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Infectious Diseases and Therapy May 2024Older adults and patients with underlying conditions such as immunocompromised (IC) populations (e.g., due to medical conditions or immunosuppressive medication) are at...
INTRODUCTION
Older adults and patients with underlying conditions such as immunocompromised (IC) populations (e.g., due to medical conditions or immunosuppressive medication) are at increased risk for herpes zoster (HZ). The first HZ recombinant vaccine for IC patients was approved in 2020. Limited evidence exists to inform decision-makers on HZ incidence in high-risk patients in Europe. This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed HZ incidence across 14 high-risk populations in the European Union/European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
METHODS
An SLR (Embase, Medline, 2002-2022, observational studies) was performed to identify HZ incidence (i.e., primary outcomes: rate or cumulative; secondary: relative incidence) in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma; depression; rheumatic disorders (RD); multiple sclerosis (MS); inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD); psoriasis; lupus; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); solid organ transplantation (SOT); solid organ malignancy (SOM); hematologic malignancy (HM); and stem cell transplantation (SCT).
RESULTS
Of 776 unique records screened, 59 studies were included (24 reported incidence rate per 1000 person-years; two, cumulative incidence per 1000 persons; and 33, relative incidence). The highest incidence rates were reported for SOT (12.1-78.8) and SCT (37.2-56.1); HM (2.9-32.0); RD (0.41-21.5); lupus (11.0-16.5); IC mixed population (11.3-15.5); HIV/AIDS (11.8-13.0); chronic respiratory diseases (4.7-11.4); SOM (8.8-11.0); IBD (7.0-10.8); DM (4.3-9.4); depression (7.2-7.6); MS (5.7-6.3); and psoriasis (5.3-6.1). In many high-risk populations, HZ incidence was higher for older age groups, women, and some treatments.
CONCLUSIONS
The HZ incidence rate in Europe increased with age and varied across high-risk populations, with high rates for solid organ and stem cell transplants, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. Most studies were retrospective with methodological differences affecting generalizability and comparability. Future studies should stratify data by IC population, age, sex, severity, medication, and study timeframe.
PubMed: 38656653
DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-00963-w -
The Lancet. Global Health Jun 2024Information on the causes of deaths from diarrhoea in children younger than 5 years is needed to design improved preventive and therapeutic approaches. We aimed to...
BACKGROUND
Information on the causes of deaths from diarrhoea in children younger than 5 years is needed to design improved preventive and therapeutic approaches. We aimed to conduct a systematic analysis of studies to report estimates of the causes of deaths from diarrhoea in children younger than 5 years at global and regional levels during 2000-21.
METHODS
For this systematic review and Bayesian multinomial analysis, we included 12 pathogens with the highest attributable incidence in the Global Enteric Multicenter Study. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Global Health Index Medicus, Global Health OVID, IndMed, Health Information Platform for the Americas (PLISA), Africa-Wide Information, and Cochrane Collaboration for articles published between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 31, 2020, using the search terms "child", "hospital", "diarrhea", "diarrhoea", "dysentery", "rotavirus", "Escherichia coli", "salmonella", "shigella", "campylobacter", "Vibrio cholerae", "cryptosporidium", "norovirus", "astrovirus", "sapovirus", and "adenovirus". To be included, studies had to have a patient population of children younger than 5 years who were hospitalised for diarrhoea (at least 90% of study participants), at least a 12-month duration, reported prevalence in diarrhoeal stools of at least two of the 12 pathogens, all patients with diarrhoea being included at the study site or a systematic sample, at least 100 patients with diarrhoea, laboratory tests done on rectal swabs or stool samples, and standard laboratory methods (ie, quantitative PCR [qPCR] or non-qPCR). Studies published in any language were included. Studies were excluded if they were limited to nosocomial, chronic, antibiotic-associated, or outbreak diarrhoea or to a specific population (eg, only children with HIV or AIDS). Each article was independently reviewed by two researchers; a third arbitrated in case of disagreement. If both reviewers identified an exclusion criterion, the study was excluded. Data sought were summary estimates. Data on causes from published studies were adjusted when necessary to account for the poor sensitivity of non-qPCR methods and for attributable fraction based on quantification of pathogens in children who are ill or non-ill. The causes of deaths from diarrhoea were modelled on the causes of hospitalisations for diarrhoea. We separately modelled studies reporting causes of diarrhoea in children who were hospitalised in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and in high-income countries (HICs).
FINDINGS
Of 74 282 papers identified in the initial database search, we included 138 studies (91 included data from LMICs and 47 included data from HICs) from 73 countries. We modelled estimates for 194 WHO member states (hereafter referred to as countries), including 42 HICs and 152 LMICs. We could attribute a cause to 1 003 448 (83·8%) of the estimated 1 197 044 global deaths from diarrhoea in children younger than 5 years in 2000 and 360 730 (81·3%) of the estimated 443 833 global deaths from diarrhoea in children younger than 5 years in 2021. The cause with the largest estimated global attribution was rotavirus; in LMICs, the proportion of deaths from diarrhoea due to rotavirus in children younger than 5 years appeared lower in 2021 (108 322 [24·4%] of 443 342, 95% uncertainty interval 21·6-29·5) than in 2000 (316 382 [26·5%] of 1 196 134, 25·7-28·5), but the 95% CIs overlapped. In 2000, the second largest estimated attribution was norovirus GII (95 817 [8·0%] of 1 196 134 in LMICs and 225 [24·7%] of 910 in HICs); in 2021, Shigella sp had the second largest estimated attribution in LMICs (36 082 [8·1%] of 443 342), but norovirus remained with the second largest estimated attribution in HICs (84 [17·1%] of 490).
INTERPRETATION
Our results indicate progress in the reduction of deaths from diarrhoea caused by 12 pathogens in children younger than 5 years in the past two decades. There is a need to increase efforts for prevention, including with rotavirus vaccine, and treatment to eliminate further deaths.
FUNDING
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation via Johns Hopkins University and the University of Virginia.
Topics: Humans; Diarrhea; Bayes Theorem; Infant; Child, Preschool; Global Health; Cause of Death; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38648812
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00078-0 -
BMJ Global Health Apr 2024To assess the effects of COVID-19 vaccines in women before or during pregnancy on SARS-CoV-2 infection-related, pregnancy, offspring and reactogenicity outcomes. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of COVID-19 vaccines in women before or during pregnancy on SARS-CoV-2 infection-related, pregnancy, offspring and reactogenicity outcomes.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Major databases between December 2019 and January 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
Nine pairs of reviewers contributed to study selection. We included test-negative designs, comparative cohorts and randomised trials on effects of COVID-19 vaccines on infection-related and pregnancy outcomes. Non-comparative cohort studies reporting reactogenicity outcomes were also included.
QUALITY ASSESSMENT, DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers independently assessed study quality and extracted data. We undertook random-effects meta-analysis and reported findings as HRs, risk ratios (RRs), ORs or rates with 95% CIs.
RESULTS
Sixty-seven studies (1 813 947 women) were included. Overall, in test-negative design studies, pregnant women fully vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine had 61% reduced odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.75; 4 studies, 23 927 women; I=87.2%) and 94% reduced odds of hospital admission (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.71; 2 studies, 868 women; I=92%). In adjusted cohort studies, the risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy was reduced by 12% (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.92; 2 studies; 115 085 women), while caesarean section was reduced by 9% (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98; 6 studies; 30 192 women). We observed an 8% reduction in the risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97; 2 studies; 54 569 women) in babies born to vaccinated versus not vaccinated women. In general, vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy or perinatal outcomes. Pain at the injection site was the most common side effect reported (77%, 95% CI 52% to 94%; 11 studies; 27 195 women).
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and related complications in pregnant women.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020178076.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Infant; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; COVID-19 Vaccines; Cesarean Section; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Parturition
PubMed: 38580375
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014247 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Sep 2023To estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with tuberculosis (TB) among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with tuberculosis (TB) among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in China.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. After the literature was screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, STATA version 17.0 software was used for the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity among study data was assessed using I statistics. Subgroup analysis and meta-regressions were performed to further explore the source of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
A total of 5241 studies were retrieved. Of these, 44 studies were found to be eligible. The pooled prevalence of HIV/TB co-infection was 6.0%. The risk factors for HIV/TB co-infection included a low CD4 T cell count, smoking, intravenous drug use and several other sociodemographic and clinical factors. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination history was a protective factor.
CONCLUSION
A high prevalence of TB was observed among people living with HIV/AIDS in China. Low CD4 T cell count, smoking, and intravenous drug use were the primary risk factors for HIV/TB co-infection, whereas BCG vaccination history was a protective factor. Checking for TB should be prioritized in HIV screening and healthcare access.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
Registered on PROSPERO, Identifier: CRD42022297754.
Topics: Humans; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; BCG Vaccine; Coinfection; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Tuberculosis; China
PubMed: 37674103
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08575-4 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) carries the highest burden of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in the world, driven by, and together with, HIV infection. This systematic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) carries the highest burden of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in the world, driven by, and together with, HIV infection. This systematic review aimed to identify HR-HPV genotypes and their associated factors among women in SSA.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted in SSA on HR-HPV was conducted. Standard electronic databases were searched. R software version 3.6.0 was used for meta-analysis, with < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
We included 28 articles with a total of 22,652 participants. The overall pooled prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes was 55.13%, albeit high heterogeneity between studies. The overall pooled prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes in HIV-positive individuals was 75.51%, compared to 52.97% in HIV-negatives (OR = 4.68 (0.71-30.76)). HPV 16 (18%), 35 (10.12%), 52 (9.98%), 18 (9.7%) and 45 (6.82%) genotypes were the most prevalent. Twelve studies identified the most frequently reported risk factors associated with HR-HPV, with HIV infection (66.66%), multiple sexual partners (41.66%) and young age (41.66%) being the most reported risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS
The combined prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes among women in general and HIV-infected women in particular remains high in SSA. The presence of several genotypes not covered by the vaccine is remarkable and suggests the need for revision of current vaccination policies to prevent HR-HPV infections.
PubMed: 37623992
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081032 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Evidence has demonstrated inferior humoral immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients compared to the general population. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Evidence has demonstrated inferior humoral immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients compared to the general population. However, data on cellular immune responses in this population have not been established.
METHODS
We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases and included studies reporting cellular immune response rates in kidney transplant recipients after receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Studies that reported factors associated with cellular immune responders or non-responders were also included (PROSPERO: CRD42022375544).
RESULTS
From a total of 1,494 articles searched, 53 articles were included in the meta-analysis. In all, 21 studies assessed cellular immune response by interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (IFN-γ ELISPOT), 22 studies used interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), and 10 studies used flow cytometric analysis. The pooled response rate after two doses (standard regimen) and three doses of vaccination was 47.5% (95%CI 38.4-56.7%) and 69.1% (95%CI 56.3-80.6%) from IFN-γ ELISPOT, 25.8% (95%CI 19.7-32.4%) and 14.7% (95%CI 8.5-22.2%) from IGRA, and 73.7% (95%CI 55.2-88.8%) and 86.5% (95%CI 75.3-94.9%) from flow cytometry, respectively. Recipients with seroconversion were associated with a higher chance of having cellular immune response (OR 2.58; 95%CI 1.89-3.54). Cellular immune response in kidney transplant recipients was lower than in dialysis patients (OR 0.24; 95%CI 0.16-0.34) and the general population (OR 0.10; 95%CI 0.07-0.14). Age and immunosuppressants containing tacrolimus or corticosteroid were associated with inferior cellular immune response.
CONCLUSION
Cellular immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients was lower than in dialysis patients and the general population. Age, tacrolimus, and corticosteroid were associated with poor response. Cellular immune response should also be prioritized in vaccination studies.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022375544.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Kidney Transplantation
PubMed: 37575225
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1220148 -
AIDS (London, England) Jul 2023People with HIV (PWH) experience a greater risk of morbidity and mortality following COVID-19 infection, and poorer immunological responses to several vaccines. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
People with HIV (PWH) experience a greater risk of morbidity and mortality following COVID-19 infection, and poorer immunological responses to several vaccines. We explored existing evidence regarding the immunogenicity, effectiveness, and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in PWH compared with controls.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases from January 2020 until June 2022, in addition to conference databases, to identify studies comparing clinical, immunogenicity, and safety in PWH and controls. We compared results between those with low (<350 cells/μl) and high (>350 cells/μl) CD4 + T-cell counts where possible. We performed a meta-analysis of seroconversion and neutralization responses to calculate a pooled risk ratio as the measure of effect.
RESULTS
We identified 30 studies, including four reporting clinical effectiveness, 27 immunogenicity, and 12 reporting safety outcomes. PWH were 3% [risk ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.95-0.99] less likely to seroconvert and 5% less likely to demonstrate neutralization responses (risk ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99) following a primary vaccine schedule. Having a CD4 + T-cell count less than 350 cells/μl (risk ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.99) compared with a CD4 + T-cell count more than 350 cells/μl, and receipt of a non-mRNA vaccine in PWH compared with controls (risk ratio 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96) were associated with reduced seroconversion. Two studies reported worse clinical outcomes in PWH.
CONCLUSION
Although vaccines appear well tolerated in PWH, this group experience poorer immunological responses following vaccination than controls, particularly with non-mRNA vaccines and low CD4 + T-cell counts. PWH should be prioritized for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, especially PWH with more advanced immunodeficiency.
Topics: Humans; Antibodies, Viral; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; HIV Infections; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination
PubMed: 37070539
DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000003579 -
The Lancet Regional Health. Europe Feb 2023Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is a globally prevalent, life-long, sexually transmitted infection. This study characterized HSV-2 seroprevalence in Europe...
BACKGROUND
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is a globally prevalent, life-long, sexually transmitted infection. This study characterized HSV-2 seroprevalence in Europe for various at-risk populations and proportions of HSV-2 detection in genital ulcer disease (GUD) and in genital herpes. Data on neonatal herpes and HSV-2's contribution to HIV transmission were also reviewed.
METHODS
Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines were followed to systematically review, synthesize, and report HSV-2 related findings. The search was conducted in PubMed and Embase databases up to February 20, 2022. Any publication reporting data on the outcome measures was included. Meta-analyses and meta-regressions were conducted.
FINDINGS
211 relevant reports were identified, including 12 overall incidence measures, 294 overall (813 stratified by factors such as age and sex) seroprevalence measures, 13 overall (15 stratified by sex) proportions of HSV-2 detection in clinically diagnosed GUD, and 70 overall (183 stratified by factors such as age and sex) proportions of HSV-2 detection in laboratory-confirmed genital herpes. Pooled mean seroprevalence was 12.4% (95% CI: 11.5-13.3%) among general populations, 27.8% (95% CI: 17.5-39.4%) among men who have sex with men, 46.0% (95% CI: 40.1-51.8%) among people living with HIV and people in HIV discordant couples, and 63.2% (95% CI: 55.5-70.6%) among female sex workers. Most measures showed heterogeneity in HSV-2 seroprevalence. The pooled mean seroprevalence among general populations increased with age and was 0.65-fold (95% CI: 0.58-0.74) lower in men than women. Seroprevalence decreased by 1% per calendar year. Pooled mean proportions of HSV-2 detection in GUD and in genital herpes were 22.0% (95% CI: 15.3-29.6%) and 66.0% (95% CI: 62.9-69.1%), respectively. HSV-2 detection in genital herpes cases was 1.21-fold (95% CI: 1.10-1.32) higher in men compared to women and decreased by 1% per calendar year. Incidence of neonatal herpes indicated an increasing trend.
INTERPRETATION
Although seroprevalence is declining, a significant proportion of Europe's population is infected with HSV-2. HSV-2 accounts for approximately one-fifth of GUD cases and two-thirds of genital herpes cases. Findings support the need to invest in HSV-2 vaccine development, and sexual and reproductive health services.
FUNDING
Qatar National Research Fund [NPRP 9-040-3-008] and pilot funding from the Biomedical Research Program at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar supported this study.
PubMed: 36818238
DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100558 -
International Journal of Infectious... Apr 2023This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with maintenance of viral suppression after antiretroviral therapy (ART) discontinuation. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with maintenance of viral suppression after antiretroviral therapy (ART) discontinuation.
METHODS
Databases were searched for studies published between January 01, 2011, and July 01, 2022, that correlated the time of virus rebound with treatment interruption (TI). The corresponding data were extracted from these studies. A fixed-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates.
RESULTS
Thirty-one studies were included in this analysis. Results showed that patients who started ART during acute or early infection had longer viral control than those who started ART during chronic infection. It has been reported that some broadly neutralizing HIV-1-specific antibodies can significantly prolong viral inhibition. The study also found that approximately 7.2% of patients achieved post-treatment control (PTC) approximately a year after TI.
CONCLUSION
ART initiation in the acute or early phases can delay viral rebound after TI. Cell-associated HIV RNA and HIV DNA have been difficult to prove as able to predict viral rebound time. Many vaccines and antibodies have also been shown to be effective in prolonging viral control in people without PTC, and more research is needed to develop alternative ART therapies that can effectively inhibit or even eliminate HIV.
Topics: Humans; Viral Load; HIV Infections; Antibodies; Anti-HIV Agents
PubMed: 36707043
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.01.025 -
EClinicalMedicine Feb 2023The higher hospitalisation rates of those aged 0-19 years (referred to herein as 'children') observed since the emergence of the immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 Omicron...
BACKGROUND
The higher hospitalisation rates of those aged 0-19 years (referred to herein as 'children') observed since the emergence of the immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and subvariants, along with the persisting vaccination disparities highlighted a need for in-depth knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 sero-epidemiology in children. Here, we conducted this systematic review to assess SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and determinants in children worldwide.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, we searched international and preprinted scientific databases from December 1, 2019 to July 10, 2022. Pooled seroprevalences were estimated according to World Health Organization (WHO) regions (at 95% confidence intervals, CIs) using random-effects meta-analyses. Associations with SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and sources of heterogeneity were investigated using sub-group and meta-regression analyses. The protocol used in this study has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022350833).
FINDINGS
We included 247 studies involving 757,075 children from 70 countries. Seroprevalence estimates varied from 7.3% (5.8-9.1%) in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to 37.6% (18.1-59.4%) in the fifth wave and 56.6% (52.8-60.5%) in the sixth wave. The highest seroprevalences in different pandemic waves were estimated for South-East Asia (17.9-81.8%) and African (17.2-66.1%) regions; while the lowest seroprevalence was estimated for the Western Pacific region (0.01-1.01%). Seroprevalence estimates were higher in children at older ages, in those living in underprivileged countries or regions, and in those of minority ethnic backgrounds.
INTERPRETATION
Our findings indicate that, by the end of 2021 and before the Omicron wave, around 50-70% of children globally were still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, clearly emphasising the need for more effective vaccines and better vaccination coverage among children and adolescents, particularly in developing countries and minority ethnic groups.
FUNDING
None.
PubMed: 36590788
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101786