Twenty-Five Year Trend Change in the Etiology of Pediatric Invasive Bacterial Infections in Korea, 1996–2020

Background@#The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has contributed to the change in the epidemiology of many infectious diseases. This study aimed to establish the pre-pandemic epidemiology of pediatric invasive bacterial infection (IBI). @*Methods@#A retrospective multicenter-based surveillance for pediatric IBIs has been maintained from 1996 to 2020 in Korea. IBIs caused by eight bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella species) in immunocompetent children > 3 months of age were collected at 29 centers. The annual trend in the proportion of IBIs by each pathogen was analyzed. @*Results@#A total of 2,195 episodes were identified during the 25-year period between 1996 and 2020. S. pneumoniae (42.4%), S. aureus (22.1%), and Salmonella species (21.0%) were common in children 3 to 59 months of age. In children ≥ 5 years of age, S. aureus (58.1%), followed by Salmonella species (14.8%) and S. pneumoniae (12.2%) were common. Excluding the year 2020, there was a trend toward a decrease in the relative proportions of S. pneumoniae (rs = −0.430, P = 0.036), H. influenzae (rs = −0.922, P 3 months of age. These findings can be used as the baseline data to navigate the trend in the epidemiology of pediatric IBI in the post COVID-19 era.

Cryptococcosis with Mediastinal Lymph Node and Lung Involvement in an Immunocompetent Adolescent: A Case Report

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus that primarily causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts. It can also cause various infections in immunocompetent patients. Pulmonary cryptococcosis involving the lymph node is relatively rare in immunocompetent patients. In this report, a previously healthy 17-year-old girl presented with high-grade fever and persistent cough. Chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an anterior mediastinal conglomerate mass that expanded to the right supraclavicular area. Ultrasound-guided gun biopsy revealed histological evidence of cryptococcosis. Immunological screening tests did not identify immunodeficiency. She recovered completely with a combination therapy of amphotericin B and flucytosine for 2 weeks, followed by fluconazole for 8 months. The characteristics of cryptococcosis involving the mediastinal lymph node and the lung should be understood, and the possibility of cryptococcosis even in immunocompetent hosts should be considered.

Opsonophagocytic Antibodies of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Preparations against Seven Streptococcus agalactiae Serotypes

Purpose@#Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a causative organism of invasive infections in neonates and pregnant women as well as in non-pregnant adults. Among 10 known serotypes of GBS, uncommon serotypes, such as IV and VI to IX, can cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. However, opsonophagocytic antibodies against these serotypes in human sera and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) have not yet been studied.IVIG therapy is used to treat or prevent invasive infections in patients with primary antibody deficiencies. Here, we analyzed the activity of opsonophagocytic antibodies against GBS in IVIG preparations. @*Methods@#Opsonophagocytic antibody activity (opsonic index [OI]) against seven GBS serotypes (II and IV to IX) was evaluated in 16 commercially available IVIG preparations using the opsonophagocytic assay (OPA) in HL-60 cells and baby rabbit complement assay during 2015–2016 in South Korea (UAB GBS OPA, at http://www.vaccine.uab.edu). @*Results@#The estimated serum trough levels of OIs against GBS exceeded the limit of detection (≥4) in all IVIG preparations. For serotype VII, the serum levels of OIs were 6–136, the lowest among all serotypes. An IVIG dose of 400 mg/kg was found to be appropriate for immunocompromised individuals to prevent invasive GBS infections. @*Conclusions@#Most immunoglobulin products displayed high levels of opsonophagocytic activity against GBS, except for serotype VII. IVIG preparations could serve as a therapeutic or immunomodulatory agent for immunocompromised individuals.

Cryptococcosis with Mediastinal Lymph Node and Lung Involvement in an Immunocompetent Adolescent: A Case Report

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus that primarily causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts. It can also cause various infections in immunocompetent patients. Pulmonary cryptococcosis involving the lymph node is relatively rare in immunocompetent patients. In this report, a previously healthy 17-year-old girl presented with high-grade fever and persistent cough. Chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an anterior mediastinal conglomerate mass that expanded to the right supraclavicular area. Ultrasound-guided gun biopsy revealed histological evidence of cryptococcosis. Immunological screening tests did not identify immunodeficiency. She recovered completely with a combination therapy of amphotericin B and flucytosine for 2 weeks, followed by fluconazole for 8 months. The characteristics of cryptococcosis involving the mediastinal lymph node and the lung should be understood, and the possibility of cryptococcosis even in immunocompetent hosts should be considered.

Opsonophagocytic Antibodies of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Preparations against Seven Streptococcus agalactiae Serotypes

Purpose@#Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a causative organism of invasive infections in neonates and pregnant women as well as in non-pregnant adults. Among 10 known serotypes of GBS, uncommon serotypes, such as IV and VI to IX, can cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. However, opsonophagocytic antibodies against these serotypes in human sera and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) have not yet been studied.IVIG therapy is used to treat or prevent invasive infections in patients with primary antibody deficiencies. Here, we analyzed the activity of opsonophagocytic antibodies against GBS in IVIG preparations. @*Methods@#Opsonophagocytic antibody activity (opsonic index [OI]) against seven GBS serotypes (II and IV to IX) was evaluated in 16 commercially available IVIG preparations using the opsonophagocytic assay (OPA) in HL-60 cells and baby rabbit complement assay during 2015–2016 in South Korea (UAB GBS OPA, at http://www.vaccine.uab.edu). @*Results@#The estimated serum trough levels of OIs against GBS exceeded the limit of detection (≥4) in all IVIG preparations. For serotype VII, the serum levels of OIs were 6–136, the lowest among all serotypes. An IVIG dose of 400 mg/kg was found to be appropriate for immunocompromised individuals to prevent invasive GBS infections. @*Conclusions@#Most immunoglobulin products displayed high levels of opsonophagocytic activity against GBS, except for serotype VII. IVIG preparations could serve as a therapeutic or immunomodulatory agent for immunocompromised individuals.

A Case Report of Recurrent Bacterial Meningitis with a Skull Base Abnormality

Recurrent bacterial meningitis is the reappearance of two or more episodes of meningitis caused by a different or same organism after an intervening period of full convalescence. Predisposing factors for recurrent bacterial meningitis include immunodeficiency and developmental and traumatic anatomical defects. Therefore, careful evaluation of children with recurrent meningitis is essential. We report the case of a patient with a skull base abnormality who had suffered from four events of bacterial meningitis between 8 and 17 years of age. He experienced another event of bacterial meningitis at the age of 21, without undergoing correction for the anatomical defect. Streptococcus agalactiae was identified in the patient's blood and cerebrospinal fluid culture. Afterwards, he underwent surgical treatment for a meningioma; this meningioma was strongly suspected as the cause of the recurrence.

One-year antibody persistence and safety of a 4-dose schedule of MenACWY-CRM in healthy infants from South Korea

PURPOSE: Results from a post-marketing study to generate evidence on 1-year antibody persistence and safety following vaccination of infants from South Korea with the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine MenACWY-CRM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this phase IV, open-label, multi-center study (NCT02446691), 128 infants received MenACWY-CRM at ages 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. One-year antibody persistence following the full vaccination course was evaluated (primary objective) for the four meningococcal serogroups (Men) by serum bactericidal activity assay using human or rabbit complement (hSBA/rSBA). Immune responses at 1-month post-vaccination and safety were also assessed. RESULTS: The percentage of children with hSBA titers ≥8 ranged between 94% (MenA) and 100% (MenY/W) 1-month post-vaccination, and from 39% (MenA) to 89% (MenY) 1-year post-vaccination. At least 99% and 92% of children had rSBA titers ≥8 and ≥128 against each meningococcal serogroup, 1-month post-vaccination. One-year post-vaccination, the percentage of children with rSBA titers ≥8 and ≥128 ranged from 54% (MenC) to 99% (MenA) and from 30% (MenC) to 98% (MenA). Geometric mean titers declined from 1-month to 1-year post-vaccination, when they varied between 6.8 (MenA) and 53.6 (MenW) by hSBA and between 17.2 (MenC) and 2,269.5 (MenA) by rSBA. At least one solicited and unsolicited adverse event was reported for 79% and 66% of children. Of 36 serious adverse events reported, none were vaccination-related. CONCLUSION: Antibody persistence (hSBA/rSBA titers ≥8) was determined in 39%–99% of children 1 year after a 4-dose MenACWY-CRM series during infancy, with an acceptable clinical safety profile.

Comparison of Immune Responses to Two Quadrivalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines (CRM197 and Diphtheria Toxoid) in Healthy Adults

BACKGROUND: After the introduction of the meningococcal ACWY-CRM197 conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-CRM) in 2012 and the meningococcal ACWY-diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-DT) in 2014, immunization was recommended for certain high-risk groups including new military recruits in Korea. However, comparative immunogenicity studies for these vaccines have not been performed in Korea. Here, we compared the immunogenicity of these two vaccines in healthy adults. METHODS: A total of 64 adults, 20–49 years of age, were randomly divided into two groups (1:1) to receive either of the two vaccines. The sera were obtained before and 1 month after vaccination and tested for serogroup-specific serum bactericidal activity using baby rabbit complement. RESULTS: There were no significant differences post-vaccination in the geometric mean indices and the seropositive rate to all serogroups between the vaccines. The proportion of seropositive subjects after vaccination ranged from 88% to 100%. CONCLUSION: Both meningococcal conjugate vaccines showed good immunogenicity in healthy Korean adults without statistically significant differences. Further investigations for serotype distribution of circulating meningococci and the immune interference between other diphtheria toxin-containing vaccines concomitantly used for military recruits are needed to optimize immunization policies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0002460

Validation of a Multiplexed Opsonophagocytic Assay for 11 Additional Pneumococcal Serotypes and Its Application to Functional Antibody Evaluation Induced by Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

BACKGROUND: Various pneumococcal vaccines have been evaluated for immunogenicity by opsonophagocytic assay (OPA). A multiplexed OPA (MOPA) for 13 pneumococcal serotypes was developed by Nahm and Burton, and expanded to 26 serotypes in 2012. The development of new conjugate vaccines with increased valence has necessitated expanded MOPAs to include these additional serotypes. In this study, we validated this expanded MOPA platform and applied to measure antibodies against 11 additional serotypes (2, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 17F, 20B, 22F, and 33F) in human sera. METHODS: All materials, including serum, complement, bacterial master stocks, and HL-60 cells, were evaluated for assay optimization. Following optimization, the assay was validated for accuracy, specificity, and intra- and inter-assay precision with sera from adult donors following standard protocols. The assay was applied to evaluate functional antibodies of 42 sera immunized with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23). RESULTS: The expanded MOPA platform was specific for all serotypes, with the exception of serotype 20. The assay results were highly correlated with those obtained from single-serotype OPA, indicating acceptable accuracy. The coefficients of variation were 7%–24% and 13%–39% in tests of intra- and inter-assay precision, respectively, using three quality-control samples. A MOPA that included 11 additional serotypes in the PPV23 was established and validated with respect to accuracy, specificity, and precision. The opsonic indices of immune sera were obtained using this validated assay. CONCLUSION: The expanded MOPA will be useful for evaluation of the immunogenicity of PPV23 and future conjugate vaccine formulations.

Clinical Observations of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in Children and Adolescents: A Single Center Experience / 이화의대지

OBJECTIVES: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is characterized by lymphadenopathy and fever, and is usually self-limited. This study analyzed the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with KFD. METHODS: This retrospective, observational, single-center study was conducted in South Korea from March 2008 to October 2015. KFD was diagnosed based on clinical, radiological or histological findings and excluded when there were any other causes of lymphadenopathy. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and laboratory manifestations. RESULTS: A total of 35 cases were included. The mean patient age was 12.1±2.9 years (range, 5 to 17 years); the male-to-female ratio was 1:0.8. The main clinical manifestations were cervical lymphadenopathy and fever in 34 cases (97%). The mean duration of fever was 12.2±8.3 days (range, 2 to 37 days). We noted enlargement of lymph nodes in the cervical, mesenteric (n=5, 14%), axillary (n=2, 6%), and inguinal (n=1, 3%) regions. Hepatosplenomegaly, loss of appetite, and rash were observed. On laboratory examinations, elevation of ferritin, leukopenia, and positivity for anti-nuclear antibodies were frequently observed. Twelve patients underwent biopsy and 23 cases were diagnosed by radiological findings. The mean duration of hospitalization for all cases was 7.9±2.9 days (range, 3 to 13 days) and steroids were administered in 10 cases. KFD recurrence was observed in 2 cases (5.7%) with the time to relapse of 7 months and 4 years. There were no cases with systemic lupus erythematous or other autoimmune disease. CONCLUSION: KFD should be considered in pediatric patients with lymphadenopathy and prolonged fever. Patients with KFD should be monitored for recurrence and the development of autoimmune disease.

Seroprevalence of Dengue Virus Antibody in Korea

PURPOSE: The number of dengue fever cases is rising due to increasing overseas travel. Vaccination makes severe dengue fever in seronegative individuals after vaccination when they exposure to wild-type dengue virus. We investigated the seroepidemiology of the dengue virus for monitoring of Korean dengue virus immunity and establishing the prevention of dengue infection. METHODS: The study was based on 446 residual sera collected from 98 infants (2 months to 1 year old), 152 adolescents (13 to 19 years old), 90 adults (20 to 50 years old), and 106 elderly participants (more than 65 years old) for other studies. Antibody levels for dengue virus immunoglobulin G (IgG) in each age group were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For each dengue virus IgG positive or equivocal result, an IgG ELISA was performed for Japanese encephalitis virus. RESULTS: Of the 446 serum samples, only 1 (0.2%) adolescent had a positive result from the dengue IgG antibody test. In the dengue virus IgG antibody test, 14 (3.1%) samples showed equivocal results (10 adolescents and 4 elderly). In the 1 positive case of dengue virus IgG, the Japanese encephalitis IgG test was also positive. In the 14 equivocal cases of dengue virus IgG, there were 6 positive, 3 equivocal, and 5 negative of Japanese encephalitis IgG. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence rate of dengue virus was very low in Koreans. This study provides important data for establishing the policy for preventive measures of dengue fever. It will be necessary to continuously monitor for dengue virus immunity.

Seroprevalence of Opsonophagocytic Antibodies against Serotype Ia, Ib, II, III, and V Group B Streptococcus among Korean Population

BACKGROUND: Invasive Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus, GBS) infection most commonly occurs in infants; however, cases of GBS infection in adults, particularly in the elderly with significant underlying diseases, are being increasingly reported. We analyzed the serotype specific opsonophagocytic antibodies (the major mechanism of protection against GBS) in infants, adults, and the elderly. METHODS: The opsonization indices (OIs) of antibodies against serotype Ia, Ib, II, III, and V GBS were studied in 89 infants, 35 adults (age, 30–50 years), and 62 elderly individuals (age, 65–85 years) according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham GBS opsonophagocytic killing assay protocol (www.vaccine.uab.edu). RESULTS: In infants, adults, and elderly groups respectively, geometric mean of OI against GBS serotype Ia were 3, 7, and 32; against GBS serotype Ib were 7, 242, and 252; against serotype II were 93, 363, and 676; against serotype III were 8, 212, and 609; and against serotype V were 4, 639, and 610. The seropositive rate (% of subjects with OI ≥ 4) increased significantly in older age group for all five serotypes. CONCLUSION: During infancy, only a limited proportion of infants have functional immunity against serotype Ia, Ib, II, III, and V GBS. Furthermore, a lack of opsonic activities against GBS observed in some adults and the elderly might predispose such individuals to the risk of invasive GBS infection. Epidemiological monitoring and development of suitable vaccine for these populations are needed.

Opsonophagocytic Antibodies to Serotype Ia, Ib, and III Group B Streptococcus among Korean Infants and in Intravenous Immunoglobulin Products

Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection is a leading cause of sepsis and meningitis among infants, and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality in many countries. Protection against GBS typically involves antibody-mediated opsonization by phagocytes and complement components. The present study evaluated serotype-specific functional antibodies to GBS among Korean infants and in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products. An opsonophagocytic killing assay (OPA) was used to calculate the opsonization indices (OIs) of functional antibodies to serotypes Ia, Ib, and III in 19 IVIG products from 5 international manufacturers and among 98 Korean infants (age: 0–11 months). The GBS Ia, Ib, and III serotypes were selected because they are included in a trivalent GBS vaccine formulation that is being developed. The OI values for the IVIG products were 635–5,706 (serotype Ia), 488–1,421 (serotype Ib), and 962–3,315 (serotype III), and none of the IVIG lots exhibited undetectable OI values (< 4). The geometric mean OI values were similar for all 3 serotypes when we compared the Korean manufacturers. The seropositive rate among infants was significantly lower for serotype Ia (18.4%), compared to serotype Ib and serotype III (both, 38.8%). Infant age of ≥ 3 months was positively correlated with the seropositive rates for each serotype. Therefore, only a limited proportion of infants exhibited protective immunity against serotype Ia, Ib, and III GBS infections. IVIG products that exhibit high antibody titers may be a useful therapeutic or preventive measure for infants. Further studies are needed to evaluate additional serotypes and age groups.

Evaluation of Antibodies Against Haemophilus influenzae Type b in Korean Adults

PURPOSE: After the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine in 1995 in Korea, it was included in the national immunization program in 2013. In the post-Hib vaccine era, some studies in other countries reported that invasive Hib disease affects adults, especially the elderly and immunocompromised persons, more often than it affects children. To evaluate disease susceptibility, quantitative and qualitative analysis of anti-polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) antibodies were carried out in Korean adults aged 20 to 85 years. METHODS: Sera were collected from 39 healthy adults (20 to 50 years of age) and from 30 elderly adults (75 to 85 years of age) who did not have immune-compromising conditions. The concentration of anti-PRP immunoglobulin G (IgG) and serum bactericidal indices (SBIs) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and serum bactericidal assay. RESULTS: Geometric mean concentrations of anti-PRP IgG and geometric mean SBIs were 0.88 µg/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17 to 3.85) and 354 (95% CI, 50 to 2,499) in young adults and 1.67 µg/mL (95% CI, 0.53 to 5.24) and 449 (95% CI, 146 to 1,376) in elderly adults, respectively. When the threshold of seropositivity for anti-PRP IgG was applied as 0.15 or 1.0 µg/mL, which is the protective antibody level in children, seropositive rates were 87.2% or 53.8% in young adults and 100% or 60% in elderly adults. The seropositivity rates of the SBI (SBI ≥4) were 82.1% and 100% in the groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Most subjects in the adult and elderly adult groups display immunity to Hib based on quantitative and qualitative antibody levels, but not all. Because high immunization and low Hib circulation rates may reduce the natural Hib immunity in the population, monitoring Hib immunity as well as disease are needed continuously.

Validation of the World Health Organization Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Quantitation of Immunoglobulin G Serotype-Specific Anti-Pneumococcal Antibodies in Human Serum

The World Health Organization (WHO) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) guideline is currently accepted as the gold standard for the evaluation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies specific to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide. We conducted validation of the WHO ELISA for 7 pneumococcal serotypes (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F) by evaluating its specificity, precision (reproducibility and intermediate precision), accuracy, spiking recovery test, lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), and stability at the Ewha Center for Vaccine Evaluation and Study, Seoul, Korea. We found that the specificity, reproducibility, and intermediate precision were within acceptance ranges (reproducibility, coefficient of variability [CV] ≤ 15%; intermediate precision, CV ≤ 20%) for all serotypes. Comparisons between the provisional assignments of calibration sera and the results from this laboratory showed a high correlation > 94% for all 7 serotypes, supporting the accuracy of the ELISA. The spiking recovery test also fell within an acceptable range. The quantification limit, calculated using the LLOQ, for each of the serotypes was 0.05–0.093 μg/mL. The freeze-thaw stability and the short-term temperature stability were also within an acceptable range. In conclusion, we showed good performance using the standardized WHO ELISA for the evaluation of serotype-specific anti-pneumococcal IgG antibodies; the WHO ELISA can evaluate the immune response against pneumococcal vaccines with consistency and accuracy.

Characterization of Oropharyngeal Carriage Isolates of Neisseria meningitidis in Healthy Korean Adolescents in 2015

The meningococcus carriage rate is age-dependent, with a high prevalence in adolescents and young adults. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the oropharyngeal carriage rate of meningococcus among healthy Korean adolescents and its relationship with several population characteristics. The survey was conducted from April to May 2015 among 1,460 first-year high-school students in 9 high schools located in Gyeonggi province, Korea. Each student answered a short questionnaire assessing risk factors for carriage, and posterior pharyngeal wall swab samples were obtained. These samples were cultured on meningococcus-selective media, with colonies resembling meningococci identified using the Vitek® MS system (bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France). All isolates were characterized by molecular serogrouping and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Meningococci were identified from 3.4% (49/1,460) swabs. Current smokers had significantly higher carriage rates than non-smokers (8.2% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.002), and boys had significantly higher carriage rates than girls (4.4% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.004). Serogroup B was the most common serogroup, followed by serogroup C, then 29E and Y. Twenty-seven different sequence types (STs) were identified; the most common were ST-3091, ST-11278, and ST-44. These belonged to clonal complexes (CCs) 269, 32, and 41/44, respectively, known as the hypervirulent clones. Evaluating meningococcal carriage is important to understand the epidemiology of meningococcal disease; however, little data exist in Korea. Similar to western countries, meningococcal serogroup B has emerged in Korea, and hypervirulent clones were identified. It is necessary to monitor the genetic and serologic characteristics of circulating meningococci and to assess the potential strain coverage of meningococcal vaccines.

Reappraisal of the Immunogenicity and Safety of Three Hepatitis A Vaccines in Adolescents

Although the overall incidence of hepatitis A in Korea has been decreasing, adolescents remain highly vulnerable to its outbreaks. This study was conducted to compare the immunogenicity and safety of three hepatitis A vaccines in Korean adolescents. Healthy anti-hepatitis A virus seronegative subjects aged 13 to 19 yr were randomized in three equal groups to receive two doses of Avaxim(TM), Epaxal(R), or Havrix(R), 6 to 12 months apart. Seroconversion rates one month after the first dose were 98%, 95%, and 93% for Avaxim(TM), Epaxal(R), and Havrix(R), respectively. Seroconversion rates reached 100% for all vaccine groups one month after the second dose. Anti-HAV geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) were 7,207.7 mIU/mL (95% CI, 6023.1-8684.7), 1,750.5 mIU/mL (95% CI, 1362.9-2248.3), and 1,953.5 mIU/mL (95% CI, 1459.4-2614.7) after two doses of Avaxim(TM), Epaxal(R), and Havrix(R) respectively. Avaxim(TM) was significantly more immunogenic than Epaxal(R) and Havrix(R), whereas there were no significant differences in antibody responses between Epaxal(R) and Havrix(R). Local and systemic solicited adverse events (AEs) were mostly of mild-to-moderate intensity and resolved within 5 days. No serious AEs were reported. In conclusion, all three vaccines are highly immunogenic and well-tolerated in Korean adolescents. (Clinical Trial Registry NCT00483470)

Vitamin D and Risk of Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE: Recent observational studies have found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with respiratory tract infections. However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of vitamin D in childhood respiratory tract infection (RTI) have yield inconsistent results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between vitamin D supplementation and the risk of RTI. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial. Randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation for prevention of RTI in children were included for the analysis. Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias was used to assess the quality of the studies. Pooled risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were meta-analyzed using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: A total of seven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. According to a random-effects model, the risk ratio for vitamin D supplementation was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.69-0.98) and I2=62% for heterogeneity. On subgroup analysis, heterogeneity decreased in the subgroup with follow-up less than 1 year, participants ≥5 years of age, patients subgroup, and subgroup with dosing daily. Funnel plot showed that there might be publication bias in the field. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis supports a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of RTI in children. However, the result should be interpreted with caution due to limitations including a small number of available RCTs, heterogeneity among the studies, and potential publication bias.

Vaccine Evaluation Studies Performed in Korea from 2000 to 2014

PURPOSE: Vaccine evaluation studies were initiated from 2000 by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to produce proper data about the safety and immunogenicity of vaccines. The purpose of this study was to review studies and reports on evaluation of vaccine such as immunogenicity, efficacy, effectiveness, safety and other related topics in order to find and analyze the data on the usefulness of each vaccine. METHODS: From 2000 to 2014, the project "The vaccine evaluation" had been performed by several researchers, and studies and reports of vaccine evaluation. We reviewed the results and outcomes of studies regarding the evaluation of vaccine's usefulness and analyzed the possibilities of applying these data for establishing vaccine policies. For each vaccine, data analysis and organization were done according to evaluation fields. RESULTS: A total of 83 studies were performed on vaccines from 2000 to 2014. For each vaccine, 8 studies were performed on BCG, 14 on DTaP/Td, 1 on poliovirus, 5 on Hib, 3 on pneumococcus, 11 on influenza, 3 on hepatitis A, 11 on MMR, 11 on varicella, and 16 on Japanese encephalitis. All studies were analyzed by the following evaluation area, such as safety, immunogenicity, seroprevalence, persistence of immunity, efficacy, effectiveness, vaccine evaluation methods, quality control product for vaccine, and others. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccine evaluation studies performed in Korea may be useful as references for establishing vaccination strategy and policy and could be used as baseline data for future studies on vaccine evaluation, vaccine policy establishment, and public/expert vaccine education in Korea.

Impact of IgM Antibodies on Cross-Protection against Pneumococcal Serogroups 6 and 19 after Immunization with 7-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Children

Although it is well known that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines provide cross-protection against some vaccine-related serotypes, these mechanisms are still unclear. This study was performed to investigate the role of cross-protective IgM antibodies against vaccine-related serotypes 6A, 6C, and 19A induced in children aged 12-23 months after immunization with 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7). We obtained serum samples from 18 Korean children aged 12-23 months after a PCV7 booster immunization. The serum IgG and IgM concentrations of serotypes 6B and 19F were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in serum. The opsonic indices (OIs) against vaccine serotypes 6B and 19F and vaccine-related serotypes 6A, 6C, and 19A were determined by an opsonophagocytic killing assay (OPA) in IgM-depleted and control serum. Both IgG and IgM antibodies in ELISA and opsonic indices in OPA against serotypes 6B and 19F were demonstrated in the immune serum. IgM depletion decreased the OIs against vaccine serotypes 6B (geometric means of OIs (GMIs) of 3,009 vs. 1,396, 38% reduction) and 19F (1,117 vs. 750, 36% reduction). In addition, IgM depletion markedly decreased the OIs against vaccine-related serotypes 6A (GMIs of 961 vs. 329, 70% reduction), 6C (432 vs. 185, 72% reduction), and 19A (301 vs. 166, 58% reduction). The booster immunization PCV7 induced protective antibodies in the form of both IgG and IgM isotypes. IgM antibodies contributed to eliciting cross-protection against vaccine-related serotypes as well as against vaccine serotypes.