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Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2023The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for adolescents in the United States since 2006. Though... (Review)
Review
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for adolescents in the United States since 2006. Though recommended at a similar time to the routine recommendations for adolescent tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccination (Tdap) and quadrivalent meningococcal vaccination (MCV4), HPV vaccine uptake has consistently lagged behind these other adolescent vaccines. The ACIP recommends HPV vaccination at 11-12 y, with vaccination starting at 9 y of age included as an option that is routinely encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Cancer Society. To support efforts to increase HPV vaccination at the first opportunity, this commentary summarizes the current HPV vaccination recommendations and available evidence regarding HPV vaccination starting at 9 y - including recent studies and trials documenting the effectiveness of HPV vaccination at 9 in supporting vaccine series completion, while providing future directions for research and implementation to improve HPV vaccination.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; United States; Child; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Papillomavirus Infections; Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines; Vaccines, Conjugate; Immunization Schedule; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Vaccination; Meningococcal Vaccines
PubMed: 37218520
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2213603 -
Infectious Diseases and Therapy Aug 2022Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreaks associated with Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are well recognized. Past outbreaks... (Review)
Review
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreaks associated with Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are well recognized. Past outbreaks have been associated with substantial intercontinental spread of specific Neisseria meningitidis serogroups. The emergence of meningococcal serogroup W (MenW) was a global concern following the 2000/2001 Hajj outbreaks. Broader compulsory meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y (MenACWY) immunization strategies for pilgrims were introduced in response to these events and led to substantial declines in IMD cases associated with these mass gatherings. However, there remains potential for future outbreaks either within KSA during the Hajj or in local populations via pilgrim meningococcal transmission on their return. While the annual Hajj involves pilgrims from over 185 countries, two-thirds of these arrive from 13 countries, chiefly from across South-East Asia, the Middle East and North African (MENA) regions; for which we review the relevant epidemiology of IMD and meningococcal carriage. While disease surveillance is limited and data are often lacking, MenB is an important serogroup associated with IMD and carriage in a number of countries. Available literature suggests that most pilgrims receive polysaccharide MenACWY vaccines (which do not impact carriage and onward transmission) and incomplete compliance with visa/entry immunization regulations is reported. Existing preventative approaches for visiting pilgrims require continued oversight. More complete compliance and switching to the conjugated MenACWY vaccine can provide more robust and broader protection for pilgrims. Additional immunization options could also be considered.
PubMed: 35585384
DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00620-0 -
Gaceta Sanitaria 2020
Topics: Humans; Immunization Schedule; Incidence; Meningococcal Infections; Meningococcal Vaccines; Neisseria meningitidis; Spain
PubMed: 31767200
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2019.09.004 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2023Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a life-threatening disease caused by and has high mortality rates. Survivors often exhibit long-term sequelae and reduced life...
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a life-threatening disease caused by and has high mortality rates. Survivors often exhibit long-term sequelae and reduced life expectancy. Disease incidence is highest in infants and toddlers, with a resurgence of cases in adolescents and older adults (>50 years of age). Substantial heterogeneity exists in the recommendations of meningococcal vaccines included in National Immunization Programs (NIPs) across countries. Recommendations are usually based on infant/toddler immunization, with some countries recommending immunization only for toddlers. While existing recommendations have led to a reduced incidence of IMD in children <5 years of age, there has been an increase in cases among adolescents and older adults. Currently, older adults are not included in the recommendations. The higher healthcare burden and the economic costs associated with IMD in these age groups suggest that it is time to consider including adolescents and older adults in NIPs to protect against IMD caused by the five most prevalent serogroups. Currently, the lack of equity of access to vaccines in the immunization programs is a glaring gap in the betterment of public health, and a broader meningococcal strategy is recommended to provide optimal protection for all age groups.
Topics: Infant; Adolescent; Humans; Aged; Meningococcal Infections; Neisseria meningitidis; Vaccination; Meningococcal Vaccines; Incidence; Immunization Programs
PubMed: 37017273
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2186111 -
Microorganisms Oct 2020Reduction in the transmission of within a population results in fewer invasive disease cases. Vaccination with meningococcal vaccines composed of high weight capsular... (Review)
Review
Reduction in the transmission of within a population results in fewer invasive disease cases. Vaccination with meningococcal vaccines composed of high weight capsular polysaccharide without carrier proteins has minimal effect against carriage or the acquisition of carriage. Conjugate vaccines, however, elicit an enhanced immune response which serves to reduce carriage acquisition and hinder onwards transmission. Since the 1990s, several meningococcal conjugate vaccines have been developed and, when used in age groups associated with higher carriage, they have been shown to provide indirect protection to unvaccinated cohorts. This herd protective effect is important in enhancing the efficiency and impact of vaccination. Studies are ongoing to assess the effect of protein-based group B vaccines on carriage; however, current data cast doubt on their ability to reduce transmission.
PubMed: 33126756
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111675 -
Australian Prescriber Aug 2019Invasive meningococcal disease is a rare but serious infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B was the predominant serogroup causing invasive meningococcal... (Review)
Review
Invasive meningococcal disease is a rare but serious infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B was the predominant serogroup causing invasive meningococcal disease in Australia until 2015. Serogroup W disease has increased substantially since 2014, and in 2017, serogroups B and W caused similar numbers of invasive disease cases Vaccines against serogroups A, C, W, Y and B are available for anyone who wishes to reduce the risk of meningococcal disease Vaccination is strongly recommended for people in high-risk age or population groups. These are children under 2 years, 15–19 year olds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and people with medical, occupational, behavioural or travel-related risk factors for invasive meningococcal disease Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is funded under the National Immunisation Program for babies aged 12 months. Since April 2019, it has been funded for year 10 students through a school program. There are additional state and territory-based programs for both meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B vaccines
PubMed: 31427844
DOI: 10.18773/austprescr.2019.042 -
Serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccines: building sustainable and equitable vaccine strategies.Expert Review of Vaccines May 2020For well over 100 years, meningococcal disease due to serogroup A (MenA) has caused severe epidemics globally, especially in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
For well over 100 years, meningococcal disease due to serogroup A (MenA) has caused severe epidemics globally, especially in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa.
AREAS COVERED
The article reviews the background and identification of MenA, the global and molecular epidemiology of MenA, and the outbreaks of MenA in the African meningitis belt. The implementation (2010) of an equitable MenA polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine (Ps-TT, MenAfriVac) and the strategy to control MenA in sub-Saharan Africa is described. The development of a novel multi-serogroup meningococcal conjugate vaccine (NmCV-5) that includes serogroup A is highlighted. The PubMed database (1996-2019) was searched for studies relating to MenA outbreaks, vaccine, and immunization strategies; and the Neisseria PubMLST database of 1755 MenA isolates (1915-2019) was reviewed.
EXPERT OPINION
Using strategies from the successful MenAfriVac campaign, expanded collaborative partnerships were built to develop a novel, low-cost multivalent component meningococcal vaccine that includes MenA. This vaccine promises greater sustainability and is directed toward global control of meningococcal disease in the African meningitidis belt and beyond. The new WHO global roadmap addresses the continuing problem of bacterial meningitis, including meningococcal vaccine prevention, and provides a framework for further reducing the devastation of MenA.
Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Disease Outbreaks; Global Health; Humans; Meningococcal Infections; Meningococcal Vaccines; Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup A; Vaccination
PubMed: 32321332
DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1760097 -
Expert Review of Vaccines 2023Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a severe, life-threatening condition caused by infection with . Currently available vaccines offer protection against the five... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a severe, life-threatening condition caused by infection with . Currently available vaccines offer protection against the five most common meningococcal disease-causing serogroups and include monovalent and quadrivalent conjugate vaccines (MenA, MenC, MenACWY vaccines) and outer membrane vesicle- and/or recombinant protein-based vaccines (MenB vaccines).
AREAS COVERED
Country and regional immunization programs target populations susceptible to IMD and typically emphasize the highest-risk age groups (i.e., infants, adolescents/young adults, and the elderly); however, additional groups are also considered at an elevated risk and are the focus of the current review. Specific increased-risk groups include individuals with underlying immunocompromising medical conditions, university/college students, Indigenous people, laboratory workers, military personnel, men who have sex with men, and travelers to areas with hyperendemic IMD. This review compares established meningococcal vaccination recommendations for these vulnerable groups in Europe, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Brazil, and Turkey.
EXPERT OPINION
Recommendations should be standardized to cover all groups at increased risk of IMD.
Topics: Infant; Male; Adolescent; Young Adult; Humans; United States; Aged; Meningococcal Vaccines; Homosexuality, Male; Vaccination; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Meningococcal Infections; Neisseria meningitidis; Vaccines, Conjugate
PubMed: 37767607
DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2245467 -
Microorganisms Dec 2023is commensal of the human pharynx and occasionally invades the host, causing the life-threatening illness invasive meningococcal disease. The meningococcus is a highly... (Review)
Review
is commensal of the human pharynx and occasionally invades the host, causing the life-threatening illness invasive meningococcal disease. The meningococcus is a highly diverse and adaptable organism thanks to natural competence, a propensity for recombination, and a highly repetitive genome. These mechanisms together result in a high level of antigenic variation to invade diverse human hosts and evade their innate and adaptive immune responses. This review explores the ways in which this diversity contributes to the evolutionary history and population structure of the meningococcus, with a particular focus on microevolution. It examines studies on meningococcal microevolution in the context of within-host evolution and persistent carriage; microevolution in the context of meningococcal outbreaks and epidemics; and the potential of microevolution to contribute to antimicrobial resistance and vaccine escape. A persistent theme is the idea that the process of microevolution contributes to the development of new hyperinvasive meningococcal variants. As such, microevolution in this species has significant potential to drive future public health threats in the form of hypervirulent, antibiotic-resistant, vaccine-escape variants. The implications of this on current vaccination strategies are explored.
PubMed: 38138149
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11123005 -
Cureus Nov 2023In healthy people, (the meningococcus) is a typical component of the nasopharyngeal microbiome, but in those who are susceptible, it can cause septicemia and... (Review)
Review
In healthy people, (the meningococcus) is a typical component of the nasopharyngeal microbiome, but in those who are susceptible, it can cause septicemia and meningitis. This section gives a general overview of the meningococcus types and the sickness induced by Evaluate genes for phase-changeable adhesions, virulence factors, and effective colonization of the human host. In our final section, we summarize the evolution of meningococcal vaccines and their current state while emphasizing the value of ongoing molecular research into the pathogen's epidemiology and structural analysis of its antigens. IMD is a major global source of morbidity and mortality and a public health concern. IMD can manifest as an epidemic with breakouts or as an endemic illness with sporadic instances. There are 13 serogroups of Neisseria meningitis strains, however, only five (A, B, C, W-135, and Y) account for the majority of IMD globally. IMD poses a risk to people of all ages, although young children and teenagers are especially at risk. Meningitis and septicemia are the two clinical symptoms of IMD that occur most frequently, while both clinical presentations can occasionally exist. Age might affect the clinical pattern; in early childhood, the clinical manifestations could be more subtle, and the diagnosis may be trickier than in older kids or teenagers. In 4.3-11.2% of instances, there are sequelae, and death occurs in 6-10% of cases. Although vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing meningococcal disease, it is crucial to identify children with meningococcal infection as soon as possible to begin systemic antibiotic therapy. The prevalence of the disease has decreased as a result of the recent introduction of various meningococcal vaccinations on a global scale. Increasing meningococcal disease vaccination rates, keeping an eye on IMD, and creating a special vaccine that can protect against all of the major meningococcal strains should be the priorities for the upcoming few years.
PubMed: 38073961
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48509