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Vaccines Jun 2024During acute respiratory infections, women may concurrently receive human papillomavirus (HPV) and respiratory vaccines, as observed during the coronavirus disease 2019...
During acute respiratory infections, women may concurrently receive human papillomavirus (HPV) and respiratory vaccines, as observed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China. However, few studies have assessed the safety of such concurrent administration, which could impact HPV vaccination schedules. This study analyzes the safety and optimal sequence of concurrent HPV and COVID-19 vaccinations. For this purpose, we surveyed women with both vaccines from January to October 2023 in Fujian Province, China. During this process, we collected vaccination history and adverse event (AE) data via telephone or interviews. Participants were grouped as Before, Concurrent, or After based on their vaccination sequence. A Chi-squared test, exact Fisher tests, and logistic regression were used to analyze the incidence of AEs and factors influencing vaccine safety. Overall, 1416 eligible participants were included. Although overall AE risk with the HPV vaccine was unaffected by vaccination sequence, individual AEs varied statistically between groups, including pain at the vaccination site ( < 0.001) and prolonged menstruation duration ( = 0.003). Based on the results, the optimal sequence would be to receive the HPV vaccine after the COVID-19 vaccine (After group). This insight may guide future emergency vaccination sequences for HPV and other respiratory infectious diseases.
PubMed: 38932402
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060673 -
Vaccines Jun 2024As vaccinations against the SARS-CoV-2 virus have become a crucial tool in controlling the spread of the disease, reports of rare health complications have emerged,... (Review)
Review
As vaccinations against the SARS-CoV-2 virus have become a crucial tool in controlling the spread of the disease, reports of rare health complications have emerged, including new-onset antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). We systematically reviewed new-onset AAV following COVID-19 vaccination case reports and case series published in three databases before January 2024 following PRISMA guidelines to understand the characteristics of possible causal relationships or coincidences. In total, 404 articles were screened respectively by title, abstracts, and full-texts. Thirty-four papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria and have been analyzed, covering 44 patients with new-onset AAV after COVID-19 vaccination with no prior history of COVID-19 infection. Data regarding patients' metrics, comorbidities, vaccination characteristics, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, and outcomes were investigated and summarized. The cohort consisted predominantly of females. AAV diagnosis was confirmed via biopsy, with renal dysfunction as a prevailing manifestation. In most cases, the first symptoms of AAV developed after the second dose; moreover, Pfizer-BioNTech was the most frequently administered vaccine among the analyzed cohort. Primary treatment involved glucocorticoid therapy, with a mostly favourable response. This systematic review aims to raise awareness among clinicians in the field regarding this rare but possible complication, to promote the prompt recognition and diagnosis of de novo ANCA-positive small-vessel vasculitis in timely association with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
PubMed: 38932385
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060656 -
Vaccines Jun 2024Cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing severe complications from influenza due to their compromised immune systems. Despite their increased vulnerability to...
BACKGROUND
Cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing severe complications from influenza due to their compromised immune systems. Despite their increased vulnerability to influenza and the availability of vaccines, vaccine hesitancy among cancer survivors remains a significant public health concern in China.
METHODS
A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer survivors in China from January to December 2023. A total of 500 participants were recruited from the oncology departments of five tertiary hospitals. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, cancer-related information, medical history, lifestyle factors, and influenza vaccine hesitancy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with influenza vaccine hesitancy.
RESULTS
The response rate was 97.0% (485/500). Among all participants, 204 (42.06%) reported vaccine hesitancy. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that the longer the end of anti-cancer treatment, without a history of adverse vaccine reactions, and the level of family support played a protective role in vaccine hesitancy. Current rehabilitation status, frequent colds, not being informed by doctors about vaccination, exercising, lack of community vaccination education programs, and concerns about vaccine safety were risk factors that increase vaccine hesitancy.
CONCLUSIONS
A high proportion of cancer survivors in our study reported influenza vaccine hesitancy. Addressing concerns about vaccine safety, improving access to vaccination services, and enhancing doctor-patient communication are crucial for increasing influenza vaccine uptake in this vulnerable population.
PubMed: 38932368
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060639 -
Vaccines Jun 2024This study aimed to evaluate the risk of uveitis, one of the most common ocular manifestations of COVID-19, in individuals with a history of uveitis and COVID-19...
This study aimed to evaluate the risk of uveitis, one of the most common ocular manifestations of COVID-19, in individuals with a history of uveitis and COVID-19 infection while discriminating the effects of COVID-19 infection and vaccinations. We analyzed nationwide data from 235,228 individuals with a history of uveitis prior to COVID-19 infection and evaluated incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) of post-COVID-19 uveitis for different post-infection periods, including early- (within 30 days) and delayed-onset ones. The cumulative incidences of post-infection uveitis at 3, 6, and 12 months were calculated as 8.5%, 11.8%, and 14.0%, respectively. The HR of post-COVID-19 uveitis was 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.37) and was particularly higher in the early-onset period (1.42, 95% CI: 1.24-1.61). Vaccinated individuals showed a modestly elevated risk of uveitis relative to pre-infection, while unvaccinated ones exhibited substantially higher risks in the early-onset period: the HR of post-infection uveitis before vaccination was 3.61 (95% CI: 1.35-9.66), whereas after vaccination, it was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.05-1.39). COVID-19 infection was associated with a higher risk of uveitis, which was mitigated by vaccination. Vigilance in the monitoring of uveitis is warranted for recently COVID-19-infected individuals with a history of uveitis, particularly unvaccinated individuals.
PubMed: 38932360
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060631 -
Viruses Jun 2024Previous studies reported that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) could help disseminate the hepatitis D virus (HDV) in vivo through the unrelated hepatitis B virus (HBV), but...
Previous studies reported that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) could help disseminate the hepatitis D virus (HDV) in vivo through the unrelated hepatitis B virus (HBV), but with essentially inconclusive results. To try to shed light on this still-debated topic, 146 anti-HCV-positive subjects (of whom 91 HCV/HIV co-infected, and 43 with prior HCV eradication) were screened for anti-HDV antibodies (anti-HD), after careful selection for negativity to any serologic or virologic marker of current or past HBV infection. One single HCV/HIV co-infected patient (0.7%) tested highly positive for anti-HD, but with no positive HDV-RNA. Her husband, in turn, was a HCV/HIV co-infected subject with a previous contact with HBV. While conducting a thorough review of the relevant literature, the authors attempted to exhaustively describe the medical history of both the anti-HD-positive patient and her partner, believing it to be the key to dissecting the possible complex mechanisms of HDV transmission from one subject to another, and speculating that in the present case, it may have been HCV itself that behaved as an HDV helper virus. In conclusion, this preliminary research, while needing further validation in large prospective studies, provided some further evidence of a role of HCV in HDV dissemination in humans.
Topics: Humans; Hepatitis D; Hepatitis Delta Virus; Hepacivirus; Female; Hepatitis C; Coinfection; Male; Helper Viruses; Hepatitis Antibodies; Adult; Middle Aged; HIV Infections; RNA, Viral; Hepatitis B
PubMed: 38932284
DOI: 10.3390/v16060992 -
Viruses Jun 2024Following an interseasonal rise in mainly pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in Germany in 2021, an exceptionally high number of adult cases was observed...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Adult Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Germany: Clinical Features and Molecular Epidemiology of the Fusion Protein in the Severe Respiratory Season of 2022/2023.
Following an interseasonal rise in mainly pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in Germany in 2021, an exceptionally high number of adult cases was observed in the subsequent respiratory season of 2022/2023. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical presentation of RSV infections in the pre- and post-SARS-CoV-2 pandemic periods. Additionally, the local epidemiology of the RSV fusion protein was analyzed at a molecular genetic and amino acid level. RSV detections in adults peaked in calendar week 1 of 2023, 8 weeks earlier than the earliest peak observed in the three pre-pandemic seasons. Although the median age of the adult patients was not different (66.5 vs. 65 years), subtle differences between both periods regarding comorbidities and the clinical presentation of RSV cases were noted. High rates of comorbidities prevailed; however, significantly lower numbers of patients with a history of lung transplantation ( = 0.009), chronic kidney disease ( = 0.013), and immunosuppression ( = 0.038) were observed in the 2022/2023 season. In contrast, significantly more lower respiratory tract infections ( < 0.001), in particular in the form of pneumonia ( = 0.015) and exacerbations of obstructive lung diseases ( = 0.008), were detected. An ICU admission was noted for 23.7% of all patients throughout the study period. Sequence analysis of the fusion protein gene revealed a close phylogenetic relatedness, regardless of the season of origin. However, especially for RSV-B, an accumulation of amino acid point substitutions was noted, including in antigenic site Ø. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a tremendous impact on the seasonality of RSV, and the introduction of new vaccination and immunization strategies against RSV warrants further epidemiologic studies of this important pathogen.
Topics: Humans; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Viral Fusion Proteins; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Germany; Female; Tertiary Care Centers; Aged; Male; Middle Aged; Seasons; COVID-19; Adult; SARS-CoV-2; Molecular Epidemiology; Respiratory Tract Infections; Aged, 80 and over; Young Adult; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38932235
DOI: 10.3390/v16060943 -
Viruses May 2024Vaccinia virus is the most successful vaccine in human history and functions as a protective vaccine against smallpox and monkeypox, highlighting the importance of... (Review)
Review
Vaccinia virus is the most successful vaccine in human history and functions as a protective vaccine against smallpox and monkeypox, highlighting the importance of ongoing research into vaccinia due to its genetic similarity to other emergent poxviruses. Moreover, vaccinia's ability to accommodate large genetic insertions makes it promising for vaccine development and potential therapeutic applications, such as oncolytic agents. Thus, understanding how superior immunity is generated by vaccinia is crucial for designing other effective and safe vaccine strategies. During vaccinia inoculation by scarification, the skin serves as a primary site for the virus-host interaction, with various cell types playing distinct roles. During this process, hematopoietic cells undergo abortive infections, while non-hematopoietic cells support the full viral life cycle. This differential permissiveness to viral replication influences subsequent innate and adaptive immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs), key immune sentinels in peripheral tissues such as skin, are pivotal in generating T cell memory during vaccinia immunization. DCs residing in the skin capture viral antigens and migrate to the draining lymph nodes (dLN), where they undergo maturation and present processed antigens to T cells. Notably, CD8+ T cells are particularly significant in viral clearance and the establishment of long-term protective immunity. Here, we will discuss vaccinia virus, its continued relevance to public health, and viral strategies permissive to immune escape. We will also discuss key events and populations leading to long-term protective immunity and remaining key gaps.
Topics: Vaccinia virus; Humans; Immune Evasion; Animals; Vaccinia; Dendritic Cells; Virus Replication; Adaptive Immunity; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 38932162
DOI: 10.3390/v16060870 -
Viruses May 2024The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has emerged as one of the most significant...
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has emerged as one of the most significant global health crises in recent history. The clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients have revealed the possibility of immune activity changes contributing to disease severity. Nevertheless, limited information is available regarding the immune response in human lung tissue, which is the primary site of infection. In this study, we conducted an extensive analysis of lung tissue to screen for differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in five individuals who died due to COVID-19 and underwent a rapid autopsy, as well as seven control individuals who died of other causes unrelated to COVID-19. To analyze the host response gene expression, miRNA microarray and Nanostring's nCounter XT gene expression assay were performed. Our study identified 37 downregulated and 77 upregulated miRNAs in COVID-19 lung biopsy samples compared to the controls. A total of 653 mRNA transcripts were differentially expressed between the two sample types, with most transcripts (472) being downregulated in COVID-19-positive specimens. Hierarchical and PCA K-means clustering analysis showed distinct clustering between COVID-19 and control samples. Enrichment and network analyses revealed differentially expressed genes important for innate immunity and inflammatory response in COVID-19 lung biopsies. The interferon-signaling pathway was highly upregulated in COVID-19 specimens while genes involved in interleukin-17 signaling were downregulated. These findings shed light on the mechanisms of host cellular responses to COVID-19 infection in lung tissues and could help identify new targets for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Lung; Gene Regulatory Networks; MicroRNAs; Autopsy; SARS-CoV-2; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Gene Expression Profiling; RNA, Messenger; Adult
PubMed: 38932146
DOI: 10.3390/v16060853 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents one of the leading causes of death during pregnancy. The greatest risk for it is the presence of medical or family history of... (Review)
Review
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents one of the leading causes of death during pregnancy. The greatest risk for it is the presence of medical or family history of VTE, stillbirth, cesarean section and selected thrombophilia. Appropriate thromboprophylaxis has the potential to decrease the risk of VTE in at-risk pregnant patients by 60-70%. Based on this, the authors reviewed the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases to identify the possibilities of thromboprophylaxis in pregnant patients with a high risk of VTE. Moreover, they summarized its management in specific situations, such as cesarean delivery or neuraxial blockade. Currently, low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) are the preferred drugs for anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis in the course of pregnancy and postpartum due to easy administration and a lower rate of adverse events.
PubMed: 38931440
DOI: 10.3390/ph17060773 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Medical treatment of coronavirus 19 disease (COVID-19) is a therapeutic challenge. The available data strongly suggest that calcifediol treatment may reduce the severity... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
UNLABELLED
Medical treatment of coronavirus 19 disease (COVID-19) is a therapeutic challenge. The available data strongly suggest that calcifediol treatment may reduce the severity of COVID-19, and corticosteroids are the treatment of choice worldwide for severe COVID-19. Both have a very similar action profile, and their combined use in patients may modify the contribution of each administered compound.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate how treatment with calcifediol and/or corticosteroids in medical practice modified the need for ICU admission, death, or poor prognosis of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first outbreaks.
DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING
A retrospective observational cohort study of patients admitted for COVID-19 to the Pneumology Unit of the Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía (Córdoba, Spain).
INTERVENTIONS
Patients were treated with calcifediol or/and corticosteroids with the best available therapy and standard care, according to clinical practice guidelines.
MEASUREMENTS
Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or death during hospitalization and poor prognosis.
RESULTS
Seven hundred and twenty-eight patients were included. According to the treatment received, they were included in four groups: calcifediol ( = 68), glucocorticoids ( = 112), both ( = 510), or neither ( = 38). Of the 578 patients treated with calcifediol, 88 were admitted to the ICU (15%), while of the 150 not treated with calcifediol, 39 required ICU admission (26%) ( < 0.01). Among the patients taking calcifediol without glucocorticoids, only 4 of 68 (5.8%) required ICU admission, compared to 84 of 510 (16.5%) treated with both ( = 0.022). Of the 595 patients who had a good prognosis, 568 (82.01%) had received treatment with calcifediol versus the 133 patients with a poor prognosis, of whom 90 (67.66%) had received calcifediol ( < 0.001). This difference was not found for corticosteroids.
INTERPRETATION
The treatment of choice for hospitalized patients with moderate or mild COVID-19 could be calcifediol, not administering corticosteroids, until the natural history of the disease reaches a stage of hyperinflammation.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Middle Aged; Aged; COVID-19; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Spain; SARS-CoV-2; Intensive Care Units; Hospitalization; Prognosis; Aged, 80 and over; Glucocorticoids
PubMed: 38931265
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121910