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Journal of the Pediatric Infectious... Feb 2024Palivizumab is recommended for prevention of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in immunocompromised children, despite a lack of strong supporting...
BACKGROUND
Palivizumab is recommended for prevention of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in immunocompromised children, despite a lack of strong supporting evidence. The recent approval of substitute RSV-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against RSV, offers an opportunity to synthesize the most current evidence supporting the palivizumab standard of care.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of palivizumab in preventing acute respiratory tract infection- or RSV-related hospitalization, or mortality in immunocompromised children.
METHODS
We searched Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE for published clinical studies that investigated outcomes of palivizumab use in children. We included clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies. The primary outcomes were RSV-related or respiratory viral infection-related hospitalizations, or RSV-related mortality. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD42021248619) and is reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
From the 1993 records, six studies were eligible and included, for a total of 625 immunocompromised children with an heterogeneous composition of primary and acquired immunodeficiencies enrolled from palivizumab programs. There were no intervention studies. None of the studies included a control group. RSV hospitalizations were infrequent (0%-3.1% of children). Most children included received palivizumab, although one study (n = 56) did not specify how many received palivizumab. RSV mortality was neither observed, in three studies, nor reported, in three other studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence supporting the use of palivizumab for prevention of severe RSV disease in immunocompromised children remains extremely limited and appears insufficient to justify prioritizing this intervention as the current standard of care over alternative interventions.
Topics: Child; Humans; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antiviral Agents; Hospitalization; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Palivizumab; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses
PubMed: 38279954
DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piae004 -
Virulence Dec 2024Newcastle disease virus (NDV) typically induces severe illness in poultry and results in significant economic losses for the worldwide poultry sector. NDV, an RNA virus...
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) typically induces severe illness in poultry and results in significant economic losses for the worldwide poultry sector. NDV, an RNA virus with a single-stranded negative-sense genome, is susceptible to mutation and immune evasion during viral transmission, thus imposing enormous challenges to avian health and poultry production. NDV is composed of six structural proteins and two nonstructural proteins that exert pivotal roles in viral infection and antiviral responses by interacting with host proteins. Nowadays, there is a particular focus on the mechanisms of virus-host protein interactions in NDV research, yet a comprehensive overview of such research is still lacking. Herein, we briefly summarize the mechanisms regarding the effects of virus-host protein interaction on viral infection, pathogenesis, and host immune responses. This review can not only enhance the present comprehension of the mechanism underlying NDV and host interplay, but also furnish a point of reference for the advancement of antiviral measures.
Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Host Microbial Interactions; Immune Evasion; Newcastle disease virus; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 38193514
DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2299182 -
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2024Ebola virus disease (Ebola) is highly pathogenic, transmissible, and often deadly, with debilitating consequences. Superspreading within a cluster is also possible. In... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Ebola virus disease (Ebola) is highly pathogenic, transmissible, and often deadly, with debilitating consequences. Superspreading within a cluster is also possible. In this study, we aim to document Ebola basic reproduction number (R): the average number of new cases associated with an Ebola case in a completely susceptible population.
METHODS
We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies published between 1976 and February 27, 2023. We also manually searched the reference lists of the reviewed studies to identify additional studies. We included studies that reported R during Ebola outbreaks in Africa. We excluded studies that reported only the effective reproduction number (R). Abstracting data from included studies was performed using a pilot-tested standard form. Two investigators reviewed the studies, extracted the data, and assessed quality. The pooled R was determined by a random-effects meta-analysis. R was stratified by country. We also estimated the theoretically required immunization coverage to reach herd-immunity using the formula of (1-1/R) × 100 %.
RESULTS
The search yielded 2042 studies. We included 53 studies from six African countries in the systematic review providing 97 Ebola mean R estimates. 27 (with 46 data points) studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled mean Ebola R was 1.95 (95 % CI 1.74-2.15), with high heterogeneity (I = 99.99 %; τ = 0.38; and p < 0.001) and evidence of small-study effects (Egger's statistics: Z = 4.67; p < 0.001). Mean Ebola R values ranged from 1.2 to 10.0 in Nigeria, 1.1 to 7 in Guinea, 1.14 to 8.33 in Sierra Leone, 1.13 to 5 in Liberia, 1.2 to 5.2 in DR Congo, 1.34 to 2.7 in Uganda, and from 1.40 to 2.55 for all West African countries combined. Pooled mean Ebola R was 9.38 (95 % CI 4.16-14.59) in Nigeria, 3.31 (95 % CI 2.30-4.32) in DR Congo, 2.0 (95 % CI 1.25-2.76) in Uganda, 1.83 (95 % CI 1.61-2.05) in Liberia, 1.73 (95 % CI 1.47-2.0) in Sierra Leonne, and 1.44 (95 % CI 1.29-1.60) in Guinea. In theory, 50 % of the population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, assuming that Ebola vaccine would be 100 % effective.
CONCLUSIONS
Ebola R varies widely across countries. Ebola has a much wider R range than is often claimed (1.3-2.0). It is possible for an Ebola index case to infect more than two susceptible individuals.
Topics: Humans; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola; Ebolavirus; Basic Reproduction Number; Ebola Vaccines; Disease Outbreaks; Liberia; Nigeria
PubMed: 38181864
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102685 -
Public Health Feb 2024Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a frequent cause of acute lower respiratory infection in children, imposing a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems.... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a frequent cause of acute lower respiratory infection in children, imposing a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. This systematic review aimed to assess the economic burden and healthcare utilisation of RSV in children aged 0-59 months in Italy.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the International HTA Database, including studies published in English or Italian, was conducted between January 2000 and July 2022. Inclusion criteria required studies to be conducted in Italy and provide data on the economic costs and healthcare resource utilisation related to RSV infections.
RESULTS
Out of 20,845 records screened, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. Only one study provided comprehensive data on RSV disease costs, including hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, and medical procedures for infants with RSV-bronchiolitis. The mean cost per inpatient was higher for RSV-positive children (€5753.43 ± €2041.62) than that for RSV-negative children. Additionally, five studies reported a median length of hospital stay of 5 days for RSV-infected children, and four studies indicated a higher frequency of intensive care unit admissions for RSV-infected children than for those with other viral infections.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first systematic review to examine the economic burden and healthcare utilisation of RSV in children aged 0-59 months in Italy. While limited data were available, the findings underscore the urgency to conduct further research and gather additional evidence on the costs and healthcare resource utilisation associated with RSV infections. Such efforts are essential for informing the development of effective prevention strategies for paediatric RSV infections in Italy.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Child; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses; Hospitalization; Communicable Diseases; Delivery of Health Care; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38154422
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.11.039 -
BMC Public Health Dec 2023A significant proportion of the global respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) associated morbidity is accounted for by infants aged 0 to 6 months, who are particularly...
BACKGROUND
A significant proportion of the global respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) associated morbidity is accounted for by infants aged 0 to 6 months, who are particularly vulnerable to severe disease. In 2015, 44% of global hospitalisations in infants in this age group were secondary to RSV. The objective of this systematic review is to appraise and synthesise the local evidence of RSV infection morbidity among Australian infants aged 0 to 6 months and to assess the implications for future immunisation strategies.
METHODS
Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Pubmed and Global Health) were searched for full-text articles published between 2000 and 2023 in English language. Studies that examined markers of RSV disease morbidity in infants aged 0 to 6 months in Australia who had laboratory confirmed RSV infection were eligible for inclusion. The outcomes of interest were incidence, prevalence, testing rate, positivity rate, mortality, emergency department visits, community health visits, hospitalisation, intensive care unit admission, supplementary oxygen use, mechanical ventilation, risk factors for disease severity and monoclonal antibody use.
RESULTS
The database search identified 469 studies. After removal of duplicates and full-text review, 17 articles were eligible for inclusion. This review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Synthesis without meta-analysis guidelines.
CONCLUSIONS
Qualitative analysis of the included studies showed that Australian infants aged 0 to 6 months have higher rates of RSV testing, positivity and incidence; and more likely to develop severe disease that requires hospitalisation, intensive care unit admission or respiratory support, compared to children and adults of all ages. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants aged 0 to 6 months demonstrated higher rates of RSV infection and hospitalisation, compared to non-Indigenous infants. Age-related trends persisted in geographic areas with varying seasonal transmission of RSV, and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Passive immunisation strategies targeting infants in their first 6 months of life, either via vaccination of pregnant women or administration of long-acting monoclonal antibody during infancy, could effectively reduce RSV disease burden in Australia.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant; Child; Adult; Humans; Female; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Australia; Communicable Diseases; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Hospitalization; Prevalence
PubMed: 38129854
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17474-x -
Expert Review of Vaccines 2024This review aimed to systematically evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the candidate Ebola virus vaccine (EVV). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
This review aimed to systematically evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the candidate Ebola virus vaccine (EVV).
METHODS
We searched five databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of EVV on healthy adults. The primary outcomes were relative risk (RR) of sero-conversion or sero-response of EVV in healthy adults between the groups that received EVV and the controls.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine RCTs ( = 23573) were included. There was a significant difference in RR of sero-conversion of EVV (RR 13.18; 95% CI 11.28-15.41; I = 33%; < 0.01) between the two groups. There was a significant difference in RR of adverse events (AEs) of EVV (RR 1.49; 95% CI 1.27-1.74; I = 88%; < 0.01), although no difference in RR of serious AE (SAE) between the two groups. Subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference in RR of AEs for DNAEBO, EBOV-GP, MVA, and rVSVN4CT1 vaccines, compared with controls.
CONCLUSIONS
The DNAEBO, EBOV-GP, MVA, and rVSVN4CT1 vaccines are likely to be safe and immunogenic, tending to support the vaccination against Ebola disease. These findings should provide much-needed evidence for public health policy makers to develop preventive measures based on disease prevalence features and socio-economic conditions.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Ebola Vaccines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola; Vaccination; Antibody Formation; Ebolavirus
PubMed: 38112249
DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2296937 -
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases May 2024The 2023 Marburg virus disease outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania highlighted the importance of better understanding this lethal pathogen. We did a systematic... (Review)
Review
The 2023 Marburg virus disease outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania highlighted the importance of better understanding this lethal pathogen. We did a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42023393345) of peer-reviewed articles reporting historical outbreaks, modelling studies, and epidemiological parameters focused on Marburg virus disease. We searched PubMed and Web of Science from database inception to March 31, 2023. Two reviewers evaluated all titles and abstracts with consensus-based decision making. To ensure agreement, 13 (31%) of 42 studies were double-extracted and a custom-designed quality assessment questionnaire was used for risk of bias assessment. We present detailed information on 478 reported cases and 385 deaths from Marburg virus disease. Analysis of historical outbreaks and seroprevalence estimates suggests the possibility of undetected Marburg virus disease outbreaks, asymptomatic transmission, or cross-reactivity with other pathogens, or a combination of these. Only one study presented a mathematical model of Marburg virus transmission. We estimate an unadjusted, pooled total random effect case fatality ratio of 61·9% (95% CI 38·8-80·6; I=93%). We identify epidemiological parameters relating to transmission and natural history, for which there are few estimates. This systematic review and the accompanying database provide a comprehensive overview of Marburg virus disease epidemiology and identify key knowledge gaps, contributing crucial information for mathematical models to support future Marburg virus disease epidemic responses.
Topics: Marburg Virus Disease; Humans; Disease Outbreaks; Marburgvirus; Animals; Models, Theoretical; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 38040006
DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00515-7 -
International Journal of Infectious... Jan 2024This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory viruses among children under the special conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory viruses among children under the special conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
Five databases were systematically searched to assess the pooled prevalence of various respiratory viruses in different age groups, regions, seasons, and in patients with and without confirmed SARS-CoV-2 coinfection. Moreover, we looked at the virus distribution in the first and second half of the pandemic and countries with distinct economic status. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022379297).
RESULTS
Enterovirus/rhinovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) were the most prevalent pathogens among children. The prevalence of HRSV increased in the second half of the pandemic. The prevailing viruses vary according to the SARS-CoV-2-coinfection status, season, region, and country´s economic status.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis shows the epidemiology of respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 in children aged 0 to 12 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because major events, such as a pandemic, can alter epidemiology patterns, it is important to know them to improve health education measures, develop vaccines and medicines for vulnerable groups, as a guide for prevention strategies, and help with clinical decisions.
Topics: Child; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Pandemics; Coinfection; Rhinovirus; Enterovirus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 37951460
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.10.023 -
Potential for Person-to-Person Transmission of Henipaviruses: A Systematic Review of the Literature.The Journal of Infectious Diseases Mar 2024Nipah virus Bangladesh (NiVB) is a bat-borne zoonosis transmitted between people through the respiratory route. The risk posed by related henipaviruses, including Hendra...
Nipah virus Bangladesh (NiVB) is a bat-borne zoonosis transmitted between people through the respiratory route. The risk posed by related henipaviruses, including Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus Malaysia (NiVM), is less clear. We conducted a broad search of the literature encompassing both human infections and animal models to synthesize evidence about potential for person-to-person spread. More than 600 human infections have been reported in the literature, but information on viral shedding was only available for 40 case-patients. There is substantial evidence demonstrating person-to-person transmission of NiVB, and some evidence for NiVM. Less direct evidence is available about the risk for person-to-person transmission of HeV, but animals infected with HeV shed more virus in the respiratory tract than those infected with NiVM, suggesting potential for transmission. As the group of known henipaviruses continues to grow, shared protocols for conducting and reporting from human investigations and animal experiments are urgently needed.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Hendra Virus; Henipavirus Infections; Malaysia; Nipah Virus; Zoonoses
PubMed: 37925626
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad467 -
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Mar 2024With the licensure of maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines in Europe and the United States, data are needed to better characterize the burden of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
With the licensure of maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines in Europe and the United States, data are needed to better characterize the burden of RSV-associated acute respiratory infections (ARI) in pregnancy. The current study aimed to determine among pregnant individuals the proportion of ARI testing positive for RSV and the RSV incidence rate, RSV-associated hospitalizations, deaths, and perinatal outcomes.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using 5 databases (Medline, Embase, Global Health, Web of Science, and Global Index Medicus), and including additional unpublished data. Pregnant individuals with ARI who had respiratory samples tested for RSV were included. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to generate overall proportions and rate estimates across studies.
RESULTS
Eleven studies with pregnant individuals recruited between 2010 and 2022 were identified, most of which recruited pregnant individuals in community, inpatient and outpatient settings. Among 8126 pregnant individuals, the proportion with ARI that tested positive for RSV ranged from 0.9% to 10.7%, with a meta-estimate of 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9%-54%). The pooled incidence rate of RSV among pregnant individuals was 26.0 (95% CI, 15.8-36.2) per 1000 person-years. RSV hospitalization rates reported in 2 studies were 2.4 and 3.0 per 1000 person-years. In 5 studies that ascertained RSV-associated deaths among 4708 pregnant individuals, no deaths were reported. Three studies comparing RSV-positive and RSV-negative pregnant individuals found no difference in the odds of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and small size for gestational age. RSV-positive pregnant individuals had higher odds of preterm delivery (odds ratio, 3.6 [95% CI, 1.3-10.3]).
CONCLUSIONS
Data on RSV-associated hospitalization rates are limited, but available estimates are lower than those reported in older adults and young children. As countries debate whether to include RSV vaccines in maternal vaccination programs, which are primarily intended to protect infants, this information could be useful in shaping vaccine policy decisions.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Databases, Factual; Europe; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Respiratory Tract Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
PubMed: 37824420
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad449