Journal of Vaccines and Vaccination 

About: Journal of Vaccines and Vaccination is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Vaccination & Virus. It has an ISSN identifier of 2157-7560. Over the lifetime, 498 publications have been published receiving 2208 citations.

Trends in therapeutic and prevention strategies for management of Bovine Mastitis: An overview

Abstract: Mastitis is one of the most economically significant diseases for the dairy industry for backyard farmers in developing countries and high producing herds worldwide. Two of the major factors impeding reduction in the incidence of this disease is [a] the lack of availability of an effective vaccine capable of protecting against multiple etiological agents and [b] propensity of some of the etiological agents to develop persistent antibiotic resistance in biofilms. This is further complicated by the continuing revolving shift in the predominant etiological agents of mastitis, depending upon a multitude of factors such as variability in hygienic practices on farms, easy access leading to overuse of appropriate or inappropriate antibiotics at suboptimal concentrations, particularly in developing countries, and lack of compliance with the recommended treatment schedules. Regardless, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus uberis followed by Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae has become the predominant etiological agents of bovine mastitis followed Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysagalactiae, Klebsiella pneumonia and the newly emerging Mycoplasma bovis. Current approaches being pursued to reduce the negative economic impact of this disease are through early diagnosis of infection, immediate treatment with an antibiotic found to either inhibit or kill the pathogen(s) in vitro using planktonic cultures and the use of the currently marketed vaccines regardless of their demonstrated effectiveness. Given the limitations of breeding programs, including genetic selection to improve resistance against infectious diseases including mastitis, it is imperative to have the availability of an effective broad-spectrum, preferably cross-protective, vaccine capable of protecting against bovine mastitis for reduction in the incidence of bovine mastitis, as well as interrupting the potential cross-species transmission to humans. This overview highlights the major etiological agents, factors affecting susceptibility to mastitis, and the current status of antibiotic-based therapies and prototype vaccine candidates or commercially available vaccines against bovine mastitis as potential preventative strategies. © 2013 Tiwari JG, et al.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Healthcare Workers of a Tertiary Care Centre in India and Their Vaccination Status

Abstract: Background: Healthcare Workers have a high risk of occupational exposure to many blood-borne diseases including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C viral infections. Of these Hepatitis B is not only the most transmissible infection, but also the only one that is preventable by vaccination. Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection in healthcare workers (HCWs) employed at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and to measure protective levels of anti-HBs antibody titre in them. Methods: A total of 446 Health care workers are grouped in 7 categories according to nature of their work. After ethical clearance and written consent, all health care workers were explained about the objective of the study and were asked to fill a standard questionnaire regarding their personal health information. Their blood samples were tested by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HBs antibody titres. Results and Interpretation: Out of 446 HCWs, 252 (56.5%) were vaccinated. In 199 (79%) of those vaccinated persons, protective levels (>10 IU/ mL) of anti-Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) were seen. However, protective levels were also detected in 36 (19.35%) of 186 unvaccinated HCW as natural immunity (p<0.001). The antibody levels were significantly lower in those who were vaccinated more than 5 years ago than those who were vaccinated in last 5 years. Only 2 (0.4%) HCWs were found to be HBsAg positive. A significant number (41.7%) of HCW are unvaccinated even at this apex health care centre suggesting a need for proactive implementation of HBV vaccination programme.

Parents′ knowledge and attitudes on childhood immunization, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Background: Parents’ knowledge and attitudes towards immunization are likely influence uptake. The objective of this study was to assess parental knowledge, and attitudes on childhood immunization among Saudi parents. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during April 2013 in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Convenient method of sampling was adopted. Parents with children of 0-12 years old were invited to participate. Data was collected through face- to -face interview method using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data was processed using the software Statistical Package for Social Science (SPPS) (Version 21). Descriptive statistics were used to describe all variables. Association between dependent variables (knowledge, and attitudes) and independent ones (parents’ demographics) were tested using Chi-square test. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 731 parents were recruited. Parents had good knowledge on aspects related to the general role of vaccination in prevention of some infectious diseases 672(91.9%), timing of the first dose in vaccination schedule 635(86.9%). However, poor knowledge was documented among parents in other aspects like the importance of administration of multiple doses of the same vaccine to child immunity 304(41.6%), administration of multiple vaccines at the same time have no negative impacts on child immunity 271(37.1%), vaccination of children against seasonal influenza 334(45.7%) and contraindication to vaccination 287(39.3%). Parents attitudes towards immunization was positive expect in some aspects related to vaccination side effects 316 (34.2%) and the probability of occurrence of diseases against which the child was vaccinated 288(39.4%). Gender, residence and educational level were found to be significantly associated with both parents’ knowledge and attitudes towards immunization. Conclusions and recommendations: Although parents had good knowledge and positive attitudes on some aspects related childhood immunization, gaps in both studied domains were identified. Educational interventions are needed to upgrade parents’ knowledge with special emphasis on less educated and residents of rural areas.

Safety and Immunogenicity of Recombinant, Live Attenuated Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine (CYD- TDV) in Healthy Vietnamese Adults and Children

Abstract: Background: Dengue viruses (DENV1-4) are estimated to infect 50-100 million individuals per year worldwide including an estimated 500,000 people with severe dengue who require hospitalization every year. The live, attenuated, tetravalent dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) candidate, containing four recombinant dengue viruses (CYD1- 4), is in clinical phase III. Methods: In an observer-blind, phase II trial in Long Xuyen, Vietnam, 180 children and adults (range: 2-45 years) were randomized 2:1 to receive 3 CYD-TDV vaccinations at months (M) 0, 6 and 12 or meningococcal polysaccharide A+C at M0, placebo at M6, and typhoid Vi polysaccharide at M12. Serum antibody responses against the CYD1-4 parental wild-type dengue viruses were assessed using plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT50). Safety and reactogenicity were assessed using conventional methods. Febrile episodes lasting ≥ 48 h with suspicion of dengue (passive surveillance) were virologically confirmed. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00875524). Results: At baseline 139(77%) were seropositive (titer ≥ 10 l/dil) against dengue or Japanese encephalitis; 36% were seropositive to all four dengue serotypes. After the first CYD-TDV vaccination, 53% were seropositive to all four serotypes, increasing to 72% and 92% after the second and third vaccinations. In the control group seropositivity against all four dengue serotypes was 28% at baseline and slightly increased at 36% after the third injection 13 months later. After the third CYD-TDV vaccination, 96% were seropositive to at least 3 serotypes, and geometric mean titers against DENV1-4 were respectively 129, 216, 169, and 146. Six serious adverse events (SAEs), unrelated to vaccination, were reported including 2 virologically-confirmed dengue cases after the second vaccination in the control group. Reactogenicity of CYD-TDV decreased after each vaccination, was slightly higher than placebo, but not higher than either active control. Conclusions: Safety and reactogenicity of CYD-TDV were satisfactory and consistent with results from phase I and other phase II studies. Three doses of CYD-TDV induced a balanced neutralizing antibody response against the four dengue serotypes in children and adults living in a dengue endemic country.

Long Term Follow Up: Phase I Trial of bi-shRNA furin/GMCSF DNA/Autologous Tumor Cell Immunotherapy (FANG) in Advanced Cancer

Abstract: Study Background: Previously, we demonstrated safety and correlated induced immune response with survival in a Phase I study of FANG immunotherapy in advanced cancer patients. We now report long term follow-up (FU) of Phase I treated patients including assessment of relationships of dose, γIFN-ELISPOT response, and patient demographics to safety and survival. Methods: Safety, γIFN-ELISPOT response, and survival have been followed through 3+ years in advanced cancer patients who received ≥ 2-12 intradermal monthly injections of 1×107 or 2.5×107 cells/injection. Clinical and serological assessments were performed monthly, radiographic evaluations bimonthly, and γ-IFN-ELISPOT at baseline, and start of Cycle 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 then sequentially at FU. Results: Previously, we reported results on 45 patients with successful FANG construction followed for 1 year (28 treated (designated FANG); 17 not treated based on availability of other alternative treatments or failed manufacturing (designated No FANG)). We now report FU results through year 3 on those patients and an additional 29 patients (7 FANG, 22 No FANG) subsequently entered into Phase I study (total N=35 FANG; total N=39 No FANG). The median survival of the current expanded Phase I trial population is 562 days vs. 122 days (p=0.00001). This is similar to the originally published data from two years earlier. The γ-IFN-ELISPOT reaction was positive in 14 of the current FANG treated patients and negative in 12 FANG treated patients at Month 3 or less post first injection. Survival correlated with γ-IFN-ELISPOT reaction; median 836 days vs. 440 days with positive and negative ELISPOT respectively, (p=0.04). No long term adverse toxicity has been seen and there was no significant correlation of immune response or survival with either dose or demographics. Conclusions: Treatment with FANG vaccine continues to show long term safety and evidence of benefit in patients with many types of advanced cancer thereby justifying further efficacy testing.