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Health Science Reports Mar 2022Scientists and healthcare workers have expressed their concerns on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccination coverage in children and adolescents. Therefore,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Scientists and healthcare workers have expressed their concerns on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccination coverage in children and adolescents. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the studies addressing this issue worldwide.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of relevant studies using the keywords on databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane on May 22, 2021. The identified records were imported into EndNote software and underwent a two-phase screening process consisting of title/abstract and full-text screenings against inclusion criteria. The data of the included studies were summarized into a table and the findings were analyzed in a systematic approach.
RESULTS
From 26 eligible studies, 21 studies demonstrated decreased vaccination rates in the children during the COVID-19 pandemic, while three studies found increased or no significant changes only in influenza vaccination. The two remaining studies from Brazil and Sweden also showed no significant changes in vaccination rates in the children during the pandemic.
CONCLUSION
Most of the reports worldwide reported a decline or delay in vaccination at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. A sustained catch-up program seems to be necessary, especially in low-income countries, to avoid any vaccine dose missing. Facilitating the vaccination process is recommended, such as decreasing the waiting time for vaccination at the health center, addressing the fear and concerns related to COVID infection for parents, and enhancing vaccine availability, and promoting access in remote areas. Countries should ensure proper vaccination to prevent future pandemics related to vaccine-preventable diseases.
PubMed: 35224217
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.516 -
European Journal of Medical Research Feb 2022Immunocompromised (IC) patients are at higher risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity, and mortality compared to the general population. They should be... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Immunocompromised (IC) patients are at higher risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity, and mortality compared to the general population. They should be prioritized for primary prevention through vaccination. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in IC patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.
METHOD
PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for original articles reporting the immunogenicity of two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in adult patients with IC condition between June 1, 2020 and September 1, 2021. Meta-analysis was performed using either random or fixed effect according to the heterogeneity of the studies. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
A total of 26 studies on 3207 IC patients and 1726 healthy individuals were included. The risk of seroconversion in IC patients was 48% lower than those in controls (RR = 0.52 [0.42, 0.65]). IC patients with autoimmune conditions were 54%, and patients with malignancy were 42% more likely to have positive seroconversion than transplant recipients (P < 0.01). Subgroup meta-analysis based on the type of malignancy, revealed significantly higher proportion of positive seroconversion in solid organ compared to hematologic malignancies (RR = 0.88 [0.85, 0.92] vs. 0.61 [0.44, 0.86], P = 0.03). Subgroup meta-analysis based on type of transplantation (kidney vs. others) showed no statistically significant between-group difference of seroconversion (P = 0.55).
CONCLUSIONS
IC patients, especially transplant recipients, developed lower immunogenicity with two-dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Among patients with IC, those with autoimmune conditions and solid organ malignancies are mostly benefited from COVID-19 vaccination. Findings from this meta-analysis could aid healthcare policymakers in making decisions regarding the importance of the booster dose or more strict personal protections in the IC patients.
Topics: Autoimmune Diseases; COVID-19 Vaccines; Case-Control Studies; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Neoplasms; Organ Transplantation; Vaccines, Synthetic; mRNA Vaccines
PubMed: 35151362
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00648-5 -
Journal of the Pediatric Infectious... Apr 2022Immunosuppression secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in children living with HIV (CLHIV). Although... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Immunosuppression secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in children living with HIV (CLHIV). Although vaccines are cost-effective interventions, their efficacy, immunogenicity, safety, and persistence of post-vaccination immunity in CLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is unclear. We aimed at identifying existing scientific evidence on immunization of CLHIV generated in the last 10 years to identify the need for a systematic review.
METHODS
Studies were identified using a broad search strategy applied in multiple databases. Included studies involved CLHIV aged 0-10 years and presented outcomes on safety, efficacy, effectiveness, immunogenicity, and use of booster vaccines.
RESULTS
Nineteen publications were identified. There was variable immunogenicity to and efficacy of vaccines by HIV and ART status. All vaccines were safe.
CONCLUSION
The heterogeneity of available studies makes it complex to do a systematic review and meta-analysis. A more uniform approach to sampling and follow-up in future studies would make comparison and interpretation of results more robust.
Topics: Child; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunization, Secondary; Vaccination
PubMed: 34979038
DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piab119 -
JAMA Oncology Mar 2022The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019) provided systematic estimates of incidence, morbidity, and mortality to inform local and...
Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years for 29 Cancer Groups From 2010 to 2019: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.
IMPORTANCE
The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019) provided systematic estimates of incidence, morbidity, and mortality to inform local and international efforts toward reducing cancer burden.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate cancer burden and trends globally for 204 countries and territories and by Sociodemographic Index (SDI) quintiles from 2010 to 2019.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
The GBD 2019 estimation methods were used to describe cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2019 and over the past decade. Estimates are also provided by quintiles of the SDI, a composite measure of educational attainment, income per capita, and total fertility rate for those younger than 25 years. Estimates include 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs).
FINDINGS
In 2019, there were an estimated 23.6 million (95% UI, 22.2-24.9 million) new cancer cases (17.2 million when excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer) and 10.0 million (95% UI, 9.36-10.6 million) cancer deaths globally, with an estimated 250 million (235-264 million) DALYs due to cancer. Since 2010, these represented a 26.3% (95% UI, 20.3%-32.3%) increase in new cases, a 20.9% (95% UI, 14.2%-27.6%) increase in deaths, and a 16.0% (95% UI, 9.3%-22.8%) increase in DALYs. Among 22 groups of diseases and injuries in the GBD 2019 study, cancer was second only to cardiovascular diseases for the number of deaths, years of life lost, and DALYs globally in 2019. Cancer burden differed across SDI quintiles. The proportion of years lived with disability that contributed to DALYs increased with SDI, ranging from 1.4% (1.1%-1.8%) in the low SDI quintile to 5.7% (4.2%-7.1%) in the high SDI quintile. While the high SDI quintile had the highest number of new cases in 2019, the middle SDI quintile had the highest number of cancer deaths and DALYs. From 2010 to 2019, the largest percentage increase in the numbers of cases and deaths occurred in the low and low-middle SDI quintiles.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The results of this systematic analysis suggest that the global burden of cancer is substantial and growing, with burden differing by SDI. These results provide comprehensive and comparable estimates that can potentially inform efforts toward equitable cancer control around the world.
Topics: Disability-Adjusted Life Years; Global Burden of Disease; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Neoplasms; Prevalence; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34967848
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.6987 -
Virology Journal Dec 2021Vaccination against HCV is an effective measure in reduction of virus-related public health burden and mortality. However, no prophylactic vaccine is available as of...
BACKGROUND
Vaccination against HCV is an effective measure in reduction of virus-related public health burden and mortality. However, no prophylactic vaccine is available as of yet. DNA-based immunization is a promising modality to generate cellular and humoral immune responses. The objective of this study is to provide a systematic review of HCV DNA vaccines and investigate and discuss the strategies employed to optimize their efficacies.
METHODS
MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and databases in persian language including the Regional Information Centre for Science & Technology (RICeST), the Scientific Information Database and the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc) were examined to identify studies pertaining to HCV nucleic acid vaccine development from 2000 to 2020.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven articles were included. Studies related to HCV RNA vaccines were yet to be published. A variety of strategies were identified with the potential to optimize HCV DNA vaccines such as incorporating multiple viral proteins and molecular tags such as HBsAg and Immunoglobulin Fc, multi-epitope expression, co-expression plasmid utilization, recombinant subunit immunogens, heterologous prime-boosting, incorporating NS3 mutants in DNA vaccines, utilization of adjuvants, employment of less explored methods such as Gene Electro Transfer, construction of multi- CTL epitopes, utilizing co/post translational modifications and polycistronic genes, among others. The effectiveness of the aforementioned strategies in boosting immune response and improving vaccine potency was assessed.
CONCLUSIONS
The recent progress on HCV vaccine development was examined in this systematic review to identify candidates with most promising prophylactic and therapeutic potential.
Topics: Animals; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis C; Humans; Iran; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Vaccines, DNA; Viral Hepatitis Vaccines
PubMed: 34903252
DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01716-8 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Nov 2021Giardia duodenalis is one of the leading causes of diarrhea, mostly in underdeveloped nations of Africa and Asia. The present review provides insights into the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Giardia duodenalis is one of the leading causes of diarrhea, mostly in underdeveloped nations of Africa and Asia. The present review provides insights into the prevalence, odds ratios (ORs) and associated risk factors of giardiasis in HIV/AIDS patients. Four major English databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were excavated for relevant literature without time limitation until 20 November 2020. Next, meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). As well, heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q and the I-statistic. Totally, 19,218 HIV/AIDS patients in 130 studies were examined, showing a 5% (95% CI: 4.2%-6%) pooled prevalence. Also, the weighted random-effects OR of G. duodenalis infection among HIV/AIDS patients in comparison with their controls in 48 case-control studies was estimated as 1.71% (95% CI: 1.1%-2.66%, p = 0.016). Based on sensitivity analysis, there was no remarkable variation in the pooled OR upon omitting individual studies. Diarrhea was a potent risk factor, since HIV/AIDS patients with diarrhea were 3.8-times (95% CI: 1.6-8.9, p = 0.002) more prone to G. duodenalis infection than those without diarrhea. Moreover, the prevalence of the parasitic infection was 1.2-times higher in patients without antiretroviral therapy (ART) than those with ART (p = 0.312). Meta-regression was employed to evaluate the possible association between G. duodenalis frequency in HIV/AIDS patients and some variables such as sample size, publication year, and HDI. Additionally, the pooled prevalence of G. duodenalis infection was estimated based on several subgroups, including publication years, WHO regions, countries, continents, country incomes, and CD4 T-cell levels. Altogether, the epidemiology of giardiasis in HIV/AIDS patients and its association with various risk factors is still open to question and requires more detailed and comprehensive investigations.
Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Feces; Giardia lamblia; HIV Infections; Humans; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34562555
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105202 -
Infectious Disorders Drug Targets 2022Many potential vaccines for COVID-19 are being studied and developed. Several studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. This systematic review...
INTRODUCTION
Many potential vaccines for COVID-19 are being studied and developed. Several studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. This systematic review aimed to report on the current evidence concerning the feasibility and effectiveness of vaccines for COVID-19.
METHODS
A systematic search was carried out utilizing the keywords in the online databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. We included both human and non-human studies because of the vaccine novelty, limiting our ability to include sufficient human studies.
RESULTS
This review showed several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to be currently under development using different platforms, including eight vaccines that are adenovirus-based vectors, six vaccines that are RNA-based formulations, one vaccine being DNA-based formulation, and other vaccines using other platforms, including lipid nanoparticles. Although the safety and efficacy profiles of these vaccines are still under debate, some countries have allowed for emergency use of some vaccines in at-risk populations, such as healthcare workers and the elderly.
CONCLUSION
It is crucial to gather as much clinically relevant evidence as possible regarding the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety profiles of available vaccines and adhere wisely to CDC protocols and guidelines for vaccine production.
Topics: COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Immunogenicity, Vaccine; Liposomes; Nanoparticles; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34554905
DOI: 10.2174/1871526521666210923144837 -
The Lancet Regional Health. Western... Jul 2021Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection worldwide. This systematic review was conducted to characterize HSV-2...
BACKGROUND
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection worldwide. This systematic review was conducted to characterize HSV-2 epidemiology in Asia, including the World Health Organization regions of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific.
METHODS
Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines were followed to systematically review and report findings. Pooled mean seroprevalence and proportions of HSV-2 isolated in genital ulcer disease (GUD) and in genital herpes were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. Meta-regressions were also conducted. Quality assessment was performed.
FINDINGS
HSV-2 measures extracted from 173 publications included 15 seroconversion rates, 11 seroincidence rates, 272 overall seroprevalence measures (678 stratified), 14 proportions of HSV-2 isolation in GUD (15 stratified), and 27 proportions of HSV-2 isolation in genital herpes (36 stratified). Pooled mean seroprevalence was 12.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.0-13.2%) among general populations, 23.6% (95% CI: 20.9-26.3%) among men who have sex with men and transgender people, 46.0% (95% CI: 39.2-52.9%) among HIV-positive individuals and individuals in HIV-discordant couples, and 62.2% (95% CI: 58.9-65.6%) among female sex workers. Among general populations, pooled mean seroprevalence increased gradually from 4.7% (95% CI: 3.3-6.3%) in <20-year-old individuals to 26.6% (95% CI: 19.2-34.7%) in >60-year-old individuals. Compared to women and across all populations, men had 0.60-fold (95% CI: 54.0-67.0) lower seroprevalence, that is women had 70% higher seroprevalence. Seroprevalence declined by 0.98-fold (95% CI: 0.97-0.99) per year, that is a 2% decline per year in the last three decades. Pooled mean proportions of HSV-2 isolation in GUD and in genital herpes were 48.2% (95% CI: 34.9-61.6%) and 75.9% (95% CI: 68.3-82.8%), respectively.
INTERPRETATION
Over 1 in 10 individuals is infected with HSV-2, but seroprevalence is declining. HSV-2 accounts for half of GUD cases and three-quarters of genital herpes cases. These findings support the need for an HSV-2 vaccine and universal access to sexual and reproductive health services.
FUNDING
This work was supported by the Qatar National Research Fund [NPRP 9-040-3-008] and by pilot funding from the Biomedical Research Program at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar.
PubMed: 34527970
DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100176 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Aug 2021Despite being considered as a low prevalence country for hepatitis B (HBV), some populations in Germany are at higher risk of infection. In the context of the World...
BACKGROUND
Despite being considered as a low prevalence country for hepatitis B (HBV), some populations in Germany are at higher risk of infection. In the context of the World Health Organization's (WHO) viral hepatitis elimination goals, a valid epidemiological data base is needed to plan and monitor the national response. Prevention strategies include general and targeted HBV vaccination programmes.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this work was to estimate the HBV vaccination coverage (VC) in the general population (GP) and different population groups in Germany from available evidence and to identify current evidence gaps for future research.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review on HBV VC in the general population and populations at high risk of HBV exposure or severe infection in Germany. We included eligible publications (01/01/2017 to 06/06/2020) from databases Embase, Pubmed and Livivo, from a previous scoping review (including data published 01/01/2005-17/03/2017), from the national surveillance system and screened the reference lists of all publications at full text level. Risk of bias was assessed using the Hoy et al. tool.
RESULTS
We included 68 publications of 67 studies and assigned them to one or more suitable population groups. Twenty-one studies contained data among children/adolescents and three among adults from the GP (VC 65.8-90.5% and 22.9-52.1%, respectively), one among travelers (VC 89.0%), 13 among immunocompromised populations (VC 7.8-89.0%), 16 among populations with occupational risk and 16 with non-occupational risk of HBV exposure (VC 63.6-96.5% and 4.4-84.5%, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Comprehensive evidence at low risk of bias was identified for children/adolescents. However, 25 years after including HBV in the national immunisation schedule, VC in Germany is still below the 95%-goal defined by WHO. For people at occupational risk of HBV exposure, VC was mostly reported to be over the WHO goal of 80%, but quality of evidence was heterogenous and should be improved. For people at non-occupational risk of HBV exposure, evidence was sparse and of low quality. The low VC highlights the need for future research to plan vaccination programmes targeting these populations.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Antibodies; Hepatitis B Vaccines; Humans; Prevalence; Vaccination; Vaccination Coverage
PubMed: 34391406
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06400-4 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Despite the discovery that the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) is the pathogen of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1983, there is still no effective...
Despite the discovery that the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) is the pathogen of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1983, there is still no effective anti-HIV-1 vaccine. The major obstacle to the development of HIV-1 vaccine is the extreme diversity of viral genome sequences. Nonetheless, a number of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV-1 have been made and identified in this area. Novel strategies based on using these bNAbs as an efficacious preventive and/or therapeutic intervention have been applied in clinical. In this review, we summarize the recent development of bNAbs and its application in HIV-1 acquisition prevention as well as discuss the innovative approaches being used to try to convey protection within individuals at risk and being treated for HIV-1 infection.
Topics: AIDS Vaccines; Animals; Antibody Specificity; Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies; Gene Transfer Techniques; Genes, env; Genetic Therapy; Genetic Variation; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Immunity, Humoral; Immunization, Passive; Models, Immunological; Vaccine Development; env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
PubMed: 34354709
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.697683