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Viruses May 2024Due to low susceptibility of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in children, limited studies are available regarding COVID-19 in the pediatric population in Tunisia....
Due to low susceptibility of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) in children, limited studies are available regarding COVID-19 in the pediatric population in Tunisia. The current study evaluated the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among children hospitalized at Béchir Hamza Children's Hospital. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the hospital database between March 2020 and February 2022 with children aged ≤15 years with SARS-CoV-2 infection (confirmed by RT-PCR). A total of 327 COVID-19 hospitalized patients with a mean age of 3.3 years were included; the majority were male. Neurological disease (20%) was the most common comorbidity, while fever (95.3%) followed by cough (43.7%) and dyspnea (39.6%) were the most frequent symptoms reported. Severe disease with oxygen requirement occurred in 30% of the patients; 13% were admitted in the Intensive Care Unit. The overall incidence rate of COVID-19 hospitalization (in Tunis governorates) was 77.02 per 100,000 while the inpatient case fatality rate was 5% in the study population. The most prevalent circulating variant during our study period was Delta (48.8%), followed by Omicron (26%). More than 45% of the study population were <6 months and one-fourth ( = 25, 26.5%) had at least one comorbidity. Thus, the study findings highlight the high disease burden of COVID-19 in infants.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Tunisia; Male; Female; Child; Retrospective Studies; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Hospitalization; Infant; SARS-CoV-2; Incidence; Comorbidity; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38793660
DOI: 10.3390/v16050779 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Routine immunization programs have focused on increasing vaccination coverage, which is equally important for decreasing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs),...
INTRODUCTION
Routine immunization programs have focused on increasing vaccination coverage, which is equally important for decreasing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). We estimated the trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination coverage at the regional and national levels, as well as place of residence and wealth index in LMICs.
METHODS
In total, 174 nationally representative household surveys from 2000 to 2020 from 41 LMICs were included in this study. Bayesian hierarchical regression models were used to estimate trends and projections of age-appropriate vaccination.
RESULTS
The trend in coverage of age-appropriate Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP3), third dose of polio (polio3), and measles-containing vaccine (MCV) increased rapidly from 2000 to 2020 in LMICs. Findings indicate substantial increases at the regional and national levels, and by area of residence and socioeconomic status between 2000 and 2030. The largest rise was observed in East Africa, followed by South and Southeast Asia. However, out of the 41 countries, only 10 countries are estimated to achieve 90% coverage of the BCG vaccine by 2030, five of DTP3, three of polio3, and none of MCV. Additionally, by 2030, wider pro-urban and -rich inequalities are expected in several African countries.
CONCLUSION
Significant progress in age-appropriate vaccination coverage has been made in LMICs from 2000 to 2020. Despite this, projections show many countries will not meet the 2030 coverage goals, with persistent urban-rural and socioeconomic disparities. Therefore, LMICs must prioritize underperforming areas and reduce inequalities through stronger health systems and increased community engagement to ensure high coverage and equitable vaccine access.
Topics: Humans; Vaccination Coverage; Developing Countries; Asia; Africa South of the Sahara; Immunization Programs; Infant; Child, Preschool; Bayes Theorem; Vaccination
PubMed: 38784590
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1371258 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Homeless individuals suffer a high burden of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases. Moreover, they are particularly susceptible to adverse infection outcomes with...
INTRODUCTION
Homeless individuals suffer a high burden of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases. Moreover, they are particularly susceptible to adverse infection outcomes with limited access to the health care system. Data on the seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella within this cohort are missing.
METHODS
The seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella was determined within the homeless population in Germany. Predictors of lacking immune protection were determined using multivariable logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
Homeless individuals in Germany ( = 611) showed a seroprevalence of 88.5% (95% CI: 85.8-91.0) for measles, 83.8% (95% CI: 80.6-86.6) for mumps, 86.1% (95% CI: 83.1-88.7) for rubella, and 95.7% (95% CI 93.8-97.2) for varicella. Measles seroprevalences declined from individuals born in 1965 to individuals born in 1993, with seroprevalences not compatible with a 95% threshold in individuals born after 1980. For mumps, seroprevalences declined from individuals born in 1950 to individuals born in 1984. Here, seroprevalences were not compatible with a 92% threshold for individuals born after 1975. Seronegativity for measles, mumps and rubella was associated with age but not with gender or country of origin.
DISCUSSION
Herd immunity for measles and mumps is not achieved in this homeless cohort, while there was sufficient immune protection for rubella and varicella. Declining immune protection rates in younger individuals warrant immunization campaigns also targeting marginalized groups such as homeless individuals. Given that herd immunity thresholds are not reached for individuals born after 1980 for measles, and after 1975 for mumps, vaccination campaigns should prioritize individuals within these age groups.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Mumps; Cross-Sectional Studies; Germany; Ill-Housed Persons; Adult; Measles; Rubella; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Middle Aged; Chickenpox; Young Adult; Vaccination; Adolescent; Aged
PubMed: 38784578
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1375151 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2024Nigeria has the highest burden of measles worldwide, as measles vaccine uptake remains low. Recently, the second dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) was...
Nigeria has the highest burden of measles worldwide, as measles vaccine uptake remains low. Recently, the second dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) was introduced as part of the routine immunization (RI) program, and this study examined how it changed the uptake of the measles vaccine and the factors associated with vaccination behavior. The Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2021 was used to compare measles vaccination uptake as well as factors associated with vaccination uptake between children before MCV2 introduction (cohort 1) and after the introduction (cohort 2). The overall rate of measles vaccine uptake was higher among cohort 1 (64%-95%) than among cohort 2 (56%-92%) in all zones because of younger age among cohort 2. The dropout from the first to second measles vaccines was similar between the cohorts (around 24%). Higher maternal education levels and higher household wealth levels were both correlated with the vaccine uptake or both cohorts but a positive correlation between the dropout and mother's education level was observed only among cohort 2, especially in the North West and South West zones. The positive correlation between the dropout and mother's education level among cohort 2 indicates that the introduction of MCV2 as part of RI might have helped to narrow the disparity in measles vaccine uptake in North West and South West zones. Further study is required to investigate strategies employed to reduce the disparity in these zones to apply nationwide.
Topics: Humans; Nigeria; Measles Vaccine; Measles; Female; Male; Infant; Vaccination; Child, Preschool; Immunization Programs; Vaccination Coverage; Adult; Immunization Schedule; Cohort Studies; Young Adult; Adolescent; Child
PubMed: 38783606
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2355036 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2024The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems at all levels globally, notably affecting routine healthcare services, such as childhood...
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems at all levels globally, notably affecting routine healthcare services, such as childhood vaccination. This study examined the impact of these disruptions on routine childhood vaccination programmes in Tanzania. We conducted a longitudinal study over four years in five Tanzanian regions: Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Arusha, and Dodoma. This study analyzed the trends in the use of six essential vaccines: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV), Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis, Hepatitis-B and Hib (DTP-HepB-Hib), measles-rubella (MR), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), and Rota vaccines. We evaluated annual and monthly vaccination trends using time-series and regression analyses. Predictive modeling was performed using an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. A total of 32,602,734 vaccination events were recorded across the regions from 2019 to 2022. Despite declining vaccination rates in 2020, there was a notable rebound in 2021, indicating the resilience of Tanzania's immunization program. The analysis also highlighted regional differences in vaccination rates when standardized per 1000 people. Seasonal fluctuations were observed in monthly vaccination rates, with BCG showing the most stable trend. Predictive modeling of BCG indicated stable and increasing vaccination coverage by 2023. These findings underscore the robustness of Tanzania's childhood immunization infrastructure in overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as indicated by the strong recovery of vaccination rates post-2020. We provide valuable insights into the dynamics of vaccination during a global health crisis and highlight the importance of sustained immunization efforts to maintain public health.
Topics: Humans; Tanzania; COVID-19; Vaccination; Longitudinal Studies; Infant; Child, Preschool; Immunization Programs; Child; BCG Vaccine; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics
PubMed: 38780570
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2356342 -
Cureus Apr 2024Measles is a highly infectious, vaccine-preventable viral disease that runs a devastating course in developing countries due to its association with malnutrition and...
Measles is a highly infectious, vaccine-preventable viral disease that runs a devastating course in developing countries due to its association with malnutrition and poor immunization coverage. Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) is a rare complication of measles that can be challenging to manage and may portend poor outcomes if untreated. We present a case of a two-year-old unimmunized rural dweller who presented with facial, neck, and chest swellings three days after being managed for measles exanthem from a referral hospital. Clinical findings were consistent with massive SE comorbid with malnutrition complicating the convalescent stage of measles. The child failed to improve with conservative management but responded to closed thoracostomy tube drainage (CTTD) through an underwater seal bottle with intermittent negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). The child spent 47 days in the hospital during which the social welfare unit of the hospital supported the treatment. SE is a rare complication of measles infection that can be challenging to manage, especially when comorbid with malnutrition in an indigent child. The application of a multidisciplinary team approach and the use of CTTD with NPWT may shorten the duration of hospital stay for the patient.
PubMed: 38774182
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58668 -
Annals of Internal Medicine May 2024
PubMed: 38768459
DOI: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-00530 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2024World Health Organization (WHO) recommends postpartum family planning (PPFP) as a critical component of health care that has the potential to save millions of maternal... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
World Health Organization (WHO) recommends postpartum family planning (PPFP) as a critical component of health care that has the potential to save millions of maternal and infant lives in low- and middle-income countries.
METHODS
participants in our randomized, controlled trial were mothers coming for vaccination of their child in three selected health centers in Addis Ababa during the first 10 weeks postpartum. Eligible mothers were randomly assigned to intervention (pamphlet-supported counseling about the benefits of family planning) and non-intervention (routine care) arms. Data were collected when mothers came with their infants for a routine measles vaccination at nine months of life. Family planning (FP) use was compared between the groups using logistic regression, and bivariate and multivariate analyses. The study also used Kaplan Meier and Cox regressions to compare the median time of PPFP use and its correlation using SPSS version 26. The research was undertaken from December 2019 to June 2021.
RESULTS
a total of 347 women (177 control, 170 intervention) enrolled in the study. Fifty-eight percent were 24-30 years old. Young age, knowledge about FP, previous use of an FP method, and being married were found to be independent predictors for PPFP use. When comparing intervention and non-intervention groups, there was no significant effect on contraceptive use (adjusted OR 0.633 [95% CI 0.385-1.040]).
CONCLUSION
pamphlet-supported counseling of mothers in the first 10 weeks postpartum did not increase PPFP at nine months postpartum. Successful interventions will likely require holistic strategies, especially in resource-limited settings. The trial had been registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04521517) on September 24, 2019.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Female; Family Planning Services; Adult; Postpartum Period; Infant; Young Adult; Mothers; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Counseling; Vaccination; Contraception Behavior; Adolescent; Measles Vaccine
PubMed: 38766567
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.110.34883 -
Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements... 2024Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) typically presents with periodic myoclonus; however, a spectrum of movement disorders including dystonia, chorea, tremor, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) typically presents with periodic myoclonus; however, a spectrum of movement disorders including dystonia, chorea, tremor, and parkinsonism have also been described. This review aims to evaluate the array of movement disorders in SSPE, correlating them with neuroimaging findings, disease stages, and patient outcomes.
METHODS
A comprehensive review of published case reports and case series was conducted on patients with SSPE exhibiting movement disorders other than periodic myoclonus. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO (2023 CRD42023434650). A comprehensive search of multiple databases yielded 37 reports detailing 39 patients. Dyken's criteria were used for SSPE diagnosis, and the International Movement Disorders Society definitions were applied to categorize movement disorders.
RESULTS
The majority of patients were male, with an average age of 13.8 years. Approximately, 80% lacked a reliable vaccination history, and 39% had prior measles infections. Dystonia was the most common movement disorder (49%), followed by parkinsonism and choreoathetosis. Rapid disease progression was noted in 64% of cases, with a disease duration of ≤6 months in 72%. Neuroimaging showed T2/FLAIR MR hyperintensities, primarily periventricular, with 26% affecting the basal ganglia/thalamus. Brain biopsies revealed inflammatory and neurodegenerative changes. Over half of the patients (56%) reached an akinetic mute state or died.
CONCLUSION
SSPE is associated with diverse movement disorders, predominantly hyperkinetic. The prevalence of dystonia suggests basal ganglia dysfunction.
Topics: Humans; Chorea; Dystonia; Hyperkinesis; Hypokinesia; Movement Disorders; Parkinsonian Disorders; Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis; Case Reports as Topic; Male; Female; Adolescent
PubMed: 38765932
DOI: 10.5334/tohm.875 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2024Pretransplant vaccination is generally recommended to solid organ transplant recipients. In infants with congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS), the immune response is...
BACKGROUND
Pretransplant vaccination is generally recommended to solid organ transplant recipients. In infants with congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS), the immune response is hypothetically inferior to other patients due to young age and urinary loss of immunoglobulins, but data on the immunization response in severely nephrotic children remain scarce. If effective, however, early immunization of infants with CNS would clinically be advantageous.
METHODS
We investigated serological vaccine responses in seven children with CNS who were immunized during nephrosis. Antibody responses to measles-mumps-rubella -vaccine (MMR), a pentavalent DTaP-IPV-Hib -vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus, type b), varicella vaccine, combined hepatitis A and B vaccine, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) were measured after nephrectomy either before or after kidney transplantation.
RESULTS
Immunizations were started at a median age of 7 months [interquartile range (IQR) 7-8], with a concurrent median proteinuria of 36,500 mg/L (IQR 30,900-64,250). Bilateral nephrectomy was performed at a median age of 20 months (IQR 14-25), and kidney transplantation 10-88 days after the nephrectomy. Antibody levels were measured at median 18 months (IQR 6-23) after immunization. Protective antibody levels were detected in all examined children for hepatitis B (5/5), (7/7), rubella virus (2/2), and mumps virus (1/1); in 5/6 children for varicella; in 4/6 for poliovirus and vaccine-type pneumococcal serotypes; in 4/7 for type B and ; in 1/2 for measles virus; and in 2/5 for hepatitis A. None of the seven children had protective IgG levels against .
CONCLUSION
Immunization during severe congenital proteinuria resulted in variable serological responses, with both vaccine- and patient-related differences. Nephrosis appears not to be a barrier to successful immunization.
PubMed: 38756974
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1392873