Tétanos de l'enfant au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mère­Enfant de Libreville, Gabon / Child tetanus at the Mother and Child University Hospital Center, Libreville, Gabon

L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer les aspects épidémiologique, clinique, thérapeutique et évolutif du tétanos de l'enfant au service de réanimation du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mère-Enfant de Libreville, au Gabon. Méthodes : Etude rétrospective de type descriptif menée du 1er janvier 2019 au 31 décembre 2022. Les dossiers des enfants âgés de 0 à 16 ans, admis en réanimation pour tétanos, ont constitué la base des données. Les variables étudiées étaient épidémiologiques, cliniques, thérapeutiques et évolutives. Résultats : Parmi les 561 enfants hospitalisés en réanimation durant la période, il y'avait 12 cas de tétanos, soit une prévalence de 2,1%. Le sexe ratio était de 2. Les enfants âgés de 10 ans et plus représentaient la moitié de l'effectif (n=6). La porte d'entrée la plus retrouvée était une plaie du pied soit 50%, suivie d'une plaie céphalique dans 25% des cas. Tous les enfants avaient un état vaccinal incorrect, un trismus et des troubles d'alimentation. Le score pronostique de Dakar était à 2 chez six enfants (50%) et de 3 chez les 6 autres. Les molécules les plus utilisées étaient le Midazolam (92%), le Métronidazole (100%), le sérum et vaccin antitétanique (100%). Cinq patients (42%) ont bénéficié d'une ventilation assistée. La durée moyenne de séjour était de 13,6 jours ±9,9 et la létalité de 42%. Conclusion : le tétanos prédomine chez le grand enfant n'ayant pas de couverture vaccinale. Des mesures de sensibilisation des populations sur la vaccination antitétanique sont indispensables pour baisser la létalité.

Caracterización del polirribosilribitol fosfato por cromatografía de exclusión molecular de alta eficacia con detección ultravioleta / Characterization of polyribosylribitol phosphate by high efficiency size exclusion chromatography with ultraviolet detection

Haemophilus influenzae tipo b es un importante patógeno del hombre causante de varias de las enfermedades invasivas en niños menores de cinco años, contra el cual fueron autorizadas las vacunas glicoconjugadas a partir del polirribosilribitol fosfato. Quimi-Hib® es la primera y única vacuna contra este patógeno que utiliza el polisacárido obtenido por síntesis química. El Ingrediente Farmacéutico Activo es producido por el Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología y se obtiene a partir de su conjugación al toxoide tetánico. En el presente reporte se hizo una caracterización del polirribosilribitol fosfato mediante la técnica de cromatografía de exclusión molecular de alta eficacia con detección ultravioleta a 215 nm. En el estudio se evaluaron tres lotes y se determinó el perfil de elución en una columna SuperdexTM 75 10/300 GL Increase con un porciento de pureza de 77,42 ± 8,97 y una masa molar promedio de 7.381 Da ± 210,93. La principal impureza presente en el polirribosilribitol fosfato es el dimetilsulfóxido, disolvente utilizado en la reacción de activación con el éster N-hidroxisuccinimidilo del ácido β-maleimidopropiónico. El polirribosilribitol fosfato se purificó por filtración con un Amicon Ultra-15 de 2.000 Da hasta una pureza de 99,1 por ciento y se conjugó al toxoide tetánico. El rendimiento de la reacción de conjugación con el polisacárido purificado fue de 30,0 por ciento 1,77 el cual no muestra diferencias significativas con el control que fue 33,7 por ciento ± 3,57 demostrándose que el dimetilsulfóxido no afecta el desempeño de la reacción de conjugación(AU)

Haemophilus influenzae type b is an important human pathogen causing some invasive diseases in children less than five years of age. Glycoconjugate vaccines based on polyribosylribitol phosphate have been licensed against this bacterium. Quimi-Hib® is the first and only vaccine against this pathogen using the chemically synthesized polysaccharide. The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient is produced by the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and is obtained from its conjugation to tetanus toxoid. In the present report a characterization of polyribosylribitol phosphate was performed by high performance molecular exclusion chromatography with ultraviolet detection at 215 nm. Three batches were evaluated in the study and the elution profile was determined on a SuperdexTM 75 10/300 GL Increase column with a purity percentage of 77.42 ± 8.97 and an average molecular weight of 7,381 Da ± 210.93. The main impurity present in polyribosylribitol phosphate was dimethylsulfoxide, the solvent used in the activation reaction with N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester of β-maleimidopropionic acid. Polyribosylribitol phosphate was purified by filtration using a 2,000 Da cut-off Amicon Ultra-15 to a purity of 99.1 percent and conjugated to tetanus toxoid. The yield of the conjugation reaction with the purified polysaccharide was 30.0 percent ± 1.77 which shows no significant difference with the control which was 33.7 percent ± 3.57 demonstrating that dimethylsulfoxide does not affect the performance of the conjugation reaction(AU)

Artificial intelligence-based literature data warehouse for vaccine safety / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To establish a sustainable updated literature data warehouse for global vaccine safety assessment, and provide data support for evidence-based vaccine safety assessment. Methods: Semi-automated construction and updating of a literature data warehouse were achieved through the continuous integration of standard operating steps of evidence-based reviews with artificial intelligence technologies. Following the standard procedure of a systematic literature review, the literatures about vaccine safety assessment published before November 29, 2020 were retrieved from 9 databases including OVID, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrails.org in English and Wanfang, CNKI, VIP, and SinoMed in Chinese. Literatures were screened for two rounds in a semi-automatic manner (by artificial intelligence literature processing system and manual work) according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Furthermore, the literatures were classified according to the types of vaccines and adverse events. The updating strategy was established, and the literature data warehouse was updated regularly. Experts were organized to select specific vaccine safety topics and carry out special demonstration studies. Results: More than 0.41 million articles were retrieved. According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 23 304 articles were included after two rounds of screening. At present, we have selected and completed three prior topics as demonstration studies, including the systematic review of "DPT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) vaccine and encephalopathy/encephalitis", and the classified management of literatures about allergic purpura and brachial plexus neuritis. Conclusions: The sustainable updated literature data warehouse of vaccine safety can provide high-quality research data for vaccine safety research, including evidence support for immunization related policy-making and adjustment and vaccine safety-related methodological research or clinical tool development; and further demonstration studies can provide references for building a new methodological framework system for timely and efficient completion of the evidence-based assessment of vaccine safety.

Vacinas COVID-19 e outros imunobiológicos ­ intervalos preconizados / COVID-19 vaccines and other immunobiological drugs ­ recommended intervals

Com o início do programa de vacinação contra a COVID-19 no Brasil, surgiu uma série de questionamentos relacionados ao uso dos imunizantes. Neste documento, o grupo de estudo da COVID-19 da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia (ASBAI) avalia as evidências científicas e se posiciona em relação aos intervalos preconizados entre a administração das vacinas contra o SARS-CoV-2 e dos imunobiológicos.

With the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccination program in Brazil, a series of questions related to the use of vaccines arose. In this document, the COVID-19 study group of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology (ASBAI) assesses the scientific evidence and takes a stand for the recommended intervals between the administration of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and that of immunobiological drugs.

Tétanos generalizado en un adolescente / Spread tetanus in an adolescent

Se presenta el caso clínico de un adolescente de 13 años de edad, con antecedentes de buena salud, quien solo recibió inmunización durante la etapa neonatal, el cual sufrió una herida causada por un clavo enmohecido en el dorso del pie derecho y acudió al Hospital Wete de Zanzíbar, Tanzania, por presentar dolores musculares, espasmos generalizados, risa sardónica y trismo, por lo cual se le diagnosticó tétanos generalizado. Se prescribió tratamiento médico con hidratación parenteral, toxina antitetánica, toxoide tetánico, antibióticos, sedantes y curación local de dicha herida. Luego de 2 meses de hospitalización el paciente tuvo una evolución satisfactoria.

The case report of a 13 years adolescent, with history of good health who just received immunization during the neonatal period is presented. He suffered from a wound caused by a rusty nail in the back of the right foot and he went to the Wete Hospital in Zanzibar, Tanzania, presenting muscular pains, spread spasms, sardonic laugh and trismus, reason why he was diagnosed spread tetanus. Treatment was prescribed with parenteral hydration, anti-tetanus toxin, anti-tetanus toxoide, antibiotics, sedative and total cure of this wound. After 2 months of hospitalization the patient had a favorable clinical course.

Tétanos generalizado en adulto. Reporte de caso / Adult generalized tetanus. Case report

RESUMEN Fundamento: El tétanos es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por las esporas de la bacteria Clostridium tetani que afecta el sistema nervioso. La inmunización contra esta enfermedad ha permitido reducir la morbilidad y la mortalidad en Cuba por esa causa. Los pocos casos reportados son pacientes sin previa vacunación contra el tétanos, por lo que constituye de interés para la comunidad científica el reporte de aquellos que desarrollan esa enfermedad después de haber sido vacunados. Objetivo: Describir el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico de tétanos generalizado a pesar de que ya había sido vacunado contra esa enfermedad. Presentación del caso: Paciente de 33 años, con el antecedente de haber sido vacunado contra el tétanos, al cual le diagnosticaron tétanos generalizado, por lo se decidió su ingresó en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Clínicamente se manifestó por contracciones musculares generalizadas y rigidez, los síntomas y signos neurológicos tuvieron una duración de 4 semanas. A pesar de las complicaciones el paciente egresó con adecuada calidad de vida. Conclusiones: La presentación de este caso busca concientizar en la comunidad científica la importancia de considerar el diagnóstico de tétanos en pacientes ya vacunados, lo cual es poco frecuente y obliga a actuar con prontitud.

ABSTRACT Background: Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani spores which affects the nervous system. In Cuba, immunization against this disease has made it possible to reduce morbidity and mortality from this cause. The few cases reported are patients without prior vaccination against tetanus, so is the interest to the scientific community the reporting of those who develop this disease after having been vaccinated. Objective: To describe a patient´s case with a generalized tetanus diagnosis despite has already been vaccinated against this disease. Case report: A 33-year-old patient, with a history of has been vaccinated against tetanus, and diagnosed with generalized tetanus, so it was decided he to be admitted to the intensive care unit. Clinically manifested by generalized muscle contractions and stiffness, the neurological symptoms and signs lasted 4 weeks. Despite the complications, the patient discharged from hospital with an adequate life quality. Conclusions: This case presentation searches for raising awareness in the scientific community about the importance of considering the diagnosis of tetanus in previous vaccinated patients, which is rare and requires quickness of action.

Miasis por Cochliomyia hominivorax en la Argentina / Myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax in Argentina

Miasis es la infestación de humanos y animales por larvas de dípteros ciclorrafos con invasión y destrucción tisular. Cochliomyia hominivorax es responsable del 80% de las miasis en la Argentina. Es importante realizar el diagnóstico etiológico específico debido a la agresividad de las larvas de esta especie, las que pueden provocar cuadros clínicos graves. Presentamos cuatro casos de miasis por C. hominivorax. Dos de los pacientes residían en la ciudad de Buenos Aires y trabajan en zona rural, y los otros dos residían en el Gran Buenos Aires.

Miasis is the infestation of man and animals by larvae of flies belonging to the order Diptera, suborder Cyclorrapha. Eighty percent of miasis in Argentina is caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax, a species that induces pronounced tissue invasion and destruction, and results in severe clinical forms. Because of the aggressiveness of its larvae, it is important to reach a specific etiological diagnosis. We present four cases of miasis by C. hominivorax in two patients living in the city of Buenos Aires but working in a rural area and two patients living in the Greater Buenos Aires.

Vaccination against influenza among pregnant women in southern Brazil and associated factors / Vacinação contra Influenza entre gestantes no Sul do Brasil e fatores associados

Abstract This article aims to identify the prevalence and factors associated with influenza vaccination in pregnant women. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a municipality in the southernmost region of Brazil, which included all women giving birth in 2016. The outcome was having received the vaccine against influenza during pregnancy. Sociodemographic, behavioral and prenatal care characteristics and morbidities were analyzed. The analysis included sample description, the prevalence of vaccination for each independent variable and a multivariate analysis. Two thousand six hundred ninety-four pregnant women were interviewed, of which 53.9% reported having been vaccinated. Factors associated with increased prevalence of vaccination were mother's higher schooling, prenatal care, tetanus vaccination and prenatal care performed in a public service. On the other hand, prenatal care onset after the first quarter reduced the prevalence of vaccination. The results point to the need to reinforce the importance of vaccination against influenza among pregnant women and among health professionals, regardless of the severity of the current epidemiological setting.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar a prevalência da imunização contra a gripe em mulheres grávidas e seus fatores associados. Estudo transversal realizado em um município no extremo sul do Brasil, que incluiu todas as mulheres que deram à luz no ano de 2016. O desfecho foi ter recebido a vacina contra a gripe durante a gravidez. Características sociodemográficas, comportamentais, do pré-natal e morbidades foram analisadas como fatores associados à vacinação. A análise constou de descrição da amostra, prevalência da vacinação para cada uma das variáveis independentes e análise multivariada. Foram entrevistadas 2.694 parturientes, das quais 53,9% informaram ter recebido a vacina. Os fatores associados a uma maior prevalência de imunização foram: maior escolaridade materna, realização do pré-natal, ter realizado a vacina antitetânica e fazer o pré-natal em um serviço público. Por outro lado, o início do pré-natal após o primeiro trimestre reduziu a prevalência de imunização. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de reforçar a importância da imunização contra a Influenza entre mulheres grávidas e entre profissionais da saúde, independentemente da gravidade do atual cenário epidemiológico.

A 6-year Prospective, Observational, Multi-Center Post-Marketing Surveillance of the Safety of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine in Korea

BACKGROUND: Incidence of whooping cough is increasing in Korea. Since 2011, occurrence among adolescents and adults has risen putting vulnerable neonates at risk. National immunization guidelines now include Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis) vaccination during pregnancy and as a cocooning strategy (i.e., vaccinating adults and adolescents in contact with neonates). This study assessed post-marketing Tdap (Boostrix®, GSK, Belgium) vaccine safety in subjects ≥ 10 years. METHODS: This open, non-comparative multi-center study was conducted over six years at 10 hospitals in Korea. Subjects received Tdap in normal clinical practice according to local prescribing information. All adverse events (AEs) were recorded, classified as expected or unexpected, and severity and relationship to Tdap were assessed. RESULTS: The analysis included 672 Korean subjects (mean age, 44 years; range, 11–81), 451 were women and 211 were pregnant. Ninety subjects experienced 124 AEs (incidence 13.39%) of which six were serious AEs (SAEs) assessed as not related to vaccination, and 51 were non-SAEs related to vaccination (mostly administration site reactions). Overall 65/124 AEs were unexpected; the most common were 14 constipation, 5 dyspepsia, 4 common cold and 4 premature labor cases. One case of common cold was assessed as possibly related to vaccination. Pregnancy outcome was ‘live infant, no apparent congenital anomaly’ in 195 subjects (92.42%) or ‘lost to follow-up’ in 16 subjects. CONCLUSION: Tdap administration to Korean subjects ≥ 10 years, including pregnant women, for the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis was shown to have a well-tolerated safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01929291

Evaluación del uso en adultos de cuatro vacunas: una encuesta poblacional en Argentina / Assessment of the use in adults of four vaccines: a population survey in Argentina

La vacunación es una de las estrategias más efectivas para la prevención de enfermedades. Argentina inició la transición de la vacunación del niño a la de la familia, incorporando la vacunación del adulto. Una de las dificultades con este último grupo es determinar el porcentaje de utilización (PU) de las vacunas. Con el objetivo de caracterizar el PU de las vacunas en adultos en Argentina, la Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo que realizó el Ministerio de Salud de la Nación en 2013 incluyó un módulo de vacunación. El diseño muestral fue estratificado y multietápico. Fueron encuestadas 32 365 personas >18 años sobre el uso de cuatro vacunas incluidas en el Calendario Nacional de Vacunación: hepatitis B, tétanos, influenza y neumococo. Se consideró toda la población encuestada para tétanos y hepatitis B y ciertos grupos en riesgo para influenza y neumococo, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones. El PU varió según las vacunas analizadas: tétanos 49.8%, hepatitis B 21.7%, influenza 51.6% y neumococo 16.2%. Las principales fuentes de información sobre vacunas del adulto fueron, en primer lugar los medios públicos de comunicación (televisión, internet, etc.), y en segundo lugar el personal de salud (70.8% y 27.9%, respectivamente). Se concluye que la encuesta es una herramienta útil para evaluar el uso de vacunas por adultos, identificar poblaciones con baja cobertura, así como para planificar e implementar estrategias para mejorar la cobertura.

Vaccination is one of the most effective strategies for disease prevention. Argentina initiated the transition from child vaccination to family vaccination through the incorporation of an adult schedule. One of the difficulties with this last group is to assess the percentage of use (PU) of the vaccines. With the aim of determining the PU of adult vaccines in Argentina, a vaccination module was included in the National Survey of Risk Factors carried out in 2013 by the National Ministry of Health. The sampling had a stratified multistage design. A total of 32 365 people = 18 year-old were surveyed about the use of four vaccines included in the National Vaccination Calendar: hepatitis B, tetanus, influenza, and pneumococcus. The entire population was surveyed for tetanus and hepatitis B while certain groups at risk were evaluated for influenza and pneumococcus, according to current recommendations. PU varied according to the vaccine analyzed: tetanus 49.8%, hepatitis B 21.7%, influenza 51.6% and pneumococcus 16.2%. The main information sources on adult vaccination were media (television, internet, etc.) followed by health personnel (70.8% and 27.9%, respectively). The survey is a suitable tool to assess the use of vaccines by adults, identify low coverage populations, and to plan and implement strategies to improve coverage.

Diseño de un programa de análisis de peligros y puntos críticos control (HACCP) para la producción de toxoide tetánico / Design of a program of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) for production of Tetanus Toxoid

El toxoide tetánico es una neurotoxina modificada que induce la formación de una antitoxina protectora contra la enfermedad denominada tétanos. Este antígeno es obtenido a partir de procesos fermentativos con la bacteria anaerobia Clostridium tetani y es utilizado para la formulación de vacunas simples y combinadas inactivadas. Con el propósito de atender a las recomendaciones y regulaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), el objetivo de este trabajo fue diseñar un Programa de Análisis de Peligros y Puntos Críticos de Control (HACCP) en la producción del antígeno Toxoide Tetánico, desde la recepción de la cepa certificada en el área de producción hasta el almacenamiento del toxoide tetánico purificado. Para ello, inicialmente se evaluó el cumplimiento de los prerequisitos (BPM, POES, BPL). Posteriormente, se procedió al diseño del plan HACCP mediante la ejecución de las 5 tareas preliminares y la aplicación de los 7 principios, conforme a la metodología descrita por la OMS. A partir del análisis de peligros en todas las etapas del proceso de producción del toxoide tetánico se identificaron 3 puntos críticos de control: detoxificación, filtración estéril final y almacenamiento de toxoide tetánico purificado. Se establecieron los límites críticos, los procedimientos de vigilancia, las acciones correctivas, los procedimientos de verificación y de documentación. La propuesta tiene como fin garantizar la calidad e inocuidad del producto elaborado, la protección del personal involucrado en el proceso y del medio ambiente con miras a la obtención de la certificación como laboratorio productor de vacunas

Tetanus toxoid is a modified neurotoxin that induces the formation of protective antitoxin of the disease called tetanus. This antigen is obtained from fermentation processes with anaerobic bacteria Clostridium tetani and it is used to formulate simple and combined inactivated vaccines. In order to meet the recommendations and regulations of World Health Organization (WHO), the aim of this work was to design a Program of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) in the production of antigen Tetanus Toxoid, starting from the receipt of the certified strain in the production area through the storage of purified tetanus toxoid. For this, initially fulfilling the prerequisites (GMP, SSOP and GLP) was evaluated. Subsequently, we proceeded to design HACCP plan by running 5 preliminary tasks and application of the 7 principles, according to the methodology described by WHO. From the hazard analysis at all stages of the production process of tetanus toxoid three critical control points were identified: detoxification, final sterile filtration and storage of purified tetanus toxoid. Critical limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, verification and documentation procedures were established. The proposal aims to assure the quality and safety of the final product, the protection of personnel involved in the process and the environment, with a view to obtaining certification as a vaccine production laboratory

Evaluation of Potency on Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid for Adult Vaccines by In Vivo Toxin Neutralization Assay Using National Reference Standards

OBJECTIVES: Vaccinations against diphtheria and tetanus are essential in providing immunity against these bacterial infections. The potency of diphtheria and tetanus toxoid vaccines can be measured using the in vivo toxin neutralization assay. The limit of potency of this assay was determined only for children. Therefore, we assessed the potency of adult vaccines using this assay to identify the feasibility of limit for adult vaccines. METHODS: Fifteen lots of tetanus-reduced diphtheria and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccines were used. In vivo toxin neutralization and lethal challenge assays were conducted on each vaccine to calculate the potencies of the toxoids. National reference standards for toxins and antitoxins were used for in vivo toxin neutralization assay. RESULTS: All 15 lots satisfied the limits of potency for lethal challenge assay. The potency of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids exceeded 1 and 8 units/mL, respectively, for in vivo toxin neutralization assay. CONCLUSION: Although additional studies are required for new assays and limits, the current level of potency for adult vaccines as determined by in vivo toxin neutralization assay, was demonstrated in this study. Such efforts to improve assays are expected to promote the development of diphtheria and tetanus vaccines for adults and to contribute to vaccine self-sufficiency.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Maternal Immunization with Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Aellular Pertussis (Tdap) among Pregnant Women

PURPOSE: Despite effectiveness and safety of maternal tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination, Tdap vaccination coverage during pregnancy remains quite low. We assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice on maternal Tdap vaccination among pregnant women. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women who visited tertiary obstetrics and gynecologic units in Seoul and Gyeonggi province of Korea. Individual questionnaires were administered to assess knowledge, attitude and practice on maternal immunization with Tdap. RESULTS: The questionnaires were completed by 184 pregnant women; 158 (86%) had not received information from doctors about pertussis and Tdap, and 166 (90%) did not know the need for Tdap vaccination. Only 7% of pregnant women unlikely to receive Tdap vaccine during current pregnancy answered 3 or more of the 5 knowledge-based questions correctly. By logistic regression analysis, recommendation by doctor (adjusted odd ratio [OR], 236.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.6–4,432), belief that the vaccine is effective (adjusted OR, 40.21; 95% CI, 2.35–687.7), and belief that the vaccine is safe (adjusted OR, 19.83; 95% CI, 1.54–255.9) were significantly important factors to respondents’ intention to be vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: Most pregnant women seem to be neither recommended nor adequately informed about Tdap vaccination. Information given by health care professionals is very important to increase Tdap coverage among pregnant women.

Provincial differences in levels, trends, and determinants of childhood immunization in Pakistan

Background: Efforts to improve immunization rates are urgently needed in Pakistan but national statistics mask important local differences in immunization levels and determinants.

Aim: In this study we aimed to determine how similar or different are recent trends and levels of immunization coverage in Pakistan's 4 main provinces [Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [KPK] and Balochistan], and what factors are associated with complete childhood immunization in each province.

Method: We analysed data from the 2006–07 and 2012–13 Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys. Trends in immunization coverage among children aged 12–23 months were calculated for each province. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with complete immunization.

Results: The proportion of children completely immunized had risen significantly in Punjab but had fallen significantly in Balochistan. Complete coverage ranged from 16.4% in Balochistan to 65.8% in Punjab [2012–13]. Tetanus toxoid injection during pregnancy was a significant predictor of complete immunization everywhere. Other predictors in specific provinces were: urban residence in Balochistan, wealth in Sindh and KPK, mother's education in Punjab and KPK, and distance to the facility in Punjab.

Conclusions: Although some strategies to increase immunization coverage are relevant nationwide, programme managers need to seek solutions specific to provincial trends and predictors. This analysis demonstrates that viewing childhood immunization in Pakistan through a provincial lens can help achieve a deeper understanding of the challenges and potential strategies to boost coverage

Tétanos secundario a mordedura y arañazo de gato en una paciente previamente vacunada / Tetanus after cat scratch and bites in a previously immunized patient

Tetanus is declining due to vaccination, professional labor management and appropriate wound care. Tetanus cases have been reported despite immunization. We report the case of a previously healthy 21 years old female patient that presented a mild generalized tetanus requiring admission after mild and recurrent cat scratch and bites. She had received six vaccine shots during childhood, and a booster dose five years earlier after a rabbit bite. Symptoms appeared seven weeks after the last contact, and included headache, muscle spasms and mild opisthotonus. Laboratory evaluation, including CSF analysis and microbiological investigation, as well as imaging studies were all normal. The patient received 6,000 IU of human antitoxin immunoglobulin. No autonomic manifestations or respiratory compromise were registered. Symptoms resolved rapidly and she was discharge after seven days with an order to complete a tetanus toxoid immunization schedule with three doses. Conclusions. Tetanus is possible in urban settings with a declining epidemiologic curve of disease in previously immunized patients. Severity of disease is modulated by previous vaccination.

El tétanos está en declinación gracias a la vacunación, manejo profesional del parto y el cuidado apropiado de las heridas. Se han reportado casos a pesar de la inmunización. Presentamos el caso clínico de una mujer previamente sana de 21 años que presentó un tétanos generalizado leve, luego de repetidas mordeduras y arañazos de su gato. Había recibido su esquema completo de seis dosis de vacuna antitetánica en la infancia y un refuerzo hacía cinco años luego de una mordedura por conejo. Los síntomas aparecieron siete semanas después del último contacto e incluyeron cefalea, espasmos musculares y opistótonos leve. La evaluación de laboratorio, incluyendo un estudio del LCR e imágenes fueron normales. La paciente recibió inmunoglobulina humana antitetánica. No hubo manifestaciones autonómicas ni compromiso respiratorio. Los síntomas regresaron rápidamente y se dio de alta a los siete días con indicación de completar tres dosis de vacuna antitetánica. Conclusiones: El tétanos es posible en ambientes urbanos con una curva epidemiológica en descenso en pacientes previamente inmunizados. La gravedad del cuadro es modulada por la vacunación previa.

Informe especial: Tétanos otras edades (No neonatal) / Special report: Tetanus other ages (Nonneonatal)

Entre las Semanas Epidemiológicas (SE) 51 del año 2016 y 5 del 2017 (período comprendido entre el 18/12/2016 y el 04/02/2017), la Gerencia Operativa de Epidemiología recibió la notificación de 3 casos de tétanos otras edades a través de alertas del módulo C2 del Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia de la Salud (SNVS). Se trató de 3 pacientes asistidos en el Departamento de Atención Intensiva del Paciente Infeccioso Crítico (D.A.I.P.I.C.), del Hospital de Infecciosas Francisco Muñiz, de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Dos casos correspondieron a residentes de Provincia de Buenos Aires y el restante a un residente de la Ciudad. Este informe resume estos tres casos, los cuales destacan la necesidad que los médicos y quienes están encargados de los cuidados de salud, constaten en oportunidad de toda consulta, la cobertura de vacunación antitetánica e indiquen la vacuna a pacientes no vacunados, incompletamente vacunados o con vacunación desconocida.(AU)

Tétanos, una enfermedad vigente en población pediátrica: Reporte de un caso / Tetanus, a current disease in pediatric population: Case report

Introducción: El tétanos es una enfermedad aguda causada por una toxina producida por Clostridium tetanii. La enfermedad puede afectar a personas de cualquier edad, y la tasa de letalidad es alta. Gracias a la inmunización se ha logrado reducir el número de casos de la enfermedad, aunque se siguen presentando casos sobre todo en países con rezago social y económico. Objetivo: Describir caso clínico de un paciente pediátrico con tétanos generalizado, para reforzar la importancia de la profilaxis y diagnóstico precoz. Caso clínico: Escolar femenina de 6 años de edad con antecedente de esquema de inmunizaciones incompleto (una dosis de pentavalente), quien 10 días después de hacerse una herida cortopunzante por astilla de madera en brazo derecho, evolucionó con fiebre, dolor muscular y contracciones generalizadas, diagnosticándose tétanos generalizado en base a los antecedentes y el cuadro clínico. El tratamiento se estableció en base a las últimas recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la salud (OMS): esquema antibiótico Penicilina-Metronidazol, toxoide tetánico y gammaglobulina antitetánica a dosis altas. Se da de alta con secuelas motoras leves, las que se remitieron luego de 2 años de seguimiento y terapia de rehabilitación. Conclusión: El tétanos se sigue presentando en la población pediátrica principalmente asociado a falta de vacunación, es necesario conocer la enfermedad para hacer diagnóstico temprano y ofrecer manejo acorde a recomendaciones internacionales.

Introduction: Tetanus is an acute disease caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium tetanii. The disease can affect people of any age, and the fatality rate is high. Thanks to immunization the number of cases of the disease has decreased, although they are still present in isolation in countries with social and economic backwardness. Objective: To describe a case of a pediatric patient with generalized tetanus to reinforce the relevance of prophylaxis and early detection. Case Report: 6 years old female patient, with only one dose of pentavalent vaccine, 10 days after sharps injury by wood chips, starts with fever, muscle pain and generalized contractions, Tetanus was diagnosed by clinical symptoms and history. The management was based on the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO): Penicillin-Metronidazole antibiotic regimen, tetanus toxoid and tetanus high-dose gammaglobulin. After 2 years of follow-up under physiotherapy support, slight motor sequelae were observed. Conclusion: Tetanus is still presented in the pediatric population, associated with lack of vaccination. It is necessary to know the disease to provide proper diagnosis and management according to international lineaments.

Self-reported vaccination in the elderly: SABE Bogotá study, Colombia / El auto reporte de vacunación en los adultos mayores: Estudio SABE Bogotá, Colombia

Objectives: To determine the frequency of vaccination in older adults within the city of Bogotá and to estimate the association with sociodemographic and health factors. Methods: This is a secondary data analysis from the SABE-Bogotá Study, a cross-sectional population-based study that included a total of 2,000 persons aged 60 years. Weighted percentages for self-reported vaccination [influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus] were determined. The association between vaccination and covariates was evaluate by logistic regression models. Results: A total of 73.0% of respondents received influenza, 57.8% pneumococcal and 47.6% tetanus vaccine. Factors independently associated with vaccination included: 1- age (65-74 years had higher odds of receiving vaccinations, compared to 60-64 years; 2socioeconomic status (SES) (higher SES had lower odds of having influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, compared to those with lower SES); 3- health insurance (those with contributive or subsidized health insurance had higher odds (between 3 and 5 times higher) of having vaccinations, compared to those with no insurance); 4- older adults with better functional status (greater Lawton scores) had increased odds for all vaccinations; 5- older adults with higher comorbidity had increased odds for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. Conclusion: Vaccination campaigns should be strengthened to increase vaccination coverage, especially in the group more reticent to vaccination or vulnerable to reach it such as the disable elder.

Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia de vacunación en la población adulta mayor de la ciudad de Bogotá, y estimar la asociación con factores sociodemográficos y de salud. Métodos: Este es un análisis secundario de datos del estudio SABE-Bogotá, un estudio poblacional transversal que incluyó un total de 2,000 personas mayores de 60 años. Se obtuvieron porcentajes ponderados del auto-reporte de vacunación (influenza, neumococo, tétano). La asociación entre la vacunación y otras variables se evaluó mediante modelos de regresión logística. Resultados: el 73.0% se vacunó contra la Influenza, 57.8% contra el Neumococo y el 47.6% recibió la antitetánica. Los factores que estaba independientemente asociados con la vacunación incluyen: 1-edad (6574 tenían probabilidad aumentada comparada con 60-64 años); 2- nivel socioeconómico (NSE) (mayor NSE tenían menos probabilidades de tener vacunas contra la influenza y neumococo, en comparación con aquellos con menor SES); 3- seguro de salud (con seguro contributivo o subsidiado tenían probabilidades más altas, (entre 3 y 5 veces mayor) de tener vacunación contra la influenza, neumococo y tétanos, en comparación con aquellos que no tienen seguro); 4- aquellos con estado funcional mejor (puntaje mayor Lawton) tenían probabilidades mayores para todas las vacunas; 5- aquellos con morbilidad aumentada tenían probabilidades mayores para tener vacunas de influenza y neumococo. Conclusión: Las campañas de vacunación se deben fortalecer para incrementan la cobertura, especialmente en el grupo más reacio a la vacunación o vulnerable para alcanzarla tales como los adultos mayores con discapacidad.

A Bordetella pertussis proteoliposome induces protection in mice without affecting the immunogenicity of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids in a trivalent formulation

In this study, a formulation of Bordetella pertussis proteoliposome (PLBp), diphtheria, and tetanus toxoids and alum (DT-PLBp) was evaluated as a trivalent vaccine candidate in BALB/c mice. Vaccine-induced protection was estimated using the intranasal challenge for pertussis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay fvto assess serological responses for diphtheria or tetanus. Both, diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis (DTP) and diphtheria-tetanus vaccines (DT) were used as controls. Animals immunized with DT-PLBp, PLBp alone, and DTP showed total reduction of CFU in lungs 7 days after intranasal challenge. Likewise, formulations DT-PLBp, DTP, and DT elicited antibody levels ≥2 IU/mL against tetanus and diphtheria, considered protective when neutralization tests are used. Overall, results showed that combination of PLBp with tetanus and diphtheria toxoids did not affect the immunogenicity of each antigen alone.

Vaccination antitetanique des femmes en age de procreer a Bamako au Mali

Au Mali malgre l'existence d'une politique nationale de vaccination; la couverture vaccinale du tetanos neonatal reste faible .Selon l'Enquete Demographique et de Sante (EDS) IV du Mali; le taux de naissances protegees contre le tetanos neonatal est de 56 %. L'objectif de cette etude etait d'etudier l'etat de la vaccination antitetanique (VAT) chez les femmes en age de procreer (FAP) de la commune V du District de Bamako. L'etude a ete menee au Mali dans la commune V du District de Bamako. C'etait une etude de type transversal realisee de juillet a octobre 2006. La population cible etait composee de femmes en age de procreer et de prestataires de sante. Au total; 262 personnes dont 200 femmes en age de procreer et 62 prestataires de sante ont ete interrogees. La tranche d'age 14 23 ans representait 39 % des FAP. Parmi les FAP interrogees; 27;4 % ne savaient pas que la vaccination antitetanique a pour but d'eviter le tetanos maternel et neonatal La majorite des FAP soient 61;8 % pensaient qu'une seule dose de VAT suffisait pour etre protegee. Parmi les FAP enquetees; 76;2 % ont ete vaccinees dont 66;7 % avaient recu entre 2 et 10 doses de VAT. Les femmes n'ayant recu aucune dose de VAT etaient les nullipares et les primipares. Les principales raisons evoquees par les femmes qui n'avaient pas recu de doses de vaccin etaient la meconnaissance (47;6 %); le manque de temps (14;3 %) et la negligence (23;8 %).Le personnel de sante interroge a evoque des ruptures en VAT de moins d'une semaine; dans 7 /11 centres de sante. Le renforcement de la communication pour le changement de comportement (CCC) pour la vaccination antitetanique et le respect du calendrier vaccinal permettront d'augmenter la couverture vaccinale antitetanique. Pour eviter les ruptures de stocks; nous recommandons une dotation reguliere et suffisante des centres de sante en vaccin antitetanique