1
|
Presa J, Findlow J, Zimet GD. Meningococcal Vaccination of Adolescents in the United States: Past Successes and Future Considerations. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:1068-1077. [PMID: 38430074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a rare but serious illness, and adolescents and young adults in the United States are at increased risk. Here, we discuss US IMD history and how successful disease prevention through routine vaccination against the most common disease-causing serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y) can inform future recommendations. Before the introduction of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines, most US cases of IMD were caused by serogroups B, C, and Y. After recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for routine MenACWY vaccination of 11-12-year-olds in 2005, followed by a 2010 booster recommendation, MenCWY disease incidence declined dramatically, and vaccine coverage remains high. Two serogroup B (MenB) vaccines are licensed in the United States, but uptake is low compared with MenACWY vaccines, likely because Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends MenB vaccination subject to shared clinical decision-making rather than routinely for all adolescents. The proportion of adolescent IMD caused by MenB has now increased. Pentavalent vaccines that protect against serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y may provide an optimal strategy for improving vaccination rates to ultimately reduce MenB incidence while maintaining the historically low rates of IMD caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Presa
- Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
| | - Jamie Findlow
- Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Ltd, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory D Zimet
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aref HAT, Westrick S, Chou C, Worthington D, Garza K. How to inform college students about meningitis B vaccine? Comparative effectiveness of an online theory-based text and video intervention. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:970-979. [PMID: 35471896 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2064713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of text and video formats of an online theory-based Meningitis B (MenB) health message intervention on college students. Participants: College freshmen and transfer students admitted at a Southern U.S. University. Methods: In a 2-arm randomized study, knowledge, perceptions, and intention to receive the vaccine were compared pre- and post-intervention. Results: Post intervention, participants in both the written and video interventions had significantly higher scores of knowledge, perceptions, and intentions. Upon comparing the change in scores pre- to post-intervention between both text and video groups, no significant differences were found between both groups. Conclusions: This study, a first in using a theory-based MenB online education intervention and questionnaire to compare text and video formats, suggests that both text and video formats are equally effective in raising young adults' awareness about the MenB vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heba A T Aref
- Harrison College of Pharmacy, Health Outcomes Research and Policy Department, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Salisa Westrick
- Harrison College of Pharmacy, Health Outcomes Research and Policy Department, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Chiahung Chou
- Harrison College of Pharmacy, Health Outcomes Research and Policy Department, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Debra Worthington
- School of Communication & Journalism, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Kimberly Garza
- Harrison College of Pharmacy, Health Outcomes Research and Policy Department, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Villena R, Safadi MA, Gentile Á, Pujadas M, De la Maza V, George S, Torres JP. Epidemiology of Meningococcal Disease in Four South American Countries and Rationale of Vaccination in Adolescents from the Region: Position Paper of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SLIPE). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1841. [PMID: 38140244 PMCID: PMC10748232 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121841] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of meningococcal disease (MD) is crucial after the implementation of vaccination strategies to monitor their impact on disease burden. Adolescent vaccination could provide direct and indirect protection. Argentina, Brazil, and Chile have introduced meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MCV) into their National Immunization Programs (NIP), while Uruguay has not. Here, we analyze the epidemiology of MD and vaccination experience from these four South American countries to identify needs and plans to improve the current vaccination programs. METHODOLOGY Descriptive study of MD incidence rates, serogroup distribution, case fatality rates (CFR), and MCV uptakes during the period 2010-2021 in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Data were extracted from national surveillance programs, reference laboratories, NIPs, and Pubmed. RESULTS MD overall incidence from 2010 to 2021 have a decreasing trend in Argentina (0.37 [IQR = 0.20-0.61]), Brazil (0.59 [IQR = 0.54-1.22]), and Chile (0.45 [IQR = 0.40-0.77]), while a significant increase in Uruguay (0.47 [IQR = 0.33-0.69]) was found from 2016 to 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all countries sharply reduced their MD incidence. The highest incidence rates were observed among infants, followed by children 1-4 years of age. No second peak was evident in adolescents. A reduction in serogroup C, W, and Y cases has occurred in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile after introduction of MCV, serogroup B becoming predominant in all four countries. Median CFR was 9.0%, 21%, 19.9%, and 17.9% in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, respectively. Median uptake of MCV for Argentina and Brazil were 66.6% and 91.0% for priming in infants; 54.7% and 84.5% for booster in toddlers; and 47.5% and 53% for adolescents; while for Chile, 95.6% for toddlers. CONCLUSIONS Experience after the implementation of MCV programs in South America was successful, reducing the burden of MD due to the vaccine serogroups. High vaccine uptake and the inclusion of adolescents will be crucial in the post-pandemic period to maintain the protection of the population. The increase in the proportion of serogroup B cases emphasizes the importance of continuous surveillance to guide future vaccination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Villena
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Niños Exequiel González Cortés, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8900085, Chile;
| | - Marco Aurelio Safadi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01224-001, Brazil;
| | - Ángela Gentile
- Department of Epidemiology, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutierrez, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1121, Argentina;
| | - Mónica Pujadas
- Department of Epidemiology and Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Hospital Pereira Rossell, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
| | - Verónica De la Maza
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500539, Chile; (V.D.l.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Sergio George
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500539, Chile; (V.D.l.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Juan Pablo Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7500539, Chile; (V.D.l.M.); (S.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Coronell-Rodriguez W, Caceres DC, Cintra O, Guzman-Holst A. Epidemiology of Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Colombia: A Retrospective Surveillance Database Analysis. Infect Dis Ther 2023; 12:2709-2724. [PMID: 37966702 PMCID: PMC10746648 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00886-y] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the current study was to describe the historical and recent epidemiology of IMD in Colombia. METHODS This retrospective surveillance database analysis examined all available data on IMD in Colombia. Data were extracted from publicly available disease event reports and laboratory surveillance reports or obtained directly from hospitals in Cartagena. RESULTS During 2015-2021, the overall incidence of IMD was 0.04-0.18 per 100,000 based on laboratory surveillance reports. IMD incidence was highest among infants aged < 1 year (0.52-1.47 per 100,000), as was IMD mortality (0.00-0.65 per 100,000). Serogroup B was the dominant serogroup responsible for IMD in Colombia during 1988-2014, but, since 2015, serogroup C has been dominant in all age groups, followed by serogroups B and Y. During 2010-2021 combined, the majority of IMD cases were reported in Bogotá (31.9%) and Antioquia (21.7%). Of 42 IMD cases in the city of Cartagena, 54.8% occurred in people who lived in the poorest neighborhoods, and these patients had the highest IMD lethality (52.2%) and the shortest median hospitalization duration (3 days). CONCLUSION The overall incidence of IMD in Colombia was low but was highest among infants aged < 1 year. IMD cases tended to be concentrated in the more densely populated areas and in poorer neighborhoods. As the majority of IMD cases in Colombia since 2015 have been serogroup C, followed by B or Y, vaccination to protect against these serogroups could potentially be beneficial and help to achieve the World Health Organization's and Pan American Health Organization's roadmaps to defeat meningitis by 2030.
Collapse
|
5
|
Schley K, Kowalik JC, Sullivan SM, Vyse A, Czudek C, Tichy E, Findlow J. Assessing the Role of Infant and Toddler MenACWY Immunisation in the UK: Does the Adolescent MenACWY Programme Provide Sufficient Protection? Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050940. [PMID: 37243043 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050940] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A combined Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)/meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) vaccine will soon be unavailable in the UK immunisation schedule due to discontinuation by the manufacturer. An interim statement by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises stopping MenC immunisation at 12 months of age when this occurs. We undertook an analysis of the public health impact of various potential meningococcal vaccination strategies in the UK in the absence of the Hib/MenC vaccine. A static population-cohort model was developed evaluating the burden of IMD (using 2005-2015 epidemiological data) and related health outcomes (e.g., cases, cases with long-term sequelae, deaths), which allows for the comparison of any two meningococcal immunisation strategies. We compared potential strategies that included different combinations of infant and/or toddler MenACWY immunisations with the anticipated future situation in which a 12-month MenC vaccine is not used, but the MenACWY vaccine is routinely given in adolescents. The most effective strategy is combining MenACWY immunisation at 2, 4, and 12 months of age with the incumbent adolescent MenACWY immunisation programme, resulting in the prevention of an additional 269 IMD cases and 13 fatalities over the modelling period; of these cases, 87 would be associated with long-term sequelae. Among the different vaccination strategies, it was observed that those with multiple doses and earlier doses provided the greatest protection. Our study provides evidence suggesting that the removal of the MenC toddler immunisation from the UK schedule would potentially increase the risk of unnecessary IMD cases and have a detrimental public health impact if not replaced by an alternate infant and/or toddler programme. This analysis supports that infant and toddler MenACWY immunisation can provide maximal protection while complementing both infant/toddler MenB and adolescent MenACWY immunisation programmes in the UK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jack C Kowalik
- Pfizer Ltd., Walton Oaks, Dorking Rd., Tadworth KT20 7NS, UK
| | | | - Andrew Vyse
- Pfizer Ltd., Walton Oaks, Dorking Rd., Tadworth KT20 7NS, UK
| | - Carole Czudek
- Pfizer Ltd., Walton Oaks, Dorking Rd., Tadworth KT20 7NS, UK
| | - Eszter Tichy
- Evidera/PPD, Bocskai ut 134-144, Dorottya Udvar, Building E, Floor 2, H-1113 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jamie Findlow
- Pfizer Ltd., Walton Oaks, Dorking Rd., Tadworth KT20 7NS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cai B, Peyrani P, Beeslaar J, Burman C, Balmer P. Modeling persistence of hSBA titers over time following a primary series and a booster dose of MenB-FHbp. Vaccine 2023; 41:2729-2733. [PMID: 37024411 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.02.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
MenB-FHbp is a meningococcal serogroup B vaccine. Persistence of hSBA titers against 4 diverse test strains ≤ 4 years after a 2-dose MenB-FHbp primary series and ≤ 26 months after a booster dose administered 4 years post-primary has been demonstrated. Here, we developed a power law model (PLM) to estimate the persistence of hSBA titers up to 5 years after a MenB-FHbp primary series and a booster dose using hSBA data from previous MenB-FHbp clinical trials in healthy adolescents. The PLM-predicted hSBA titers closely followed observed values after a 0, 6 month MenB-FHbp primary series and a booster dose 4 years later. At 5 years post-primary and 5 years post-booster, the PLM predicted that 15.2 %-50.0 % and 51.2 %-70.9 % of individuals, respectively, would have hSBA titers ≥ 1:8 or 1:16. The PLM supports that the persistence of hSBA titers is maintained for at least 5 years post-primary MenB-FHbp vaccination and post-booster.
Collapse
|
7
|
Taha S, Taha MK, Deghmane AE. Impact of mandatory vaccination against serogroup C meningococci in targeted and non-targeted populations in France. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:73. [PMID: 35768437 PMCID: PMC9243022 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00488-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since January 2018, mandatory vaccination against meningococci serogroup C has been implemented in France for children <2 years with a recommended catch-up vaccination until the age of 24 years. We aimed to analyse the impact of mandatory vaccination on populations not targeted by it (2–24 years old). We used the database of the national reference centre for meningococci to collect the number of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases before (2016–2017) and after (2018–2019) the mandatory vaccination. The cultured isolates were sequenced and submitted for genomic comparison. The total number of cases was 1706, including 376 cases of IMD serogroup C. Mandatory vaccination correlated with a significant decrease among the <2 years old and a decreasing trend among the 2–14 years old group but not among 15–25 years of age. This observation may be explained by the vaccine coverage that is still low among adolescents and young adults. Moreover, the genomic analysis revealed the co-circulation of two major genotypes belonging to the clonal complex ST-11 whose distribution differed across the age groups in accord with cyclic variations of genotypes. It is important to increase specific knowledge on meningococcal epidemiology and vaccination to involve them in establishing the vaccination strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samy Taha
- Institut Pasteur, Invasive bacterial infections Unit and National Reference centre for meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae, Paris, France.,Université de Paris Sud, Faculty of Medicine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Muhamed-Kheir Taha
- Institut Pasteur, Invasive bacterial infections Unit and National Reference centre for meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae, Paris, France
| | - Ala-Eddine Deghmane
- Institut Pasteur, Invasive bacterial infections Unit and National Reference centre for meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nuttens C, Findlow J, Balmer P, Swerdlow DL, Tin Tin Htar M. Evolution of invasive meningococcal disease epidemiology in Europe, 2008 to 2017. Euro Surveill 2022; 27:2002075. [PMID: 35057902 PMCID: PMC8804660 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.3.2002075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundInvasive meningococcal disease (IMD) epidemiology has fluctuated over the past 25 years and varies among serogroups, age groups and geographical locations.AimThis study analysed the evolution of European IMD epidemiology from 2008 to 2017 to identify trends.MethodsReported number of IMD cases and associated incidence were extracted from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Surveillance Atlas for Infectious Diseases for individual European countries. Epidemiology and its evolution were analysed by serogroup and age group.ResultsOverall IMD incidence decreased by 34.4% between 2008 and 2017. Serogroup B remained predominant in 2017; despite a 56.1% decrease over the 10-year period, the rate of decrease has slowed in recent years and varies by age group. Serogroup C was the second most prevalent serogroup until 2016. Its incidence decreased among individuals aged 1-24 years, the main population targeted by MenC vaccination campaigns, but increases have occurred in other age groups. Incidences of serogroups W and Y were low but increased by > 500% and > 130% (to 0.10 and 0.07/100,000) respectively, from 2008 to 2017. Considering all serogroups, a marked modification of the evolution trends by age group has occurred, with increases in incidence mainly affecting older age groups.ConclusionAlthough the overall IMD incidence decreased in Europe between 2008 and 2017, increases were observed for serogroups W and Y, and in the older population when considering all serogroups. It may be necessary to adapt current vaccination strategies to reflect epidemiological changes and their likely future evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Nuttens
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer, Paris, France
| | - Jamie Findlow
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Ltd, Tadworth, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Balmer
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, United States
| | - David L Swerdlow
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, United States
| | - Myint Tin Tin Htar
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pinto Cardoso G, Lagrée-Chastan M, Caseris M, Gaudelus J, Haas H, Leroy JP, Bakhache P, Pujol JF, Werner A, Dommergues MA, Pauquet E, Pinquier D. Overview of meningococcal epidemiology and national immunization programs in children and adolescents in 8 Western European countries. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1000657. [PMID: 36507149 PMCID: PMC9727280 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1000657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, meningococcal (Men) vaccines are available against 5 of the 6 serogroups responsible of nearly all cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). Meningococcal vaccination has been introduced in the national immunization programs (NIPs) for children and adolescents of numerous European countries, but with no consistent strategy across countries. OBJECTIVES To describe IMD epidemiology, NIPs, and vaccination coverage rates (VCRs) in children and adolescents in 8 Western European countries. METHODS Epidemiological data (from 1999 to 2019), NIPs regarding meningococcal vaccination status, and VCRs were collected from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and/or national websites. RESULTS MenB was the most common serogroup. In Belgium, Spain, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK), and Portugal, incidence was greater for MenW than MenC. In 2019, MenB risk was covered in 2 countries (Italy, UK). MenC risk was covered in all countries, via MenC only (countries: N = 3), MenACWY only (N = 2), or MenC (infants/children) and MenACWY (adolescents) (N = 3) vaccination. VCRs were higher in children than adolescents. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the diversity of NIPs, including in neighboring European countries with similar factors like economic resources and epidemiological risk, thus indicating that other factors underlie NIPs. Convergence toward a more common immunization program including MenACWY and MenB vaccination would promote equity and safe travel regarding infectious diseases for young people, and possibly improve the understanding of vaccination by patients and healthcare professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Pinto Cardoso
- Service de Pédiatrie Néonatale et Réanimation, University of Rouen Normandy, CHU Rouen, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France
| | - Marion Lagrée-Chastan
- Urgences Pédiatriques et Maladies Infectieuses, CHU Lille, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Lille Cedex, France
| | | | - Joël Gaudelus
- Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy Cedex, France
| | - Hervé Haas
- Service de Pédiatrie - Néonatalogie, Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, Monaco Cedex, Monaco
| | - Jean-Philippe Leroy
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, DIIM/SIBM, CHU Rouen, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Emilie Pauquet
- Unité de Néonatologie, Soins Intensifs Néonataux, Hôpital des Enfants, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Didier Pinquier
- Service de Pédiatrie Néonatale et Réanimation, University of Rouen Normandy, CHU Rouen, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Martinón-Torres F, Taha MK, Knuf M, Abbing-Karahagopian V, Pellegrini M, Bekkat-Berkani R, Abitbol V. Evolving strategies for meningococcal vaccination in Europe: Overview and key determinants for current and future considerations. Pathog Glob Health 2021; 116:85-98. [PMID: 34569453 PMCID: PMC8933022 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1972663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a life-threatening, unpredictable condition. Vaccines are available against 5 of the 6 meningococcal serogroups (Men) accounting for nearly all IMD cases worldwide; conjugate monovalent MenC, quadrivalent MenACWY, and protein-based MenB vaccines are commonly used. We provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of meningococcal vaccination strategies employed in national immunization programmes (NIPs) and their impact on IMD incidence in Europe. A more in-depth description is given for several countries: the United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, and Ireland. We searched European health authorities' websites and PubMed. Various vaccines and immunization schedules are used in 21 NIPs. Most countries implement MenC vaccination in infants, MenACWY in adolescents, and a growing number, MenB in infants. Only Malta has introduced MenACWY vaccination in infants, and several countries reimburse immunization of toddlers. The UK, Italy, Ireland, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino recommend MenB vaccination in infants and MenACWY vaccination in adolescents, targeting the most prevalent serogroups in the most impacted age groups. Main factors determining new vaccination strategies are fluctuating IMD epidemiology, ease of vaccine implementation, ability to induce herd protection, favorable benefit-risk balance, and acceptable cost-effectiveness. Since 1999, when the UK introduced MenC vaccination, the reduction in IMD incidence has been gradually enhanced as other countries adopted routine meningococcal vaccinations. Meningococcal vaccination strategies in each country are continually adapted to regional epidemiology and national healthcare priorities. Future strategies may include broader coverage vaccines when available (e.g., MenABCWY, MenACWY), depending on prevailing epidemiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Martinón-Torres
- Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP, Instituto De Investigación Sanitaria De Santiago and Universidad De Santiago De Compostela (Usc), Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Muhamed-Kheir Taha
- Institut Pasteur, Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit, National Reference Centre for Meningococci and Haemophilus Influenza, Paris, France
| | - Markus Knuf
- Klinik Für Kinder- Und Jugendmedizin, Worms, Germany and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Medicine, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ohm M, Hahné SJM, van der Ende A, Sanders EAM, Berbers GAM, Ruijs WLM, van Sorge NM, de Melker HE, Knol MJ. Vaccine impact and effectiveness of meningococcal serogroup ACWY conjugate vaccine implementation in the Netherlands: a nationwide surveillance study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:2173-2180. [PMID: 34525199 PMCID: PMC9258937 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In response to the recent serogroup W invasive meningococcal disease (IMD-W) epidemic in the Netherlands, meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) conjugate vaccination for children aged 14 months was replaced with a MenACWY conjugate vaccination, and a mass campaign targeting individuals aged 14–18 years was executed. We investigated the impact of MenACWY vaccination implementation in 2018–2020 on incidence rates and estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE). Methods We extracted IMD cases diagnosed between July 2014 and December 2020 from the national surveillance system. We calculated age group–specific incidence rate ratios by comparing incidence rates before (July 2017–March 2018) and after (July 2019–March 2020) MenACWY vaccination implementation. We estimated VE in vaccine-eligible cases using the screening method. Results Overall, the IMD-W incidence rate declined by 61% (95% confidence interval [CI], 40 to 74). It declined by 82% (95% CI, 18 to 96) in the vaccine-eligible age group (individuals aged 15–36 months and 14–18 years) and by 57% (95% CI, 34 to 72) in vaccine-noneligible age groups. VE was 92% (95% CI, –20 to 99.5) in vaccine-eligible toddlers (aged 15–36 months). No IMD-W cases were reported in vaccine-eligible teenagers after the campaign. Conclusions The MenACWY vaccination program was effective in preventing IMD-W in the target population. The IMD-W incidence reduction in vaccine-noneligible age groups may be caused by indirect effects of the vaccination program. However, disentangling natural fluctuation from vaccine effect was not possible. Our findings encourage the use of toddler and teenager MenACWY vaccination in national immunization programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milou Ohm
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Susan J M Hahné
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Arie van der Ende
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention and Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis, Amsterdam UMC, location Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth A M Sanders
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Guy A M Berbers
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Wilhelmina L M Ruijs
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Nina M van Sorge
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention and Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis, Amsterdam UMC, location Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hester E de Melker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam J Knol
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Watle SV, Næss LM, Tunheim G, Caugant DA, Wisløff T. Cost-effectiveness of meningococcal vaccination of Norwegian teenagers with a quadrivalent ACWY conjugate vaccine. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:2777-2787. [PMID: 33631080 PMCID: PMC8475610 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1880209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In Norway, the incidence of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is higher among 16–19-year-olds than in the general population. Most IMD cases among teenagers are caused by serogroup Y. Since 2011, one dose of meningococcal ACWY conjugate vaccine (MCV4) has been recommended for teenagers with out-of-pocket payment. The teenagers are usually vaccinated through the school health service at age 18. This study aimed to estimate costs and health gains of introducing MCV4 to Norwegian teenagers through the national immunization program (NIP). A Markov model was used to analyze the cost-effectiveness of universal MCV4 vaccination of either 15-year-olds or 18-years-olds. Occurrences of IMD were simulated from 15 until 23 years of age. Costs were estimated from a healthcare perspective. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the impact of vaccine price, vaccination uptake, IMD incidence and discount rate. Compared to today’s practice of vaccinating 18-year-olds with out-of-pocket payment, introducing MCV4 to 15-year-olds in a NIP-setting, with 90% vaccine uptake and 50% rebate on vaccine price, prevented 3.2 hospitalizations, 0.20 sequelae and 0.47 deaths among 15–23-year-olds, annually. Total costs were reduced by €30,000 and 9.7 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were gained per birth cohort. The probability of cost-effectiveness was 99.0%, assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of €86,000/QALY for severe diseases in Norway. Cost-effectiveness was highly dependent on vaccine price. Vaccination of 18-year-olds in a NIP-setting was also cost-effective, but less than NIP-vaccination of 15-year-olds. Introduction of MCV4 to the 15-year-olds in the Norwegian NIP is likely to be cost-effective given a rebate on the vaccine price.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Viksmoen Watle
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Meyer Næss
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Tunheim
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominique A Caugant
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torbjørn Wisløff
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Martinón-Torres F, Banzhoff A, Azzari C, De Wals P, Marlow R, Marshall H, Pizza M, Rappuoli R, Bekkat-Berkani R. Recent advances in meningococcal B disease prevention: real-world evidence from 4CMenB vaccination. J Infect 2021; 83:17-26. [PMID: 33933528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES 4CMenB is a broadly protective vaccine against invasive meningococcal capsular group B disease (MenB IMD). Licensed worldwide based on immunogenicity and safety data, effectiveness and impact data are now available. We comprehensively reviewed all available real-world evidence gathered from use of 4CMenB since licensure. RESULTS Data from 7 countries provide evidence of effectiveness and impact across different healthcare settings and age-groups, including national/regional immunization programs, observational studies and outbreak control. At least 2 4CMenB doses reduced MenB IMD by 50%-100% in 2-month to 20-year-olds depending on length of follow-up. Estimates of vaccine effectiveness in fully vaccinated cohorts ranged from 59%-100%. The safety profile of 4CMenB administered in real-world settings was consistent with pre-licensure clinical trial data. CONCLUSION MenB IMD is an uncommon but life-threatening disease with unpredictable epidemiology. The substantial body of data demonstrating 4CMenB effectiveness and impact supports its use in IMD prevention. The results reinforce the importance of direct protection of the highest risk groups; infants/young children and adolescents. Direct protection via routine infant immunization with catch-up in young children and routine adolescent vaccination could be the preferred option for MenB disease control. A Video Abstract linked to this article is available on Figshare: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14546790.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Martinón-Torres
- Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela and University of Santiago, A Choupana, s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Chiara Azzari
- University of Florence, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Florence, Italy
| | - Philippe De Wals
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Laval University, Division of Biological Risks and Occupational Health, Quebec National Public Health Institute (Direction des risques biologiques et de la santé au travail, Institut national de santé publique du Québec), and Quebec University Hospital Research Centre, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Robin Marlow
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8* 2PS, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Marshall
- VIRTU, Women's and Children's Health Network & Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tzanakaki G, Xirogianni A, Tsitsika A, Clark SA, Kesanopoulos K, Bratcher HB, Papandreou A, Rodrigues CMC, Maiden MCJ, Borrow R, Tsolia M. Estimated strain coverage of serogroup B meningococcal vaccines: A retrospective study for disease and carrier strains in Greece (2010-2017). Vaccine 2021; 39:1621-1630. [PMID: 33597116 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.01.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is associated with high case fatality rates and long-term sequelae among survivors. Meningococci belonging to six serogroups (A, B, C, W, X, and Y) cause nearly all IMD worldwide, with serogroup B meningococci (MenB) the predominant cause in many European countries, including Greece (~80% of all IMD). In the absence of protein-conjugate polysaccharide MenB vaccines, two protein-based vaccines are available to prevent MenB IMD in Greece: 4CMenB (Bexsero™, GlaxoSmithKline), available since 2014; and MenB-FHbp, (Trumenba™, Pfizer), since 2018. This study investigated the potential coverage of MenB vaccines in Greece using 107 MenB specimens, collected from 2010 to 2017 (66 IMD isolates and 41 clinical samples identified solely by non-culture PCR), alongside 6 MenB isolates from a carriage study conducted during 2017-2018. All isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), PorA, and FetA antigen typing. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) was performed on 66 isolates to define the sequences of vaccine components factor H-binding protein (fHbp), Neisserial Heparin Binding Antigen (NHBA), and Neisseria adhesin A (NadA). The expression of fHbp was investigated with flow cytometric meningococcal antigen surface expression (MEASURE) assay. The fHbp gene was present in-frame in all isolates tested by WGS and in 41 MenB clinical samples. All three variant families of fHbp peptides were present, with subfamily B peptides (variant 1) occurring in 69.2% and subfamily A in 30.8% of the samples respectively. Sixty three of 66 (95.5%) MenB isolates expressed sufficient fHbp to be susceptible to bactericidal killing by MenB-fHbp induced antibodies, highlighting its potential to protect against most IMD in Greece.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Tzanakaki
- National Meningitis Reference Laboratory (NMRL), Dept of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece.
| | - A Xirogianni
- National Meningitis Reference Laboratory (NMRL), Dept of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - A Tsitsika
- Second Dept of Paediatrics, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| | - S A Clark
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - K Kesanopoulos
- National Meningitis Reference Laboratory (NMRL), Dept of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - H B Bratcher
- Department of Zoology, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK
| | - A Papandreou
- National Meningitis Reference Laboratory (NMRL), Dept of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - C M C Rodrigues
- Department of Zoology, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK
| | - M C J Maiden
- Department of Zoology, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK
| | - R Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - M Tsolia
- Second Dept of Paediatrics, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Meningococcal disease epidemiology in Brazil (2005-2018) and impact of MenC vaccination. Vaccine 2020; 39:605-616. [PMID: 33358262 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.11.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningococcal disease (MD) presents a substantial public health problem in Brazil. Meningococcal C conjugate (MenC) vaccination was introduced into the routine infant immunization program in 2010, followed by adolescent vaccination in 2017. We evaluated changes in national and regional MD incidence and mortality between 2005 and 2018, serogroup distribution and vaccine coverage. METHODS Data were obtained from national surveillance systems from 2005 to 2018. Age-stratified incidence and mortality rates were calculated and a descriptive time-series analysis was performed comparing rates in the pre-(2005-2009) and post-vaccination (2011-2018) periods; MD due to specific meningococcal serogroups were analyzed in the pre-(2007-2009) and post-vaccination (2011-2018) periods. RESULTS From 2005 to 2018, 31,108 MD cases were reported with 6496 deaths; 35% of cases and deaths occurred in children < 5 years. Incidence and mortality rates declined steadily since 2012 in all age-strata, with significantly lower incidence and mortality in the post-vaccine introduction period in children aged < 1-year, 1-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-14 years. A significant decline in MenC disease in children < 5 years was observed following MenC vaccine introduction; infants < 1 year, from 3.30/100,000 (2007-2009) to 1.08/100,000 (2011-2018) and from 1.44/100,000 to 0.42/100,000 in 1-4-year-olds for these periods. Reductions in MenB disease was also observed. MenW remains an important cause of MD with 748 cases reported across 2005-2018. While initial infant vaccination coverage was high (>95% nationwide), this has since declined (to 83% in 2018); adolescent uptake was < 20% in 2017/18). Regional variations in outcomes and vaccine coverage were observed. CONCLUSION A substantial decline in incidence and mortality rates due to MD was seen following MenC vaccine introduction in Brazil, especially among children < 5 years chiefly driven by reductions in MenC serogroup. While these benefits are considerable, the prevalence of MD due to other serogroups such as MenW and MenB remains a concern. A video summary linked to this article can be found on Figshare: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.13379612.v1.
Collapse
|
16
|
Vaccines against Meningococcal Diseases. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8101521. [PMID: 33022961 PMCID: PMC7601370 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is the main cause of meningitis and sepsis, potentially life-threatening conditions. Thanks to advancements in vaccine development, vaccines are now available for five out of six meningococcal disease-causing serogroups (A, B, C, W, and Y). Vaccination programs with monovalent meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) conjugate vaccines in Europe have successfully decreased MenC disease and carriage. The use of a monovalent MenA conjugate vaccine in the African meningitis belt has led to a near elimination of MenA disease. Due to the emergence of non-vaccine serogroups, recommendations have gradually shifted, in many countries, from monovalent conjugate vaccines to quadrivalent MenACWY conjugate vaccines to provide broader protection. Recent real-world effectiveness of broad-coverage, protein-based MenB vaccines has been reassuring. Vaccines are also used to control meningococcal outbreaks. Despite major improvements, meningococcal disease remains a global public health concern. Further research into changing epidemiology is needed. Ongoing efforts are being made to develop next-generation, pentavalent vaccines including a MenACWYX conjugate vaccine and a MenACWY conjugate vaccine combined with MenB, which are expected to contribute to the global control of meningitis.
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Teenagers are important carriers of Neisseria meningitidis, which is a leading cause of invasive meningococcal disease. In China, the carriage rate and risk factors among teenagers are unclear. The present study presents a retrospective analysis of epidemiological data for N. meningitidis carriage from 2013 to 2017 in Suizhou city, China. The carriage rates were 3.26%, 2.22%, 3.33%, 3.53% and 9.88% for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. From 2014 to 2017, the carriage rate in the 15- to 19-year-old age group (teenagers) was the highest and significantly higher than that in remain age groups. Subsequently, a larger scale survey (December 2017) for carriage rate and relative risk factors (population density, time spent in the classroom, gender and antibiotics use) were investigated on the teenagers (15- to 19-year-old age) at the same school. The carriage rate was still high at 33.48% (223/663) and varied greatly from 6.56% to 52.94% in a different class. Population density of the classroom was found to be a significant risk factor for carriage, and 1.4 persons/m2 is recommended as the maximum classroom density. Further, higher male gender ratio and more time spent in the classroom were also significantly associated with higher carriage. Finally, antibiotic use was associated with a significantly lower carriage rate. All the results imply that attention should be paid to the teenagers and various measures can be taken to reduce the N. meningitidis carriage, to prevent and control the outbreak of IMD.
Collapse
|
18
|
Mbaeyi S, Pondo T, Blain A, Yankey D, Potts C, Cohn A, Hariri S, Shang N, MacNeil JR. Incidence of Meningococcal Disease Before and After Implementation of Quadrivalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine in the United States. JAMA Pediatr 2020; 174:843-851. [PMID: 32687590 PMCID: PMC7372499 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.1990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In 2005, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended routine quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine for all adolescents aged 11 to 12 years, and in 2010, a booster dose for adolescents aged 16 years. Measuring the association between MenACWY vaccination and the incidence of meningococcal disease in adolescents is critical for evaluating the adolescent vaccination program and informing future vaccine policy. OBJECTIVE To describe the association between MenACWY vaccination and the incidence of meningococcal disease in US adolescents. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cohort study, analysis of surveillance data included all confirmed and probable cases of Neisseria meningitidis reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2017. Statistical analysis was conducted from October 1, 2018, to August 31, 2019. EXPOSURES Routine MenACWY vaccination among US adolescents. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Poisson segmented regression analysis was used to model the annual incidence of meningococcal disease among adolescents aged 11 to 15 years and 16 to 22 years before the introduction of the MenACWY vaccine (2000-2005), after the primary dose recommendation (2006-2010), and after the booster dose recommendation (2011-2017); 95% CIs were used to determine significant differences between time periods. RESULTS The national incidence of meningococcal disease declined from 0.61 cases per 100 000 population during the prevaccine period (2000-2005) to 0.15 cases per 100 000 population during the post-booster dose period (2011-2017). The greatest percentage decline was observed for serogroup C, W, and Y combined (CWY) among adolescents aged 11 to 15 years and 16 to 22 years in the periods after vaccine introduction. Incidence of serogroup CWY meningococcal disease among adolescents aged 11 to 15 years decreased by 16.3% (95% CI, 12.1%-20.3%) annually during the prevaccine period and 27.8% (95% CI, 20.6%-34.4%) during the post-primary dose period (P = .02); among adolescents aged 16 to 22 years, the incidence decreased by 10.6% (95% CI, 6.8%-14.3%) annually in the post-primary dose period and 35.6% (95% CI, 29.3%-41.0%) annually in the post-booster dose period (P < .001). An estimated 222 cases of meningococcal disease due to serogroup CWY among adolescents were averted through vaccination during the evaluation period. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE After introduction of a primary and booster MenACWY dose, the rates of decline in incidence of meningococcal disease due to serogroup C, W, or Y accelerated nearly 2-fold to 3-fold in vaccinated adolescent age groups. Although the MenACWY vaccine alone cannot explain the decline of meningococcal disease in the United States, these data suggest that MenACWY vaccination is associated with reduced disease rates in adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mbaeyi
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tracy Pondo
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amy Blain
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - David Yankey
- Assessment Branch, Immunization Services Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Caelin Potts
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amanda Cohn
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Office of the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan Hariri
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nong Shang
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica R. MacNeil
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Office of the Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Huang L, Goren A, Lee LK, Li VW, Dempsey A, Srivastava A. Disparities in healthcare providers' interpretations and implementations of ACIP's meningococcal vaccine recommendations. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:933-944. [PMID: 31634035 PMCID: PMC7227692 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1682845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis is rare but potentially fatal. For healthy adolescents, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination with MenACWY and recommends MenB vaccination under shared clinical decision-making (previously "Category B"). The recommendation for MenB vaccination was the first category B recommendation in adolescents, and it is unclear how healthcare providers (HCPs) implement these guidelines. This 2017 web-based survey of US HCPs explored characteristics associated with prescribing or receiving MenB and MenACWY vaccines, HCP knowledge of vaccine recommendations, and real-world practice patterns. Of 529 respondents, 436 prescribed MenB vaccines to their eligible adolescent/young adult patients and 93 prescribed MenACWY vaccines only. MenB vaccine prescribers were more likely to be pediatricians compared with MenACWY vaccine only prescribers, and patients who received MenB vaccines were more likely to be non-Hispanic whites living in shared spaces (eg, college dormitories) than those not receiving the vaccine. Seventy-seven percent of HCPs indicated that they prescribe MenACWY vaccines consistently with ACIP recommendations (to all members of an age group), whereas only 7% indicated that they prescribe MenB vaccines consistently with ACIP recommendations (individual clinical decision making). Patient-related factors, disease-related factors, and guidelines all influenced HCP decisions to prescribe meningococcal vaccines. Providing HCPs with clear guidance on how to initiate discussion of MenB vaccines with patients and their caregivers may aid in fully protecting US adolescents against meningococcal disease caused by 5 of the disease-causing serogroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Huang
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Amir Goren
- Real World Evidence, Kantar Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lulu K. Lee
- Real World Evidence, Kantar Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vicky W. Li
- Real World Evidence, Kantar Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Dempsey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Amit Srivastava
- Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ferreira VM, Ferreira ÍE, Chang HY, Nunes AMPB, Topaz N, Pimentel ER, Moura ARSS, Ribeiro GS, Feitosa CA, Reis MG, Wang X, Campos LC. Meningococcal carriage in young adults six years after meningococcal C conjugate (MCC) vaccine catch-up campaign in Salvador, Brazil. Vaccine 2020; 38:2995-3002. [PMID: 32115294 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.02.050] [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: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Meningococcal carriage studies are important to improve the knowledge of disease epidemiology as well as to support appropriate vaccination strategies. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and genotypic characteristics of meningococci collected from young adults in Salvador, Brazil six years after a meningococcal C conjugate vaccine catch-up campaign. From August through November 2016, oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 407 students aged 1824 years attending a private college in Salvador, Brazil. Neisseria meningitidis was identified by standard microbiology methods and real time PCR. Genetic characteristics of meningococci were assessed by rt-PCR and/or whole genome sequencing. We also investigated potential factors associated with carriage. N. meningitidis was detectable in 50 students, 39 by both culture and rt-PCR, 7 by culture alone and 4 by rt-PCR alone, resulting in an overall meningococcal carriage prevalence of 12.3% (50/407). Carriage was independently associated with male sex (adjusted PR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.12-3.46; p = 0.018) and attending bars or parties at least once per month (aPR: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.49-7.38; p = 0.003). Molecular tests identified 92% (46/50) N. meningitidis as non-groupable, of which 63% (29/46) had the capsule null genotype; 14 NG isolates contained disrupted capsule backbones and belonged to the following genogroups: 7 B, 3 Z, 3 E and 1 W. One isolate belonged to genogroup C tested only by PCR; 3 isolates contained a complete B capsule backbones, 2 of which were determined to be NG by slide agglutination serogrouping. While most meningococcal carriage isolates were non-groupable, there was a high degree of genetic diversity present in the collection, as evidenced by 25 unique STs being detected. The carriage prevalence of meningococcal serogroup C was low among young adults. Continuous vaccination is important to maintain reduced meningococcal carriage and transmission, inducing herd protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Matos Ferreira
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - How-Yi Chang
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Nadav Topaz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Guilherme Sousa Ribeiro
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Mitermayer Galvão Reis
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Xin Wang
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Azzari C, Diez-Domingo J, Eisenstein E, Faust SN, Konstantopoulos A, Marshall GS, Rodrigues F, Schwarz TF, Weil-Olivier C. Experts' opinion for improving global adolescent vaccination rates: a call to action. Eur J Pediatr 2020; 179:547-553. [PMID: 32072304 PMCID: PMC7080665 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-019-03511-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, lifestyle and resource disparities among adolescents contribute to unmet health needs, which have crucial present and future public health implications for both adolescents and broader communities. Risk of infection among adolescents is amplified by biological, behavioral, and environmental factors; however, infectious diseases to which adolescents are susceptible are often preventable with vaccines. Beyond these concerns, there is a lack of knowledge regarding adolescent vaccination and disease risk among parents and adolescents, which can contribute to low vaccine uptake. Promising efforts have been made to improve adolescent vaccination by programs with motivational drivers and comprehensive communication with the public. In May 2017, a multidisciplinary group of experts met in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to discuss adolescent vaccine uptake, as part of an educational initiative called the Advancing Adolescent Health Spring Forum. This article presents consensus opinions resulting from the meeting, which pertain to the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases among adolescents, reasons for low vaccine uptake, and common characteristics of successful strategies for improving adolescent vaccination.Conclusion: There is an urgent "call to action," particularly targeting healthcare providers and public health authorities, for the prioritization of adolescent vaccination as a necessary element of preventive healthcare in this age group.What is Known:• Despite increased risk of certain infectious diseases, adolescent vaccination uptake remains low.What is New:• Barriers to adolescent vaccine uptake include lack of information regarding vaccines and disease risk, health system inadequacies, and insufficient healthcare follow-up.• Successful efforts to improve adolescent vaccine uptake need cohesive leadership and involvement of multiple stakeholders, as well as youth-friendly messaging; healthcare providers and policymakers should prioritize adolescent vaccination and implement proven program strategies to improve adolescent health worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Azzari
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence and Meyer Children’s Hospital, viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Evelyn Eisenstein
- University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, - UERJ Bloco C - 9º andar, R. São Francisco Xavier, 524 - Maracanã, 20550-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Saul N. Faust
- National Institute of Health Research Clinical Research Facility, University of Southampton and University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton Centre for Biomedical Research, C Level West Wing, Mailpoint 218, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, SO16 6YD, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Gary S. Marshall
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 571 S. Floyd St., Suite 321, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Fernanda Rodrigues
- Hospital Pediátrico – Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tino F. Schwarz
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Vaccination Centre, Klinikum Wuerzburg Mitte, Standort Juliusspital, Juliuspromenade 19, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Boccalini S, Bechini A, Sartor G, Paolini D, Innocenti M, Bonanni P, Panatto D, Lai PL, Zangrillo F, Marchini F, Lecini E, Iovine M, Amicizia D, Landa P. [Health Technology Assessment of meningococcal B vaccine (Trumenba ®) in adolescent in Italy]. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2019; 60:E1-E94. [PMID: 32047867 PMCID: PMC7007189 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.3s2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Boccalini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze
| | - A Bechini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze
| | - G Sartor
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze
| | - D Paolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze
| | - M Innocenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze
| | - P Bonanni
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Firenze
| | - D Panatto
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Genova
| | - P L Lai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Genova
| | - F Zangrillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Genova
| | - F Marchini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Genova
| | - E Lecini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Genova
| | - M Iovine
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Genova
| | - D Amicizia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Genova
| | - P Landa
- Dipartimento di Economia, Università degli Studi di Genova
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sanz Moreno JC, Ramos Blázquez B. Papel del estado de portador en el control de enfermedades infecciosas y su relación con la vacunación. REVISTA MADRILEÑA DE SALUD PÚBLICA 2019. [DOI: 10.36300/remasp.2019.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
El reservorio natural de Streptococcus pneumoniae,
Neisseria meningitidis y Bordetella pertussis es el ser
humano. De este modo, en caso de disponer de vacunas
efectivas que impidieran la colonización por estas bacterias
se podría interrumpir su transmisión.
La respuesta inmune frente a los antígenos capsulares
de Streptococcus pneumoniae condiciona el estado
de portador de los diferentes serotipos. La vacuna
neumocócica polisacárida 23 valente (PPV23) induce
una respuesta inmune T independiente que es de corta
duración y no previene la colonización. Por el contrario
las vacunas conjugadas 10 valente (PCV10V) y 13 valente
(PCV13) generan una inmunidad T dependiente que
si reduce la colonización por los serotipos incluidos en
su composición. Por este motivo las vacunas conjugadas
proporcionan inmunidad de grupo.
La vacunación de adolescentes frente a Neisseria menigintidis
puede modificar el patrón de transmisión de la
infección con una reducción de la incidencia en niños. En
la actualidad se dispone de vacunas conjugadas frente
a meningococo C, conjugadas tetravalantes frente a los
serogrupos ACWY y de proteínas recombinantes frente a
meningococo B. La inmunidad de grupo generada por vacunas
conjugadas ha sido demostrada para Neisseria menigintidis
C. Desafortunadamente existe escasa evidencia
del impacto de las vacunas frente a meningococo B en la
reducción del estado de portador entre adultos jóvenes.
La infección natural por Bordetella pertussis estimula la
producción de linfocitos T de memoria e induce una intensa
respuesta de IgA secretora en la nasofaringe. En
contraste con la infección natural y con las vacunas de
células completas las actuales vacunas acelulares, no
generan inmunidad en mucosas y no otorgan inmunidad
de grupo. En un intento de resolver este problema se
están desarrollando vacunas alternativas frente a Bordetella
pertussis como las nuevas de células completas y
las vivas atenuadas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Sanz Moreno
- Unidad de Microbiología Clínica. Laboratorio Regional de Salud Pública. Dirección General de Salud Pública. Consejería de Sanidad. Comunidad de Madrid
| | - Belén Ramos Blázquez
- Unidad de Microbiología Clínica. Laboratorio Regional de Salud Pública. Dirección General de Salud Pública. Consejería de Sanidad. Comunidad de Madrid
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rivero-Calle I, Raguindin PF, Gómez-Rial J, Rodriguez-Tenreiro C, Martinón-Torres F. Meningococcal Group B Vaccine For The Prevention Of Invasive Meningococcal Disease Caused By Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:3169-3188. [PMID: 31632103 PMCID: PMC6793463 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s159952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major public health concern because of its high case fatality, long-term morbidity, and potential to course with outbreaks. IMD caused by Nesseira meningitidis serogroup B has been predominant in different regions of the world like Europe and only recently broadly protective vaccines against B serogroup have become available. Two protein-based vaccines, namely 4CMenB (Bexsero®) and rLP2086 (Trumenba®) are currently licensed for use in different countries against MenB disease. These vaccines came from a novel technology on vaccine design (or antigen selection) using highly specific antigen targets identified through whole-genome sequence analysis. Moreover, it has the potential to confer protection against non-B meningococcus and against other Neisserial species such as gonococcus. Real-world data on the vaccine-use are rapidly accumulating from the UK and other countries which used the vaccine for control of outbreak or as part of routine immunization program, reiterating its safety and efficacy. Additional data on real-life effectiveness, long-term immunity, and eventual herd effects, including estimates on vaccine impact for cost-effectiveness assessment are further needed. Given the predominance of MenB in Europe and other parts of the world, these new vaccines are crucial for the prevention and public health control of the disease, and should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rivero-Calle
- Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.,Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Peter Francis Raguindin
- Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Jose Gómez-Rial
- Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodriguez-Tenreiro
- Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Federico Martinón-Torres
- Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.,Genetics, Vaccines and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (GENVIP), Hospital Clínico Universitario and Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Galicia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Alderfer JT, Moran MM, Srivastava A, Isturiz RE. Meningococcal vaccination: a discussion with all adolescents, whether college-bound or not. Postgrad Med 2019; 131:551-554. [PMID: 31575310 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2019.1671667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Adolescents and young adults are the primary reservoirs and transmitters of meningococci. In the US, meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) disease predominates over A, C, W, and Y; ACIP-recommended MenACWY and MenB vaccines are available. We investigated invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) burden and vaccination among non-college adolescents.Methods: IMD incidence by college attendance status and vaccination rates were analyzed using publicly available surveillance data.Results: 64/158 IMD cases occurred in non-college 18-24-year-olds during 2015-2017. Among non-college cases, the MenACWY vaccination rates were 38%-57% vs 90%-100% among college cases when vaccination status was known; MenB vaccination was 0% vs 0%-7%, respectively. In 2018, 17.2% of all 17-year-olds received ≥1 dose of multidose MenB vaccines; ≤50% completed the series.Conclusion: Meningococcal vaccination is emphasized for college-bound adolescents, but non-college adolescents bear much of the disease burden. Low vaccine receipt preserves their risk, underscoring the need to protect all adolescents through vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justine T Alderfer
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Mary M Moran
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Amit Srivastava
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Raul E Isturiz
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Si S, Zomer E, Fletcher S, Lee J, Liew D. Cost-effectiveness of meningococcal polysaccharide serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y conjugate vaccine in Australian adolescents. Vaccine 2019; 37:5009-5015. [PMID: 31301916 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The incidence of invasive meningitis disease (IMD) is increasing in Australia. A conjugate vaccine of meningococcal polysaccharide serogroups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY) is currently indicated for infants aged 12 months on the Australian National Immunisation Program. This study sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of a broader MenACWY vaccination program for Australians aged 15 to 19 years. METHODS A Markov model was constructed to simulate the incidence and consequences of IMD in Australians aged 0-84 years, with follow up until age 85 years. The model comprised four health states: 'Alive with no previous IMD', 'Alive, post IMD without long-term complications', 'Alive, post IMD with long-term complications' and 'Dead'. Decision analysis compared the clinical consequences and costs of a vaccination program versus no vaccination from the perspective of the Australian health care system. Age-specific incidence of IMD and fatality rates were derived from Australian surveillance data. Vaccine coverage, vaccine efficacy and herd immunity were based on published data. The total cost for MenACWY vaccination was AU$56 per dose. Costs and health outcomes were discounted by 5% per annum (in the base-case analysis). RESULTS Compared to no vaccination, a MenACWY vaccination program targeted at Australians aged 15-19 years was expected to prevent 1664 IMD cases in the Australian population aged 0-84 years followed up until age 85 years. The program would lead to 1131 life years (LYs) and 2058 quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained at a total cost of AU$115 million (all discounted values). These equated to incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of AU$101,649 per LY gained and AU$55,857 per QALY gained. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated a likelihood of cost-effectiveness of 34.6%, assuming a willingness to pay threshold of AU$50,000 per QALY gained. CONCLUSION The likelihood of this program being cost-effective under a willingness to pay threshold AU$50,000 per QALY gained is 35%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Si
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Ella Zomer
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Danny Liew
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Martinón-Torres F, Nolan T, Toneatto D, Banzhoff A. Persistence of the immune response after 4CMenB vaccination, and the response to an additional booster dose in infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 15:2940-2951. [PMID: 31246520 PMCID: PMC6930112 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1627159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, 4CMenB, has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing invasive MenB disease in infants and in controlling MenB outbreaks. The need for/timing of additional booster doses is not yet established. We reviewed eight studies that evaluated antibody persistence and booster following primary 4CMenB vaccination of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Putative seroprotective hSBA titers for ≥1 vaccine antigen were maintained by 76-100% of children 24-36 months after priming during infancy and in 84-100% after priming in the second year of life. hSBA levels were higher in vaccinees at 4 and 7.5 years following priming during adolescence than in vaccine-naïve individuals of a similar age. Antibodies persisted at higher levels to NHBA and NadA than to PorA or fHbp. Booster vaccination induced robust anamnestic responses, demonstrating effective priming by 4CMenB across age-groups. These data can inform decision-making to optimize vaccination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Martinón-Torres
- Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases Section, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Terry Nolan
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Santos-Neto JF, Ferreira VM, Feitosa CA, Martinez-Silveira MS, Campos LC. Carriage prevalence of Neisseria meningitidis in the Americas in the 21st century: a systematic review. Braz J Infect Dis 2019; 23:254-267. [PMID: 31344352 PMCID: PMC9427833 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a bacterium that colonizes the human nasopharynx and is transmitted by respiratory droplets from asymptomatic or symptomatic carriers. Occasionally, the pathogen invades the mucosa and enters the bloodstream, causing invasive meningococcal disease, a life-threatening infection. While meningococcal colonization is the first step in the development of invasive disease, the risk factors that predict progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic status are not well-known. The present report aimed to describe the prevalence of N. meningitidis carriers throughout the Americas, emphasizing the risk factors associated with carrier status, as well as the most prevalent serogroups in each studied population. We conducted a systematic review by searching for original studies in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, LILACS and SciELO databases, published between 2001 and 2018. Exclusion criteria were articles published in a review format, case studies, case control studies, investigations involving animal models, and techniques or publications that did not address the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers in an American country. A total of 784 articles were identified, of which 23 were selected. The results indicate that the highest prevalence rates are concentrated in Cuba (31.9%), the United States (24%), and Brazil (21.5%), with increased prevalence found among adolescents and young adults, specifically university students and males. The present systematic review was designed to support epidemiological surveillance and prevention measures to aid in the formulation of strategies designed to control the transmission of meningococci in a variety of populations and countries throughout the Americas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Francisco Santos-Neto
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz - FIOCRUZ, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Viviane Matos Ferreira
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz - FIOCRUZ, Salvador, BA, Brazil; Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fletcher R, Wilkinson E, Cleary P, Blagden S, Farmer S. Did school characteristics affect the uptake of meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom? Public Health 2019; 171:24-30. [PMID: 31082757 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to assess if school characteristics were associated with the uptake of the meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine in Greater Manchester in 2017/18. STUDY DESIGN This is an ecological cross-sectional study. METHODS We analysed data on all 129 schools in seven local authorities in Greater Manchester from the Department for Education and from local child health information systems to determine whether school characteristics, including school type and Ofsted effectiveness score, were associated with vaccine uptake. Schools with no eligible pupils were excluded. We undertook single-variable and multivariable analysis and considered key interactions. RESULTS The overall uptake rate was 80.7%, with a median uptake per school of 80.6% (interquartile range, 69.0%-87.4%). Lower vaccination rates were associated with lower overall effectiveness scores (odds ratio [OR]: 3.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.00-4.19) and lower numbers of pupils eligible for vaccination (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.28-1.51). Schools with a lower percentage of pupils for whom English is a second language and high deprivation were associated with lower uptake (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.41-1.78). In addition, community schools (the schools with the most local authority oversight) had lower vaccination rates than other categories of schools. CONCLUSIONS In this study, uptake rates of the MenACWY vaccine were associated with all five school characteristics considered. Effectiveness scores for schools had the largest association with vaccine uptake, with poorer schools having lower uptake. These characteristics should be used by vaccination providers to prioritise their interventions to increase immunisation rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Fletcher
- Health Education England (North West), UK.
| | - E Wilkinson
- Institute of Medicine, University of Chester, UK
| | | | - S Blagden
- Health Education England (North West), UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Peterson ME, Li Y, Shanks H, Mile R, Nair H, Kyaw MH. Serogroup-specific meningococcal carriage by age group: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024343. [PMID: 31005910 PMCID: PMC6500331 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neisseria meningitidis carriage prevalence has known variation across the lifespan, but it is unclear whether carriage varies among meningococcal capsular groups. Therefore, we aimed to characterise group-specific meningococcal carriage by age group and world region from 2007 to 2016. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health Database, WHO Global Health Library, Web of Science, Current Contents Connects, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang were systematically searched. Database searches were conducted through July 2018 and Google Scholar forward searches of included studies were conducted through August 2018. References of included studies and relevant conference abstracts were also searched to identify additional articles for inclusion. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported capsular group-specific meningococcal carriage in a healthy population of a specified age group and geographical region. For this review, only studies conducted between 2007 and 2016 were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data were independently extracted by two authors into Microsoft Access. Studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Studies eligible for inclusion in quantitative analyses by pre-specified age groups were pooled using random effects meta-analyses. Results are reported by capsular group, age group and WHO region. Where meta-analyses were not appropriate, study results were discussed narratively. RESULTS 7511 articles were identified and 65 were eligible for inclusion. Adolescents and young adults were the focus of many studies (n=24), especially in the Americas and Europe. Studies from China and Africa, typically, included data from a wider age range. The overall carriage prevalence varied markedly by age group and region. Based on the available data, 21 studies were included in meta-analyses reporting serogroup carriage for: all ages in Africa, 18-24-year olds in the Americas, and 11-17 and 18-24-year olds in Europe. Capsular groups W, X, Y and 'other' (non-ABCWXY, including non-groupable) were the most prevalent in Africa, and 5-17-year olds had higher carriage prevalence than other age groups. 'Other' serogroups (11.5%, 95% CI 1.6% to 16.1%) were the most common among 18-24-year olds from the Americas. In Europe, 18-24-year old were carriers more frequently than 11-17-year olds, and groups B (5.0%, 95% CI 3.0% to 7.5%), Y (3.9%, 95% CI 1.3% to 7.8%) and 'other' (6.4%, 95% CI 3.1% to 10.8%) were the most commonly carried in the older age group. CONCLUSIONS Of the age groups included in the analysis, carriage patterns by age were similar across capsular groups within a region but differed between regions. Data gaps remain for age- and capsular group-specific carriage in many regions, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia. As such, clear and robust conclusions about the variation of capsular group-specific carriage by age group and WHO region were unable to be determined. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017074671.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meagan E Peterson
- Centre for Global Health Research, University of Edinburgh School of Molecular Genetic and Population Health Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
| | - You Li
- Centre for Global Health Research, University of Edinburgh School of Molecular Genetic and Population Health Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Heather Shanks
- Centre for Global Health Research, University of Edinburgh School of Molecular Genetic and Population Health Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rebecca Mile
- Centre for Global Health Research, University of Edinburgh School of Molecular Genetic and Population Health Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Harish Nair
- University of Edinburgh School of Molecular Genetic and Population Health Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Moe H Kyaw
- Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
León ME, Kawabata A, Nagai M, Rojas L, Chamorro G. [Genotypes of Neisseria meningitidis isolates in patients with meningococcal meningitis in Paraguay, 1996-2015Genótipos de Neisseria meningitidis isolados de pacientes com doença meningocócica no Paraguai, 1996-2015]. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2019; 43:e10. [PMID: 31093234 PMCID: PMC6393723 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2019.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo Describir las características fenotípicas y genotípicas de cepas de Neisseria meningitidis aisladas de enfermedad meningocócica en Paraguay entre 1996 y 2015. Métodos Se estudiaron por métodos microbiológicos convencionales y técnicas moleculares 114 aislamientos de N. meningitidis y 12 muestras clínicas sin aislamiento confirmadas por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) que fueron remitidas por los diferentes centros centinelas y centros colaboradores de Paraguay. Resultados El grupo de edad más afectado fue el de menores de 1 año (19,0%), seguido por el de 1 a 5 años (17,5%). Un mayor porcentaje de las cepas se aisló de casos de meningitis (81,7%) y el serogrupo B se encontró en 60,3% de los casos. Los fenotipos más frecuentes fueron B:4:P1.14 (16,0%), B:15:P1.5, C:NT:NST y W:NT:P1.2 (10,5%), respectivamente. Los complejos clonales prevalentes fueron ST-11/ET37 complex 29,6% (8/27) con predominio del serogrupo W (6/8), ST-35 complex 18,5% (5/27) en el serogrupo B (4/4), y ST-32/ET5 complex 14,8% (4/16) en el serogrupo B (5/5). Conclusiones En Paraguay la enfermedad meningocócica es relativamente infrecuente. Los análisis de distribución de serogrupo muestran que el más frecuente es el B y en los últimos dos años aumentaron los casos de enfermedad meningocócica por C y W. Los complejos clonales encontrados se correlacionan con los hallados en la región del Cono Sur. Debido al alto nivel de virulencia de N. meningitidis, su vigilancia debe constituir una prioridad estratégica de los sistemas de salud pública nacionales y regionales para prevenir brotes epidémicos y apoyar la toma de decisiones en salud pública.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia León
- Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Aníbal Kawabata
- Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Minako Nagai
- Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Liliana Rojas
- Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Gustavo Chamorro
- Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, Asunción, Paraguay
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Antibody persistence and booster response in adolescents and young adults 4 and 7.5 years after immunization with 4CMenB vaccine. Vaccine 2019; 37:1209-1218. [PMID: 30691980 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.12.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on duration of protection against invasive meningococcal disease post-vaccination with the recombinant, 4-component, meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) are limited. We evaluated bactericidal activity persistence in adolescents/young adults up to 7.5 years post-primary vaccination with 4CMenB, and response to a booster dose compared with vaccine-naïve controls. METHODS This open-label, multicenter study (NCT02446743) enrolled 15-24 year-old-previously vaccinated participants from Canada, Australia (group Primed_4y) 4 years post-priming with 4CMenB (2 doses; 0,1-month schedule), and Chile (Primed_7.5y) 7.5 years after priming with 4CMenB (2 doses; 0,1/0,2/0,6-month schedule) and vaccine-naïve participants of similar age (Naïve_4y and Naïve_7.5y groups). Primed participants received a booster dose; vaccine-naïve participants received 2 catch-up doses of 4CMenB, 1 month apart. We evaluated antibody persistence and immune responses using hSBA in terms of geometric mean titers and percentages of participants with hSBA titers ≥4, the kinetics of bactericidal activity post-booster (previously vaccinated) or post-2 doses (vaccine-naïve), and safety. RESULTS Antibody levels declined at 4 (Primed_4y) and 7.5 (Primed_7.5y) years post-primary vaccination, but remained higher than in vaccine-naïve participants at baseline (≤44% vs ≤ 13% [fHbp]; ≤84% vs ≤ 24% [NadA]; ≤29% vs ≤ 14% [PorA]) for all vaccine antigens except NHBA (≤81% vs ≤ 79%). One month post-booster and post-second dose, 93-100% of primed and 79-100% of vaccine-naïve participants had hSBA titers ≥4 for all antigens. Kinetics of the antibody response were similar across groups with an early robust response observed 7 days post-booster/second dose. No vaccine-related serious adverse event was reported. CONCLUSION For all antigens except NHBA, a higher proportion of primed participants had hSBA titers ≥4, at 4 and 7.5 years post-vaccination, compared with vaccine-naïve participants. A more robust immune response after booster compared to a first dose in vaccine-naïve individuals, showed effective priming in an adolescent/young adult population. No safety or new reactogenicity issues were identified.
Collapse
|
33
|
La EM, Talbird SE, Kanadanian KV, Huang L, Fain J, Srivastava A. Cost calculator for mass vaccination response to a US college campus outbreak of serogroup B meningococcal disease. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 15:978-986. [PMID: 30526279 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1556074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Serogroup B (MenB) is the leading cause of meningococcal disease among 16- to 23-year-olds in the United States and has been responsible for all 10 college outbreaks between 2011 and 2017. Outbreak-associated costs levy a substantial and unforeseen burden on colleges/universities and surrounding communities, in part because they involve collaboration with local and state health departments to develop points-of-dispensing (PODs) outbreak response plans and rapid mass vaccination of a large at-risk student population. The MenB outbreak at Providence College in 2015 was used as a case study to develop an Excel-based Meningococcal Outbreak Cost Calculator that uses target populations for mass vaccination to estimate the costs and resources associated with a meningococcal disease outbreak response. Resources include labor, medical supply, and other nonlabor costs (eg, vaccine-related adverse event costs) over an 18-month period following the outbreak declaration. Based on the actual Providence College population partially or fully vaccinated with MenB-FHbp (Trumenba®, Bivalent rLP2086) (3-dose schedule), the calculator estimated aggregate direct costs of $1,350,963 over 18 months post-outbreak for 4,418 individuals. For planned full vaccination of the enrolled undergraduate population (4,795 individuals), the tool estimated total costs of $1,798,399. In both cases, the majority of costs were for medical supplies (88%-89%) and contract services (7%-9%). This calculator can help to plan a mass vaccination campaign for MenB outbreak control, and underscores the need to vaccinate pre-emptively against diverse disease-causing strains before an outbreak occurs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M La
- a RTI Health Solutions , Research Triangle Park , NC , USA
| | | | | | - Liping Huang
- c Outcomes and Evidence, Pfizer Inc , Collegeville , PA , USA
| | - Joel Fain
- d US Medical Affairs, Pfizer Inc , Collegeville , PA , USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rappuoli R, Pizza M, Masignani V, Vadivelu K. Meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB): the journey from research to real world experience. Expert Rev Vaccines 2018; 17:1111-1121. [DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2018.1547637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rino Rappuoli
- Chief Scientist & Head of External Research and Development, GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Pizza
- Senior Scientific Director, Bacterial Vaccines, Chief Scientist & Head of External Research and Development, Siena, Italy
| | - Vega Masignani
- Discovery Project Leader, Research and Development Centre, Siena, Italy
| | - Kumaran Vadivelu
- Vaccine Development Leader, Research and Development Centre, Rockville, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Burman C, Serra L, Nuttens C, Presa J, Balmer P, York L. Meningococcal disease in adolescents and young adults: a review of the rationale for prevention through vaccination. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 15:459-469. [PMID: 30273506 PMCID: PMC6422514 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1528831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by Neisseria meningitidis is characterized by high mortality and morbidity. While IMD incidence peaks in both infants and adolescents/young adults, carriage rates are often highest in the latter age groups, increasing IMD risk and the likelihood of transmission. Effective vaccines are available for 5 of 6 disease-causing serogroups. Because adolescents/young adults represent a significant proportion of cases, often have the highest carriage rate, and have characteristically low vaccination adherence, efforts should be focused on educating this population regarding long-term consequences of infection and the importance of meningococcal vaccination in prevention. This review describes the role of adolescents/young adults in meningococcal transmission and the clinical consequences and characteristics of IMD in this population. With a focus on countries with advanced economies that have specific meningococcal vaccination recommendations, the epidemiology of meningococcal disease and vaccination recommendations in adolescents/young adults will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Burman
- a Pfizer Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs , Collegeville , PA , USA
| | - Lidia Serra
- a Pfizer Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs , Collegeville , PA , USA
| | - Charles Nuttens
- b Pfizer Vaccines, Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs , Paris , France
| | - Jessica Presa
- c Pfizer Vaccines, Medical & Scientific Affairs , Collegeville , PA , USA
| | - Paul Balmer
- a Pfizer Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs , Collegeville , PA , USA
| | - Laura York
- a Pfizer Vaccine Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs , Collegeville , PA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Booy R, Gentile A, Nissen M, Whelan J, Abitbol V. Recent changes in the epidemiology of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W across the world, current vaccination policy choices and possible future strategies. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 15:470-480. [PMID: 30296197 PMCID: PMC6505668 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1532248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a serious disease that is fatal in 5–15% and disabling in 12–20% of cases. The dynamic and unpredictable epidemiology is a particular challenge of IMD prevention. Although vaccination against meningococcal serogroups A (MenA), MenC and, more recently, MenB, are proving successful, other serogroups are emerging as major IMD causes. Recently, surges in MenW incidence occurred in South America, Europe, Australia and parts of sub-Saharan Africa, with hypervirulent strains being associated with severe IMD and higher fatality rates. This review describes global trends in MenW-IMD epidemiology over the last 5–10 years, with emphasis on the response of national/regional health authorities to increased MenW prevalence in impacted areas. Several countries (Argentina, Australia, Chile, the Netherlands and UK) have implemented reactive vaccination campaigns to reduce MenW-IMD, using MenACWY conjugate vaccines. Future vaccination programs should consider the evolving epidemiology of MenW-IMD and the most impacted age groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Booy
- a The Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health , Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia.,b Westmead Institute of Medical Research , University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Angela Gentile
- c Department of Epidemiology , Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Michael Nissen
- d Research and Development , GSK Intercontinental , Singapore
| | - Jane Whelan
- e Clinical Research and Development , GSK , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Serra LC, York LJ, Balmer P, Webber C. Meningococcal Group A, C, W, and Y Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine: A Review of Clinical Data in Adolescents. J Adolesc Health 2018; 63:269-279. [PMID: 30236996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
MenACWY-TT (Nimenrix) is a quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine containing polysaccharides from serogroups A, C, W, and Y conjugated to a tetanus toxoid carrier protein. MenACWY-TT is licensed in some countries as a three-dose primary series in individuals as young as 6 weeks of age and as a single dose in individuals ≥12 months of age. MenACWY-TT use is supported by long-term immunogenicity and safety across age groups, including data from several phase 2, 3, and 4 clinical studies in adolescents and young adults. Adolescents are an important population in the epidemiology, transmission, and prevention of invasive meningococcal disease, with this age-based population having the highest risk for carriage and transmission as well as one of the highest risks of disease. This age group is emerging as a target population in meningococcal vaccination programs globally, as vaccinating adolescents and young adults could potentially not only decrease disease rates directly for those vaccinated but also indirectly for unvaccinated individuals by decreasing carriage and eliciting herd protection. This review will consider available data for MenACWY-TT in adolescents, including safety and immunogenicity, booster and memory responses, persistence, and coadministration with other vaccines, with an emphasis on the rationale for use of MenACWY-TT and other quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines in adolescents to address the changing epidemiology of meningococcal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia C Serra
- Pfizer Global Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Vaccines, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
| | - Laura J York
- Pfizer Global Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Vaccines, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
| | - Paul Balmer
- Pfizer Global Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Vaccines, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
| | - Chris Webber
- Pfizer Vaccine Clinical Research and Development, Pearl River, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Meningococcal carriage in high-risk settings: A systematic review. Int J Infect Dis 2018; 73:109-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
39
|
Immunogenicity and safety of the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine MenACWY-TT co-administered with a combined diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine versus their separate administration in adolescents and young adults: A phase III, randomized study. Vaccine 2018; 36:4750-4758. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
40
|
Perez JL, Absalon J, Beeslaar J, Balmer P, Jansen KU, Jones TR, Harris S, York LJ, Jiang Q, Radley D, Anderson AS, Crowther G, Eiden JJ. From research to licensure and beyond: clinical development of MenB-FHbp, a broadly protective meningococcal B vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2018; 17:461-477. [DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2018.1483726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John L. Perez
- Pfizer Vaccines Research and Development, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Judith Absalon
- Pfizer Vaccines Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | | | - Paul Balmer
- Pfizer Vaccines Research and Development, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | - Thomas R. Jones
- Pfizer Vaccines Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Shannon Harris
- Pfizer Vaccines Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Laura J. York
- Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development, Scientific & Clinical Affairs, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Qin Jiang
- Pfizer Vaccines Research and Development, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - David Radley
- Pfizer Vaccines Research and Development, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph J. Eiden
- Pfizer Vaccines Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Balmer P, York LJ. Optimal use of meningococcal serogroup B vaccines: moving beyond outbreak control. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2018; 6:49-60. [PMID: 30182092 DOI: 10.1177/2515135518781757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of meningitis and septicemia globally. Vaccines directed against N. meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) have been used to control sporadic and sustained disease in industrialized and non-industrialized countries. Early outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccines effectively reduced MenB disease in countries such as Norway, New Zealand, and France; however, these vaccines were highly specific for their targeted outbreak strain, did not elicit a durable immune response, and were ineffective for widespread use due to the diversity of MenB-disease-causing isolates. Recently developed recombinant protein-based MenB vaccines that target conserved surface proteins have the potential to induce a broader immune response against the diversity of disease-causing strains. Given the deleterious consequences and sporadic nature of MenB disease, the use of optimal vaccination strategies is crucial for prevention. Reactive vaccination strategies used in the past have significant limitations, including delayed implementation, substantial use of resources, and time constraints. The broad coverage potential of recombinant protein-based MenB vaccines suggests that routine use could result in a reduced burden of disease. Despite this, routine use of MenB vaccines is currently limited in practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Balmer
- Senior Medical Director, Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc., 500 Arcola Road, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Laura J York
- Vice President, Global Meningococcal Vaccines, Pfizer Vaccines Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc., 500 Arcola Road, Collegeville, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Pezzotti P, Miglietta A, Neri A, Fazio C, Vacca P, Voller F, Rezza G, Stefanelli P. Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine effectiveness before and during an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C/cc11, Tuscany, Italy. Vaccine 2018; 36:4222-4227. [PMID: 29895504 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Tuscany, Italy, where a universal immunization program with monovalent meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MCC) was introduced in 2005, an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) due to the hypervirulent strain of Neisseria meningitidis C/cc11 occurred in 2015-2016, leading to an immunization reactive campaign using either the tetravalent (ACWY) meningococcal conjugate or the MCC vaccine. During the outbreak, IMD serogroup C (MenC) cases were also reported among vaccinated individuals. This study aimed to characterize meningococcal C conjugate vaccines (MenC-vaccines) failures and to estimate their effectiveness since the introduction (2005-2016) and during the outbreak (2015-2016). METHODS MenC cases and related vaccine-failures were drawn from the National Surveillance System of Invasive Bacterial Disease (IBD) for the period 2006-2016. A retrospective cohort-study, including the Tuscany' population of the birth-cohorts 1994-2014, was carried out. Based on annual reports of vaccination, person-years of MenC-vaccines exposed and unexposed individuals were calculated by calendar-year, birth-cohort, and local health unit. Adjusted (by birth-cohort, local health unit, and calendar-year) risk-ratios (ARR) of MenC invasive disease for vaccinated vs unvaccinated were estimated by the Poisson model. Vaccine-effectiveness (VE) was estimated as: VE = 1-ARR. RESULTS In the period 2006-2016, 85 MenC-invasive disease cases were reported; 61 (71.8%) from 2015 to 2016. Twelve vaccine failures occurred, all of them during the outbreak. The time-interval from immunization to IMD onset was 20 days in one case, from 9 months to 3 years in six cases, and ≥7 years in five cases. VE was, 100% (95%CI not estimable, p = 0.03) before the outbreak (2006-2014) and 77% (95%CI 36-92, p < 0.01) during the outbreak; VE was 80% (95%CI 54-92, p < 0.01) during the overall period. CONCLUSIONS In Tuscany, MenC-vaccine failures occurred exclusively during the 2015-2016 outbreak. Most of them occurred several years after vaccination. VE during the outbreak-period was rather high supporting an effective protection induced by MenC-vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizio Pezzotti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Miglietta
- Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Epidemiologic Observatory, Florence, Italy; Units of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Central Tuscany Health Authority, Florence, Italy
| | - Arianna Neri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Fazio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Voller
- Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Epidemiologic Observatory, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Stefanelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Vyse A, Ellsbury G, Madhava H. Protecting UK adolescents and adults against meningococcal serogroup B disease. Expert Rev Vaccines 2018; 17:229-237. [PMID: 29374982 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2018.1432360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Meningococcal serogroup B disease (MenB) is endemic in the UK and continues to cause the majority of invasive meningococcal disease. Two broadly protective protein-based MenB vaccines are now licensed and available, both with wide age indications. Whilst the UK recently became the first country to routinely vaccinate infants against MenB, a recommendation has not yet been extended to older age groups who can also now benefit from these vaccines. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the evidence supporting the rationale for adolescents and adults in the UK to consider MenB vaccination. EXPERT COMMENTARY Although MenB disease is rare, the UK reports one of the highest annual incidence rates within the European region, with over a third of cases occurring in those aged 10+ years. Overall, the case fatality rate following MenB disease in the UK is 4.2% but can be more than twice as high in teenagers and adults than in infants, and survivors are often left with life-changing disabling sequelae. MenB outbreaks are unpredictable and continue to occur in regions where it is endemic. These outbreaks often affect students attending school or university, with living on a campus being an important risk factor. Concerned individuals in this age group should consider MenB vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Vyse
- a Vaccine Medical Affairs , Pfizer Limited, Walton Oaks , Surrey , UK
| | - Gillian Ellsbury
- a Vaccine Medical Affairs , Pfizer Limited, Walton Oaks , Surrey , UK
| | - Harish Madhava
- a Vaccine Medical Affairs , Pfizer Limited, Walton Oaks , Surrey , UK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Pros y contras de la vacunación frente a la enfermedad por meningococo B. Med Clin (Barc) 2018; 150:109-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2017.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
|
45
|
Evellyn do Macedo L, Ferreira VM, Feitosa CA, Nunes AMPB, Campos LC, Sáfadi MAP. Impact of meningococcal C conjugate vaccination programs with and without catch-up campaigns in adolescents: Lessons learned from Bahia, Brazil. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 14:1131-1137. [PMID: 29236585 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1415682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The significant increase in the incidence rates and ongoing outbreaks of serogroup C meningococcal (MenC) disease, associated with the sequence type-103 complex, motivated the incorporation of the meningococcal C conjugate (MCC) vaccine in the routine immunization program in the State of Bahia, Brazil in early 2010, targeting children younger than 5 years of age. In its capital, Salvador, the program also included a catch-up campaign for individuals 10-24 years of age. We performed an observational, ecological study, analyzing data collected from 2007 to 2015, to compare the impact of these two immunization strategies on meningococcal disease incidence and mortality rates. In Salvador, following the vaccination program, a dramatic early impact on MenC disease and mortality rates could be observed, with significant reductions in incidence rates of MenC disease in all age groups, including individuals that were too old to have been vaccinated, indicating the presence of herd protection. Compared to the pre-vaccine period, a virtual disappearance of MenC disease was observed in 2015. However, in the state of Bahia (excluding the city of Salvador), no herd protection could be observed, with significant impact only among vaccine-eligible children within 5 years of introduction of the MCC vaccination program. These results highlight the importance of catch-up campaigns, including adolescents and young adults, to induce herd protection compared to immunization strategies restricted to infants and young children. This information is crucial for identifying optimal immunization policies and future strategies, focused on adolescents, to optimize the impact of MCC vaccination programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Viviane Matos Ferreira
- a Biomedicina, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública , Salvador , Brazil.,b Biologia molecular e patologia, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, FIOCRUZ- BA , Salvador , Brazil
| | | | | | - Leila Carvalho Campos
- b Biologia molecular e patologia, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, FIOCRUZ- BA , Salvador , Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mustapha MM, Harrison LH. Vaccine prevention of meningococcal disease in Africa: Major advances, remaining challenges. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 14:1107-1115. [PMID: 29211624 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1412020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Africa historically has had the highest incidence of meningococcal disease with high endemic rates and periodic epidemics. The meningitis belt, a region of sub-Saharan Africa extending from Senegal to Ethiopia, has experienced large, devastating epidemics. However, dramatic shifts in the epidemiology of meningococcal disease have occurred recently. For instance, meningococcal capsular group A (NmA) epidemics in the meningitis belt have essentially been eliminated by use of conjugate vaccine. However, NmW epidemics have emerged and spread across the continent since 2000; NmX epidemics have occurred sporadically, and NmC recently emerged in Nigeria and Niger. Outside the meningitis belt, NmB predominates in North Africa, while NmW followed by NmB predominate in South Africa. Improved surveillance is necessary to address the challenges of this changing epidemiologic picture. A low-cost, multivalent conjugate vaccine covering NmA and the emergent and prevalent meningococcal capsular groups C, W, and X in the meningitis belt is a pressing need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha M Mustapha
- a Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Lee H Harrison
- a Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Meningococcal Disease. CLIN NURSE SPEC 2018; 32:15-18. [DOI: 10.1097/nur.0000000000000347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
48
|
Bonanni P, Chiamenti G, Conforti G, Maio T, Odone A, Russo R, Scotti S, Signorelli C, Villani A. The 2016 Lifetime Immunization Schedule, approved by the Italian scientific societies: A new paradigm to promote vaccination at all ages. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:2531-2537. [PMID: 29048980 PMCID: PMC5703359 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1366394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical scientific societies have the core mission of producing, pooling and disseminating solid and updated scientific information. We report the successful experience of the partnership of four national Medical Scientific Societies active in Italy in producing scientific advice on vaccines and vaccination. In particular, i) the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health; SitI, ii) the Italian Society of Paediatrics; SIP, iii) the "Italian Federation of General Practitioners"; FIMP, and iv) the Italian Federation of General Medicine FIMMG) have worked together since 2012 to produce shared evidence-based recommendations on vaccination schedules, namely the "Lifetime Immunization Schedule" which introduced for the first time in Italy a life-course approach to vaccination. The 2014 edition of the "Lifetime Immunization Schedule" was used as a basis to develop the 2017-2019 Italian National Prevention Plan, approved by The Italian Ministry of Health in February 2017. In this report, we present the structure, content and supporting evidence of the new 2016 "Lifetime Immunization Schedule" and we expand on the influential role of medical scientific societies in researching and advocating for effective and safe vaccination programmes' implementation at the national level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bonanni
- Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SitI), Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Tommasa Maio
- Italian Federation of General Practitioners (FIMMG), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SitI), Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Russo
- Italian Society of Paediatrics (SIP), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvestro Scotti
- Italian Federation of General Practitioners (FIMMG), Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SitI), Rome, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
The majority of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in the developed world is caused by capsular group B Neisseria meningitidis, however success with vaccination against organisms bearing this capsule has previously been restricted to control of geographically limited clonal outbreaks. As we enter a new era, with the first routine program underway to control endemic group B meningococcal disease for infants in the UK, it is timely to review the key landmarks in group B vaccine development, and discuss the issues determining whether control of endemic group B disease will be achieved. Evidence of a reduction in carriage acquisition of invasive group B meningococcal strains, after vaccination among adolescents, is imperative if routine immunization is to drive population control of disease beyond those who are vaccinated (i.e. through herd immunity). The need for multiple doses to generate a sufficiently protective response and reactogenicity remain significant problems with the new generation of vaccines. Despite these limitations, early data from the UK indicate that new group B meningococcal vaccines have the potential to have a major impact on meningococcal disease, and to provide new insight into how we might do better in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Y Wang
- a School of Medicine , Monash University , Melbourne , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , Oxford Vaccine Group , Oxford , UK
| | - A J Pollard
- b Department of Paediatrics , Oxford Vaccine Group , Oxford , UK.,c NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Gianchecchi E, Piccini G, Torelli A, Rappuoli R, Montomoli E. An unwanted guest:Neisseria meningitidis– carriage, risk for invasive disease and the impact of vaccination with insight on Italy incidence. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2017; 15:689-701. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1333422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Piccini
- VisMederi Srl, Siena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Torelli
- VisMederi Srl, Siena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Montomoli
- VisMederi Srl, Siena, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|