most common being dehydration, skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, keratoconjunctivitis, and cerebellitis. HCRU estimates included use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications (96.0% outpatients, 53.1% inpatients), prescription medications (9.3% outpatients, 70.4% inpatients), tests/procedures (4.0% outpatients, 97.5% inpatients), and consultation with allied health professionals (2.7% outpatients, 30.9% inpatients). The average duration of hospital stay (inpatients) was 3.6 (95% CI: 3.2, 4.1) days. The total combined direct and indirect cost per varicella case was 228,146.7 Hungarian Forint (HUF)/€ 736.0 for inpatients and 49,790.6 HUF/€ 106.6 for outpatients. The overall annual cost of varicella in Hungary for children aged <15 years in 2015 was estimated at 1,903,332,524.3 HUF/ € 6,139,980.4. Conclusion Varicella is associated with substantial clinical burden in Hungary, resulting in the utilization of a significant amount of healthcare resources. These results support the need for routine vaccination of all healthy children to reduce the varicella-associated disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Meszner
- St. László Hospital for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Child Health, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Z Molnar
- National Center for Epidemiology, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - H K Yang
- Merck & Co, Inc., Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), MAILSTOP WP97-A243, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA, 19486, USA
| | - B J Kuter
- Merck & Co, Inc., Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), MAILSTOP WP97-A243, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA, 19486, USA
| | - Lara J Wolfson
- Merck & Co, Inc., Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), MAILSTOP WP97-A243, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA, 19486, USA.
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Wutzler P, Bonanni P, Burgess M, Gershon A, Sáfadi MA, Casabona G. Varicella vaccination - the global experience. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017. [PMID: 28644696 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1343669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Varicella, although a frequently benign childhood disease, nevertheless represents a considerable health burden. WHO recommends including varicella vaccines in universal routine vaccination programs, and maintaining coverage >80%. Many countries have successfully introduced varicella vaccination and have benefited from lower disease burden, but many others have not adopted the vaccine. Reasons include cost commitment for a 'mild childhood disease' or concerns that vaccination will shift varicella to older age groups or increase herpes zoster incidence. Areas covered: This literature review summarizes the effectiveness and epidemiological impact of varicella immunization programs. Expert commentary: Varicella vaccines are immunogenic with acceptable safety profiles. One and two dose schedules are highly effective against varicella and large reductions in disease incidence, particularly moderate-severe disease, have been widely reported. There is currently no evidence to suggest that the introduction of varicella vaccination results in a shift of varicella disease burden to older age groups. Although epidemiological studies have shown an increased incidence of herpes zoster since the vaccines were launched, there are many other contributing factors, and indeed, this secular trend was evident before their introduction. In conclusion, varicella vaccination easily fits into existing immunization programs and significantly reduces the often underestimated burden of varicella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wutzler
- a Institute of Virology and Antiviral Therapy , Friedrich Schiller University , Jena , Germany
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- b Department of Health Sciences , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Margaret Burgess
- c The Discipline of Paediatrics and Adolescent Health , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Anne Gershon
- d Division of Infectious Disease , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Marco Aurélio Sáfadi
- e Department of Pediatrics , Santa Casa de Sao Paulo School of Medical Sciences , Sao Paulo , Brazil
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Leung J, Broder KR, Marin M. Severe varicella in persons vaccinated with varicella vaccine (breakthrough varicella): a systematic literature review. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017; 16:391-400. [PMID: 28276305 PMCID: PMC5544348 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1294069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Varicella vaccines are highly effective at preventing disease, but varicella may occur among vaccinated persons (termed breakthrough varicella). Breakthrough varicella is generally mild, but severe cases have been reported. The objective of this review is to describe severe breakthrough varicella. Areas covered: We conducted a systematic review of articles published during 1974-2016. A total of 34 articles were included in our review: 21 described breakthrough varicella with disseminated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection with other organ involvement in addition to skin (none among two-dose vaccinees); 9 described hospitalized breakthrough varicella without mention of other organ involvement in addition to skin (of which 2 reported 4 two-dose vaccinees); and 4 described both. A total of 52-60 unique breakthrough varicella cases with disseminated VZV infection with other organ involvement in addition to skin reported with the following complications, not mutually exclusive: pneumonia (n = 8-9 cases), neurologic (n = 18-24 cases), hematologic (n = 10-11 cases), ocular (n = 5 cases), renal (n = 2 cases), hepatic (n = 3 cases), secondary infection with bacteremia or sepsis (n = 8 cases), and other complication (n = 4 cases). There were 6 cases of fatal breakthrough varicella. Expert commentary: With >31 million doses distributed annually worldwide since 2007, severe breakthrough varicella can occur but they appear to be uncommon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Leung
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta,
GA, USA
| | - Karen R. Broder
- Immunization Safety Office, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion,
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mona Marin
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta,
GA, USA
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Decline of Neurologic Varicella Complications in Children During the First Seven Years After Introduction of Universal Varicella Vaccination in Germany, 2005-2011. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2017; 36:79-86. [PMID: 27749651 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000001356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal varicella vaccination for 1-year-old children was introduced in Germany in 2004. We investigated changes in the incidence and type of varicella-associated neurologic complications in children during the first 7 years after universal vaccination recommendation. METHODS A surveillance study was conducted based on patients <17 years of age with an International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) discharge diagnosis of varicella, annually reported by 22-29 pediatric hospitals in Bavaria, Germany, 2005 to 2011. Annual incidences were estimated and linear trend across years was assessed by Poisson regression models. RESULTS Of a total of 1263 varicella-associated pediatric hospitalizations, 228 children (18.1%) had neurologic complications (median age 4 years, interquartile range 2-7; 56% male). The most frequent neurologic complications were febrile convulsion (32.0% of 228 children, median age 3.0 years), varicella encephalitis or meningitis (28.9%; median age 4.5 years), syncope (13.2%; median age 7.0 years) and cerebral convulsion (11.0%; median age 4.0 years). Other complications included ataxia (3.1%), facial nerve palsy (2.6%) and cerebral vasculitis/infarction (1.8%). Neurologic complications showed a continuous decrease between 2005 and 2011, from an incidence of 2.8 (95% confidence interval: 2.1-3.6) per 100,000 children <17 years of age to 1.2 (95% confidence interval: 0.7-2.1; P < 0.001). In particular, a marked decline was observed among children up to 7 years of age, mainly because of a decrease in the number of febrile convulsions and encephalitis or meningitis. CONCLUSION The incidence of varicella-associated neurologic complications in children decreased approximately by 60% during the first 7 years following the recommendation for universal vaccination.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella, common in childhood and most often self-limiting, may cause complications including bacterial superinfection, pneumonia and encephalitis. Universal childhood varicella vaccination has been introduced in several countries, but is controversial in Europe. In Denmark, varicella is not part of the national immunization program and there is no national surveillance of varicella. The primary aim of the study was to describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of children hospitalized with varicella in Denmark. The secondary aim was to validate the sensitivity and completeness of the Danish National Patient Register. METHODS Active surveillance of children hospitalized with varicella was carried out at 4 pediatric departments. In the Danish National Patient Register, we identified all children discharged with an International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision code of varicella from the 4 departments. We used a capture-recapture analysis to estimate the "true" number of hospitalized children with varicella. RESULTS By active surveillance, we identified 86 children eligible for clinical description. In 87% of cases, the children were 0-4 years of age. Complications were identified in 69% of patients, including 1 child with postvaricella cerebral angiopathy. In the National Patient register (NPR), we identified 125 children with a discharge diagnosis of varicella. By capture-recapture analysis, the sensitivity of the NPR was estimated to be 74%. CONCLUSIONS Varicella can cause serious complications including cerebral angiopathy in children in Denmark. The NPR will be a useful tool for estimating hospitalization incidence, but will underestimate the true number of hospitalizations.
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Moreno-Pérez D, Álvarez García FJ, Arístegui Fernández J, Cilleruelo Ortega MJ, Corretger Rauet JM, García Sánchez N, Hernández Merino A, Hernández-Sampelayo Matos T, Merino Moína M, Ortigosa Del Castillo L, Ruiz-Contreras J. [Immunisation schedule of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics: 2015 recommendations]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2016; 82:44.e1-44.e12. [PMID: 25554656 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2014.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Advisory Committee on Vaccines of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics updates the immunisation schedule every year, taking into account epidemiological data as well as evidence on the safety, effectiveness and efficiency of current vaccines, including levels of recommendation. In our opinion, this is the optimal vaccination calendar for all children resident in Spain. Regarding the vaccines included in the official unified immunization schedule, the Committee emphasizes the administration of the first dose of hepatitis B either at birth or at 2 months of life; the recommendation of the first dose of MMR and varicella vaccine at the age of 12 months, with the second dose at the age of 2-3 years; DTaP or Tdap vaccine at the age of 6 years, followed by another Tdap booster dose at 11-12 years old; Tdap strategies for pregnant women and household contacts of the newborn, and immunization against human papillomavirus in girls aged 11-12 years old with a 2 dose scheme (0, 6 months). The Committee reasserts its recommendation to include vaccination against pneumococcal disease in the routine immunisation schedule, the same as it is being conducted in Western European countries. The recently authorised meningococcal B vaccine, currently blocked in Spain, exhibits the profile of a universal vaccine. The Committe insists on the need of having the vaccine available in communitary pharmacies. It has also proposed the free availability of varicella vaccines. Their efectiveness and safety have been confirmed when they are administred from the second year of life. Vaccination against rotavirus is recommended in all infants. The Committee stresses the need to vaccinate population groups considered at risk against influenza and hepatitis A.
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Vaccine strategies: Optimising outcomes. Vaccine 2016; 34:6691-6699. [PMID: 27887796 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.10.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Successful immunisation programmes generally result from high vaccine effectiveness and adequate uptake of vaccines. In the development of new vaccination strategies, the structure and strength of the local healthcare system is a key consideration. In high income countries, existing infrastructures are usually used, while in less developed countries, the capacity for introducing new vaccines may need to be strengthened, particularly for vaccines administered beyond early childhood, such as the measles or human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Reliable immunisation service funding is another important factor and low income countries often need external supplementary sources of finance. Many regions also obtain support in generating an evidence base for vaccination via initiatives created by organisations including World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Agence de Médecine Préventive and the Sabin Vaccine Institute. Strong monitoring and surveillance mechanisms are also required. An example is the efficient and low-cost approaches for measuring the impact of the hepatitis B control initiative and evaluating achievement of goals that have been established in the WHO Western Pacific region. A review of implementation strategies reveals differing degrees of success. For example, in the Americas, PAHO advanced a measles-mumps-rubella vaccine strategy, targeting different population groups in mass, catch-up and follow-up vaccination campaigns. This has had much success but coverage data from some parts of the region suggest that children are still not receiving all appropriate vaccines, highlighting problems with local service infrastructures. Stark differences in coverage levels are also observed among high income countries, as is the case with HPV vaccine implementation in the USA versus the UK and Australia, reflecting differences in delivery settings. Experience and research have shown which vaccine strategies work well and the factors that encourage success, which often include strong support from government and healthcare organisations, as well as tailored, culturally-appropriate local approaches to optimise outcomes.
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Holl K, Sauboin C, Amodio E, Bonanni P, Gabutti G. Coverage, efficacy or dosing interval: which factor predominantly influences the impact of routine childhood vaccination for the prevention of varicella? A model-based study for Italy. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1103. [PMID: 27769206 PMCID: PMC5073465 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3738-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicella is a highly infectious disease with a significant public health and economic burden, which can be prevented with childhood routine varicella vaccination. Vaccination strategies differ by country. Some factors are known to play an important role (number of doses, coverage, dosing interval, efficacy and catch-up programmes), however, their relative impact on the reduction of varicella in the population remains unclear. This paper aims to help policy makers prioritise the critical factors to achieve the most successful vaccination programme with the available budget. METHODS Scenarios assessed the impact of different vaccination strategies on reduction of varicella disease in the population. A dynamic transmission model was used and adapted to fit Italian demographics and population mixing patterns. Inputs included coverage, number of doses, dosing intervals, first-dose efficacy and availability of catch-up programmes, based on strategies currently used or likely to be used in different countries. The time horizon was 30 years. RESULTS Both one- and two-dose routine varicella vaccination strategies prevented a comparable number of varicella cases with complications, but two-doses provided broader protection due to prevention of a higher number of milder varicella cases. A catch-up programme in susceptible adolescents aged 10-14 years old reduced varicella cases by 27-43 % in older children, which are often more severe than in younger children. Coverage, for all strategies, sustained at high levels achieved the largest reduction in varicella. In general, a 20 % increase in coverage resulted in a further 27-31 % reduction in varicella cases. When high coverage is reached, the impact of dosing interval and first-dose vaccine efficacy had a relatively lower impact on disease prevention in the population. Compared to the long (11 years) dosing interval, the short (5 months) and medium (5 years) interval schedules reduced varicella cases by a further 5-13 % and 2-5 %, respectively. Similarly, a 10 % increase in first-dose efficacy (from 65 to 75 % efficacy) prevented 2-5 % more varicella cases, suggesting it is the least influential factor when considering routine varicella vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination strategies can be implemented differently in each country depending on their needs, infrastructure and healthcare budget. However, ensuring high coverage remains the critical success factor for significant prevention of varicella when introducing varicella vaccination in the national immunisation programme.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emanuele Amodio
- University of Palermo, Via Del Vespro 133, 90127, Palermo, Italy.,Present Address: Unit of Epidemiology, ATS Brianza, Viale Elvezia 2, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni, 48, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gabutti
- University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64b, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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Hidden varicella outbreak, Luang Prabang Province, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, December 2014 to January 2015. Western Pac Surveill Response J 2016; 7:1-5. [PMID: 27757246 DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2015.6.2.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In January 2015, the Lao People's Democratic Republic Ministry of Health received a report of 34 cases of fever and rash with one laboratory-confirmed measles case in Houitone village, Pakseng District of Luang Prabang Province. Between 21 and 27 January, we conducted a field investigation to determine the etiology, magnitude and severity of this outbreak. METHODS We conducted active case findings in Houitone and neighbouring villages and collected information on age, location, date of rash onset, symptoms and measles vaccination status. We collected serum samples from cases with rash onset of less than 28 days and tested for measles and rubella IgM using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Between 22 December 2014 and 23 January 2015, 190 fever and rash cases were identified in seven villages in Pakseng District with the majority of the cases in Houitone village. The most affected age group was between 1 and 9 years. The majority of the rashes were vesicular. Of the additional 43 serum samples collected, no samples tested positive for measles or rubella IgM. The clinical manifestation and epidemiology of the disease suggested a varicella outbreak. CONCLUSION The rapid response to a single laboratory-confirmed measles case did not identify a measles outbreak but suggested a varicella outbreak. Low measles vaccination coverage led us to recommend a routine catch-up vaccination campaign. We also recommend collecting information of rash types and photos of rashes in future fever and rash outbreaks to better differentiate potential etiologies.
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Streng A, Wiegering V, Liese JG. Varicella in pediatric oncology patients in the post-vaccine era-Analysis of routine hospital data from Bavaria (Germany), 2005-2011. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2016; 33:468-479. [PMID: 27960646 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2016.1245805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Varicella in oncology patients can result in serious complications. We analyzed trends in hospitalization rates and characteristics of pediatric oncology and non-oncology patients hospitalized with varicella during the first 7 years after introduction of routine varicella vaccination. Our data included children <17 years of age with an International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10) main or secondary discharge diagnosis of varicella identified by annual database queries in 22-29 pediatric hospitals in Bavaria (Germany) in 2005-2011. Of a total of 1,245 varicella-associated hospitalizations, 42 children (median age 4 years, interquartile range 3-5) had an underlying malignancy (67% with acute lymphoblastic leukemia). Overall, additional diagnoses potentially associated with varicella were reported less often in oncology than in non-oncology varicella patients (62% vs. 77%, p = 0.041), suggesting earlier hospitalization of high-risk patients. Acute hematological diagnoses (29% vs. 3%, p < 0.001) and coinfections (invasive 12% vs. 2%, p = 0.001; noninvasive 19% vs. 8%, p = 0.019) were more frequent, whereas neurological (5% vs. 19%, p = 0.023) and upper respiratory tract diagnoses (2% vs. 16%, p = 0.014) were less frequent in oncology compared to non-oncology varicella patients. Oncology varicella patients showed a longer hospital stay (median 5 vs. 3 days, p < 0.001). Hospitalization rates in non-oncology varicella patients declined constantly since 2006, from 114.8 (2006) to 30.5 (2011) per 1,000 pediatric beds. The rates of varicella-associated hospitalizations in oncology patients indicated an overall decreasing trend (3.8, 1.9, 4.6, 3.5, 0.4, 2.1 and 0.6 cases per 1,000 pediatric beds in 2005-2011). Thus, pediatric oncology patients potentially profit from herd protection effects, resulting from increasing vaccine coverage in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Streng
- a Department of Paediatrics , University of Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Verena Wiegering
- a Department of Paediatrics , University of Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
| | - Johannes G Liese
- a Department of Paediatrics , University of Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
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Damm O, Witte J, Wetzka S, Prosser C, Braun S, Welte R, Greiner W. Epidemiology and economic burden of measles, mumps, pertussis, and varicella in Germany: a systematic review. Int J Public Health 2016; 61:847-60. [PMID: 27488917 PMCID: PMC5002040 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0842-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the availability of vaccines and the existence of public vaccination recommendations, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases still cause public health debate. The objective of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the current epidemiology and economic burden of measles, mumps, pertussis, and varicella in Germany. METHODS We systematically reviewed studies published since 2000. The literature search was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE. Also, we used German notification data to give an up-to-date overview of the epidemiology of the four diseases under consideration. RESULTS Thirty-six studies were included in our review. Results suggest that there is still considerable morbidity due to childhood diseases in Germany. Studies providing cost estimates are scarce. Comparative analyses of different data sources (notification data vs. claims data) revealed a potential underestimation of incidence estimates when using notification data. Furthermore, several studies showed regional differences in incidence of some of the diseases under consideration. CONCLUSIONS Our findings underline the need for improved vaccination and communication strategies targeting all susceptible age and risk groups on a national and local level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Damm
- Department of Health Economics and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Julian Witte
- Department of Health Economics and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Stefanie Wetzka
- GlaxoSmithKline Germany, Prinzregentenplatz 9, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Robert Welte
- GlaxoSmithKline Germany, Prinzregentenplatz 9, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Greiner
- Department of Health Economics and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
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Hirose M, Gilio AE, Ferronato AE, Ragazzi SLB. The impact of varicella vaccination on varicella-related hospitalization rates: global data review. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2016. [PMID: 26965075 PMCID: PMC5178123 DOI: 10.1016/j.rppede.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Impacto da vacina varicela nas taxas de internações relacionadas à varicela: revisão de dados mundiais. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA 2016; 34:359-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rpped.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Bauchau V, Van Holle L, Cohen C. Modelling Hospitalisation Ratios for Febrile Convulsions and Severe Varicella Under Combined Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella (MMRV-Priorix-Tetra™) Compared to Separate MMR + V Vaccination. Drug Saf 2016; 38:1095-102. [PMID: 26251259 PMCID: PMC4608986 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-015-0326-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella combination vaccines (MMRV) facilitate varicella vaccination uptake compared with separate administration of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) with varicella vaccine (V). However, the risk of developing febrile convulsions (FC) is higher in children vaccinated with MMRV. Objectives The aim was to demonstrate how to put the increased FC risk associated with MMRV into perspective by comparing it with the lower V-coverage risk associated with MMR + V. Methods FC and varicella burdens were measured by total numbers or duration of hospitalisations. A model, based on several assumptions and integrating parameters from heterogeneous data sources relevant to Germany, was developed to evaluate hospitalisation ratios (HRs; ratios between yearly numbers of varicella-related hospitalisation days prevented by MMRV and yearly numbers of FC-related hospitalisation days attributed to MMRV, both compared with MMR + V). A sensitivity analysis estimated HR under different scenarios beyond the German experience. Results For parameter values compatible with the German experience, where MMRV (Priorix-Tetra™, GSK, Belgium) was introduced in 2006, the model predicted that transitioning from MMR + V to MMRV would induce 225 vaccine-related FC hospitalisation days whilst preventing 1976 varicella-related hospitalisation days per year. The HR estimated by Monte Carlo simulations was 8.5 (95 % confidence interval: 1.99–25.22). A sensitivity analysis on two key parameters suggested that transitioning from MMR + V to MMRV would be favourable in situations where MMRV use would significantly impact varicella vaccination uptake. Conclusions MMRV use instead of MMR + V can substantially reduce the number of hospitalisation days, despite increased FC risk when MMRV is used as a first dose of measles-containing vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carine Cohen
- GSK Vaccines, Avenue Fleming 20, 1300, Wavre, Belgium
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Varicella zoster virus related deaths and hospitalizations before the introduction of universal vaccination with the tetraviral vaccine. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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de Martino Mota A, Carvalho-Costa FA. Varicella zoster virus related deaths and hospitalizations before the introduction of universal vaccination with the tetraviral vaccine. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2016; 92:361-6. [PMID: 26969400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize varicella zoster virus-related deaths and hospitalizations in Brazil before universal vaccination with the tetravalent (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine, attempting to collect baseline data on varicella morbidity and mortality in order to evaluate the impact of the varicella vaccination program. METHODS Varicella-associated mortality data were evaluated between 1996 and 2011 and varicella zoster virus-associated hospitalizations between 1998 and 2013. Data were gathered from the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System, considering the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, code B01. All age groups were assessed. Varicella-specific mortality rates were calculated and seasonality of varicella-zoster virus-associated hospitalizations was described. RESULTS There were 2334 varicella deaths between 1996 and 2011, 19.3% in infants aged less than 1 year and 36% in children from 1 to 4 years. In infants under 1 year, varicella mortality rates reached 3.2/100,000/year. In children aged 1-4 years, varicella mortality rates reach 1.64/100,000/year. Average annual mortality rates for varicella in Brazil are 0.88/100,000 in infants under 1 year and 0.40/100,000 in children aged 1-4 years. The total number of hospitalizations associated with varicella zoster virus was 62,246 from 2008 to 2013. Varicella-associated hospitalizations have a seasonal distribution in children, peaking in November. In the elderly, monthly averages of herpes zoster-associated hospitalizations present no significant seasonal variation. CONCLUSIONS Varicella is associated, in the pre-vaccine period, to significant morbidity and mortality in Brazil. The universal vaccination program is expected to decrease the disease burden from varicella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra de Martino Mota
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Filipe Anibal Carvalho-Costa
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Escritório Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Teresina, PI, Brazil.
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Siedler A, Rieck T, Tolksdorf K. Strong Additional Effect of a Second Varicella Vaccine Dose in Children in Germany, 2009-2014. J Pediatr 2016; 173:202-206.e2. [PMID: 26995703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 1 and 2 varicella vaccine doses in children aged 1-4 years in Germany was evaluated to determine the additional effect of a second dose recommended at least 4 weeks after the first dose and before the second birthday. STUDY DESIGN To estimate the VE, the proportion of cases vaccinated was compared with the proportion of the population vaccinated using nationwide sentinel surveillance data from 2009-2014 and health insurance claims data covering the period January 2009-March 2014, respectively. A general linear model was used to estimate the OR of vaccination in the cases and the population and the corresponding CIs to observe the stability of the VE estimates over time, and to assess the incremental effectiveness of a second dose. RESULTS The overall VE after 1 dose was 86.6% (95% CI: 85.2-87.9), ranging between 94.6% (95% CI: 87.9-97.6) in the first quarter of 2011 and 50.3% (95% CI: 7.3-73.4) in the third quarter of 2013. The overall VE after 2 doses was 97.3% (95% CI: 97.0-97.6), ranging between 99.5% (95% CI: 97.8-99.9) in the second quarter of 2009 and 91.3% (95% CI: 85.7-94.8) in the third quarter of 2013. The incremental VE of 2 doses was 84.6% (95% CI: 81.7-86.9). CONCLUSIONS The substantially higher VE of 2 varicella vaccine doses compared with 1 dose in young children and the strong additional effect of the second dose support the public health relevance of a 2-dose schedule and the success of the early second vaccine dose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thorsten Rieck
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Sauerbrei A. Diagnosis, antiviral therapy, and prophylaxis of varicella-zoster virus infections. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 35:723-34. [PMID: 26873382 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-016-2605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), an important member of the Herpesviridae family, is the etiological agent of varicella as primary infection and zoster as recurrence. An outstanding feature is the lifelong viral latency in dorsal root and cranial nerve ganglia. Both varicella and zoster are worldwide widespread diseases that may be associated with significant complications. However, there is a broad spectrum of laboratory methods to diagnose VZV infections. In contrast to many other viral infections, antiviral treatment of VZV infections and their prevention by vaccination or passive immunoprophylaxis are well established in medical practice. The present manuscript provides an overview about the basic knowledge of VZV infections, their laboratory diagnosis, antiviral therapy, and the prevention procedures, especially in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sauerbrei
- Institute of Virology and Antiviral Therapy, German Consulting Laboratory for HSV and VZV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller University, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 2, Jena, Germany.
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