Efectividad y seguridad de la vacuna Sarampión-Paperas-Rubéola (SPR) en mayores de cinco años / Effectiveness and safety of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine (SPR) in over five years

ANTECEDENTES: La inmunización es una de las intervenciones en salud pública más costo efectivas y rentables. Sarampión, parotiditis y rubeola (SPR) son enfermedades virales, que pueden causar complicaciones y consecuencias graves, especialmente en niños desnutridos e inmunodeprimidos; siendo importante destacar, que estas enfermedades son prevenibles mediante la vacunación. El resurgimiento de las infecciones por el virus de las paperas entre personas previamente vacunados con dos dosis, ha planteado preocupaciones en el mundo, sobre la ausencia de inmunidad a largo plazo después de la vacunación contra esta enfermedad y ha aperturado discusiones sobre nuevas estrategias para mitigar el riesgo de brotes futuros, incluyendo la posibilidad de implementar una tercera dosis de la vacuna SPR como respuesta a un brote epidémico, frente al cual, además surge la necesidad de estudios adicionales que evalúen la protección a largo plazo proporcionada por tres dosis de las vacunas SPR, así como la rentabilidad de la implementación de ésta intervención. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de la presente revisión sistemática es sintetizar evidencias científicas sobre la seguridad y efectividad frente a parotiditis de la vacuna Sarampión, Rubéola, Paperas (SPR) en personas mayores de 5 años. METODOLOGÍA: La búsqueda sistemática se realizó en la base de datos de Medline (PubMed), Lilacs y Cochrane Library fueron formuladas una estrategia de búsqueda para la pregunta PICO de la revisión, no se aplicaron filtros de fecha ni idiomas, la búsqueda abordó la evidencia publicada hasta 12 de marzo del 2020. La selección de título y resumen y extracción de datos fue realizada por un solo revisor. RESULTADOS: La búsqueda identificó 9 estudios: 1 revisión sistemática, 1 ensayo clínico y 7 estudios observacionales. La revisión incluyó tres estudios en niños y adolescentes. El ensayo clínico se realizó en adultos y los estudios observacionales fueron en adultos y en niños. CONCLUSIONES: No se observan diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los niños que reciben una tercera dosis con los que reciben dos dosis. La vacuna SPR en niños mayores de 5 años presenta pocos y leves reacciones adversas. En adultos sanos, la tercera dosis de SPR no presenta reacciones adversas graves o largo plazo. En población militar, la aplicación de vacuna SPR no se asocia con aparición de diabetes mellitus tipo 1. (AU)

Brotes epidémicos de parotiditis, revisión de la literatura / Mumps outbreaks, literature review

La parotiditis es un infección viral producida por el virus parotídeo. Clínicamente se caracteriza por aumento de volumen de la glándula parótida generalmente bilateral. La estrategia que ha mostrado ser más eficaz para la prevención de esta infección ha sido la implementación de la vacuna tres vírica en los programas de inmunización. En países con población altamente inmunizada como Chile, se logró una importante disminución de la incidencia de esta enfermedad. Sin embargo, a pesar de la efectividad de la vacuna se siguen reportando brotes en todo el mundo, evidenciándose un cambio epidemiológico, trasladándose la edad de presentación clínica desde la niñez y adolescencia hacia los adultos jóvenes. Este aumento en el número de casos ha sido estudiado, determinando que el efecto protector inmunitario de la vacuna decaería con el transcurso del tiempo, contribuyendo a la propagación de los brotes. Con respecto a posibles estrategias para el manejo de los brotes la aplicación de una dosis adicional de la vacunas tres vírica en población expuesta sería una medida que mejoraría el control de los brotes.

Mumps is a viral infection caused by mumps virus. Clinically, it is characterized by increased parotid volume. The most effective strategy for preventing this infection, has been the implementation of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in the national immunization program. Among countries with a highly immunized population, like Chile, there has been an important reduction in the incidence of this disease. Nevertheless, despite the effectivity of the MMR, there are reports of outbreaks worldwide, with an epidemiological change, from clinical presentation in childhood, to adolescents and adults. This outbreaks have been studied, and it has been determined that they are due to the waning of vaccine-derived immunity. Regarding strategies for the management of new outbreaks, the administration of an additional dose of MMR, would be an alternative.

Áreas com queda da cobertura vacinal para BCG, poliomielite e tríplice viral no Brasil (2006-2016): mapas da heterogeneidade regional / Areas with declining vaccination coverage for BCG, poliomyelitis, and MMR in Brazil (2006-2016): maps of regional heterogeneity / Áreas con una caída de la cobertura de vacunación para BCG, poliomielitis y triple vírica en Brasil (2006-2016): mapas de la heterogeneidad regional

A imunização é reconhecida como uma das intervenções mais bem-sucedidas e custo-efetivas, resultando na erradicação e no controle de diversas doenças em todo o mundo. Todavia, uma preocupante redução na cobertura vacinal tem sido observada no Brasil, trazendo o recrudescimento de algumas doenças até então superadas. Dessa forma, no intuito de realizar um diagnóstico situacional que pondere as diferentes regiões do país e a tendência temporal de cobertura vacinal, o presente estudo teve o objetivo de evidenciar áreas com queda da cobertura vacinal de BCG, poliomielite e tríplice viral no Brasil por meio de um estudo ecológico que coletou informações acerca do número crianças de até um ano de idade imunizadas para essas três vacinas, no período entre 2006 e 2016, por município brasileiro. Os dados foram adquiridos por meio do Departamento de Informática do SUS. Foi realizada uma varredura espacial, analisando as variações espaciais nas tendências temporais de cobertura vacinal. Foi observada uma tendência de redução no número de imunizações no Brasil, com quedas de 0,9%, 1,3% e 2,7% ao ano para BCG, poliomielite e tríplice viral, respectivamente. Ademais, aglomerados significativos com tendências temporais de redução da cobertura vacinal foram verificados em todas as cinco regiões brasileiras. O estudo evidencia uma importante redução na cobertura vacinal nos últimos anos, constatando heterogeneidades consideráveis entre os municípios. Dessa forma, uma atenção singular e planejamento estratégico condizente com as características de cada localidade são necessários para o controle tanto da redução de cobertura vacinal como do reaparecimento de doenças no Brasil.

Immunization is known to be one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions, resulting in the eradication and control of various diseases in the world. However, Brazil has experienced a worrisome drop in vaccination coverage, associated with the resurgence of various previously controlled or eradicated diseases. This study thus conducted a situational diagnosis weighing Brazil's different regions and time trends in vaccination coverage in order to identify areas with reduction in vaccination coverage for BCG, poliomyelitis, and MMR. This ecological study collected data on the number of children up to one year of age who had been vaccinated with these three vaccines from 2006 to 2016, according to municipality (county). Data were obtained from the Brazilian Health Informatics Department. A spatial scan was performed, analyzing spatial variations in the time trends for vaccination coverage. Downward trends were seen in the number of immunizations in Brazil, with reductions of 0.9%, 1.3%, and 2.7% per year for BCG, poliomyelitis, and MMR, respectively. Significant decreases were also seen in all five major geographic regions with time trends in the reduction of vaccination coverage. The study evidenced an important reduction in vaccination coverage in recent years, with major heterogeneity between municipalities. Thus, focused attention and strategic planning in keeping with each local area's characteristics are necessary to address both the reduction of vaccination coverage and the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Brazil.

La inmunización está reconocida como una de las intervenciones más exitosas y costo-eficientes, consiguiendo la erradicación y control de diversas enfermedades en todo el mundo. Sin embargo, se ha observado una preocupante reducción en la cobertura de la vacunación en Brasil, conllevando el recrudecimiento de algunas enfermedades hasta entonces superadas. De esta forma, con el fin de realizar un diagnóstico situacional, que pondere las diferentes regiones del país y la tendencia temporal de cobertura vacunación, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evidenciar áreas con una caída de la cobertura vacunación respecto a BCG, poliomielitis y triple vírica en Brasil. Se trata de un estudio ecológico, que recabó información acerca del número de niños de hasta un año de edad inmunizados con estas tres vacunas, durante el período entre 2006 y 2016, por municipios brasileños. Los datos se consiguieron a través del Departamento de Informática del SUS. Se realizó un barrido espacial, analizando las variaciones espaciales en las tendencias temporales de cobertura de vacunación. Se observó una tendencia de reducción en el número de inmunizaciones en Brasil, con caídas de 0,9%, 1,3% y 2,7% al año, en el caso de BCG, poliomielitis y triple vírica, respectivamente. Además, se verificaron aglomerados significativos con tendencias temporales de reducción en la cobertura de vacunación dentro de las cinco regiones brasileñas. El estudio evidencia una importante reducción en la cobertura de vacunación durante los últimos años, constatando heterogeneidades considerables entre los municipios. De esta forma, una atención singular y planificación estratégica, acorde con las características de cada localidad, son necesarias para el control, tanto de la reducción de la cobertura de vacunación, como del resurgimiento de enfermedades en Brasil.

Administración satisfactoria de la vacuna triple viral mediante una prueba de provocación gradual en una paciente con anafilaxia después de una vacunación previa / Successful administration of measles-rubella-mumps vaccine by graded challenge in a case with anaphylaxis after prior vaccination

La alergia al huevo es una de las alergias alimentarias más frecuentes durante la niñez, junto con la alergia a la leche de vaca. La vacuna triple viral (VTV), contra el sarampión, la rubéola y las paperas, es parte del calendario de vacunación pediátrica y contiene proteína de huevo. La recomendación aceptada en la actualidad es que la VTV debe administrarse en una sola dosis y bajo supervisión médica en los pacientes con alergia al huevo. Si bien se ha informado que la VTV es segura para estos pacientes, algunos tuvieron anafilaxia. En general, la anafilaxia después de una vacunación previa se considera una contraindicación. En este artículo, presentamos el caso de la administración satisfactoria de la VTV mediante el incremento gradual de la dosis a una paciente que tuvo anafilaxia después de una vacunación previa.

Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies during childhood along with cow's milk allergy. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is included in the pediatric immunization schedule and contains egg protein. The currently accepted opinion is that the MMR vaccination should be done in a single dose under medical observation in patients with egg allergy. Although it is reported that the MMR vaccine is safe for that patients, there are some patients who developed anaphylaxis. Generally, the development of anaphylaxis after the previous vaccination is reported as a contraindication. We present a successful administration of MMR vaccine by gradually increased doses for a patient who developed anaphylaxis after the previous vaccination.

Varicella zoster virus related deaths and hospitalizations before the introduction of universal vaccination with the tetraviral vaccine / Óbitos e internações relacionados ao vírus varicela-zoster antes da introdução da vacinação universal com a vacina tetravalente

Abstract Objective: To characterize varicella zoster virus-related deaths and hospitalizations in Brazil before universal vaccination with the tetravalent (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine, attempting to collect baseline data on varicella morbidity and mortality in order to evaluate the impact of the varicella vaccination program. Methods: Varicella-associated mortality data were evaluated between 1996 and 2011 and varicella zoster virus-associated hospitalizations between 1998 and 2013. Data were gathered from the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System, considering the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, code B01. All age groups were assessed. Varicella-specific mortality rates were calculated and seasonality of varicella-zoster virus-associated hospitalizations was described. Results: There were 2334 varicella deaths between 1996 and 2011, 19.3% in infants aged less than 1 year and 36% in children from 1 to 4 years. In infants under 1 year, varicella mortality rates reached 3.2/100,000/year. In children aged 1–4 years, varicella mortality rates reach 1.64/100,000/year. Average annual mortality rates for varicella in Brazil are 0.88/100,000 in infants under 1 year and 0.40/100,000 in children aged 1–4 years. The total number of hospitalizations associated with varicella zoster virus was 62,246 from 2008 to 2013. Varicella-associated hospitalizations have a seasonal distribution in children, peaking in November. In the elderly, monthly averages of herpes zoster-associated hospitalizations present no significant seasonal variation. Conclusions: Varicella is associated, in the pre-vaccine period, to significant morbidity and mortality in Brazil. The universal vaccination program is expected to decrease the disease burden from varicella.

Resumo Objetivo: Caracterizar os óbitos e internações relacionados ao vírus varicela-zoster no Brasil antes da vacinação universal com a vacina tetravalente (sarampo, caxumba, rubéola e varicela), tentando coletar dados de referência sobre a morbidez e mortalidade por varicela, para avaliar o impacto do programa de vacinação contra a varicela. Métodos: Os dados de mortalidade associada à varicela foram avaliados entre 1996 e 2011 e as internações associadas ao vírus varicela-zoster, entre 1998 e 2013. Os dados foram coletados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Unificado de Saúde, considerando a Classificação Internacional de Doenças, 10ª Revisão, código B01. Todas as faixas etárias foram avaliadas. Foram calculadas as taxas de mortalidade específicas por varicela e foi descrita a sazonalidade das internações associadas ao vírus varicela-zoster. Resultados: Houve 2.334 óbitos por varicela entre 1996 e 2011, 19,3% em neonatos com menos de 1 ano e 36% em crianças de 1 a 4 anos. Em neonatos com menos de 1 ano, as taxas de mortalidade por varicela atingiram 3,2/100.000/ano. Em crianças de 1–4 anos de idade, as taxas de mortalidade por varicela atingem 1,64/100.000/ano. As taxas de mortalidade anuais médias por varicela no Brasil são de 0,88/100.000 em neonatos com menos de 1 ano de idade e 0,40/100.000 em crianças de 1 a 4 anos de idade. O número total de internações associadas ao vírus varicela-zoster foi de 62.246 de 2008 a 2013. As internações relacionadas à varicela apresentaram distribuição sazonal em crianças, com pico em novembro. Em idosos, as médias mensais de internações associadas ao herpes zoster não apresentam variação sazonal significativa. Conclusões: A varicela está associada a morbidez e mortalidade significativas no período pré-vacinação no Brasil. O programa de vacinação universal deve diminuir a carga de doença da varicela.

Immune response to the mumps component of the MMR vaccine in the routine of immunisation services in the Brazilian National Immunisation Program

A non-controlled longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunogenicity in 150 children vaccinated in the routine of three health units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2008-2009, without other vaccines administered during the period from 30 days before to 30 days after vaccination. A previous study conducted in Brazil in 2007, in 1,769 children ranging from 12-15 months of age vaccinated against yellow fever and MMR simultaneously or at intervals of 30 days or more between doses, had shown low seroconversion for mumps regardless of the interval between administration of the two vaccines. The current study showed 89.5% (95% confidence interval: 83.3; 94.0) seroconversion rate for mumps. All children seroconverted for measles and rubella. After revaccination, high antibody titres and seroconversion rates were achieved against mumps. The results of this study and others suggest that two MMR doses confer optimal immunoresponses for all three antigens and the possible need for additional doses should be studied taking into account not only serological, but also epidemiological data, as there is no serological correlate of protection for mumps.

Seroprevalencia de rubeola en Colombia: un analisis por cohorte de nacimiento / Soroprevalencia de rubeola em Colombia: analise por coorte de nascimento / Seroprevalence of rubella in Colombia: a birth-year cohort analysis

OBJETIVO : Estimar la seroprevalencia de rubéola y factores asociados. METODOS : Estudio de seroprevalencia poblacional con una muestra aleatoria de 2.124 individuos de seis a 64 años, representativa por edad, sexo y área en Medellín, Colombia, 2009. Se analizó la asociación de variables biológicas y socioeconómicas con la seroprotección para rubéola, según la cohorte del año de nacimiento antes (1954 a 1990) y después (1991 a 2003) del inicio de la vacunación universal. Se determinaron los títulos de IgG con pruebas de alta sensibilidad (AxSYM ® Rubella IgG – Laboratorio Abbott) y especificidad (VIDAS RUB IgG II ® – Laboratorio BioMerieux). Se estimaron proporciones y promedios ponderados derivados de un muestreo complejo incluyendo un factor de corrección por las diferencias en la participación por sexo. Se analizó la asociación de la protección por grupos de variables biológicas y sociales con un modelo de regresión logística, según la cohorte de nacimiento. RESULTADOS : Los títulos promedio de IgG fueron más altos en los nacidos antes del inicio de la vacunación (media 110 UI/ml; IC95% 100,5;120,2) que en los nacidos después (media 64 UI/ml; IC95% 54,4;72,8), p = 0,000. La proporción de protección fue creciente de 88,9% en los nacidos en 1990-1994, de 89,2% en 1995-1999 y de 92,1% en 2000 a 2003, posiblemente relacionado con la administración del refuerzo desde 1998. En los nacidos antes del inicio de la vacunación, la seroprotección estuvo asociada con el antecedente de contacto con casos (RD 2,6; IC95% 1,1;5,9), el estado de salud (RD 2,5; IC95% 1,05;6,0), el nivel de escolaridad (RD 0,2; IC95% 0,08;0,8) y los años de residencia del hogar en el barrio (RD 0,96; IC95% 0,98;1,0), luego de ajustar por todas las variables. En los nacidos después ...

OBJETIVO : Estimar a soroprevalência de rubéola e fatores associados. MÉTODOS : Estudo de soroprevalência em população a través de uma amostra aleatória de 2.124 indivíduos de seis a 64 anos, representativa por idade, sexo e área em Medellín, Colômbia, 2009. Foi analisada a associação de variáveis biológicas e socioeconômicas com a soroproteção para rubéola, de acordo com a coorte de nascimento antes (1954 a 1990) e depois (1991 a 2003) do inicio da vacinação universal. Foram determinados os títulos de IgG com testes de alta sensibilidade (AxSYM® Rubella IgG – Laboratório Abbott) e especificidade (VIDAS RUB IgG II® – Laboratório BioMerieux). Foram estimadas proporções e médias ponderadas derivadas de amostragem complexa incluindo um fator de correição pelas diferenças na participação por sexo. Foi analisada a associação da proteção por grupos de variáveis biológicas e sociais com um modelo de regressão logística, segundo a coorte de nascimento. RESULTADOS : As médias dos títulos de IgG foram maiores nos nascidos antes do inicio da vacinação (média 110UI/ml; IC95% 100,5;120,2) do que nos nascidos posteriormente (média 64 UI/ml; IC 95% 54,4;72,8), p = 0,000. A proporção de proteção foi crescente de 88,9% nos nascidos em 1990-1994, de 89,2% em 1995-1999 e de 92,1% em 2000 a 2003, provavelmente relacionado à administração do reforço desde 1998. A soroproteção esteve associada nos nascidos antes com o fato de ter contato com casos (RD 2,6; IC95% 1,1;5,9), o estado de saúde (RD 2,5; IC95% 1,05;6,0), o nível de escolaridade (RD 0,2; IC95% 0,08;0,8) e os anos morando no bairro (RD 0,96; IC95% 0,98;1,0), após ajuste por todas ...

OBJECTIVE : To estimate the seroprevalence of rubella and associated factors. METHODS : Population-based seroprevalence study in a random sample of 2,124 individuals, aged six to 64 years, representative by age, sex and area in Medellín, Colombia, 2009. Biological and socioeconomic variables were analyzed for their association with serum protection against rubella, according to birth-year cohort; those born before (1954-1990) and after (1991-2003) the introduction of universal immunization. Titer of IgG antibodies against the rubella virus was detected using a high sensitivity (AxSYM®Rubella IgG – Abbott Laboratories) and a high specificity test (VIDAS RUB IgG II®– BioMerieux Laboratories). Proportions and weighted averages derived from a complex sample, including a correction factor for differences in gender participation, were estimated. Association with protection for groups of biological and social variables according to birth cohort was analyzed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS : Titers of IgG antibodies were higher in those born before (mean 110 UI/ml, 95%CI 100.5;120.2) compared to those born after (mean 64 UI/ml; 95%CI 54.4;72.8; p = 0.000) the introduction of mass immunization. The proportion of protection increased from 88.9% in those born 1990-1994, to 89.2% in those born 1995-1999 and to 92.1% in those born between 2000 and 2003, possibly due to boosters being administered from 1998 onwards. In those born before the introduction of the immunization, seroprotection was associated with previous contact with cases (OR 2.6; 95%CI 1.1;5.9), self- perceived health status (OR 2.5; 95%CI 1.05;6.0), educational level (OR 0.2; 95%CI 0.08;0.8) and years of residence in the neighborhood (RD 0,96; 95%CI 0.98;1.0) after adjusting for all variables. In those born after, serum protection was associated with effective sleep time (OR 1,4; 95%CI 1.09;1.8) and self-perceived health status (OR 5.5; 95%CI ...

Immune response to second dose of MMR vaccine in Indian children.

Background & objectives: MMR vaccine in a two dose schedule has successfully eliminated measles, mumps and rubella from many developed countries. In India, it is not a part of national immunization programme but is included in the State immunization programme of Delhi as a single dose between 15-18 months. This prospective study was carried out to assess the extent of seroprotection against these three diseases in immunized children and to study the immune response to a second dose of MMR. Methods: Consecutive children aged 4-6 yr, attending the immunization clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi for routine DT vaccination, were enrolled. Second dose of MMR was given and pre- and post-vaccination antibody levels were compared. Results: The pre-vaccination percentage seropositivity observed in the 103 children recruited, was 20.4 per cent for measles, 87.4 per cent for mumps and 75.7 per cent for rubella. Amongst the 84 children who were followed up after the second dose, the percentage seroprotection for measles rose from 21.4 (18/84) to 72.6 per cent (61/84) and 100 per cent became seroprotected to mumps and rubella. Interpretation & conclusions: The percentage of children protected against measles was found to be alarmingly low which needs to be investigated. Though the observed protection against mumps and rubella was adequate, its durability was not known. The need for re-appraisal of the current MMR immunization policy is called for by carrying out longitudinal studies on a larger sample.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella among Thai population: evaluation of measles/MMR immunization programme.

Stored serum specimens, from four regions of Thailand, of healthy children attending well baby clinics and of healthy people with acute illnesses visiting outpatient clinics were randomly sampled and tested for IgG antibody to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The immunity patterns of rubella and mumps fitted well with the history of rubella and MMR vaccination, seroprotective rates being over 85% among those aged over seven years. A high proportion of younger children acquired the infection before the age of vaccination. MMR vaccination should preferably be given to children at an earlier age. For measles, 73% seroprotective rates among children, aged 8-14 years, who should have received two doses of measles/MMR vaccine, were lower than expected. This finding was consistent with the age-group reported in outbreaks of measles in Thailand. The apparent ineffectiveness (in relation to measles) of MMR immunization of 1st grade students warrants further studies.

Rapid response to a case of mumps: implications for preventing transmission at a medical research facility / Respuesta rápida a un caso de paperas: implicaciones para la prevención del contagio en una instalación de investigación biomédica

OBJECTIVE: To prevent transmission among the staff and potentially among the non-human primate (NHP) colony at the U.S. Naval Medical Research Center Detachment in Peru, where an active case of mumps was discovered in a senior laboratory technician in Sep 03, 2007. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects at the research facility were interviewed and potentially susceptible contacts were tested for mumps IgG. RESULTS: In total, 81 out of 106 staff members (76 percent) had close contact with the case. Only 6/81 (7 percent) had MMR, 33 (41 percent) reported having had mumps, and 8 of 45 (18 percent) of the potentially susceptible individuals did not have immunity (IgG > 20.0). All the susceptible, exposed individuals received MMR vaccine. There were no secondary cases and access to the NHP colony was restricted. DISCUSSION: Immediate and thorough investigation and occupational health response were imperative in preventing secondary cases of mumps among humans and NHP.

OBJETIVO: Prevenir el contagio de parotiditis al personal y potencialmente a la colonia de primates no humanos (PNH), tras detectarse un caso en el personal técnico de laboratorio en el Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades de la Marina de los EUA (NMRCD). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El personal fue entrevistado y se hizo una prueba de IgG para parotiditis a los contactos potencialmente susceptibles. RESULTADOS: En total, 81 de 106 miembros del personal tuvo contacto cercano con el caso. Sólo 6/81 (7 por ciento) tenían vacuna y 33 (41 por ciento) reportaron haber tenido parotiditis, y 8 de 45 (18 por ciento) de los susceptibles potenciales no tenían inmunidad (IgG > 20.0). Todos los susceptibles expuestos fueron vacunados y no hubo casos secundarios. Se restringió el acceso a la colonia de PNH. CONCLUSIÓN: La investigación inmediata y la respuesta de salud ocupacional fue imperativa para prevenir casos secundarios de parotiditis en el personal y los NHP.

Could the MMR vaccine replace the measles vaccine at one year of age in Egypt?

This cross-sectional study evaluated the immune status of non-vaccinated healthy infants to determine if it is possible to replace both measles vaccine [at 9 months] and measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine [at 18 months] with a single dose of MMR at 12 months. Serum samples from 566 children in Alexandria, Egypt showed a significant decrease in the seropositive rate to the 3 viral diseases with increasing age, but a significant increase in the seropositive rate among infants who were ranked 1st or 2nd in their family, full-term or born to mothers with no history of hypertension during pregnancy. We recommend administration of the first dose of MMR vaccine between 9 and 12 months of age, and a booster dose of MMR vaccine at 4 years of age

Economic burden of varicella in Singapore--a cost benefit estimate of implementation of a routine varicella vaccination.

Varicella is a common childhood illness that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. As early as 1995, recommendations for routine varicella vaccination have been published, but have not been universally implemented, with cost of vaccination as a major reason. Though available from 1996, the vaccine has yet to be routinely implemented in Singapore. We set out to assess the economic burden of varicella and the cost-benefit of adding a varicella vaccine to the existing immunization schedule in Singapore. In this study, using data from 1994--1995 the direct cost estimates were based on all levels of medical care; inpatient care, emergency room visits, primary health care and medication. Indirect costs were estimated from the cost of time lost by patients and their families attending to medical needs, as well as loss of productivity due to absenteeism. The cost of a vaccination program targeted at 15-month old infants receiving concomitant measles-mumps-rubella immunization was also assessed. The cost-benefit ratio was then estimated. The total cost of varicella in Singapore was estimated to be US$11.8 million per annum. The loss of productivity accounted for a large proportion of the total cost as a lot of parents took leave when their children were ill. The estimates of total cost represent approximately US$188 per varicella case per year. In comparison, the cost of a vaccination program was found to be US$3.3 million per annum. The cost per case averted was US$104. From a societal point of view, for every dollar invested in a vaccination program, we would save about US$2 dollars.

Comparative evaluation of measles, mumps & rubella vaccine at 9 & 15 months of age.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) contribute to significant amount of mortality and morbidity in our country. Though MMR vaccine has been a part of immunization schedule in the developed countries, it is yet to be included in our national immunization schedule. Hence this study was conducted to assess the serological status of measles, mumps and rubella in young children and to evaluate the seroconversion of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at 9 and 15 months of age. METHODS: The cohort study was carried out at the out patient department of a tertiary care hospital in north India. A total of 240 normal children, 120 each in the age group 9-10 and 15-18 months attending the hospital for immunization were enrolled for the study. None of them had been vaccinated with MMR vaccine in the past, or gave any history of measles, mumps or rubella infection, or were on any immunosuppressive agent. The pre-vaccination blood sample was taken and each child was administered a single dose of trivalent MMR vaccine. The post-vaccination sample was taken 6-8 wk later. The paired serum samples were analysed for the presence of measles, mumps and rubella antibodies using commercially available ELISA kits. RESULTS: Of the 120 infants in the age group of 9-10 months, 102 (85%) were seronegative for measles and 96 (80%) were seronegative for both mumps and rubella. Following MMR vaccination, 102 infants came for post vaccination sampling of which 92 per cent were seropositive for measles, 100 per cent for mumps and 98 per cent for rubella. In the age group of 15-18 months, of the 120 children, 67 (56%) were seronegative for measles, 84 (70%) for mumps and 86 (71.6%) for rubella. In 50 per cent of the children, there was a history of measles immunization at 9 months of age. After MMR vaccination, 100 children came for post vaccination sampling and seropositivity of 92, 96 and 94 per cent was observed for measles, mumps and rubella, respectively. The rise in the pre- and post-immunization geometrical mean titre was significant (P < 0.05) for each component of the vaccine in both the age groups. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The MMR vaccine can be offered safely and with equal efficacy to children at 9 and 15 months of age.

Immunogenicity and safety of a varicella vaccine, Okavax, and a trivalent measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, MMR-II, administered concomitantly in healthy Filipino children aged 12-24 months.

This trial was conducted to assess the immunogenicity and safety of the varicella vaccine, Okavax, when administered concomitantly with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, MMR-II, to children aged 12-24 months. A total of 299 children were randomized into three groups, those receiving Okavax only, MMR-II only, or both vaccines concomitantly. Antibody titers were determined by ELISA in blood samples taken immediately before, and 6 weeks after, vaccination. Parents recorded local and systemic reactions. Okavax elicited similar varicella seroconversion rates (> or = 93.9%) and high GMTs when given alone or with MMR-II (99.6 and 95.7 mIU/ml, respectively). The seroconversion rates (measles and rubella 100%, mumps > or = 75.0%) and high GMTs elicited by MMR-II were not affected by concomitant administration of Okavax. The incidence of adverse events was similar whether MMR-II and Okavax were administered concomitantly or separately, and the majority of local reactions were mild and transient, with fever the most frequent systemic event in all groups. In conclusion, these results show that the immune response and the reactogenicity profile of Okavax and MMR-II were similar when given together or alone. Concomitant administration of these vaccines can therefore be recommended for children in their second year of life.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.

MMR is a live attenuated vaccine. Indian children show almost 90% seroconversion against measles and rubella and 90% against mumps. Several adverse effects have been reported. Epidemiological studies do not support a causative link between MMR and autism, IBD or GBS. There is an association between the Urabe strain of mumps vaccine and viral meningitis. Vaccine associated thrombocytopenia has been reported. Severe hypersensitivity reactions occur, mainly due to the gelatin component. Outbreaks of measles occur in areas of high measles vaccine coverage, when susceptible individuals accumulate. A second dose is given mainly to vaccinate those who missed the first dose or had primary vaccine failure, rather than to boost waning antibody levels. The possibility or eradication of mumps with a second dose of mumps vaccine is being considered.

Combination vaccines.

Recently multiple individual vaccines were put together into one syringe. This is ideal to simplify the administration of vaccines and reduce emotional distress from multiple injections. However, combination of many vaccines may interfere with the properties of each individual antigen and complicate the schedule. From earlier studies, most of the combinations of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whole-cell) vaccine (DTPw), Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib), hepatitis B vaccine (HBV), and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) were safe and adequately immunogenic. On the other hand, there was a notable reduction in anti-PRP when Hib was combined with acellular pertussis vaccine (DTPa). Combination of hepatitis A vaccine and HBV was safe and effective. Those coming soon in the pipeline are DTPa-Hib-HBV, MMR-varicella, pneumococcal-meningococcal. With the increase in demand, health-care providers need to be acquainted to these combination vaccines. The bottom line is to make sure that the children get vaccination appropriately.

Concomitant administration of varicella vaccine with combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in healthy children aged 12 to 24 months of age.

The reactogenicity and immunogenicity of three combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines and one administered with a varicella vaccine was studied in infants. The vaccines were Priorix (designated MeMuRu, Group 1), M-M-R II (Group 2), Triviraten (Group 3) and Priorix + a varicella vaccine, Varilrix (Group 4). Fever was greater in Group 2 (61.3%) compared to Group 1 (48.5%; p = 0.033) or Group 3 (37.1%; p = 0.009). Rash with fever was reported in Group 2 (4.8%) and Group 4 (3.3%), but not for Group 1. Anti-measles, -mumps and -rubella seroconversion was similar for Group 1 (96.1%, 96.1% and 100%, respectively), Group 4 (98% for all three), and Group 2 (91.5%, 93.6% and 97.9%) 60 days post-vaccination. GMTs for measles (3,053.7-3,412.2 mIU/ml), mumps (1,001.5-1,158.8 U/ml) and rubella (68.7-89.1 IU/ml) were similar for Groups 1, 2 and 4 at Day 60. Antibody persistence was noted 2 years post-vaccination. The MeMuRu + varicella combination showed no clinically relevant increase in reactogenicity and should facilitate introduction of a varicella vaccine into national immunization schedules.