High post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) uptake among household contacts of pertussis patients enrolled in a PEP effectiveness evaluation - United States, 2015-2017.

BACKGROUND: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for pertussis is recommended for household contacts of pertussis cases in the United States within 21 days of exposure, but data on PEP effectiveness for prevention of secondary cases in the setting of widespread pertussis vaccination are limited. We implemented a multi-state evaluation of azithromycin PEP use and effectiveness among household contacts. METHODS: Culture- or PCR-confirmed pertussis cases were identified through surveillance. Household contacts were interviewed within 7 days of case report and again 14-21 days later. Interviewers collected information on exposure, demographics, vaccine history, prior pertussis diagnosis, underlying conditions, PEP receipt, pertussis symptoms, and pertussis testing. A subset of household contacts provided nasopharyngeal and blood specimens during interviews. RESULTS: Of 299 household contacts who completed both interviews, 12 (4%) reported not receiving PEP. There was no evidence of higher prevalence of cough or pertussis symptoms among contacts who did not receive PEP. Of 168 household contacts who provided at least one nasopharyngeal specimen, four (2.4%) were culture or PCR positive for B. pertussis; three of these received PEP prior to their positive test result. Of 156 contacts with serologic results, 14 (9%) had blood specimens that were positive for IgG anti-pertussis toxin (PT) antibodies; all had received PEP. CONCLUSIONS: Very high PEP uptake was observed among household contacts of pertussis patients. Although the number of contacts who did not receive PEP was small, there was no difference in prevalence of pertussis symptoms or positive laboratory results among these contacts compared with those who did receive PEP.

Clinical Characteristics and Adverse Clinical Outcomes of Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Serotype a Cases-United States, 2011-2015.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae serotype a (Hia) increased an average of 13% annually from 2002 through 2015. We describe clinical characteristics and adverse clinical outcomes of US invasive Hia cases detected through multistate surveillance during 2011-2015. METHODS: Medical record data were abstracted for cases reported in 8 jurisdictions conducting active population- and laboratory-based surveillance for invasive Hia disease across the United States. Isolates from sterile sites were serotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Adverse clinical outcomes were defined as any possible complication of meningitis, bacteremic pneumonia, or bacteremia (including hearing loss and developmental delay, but excluding death) and were assessed at hospital discharge and one-year post-disease onset. RESULTS: During 2011-2015, 190 Hia cases were reported to the 8 participating sites; 169 (88.9%) had data abstracted. Many patients were aged <5 years (42.6%). Meningitis was the most common clinical presentation among those aged <1 year (71.4%); bacteremic pneumonia was the most common presentation among persons aged ≥50 years (78.7%). Overall, 95.9% of patients were hospitalized. Among those hospitalized, 47.5% were admitted to an intensive care unit and 6.2% died during hospitalization. At hospital discharge and one-year post-disease onset, adverse outcomes were identified in 17.7% and 17.8% of patients overall and in 43.9% and 48.5% of patients with meningitis (primarily children). CONCLUSIONS: Hia infection can cause severe disease that requires hospitalization and may also cause short- and long-term adverse clinical outcomes, especially among children. Novel vaccines could prevent morbidity and mortality.

Epidemiology of Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Serotype a Disease-United States, 2008-2017.

BACKGROUND: Haemophilus influenzae serotype a (Hia) can cause invasive disease similar to serotype b; no Hia vaccine is available. We describe the epidemiology of invasive Hia disease in the United States overall and specifically in Alaska during 2008-2017. METHODS: Active population- and laboratory-based surveillance for invasive Hia disease was conducted through Active Bacterial Core surveillance sites and from Alaska statewide invasive bacterial disease surveillance. Sterile-site isolates were serotyped via slide agglutination or real-time polymerase chain reaction. Incidences in cases per 100 000 were calculated. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2017, an estimated average of 306 invasive Hia disease cases occurred annually in the United States (estimated annual incidence: 0.10); incidence increased by an average of 11.1% annually. Overall, 42.7% of cases were in children aged <5 years (incidence: 0.64), with highest incidence among children aged <1 year (1.60). Case fatality was 7.8% overall and was highest among adults aged ≥65 years (15.1%). Among children aged <5 years, the incidence was 17 times higher among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children (8.29) than among children of all other races combined (0.49). In Alaska, incidences among all ages (0.68) and among children aged <1 year (24.73) were nearly 6 and 14 times higher, respectively, than corresponding US incidences. Case fatality in Alaska was 10.2%, and the vast majority (93.9%) of cases occurred among AI/AN. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of invasive Hia disease has increased since 2008, with the highest burden among AI/AN children. These data can inform prevention strategies, including Hia vaccine development.

Maternal Vaccination in Argentina: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine Effectiveness During Pregnancy in Preventing Pertussis in Infants <2 Months of Age.

BACKGROUND: In 2011, Argentina experienced its highest pertussis incidence and mortality rates of the last decade; 60% of deaths were among infants aged <2 months. In response, a dose of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine was recommended for all pregnant women at ≥20 weeks of gestation. Although recent studies suggest that maternal Tdap vaccination is effective at preventing infant disease, no data have come from low- or middle-income countries, nor from ones using whole-cell pertussis vaccines for primary immunization. METHODS: We conducted a matched case-control evaluation to assess the effectiveness of maternal Tdap vaccination in preventing pertussis among infants aged <2 months in Argentina. Pertussis case patients identified from September 2012 to March 2016 at 6 hospital sites and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction testing were included. Five randomly selected controls were matched to each case patient by hospital site and mother's health district. We used multivariable conditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs). Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was estimated as (1 - OR) × 100%. RESULTS: Seventy-one case patients and 300 controls were included in the analysis. Forty-nine percent of case patients and 78% of controls had mothers who were vaccinated during pregnancy. Overall Tdap VE was estimated at 80.7% (95% confidence interval, 52.1%-92.2%). We found similar VE whether Tdap was administered during the second or third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Tdap vaccination during pregnancy is effective in preventing pertussis in infants aged <2 months in Argentina, with similar effectiveness whether administered during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

Clinical evaluation and validation of laboratory methods for the diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infection: Culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and anti-pertussis toxin IgG serology (IgG-PT).

INTRODUCTION: The appropriate use of clinically accurate diagnostic tests is essential for the detection of pertussis, a poorly controlled vaccine-preventable disease. The purpose of this study was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of different diagnostic criteria including culture, multi-target polymerase chain reaction (PCR), anti-pertussis toxin IgG (IgG-PT) serology, and the use of a clinical case definition. An additional objective was to describe the optimal timing of specimen collection for the various tests. METHODS: Clinical specimens were collected from patients with cough illness at seven locations across the United States between 2007 and 2011. Nasopharyngeal and blood specimens were collected from each patient during the enrollment visit. Patients who had been coughing for ≤ 2 weeks were asked to return in 2-4 weeks for collection of a second, convalescent blood specimen. Sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic test were estimated using three methods-pertussis culture as the "gold standard," composite reference standard analysis (CRS), and latent class analysis (LCA). RESULTS: Overall, 868 patients were enrolled and 13.6% were B. pertussis positive by at least one diagnostic test. In a sample of 545 participants with non-missing data on all four diagnostic criteria, culture was 64.0% sensitive, PCR was 90.6% sensitive, and both were 100% specific by LCA. CRS and LCA methods increased the sensitivity estimates for convalescent serology and the clinical case definition over the culture-based estimates. Culture and PCR were most sensitive when performed during the first two weeks of cough; serology was optimally sensitive after the second week of cough. CONCLUSIONS: Timing of specimen collection in relation to onset of illness should be considered when ordering diagnostic tests for pertussis. Consideration should be given to including IgG-PT serology as a confirmatory test in the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) case definition for pertussis.

Assessment of Tdap Vaccination Effectiveness in Adolescents in Integrated Health-Care Systems.

PURPOSE: Despite high national vaccination coverage with tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines among U.S. adolescents, rates of adolescent pertussis disease are increasing. We estimated the duration of protection after Tdap vaccination and the possible effects of the change from whole-cell to acellular childhood pertussis vaccines in the United States during the 1990s. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis among 11- to 18-year-olds enrolled in two integrated health-care delivery systems during 2005-2012. Cases met the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists' confirmed or probable definition or a polymerase chain reaction-positive suspect definition. We estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) overall and by time since Tdap receipt. We stratified VE estimates by primary series pertussis vaccine received (based on birth year): mixed-vaccine cohort (1987-1997) and acellular vaccine cohort (1998-2001). RESULTS: The overall Tdap VE was 57% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42%-68%); the VE in the mixed-vaccine and acellular cohorts was 65% (95% CI: 44%-78%) and 52% (95% CI: 30%-68%), respectively. Tdap VE within <2 years post vaccination (69%, 95% CI: 54%-79%) was significantly different from VE ≥2 years post vaccination (34%, 95% CI: 1%-55%, p value < .01). VE was significantly higher <2 years post vaccination compared with ≥2 years post vaccination in both mixed-vaccine (87%, 95% CI: 58%-96%, and 52%, 95% CI: 13%-73%; p value = .04) and acellular cohorts (62%, 95% CI: 41%-76%, and 21%, 95% CI: -30% to 52%; p value = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Although Tdap vaccination remains the best pertussis prevention method for adolescents, protection wanes within 2 years regardless of the type of childhood primary vaccine. Vaccines with longer duration of protection could decrease pertussis burden.

Current Epidemiology and Trends in Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Disease-United States, 2009-2015.

Background: Following Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) conjugate vaccine introduction in the 1980s, Hib disease in young children dramatically decreased, and epidemiology of invasive H. influenzae changed. Methods: Active surveillance for invasive H. influenzae disease was conducted through Active Bacterial Core surveillance sites. Incidence rates were directly standardized to the age and race distribution of the US population. Results: During 2009-2015, the estimated mean annual incidence of invasive H. influenzae disease was 1.70 cases per 100000 population. Incidence was highest among adults aged ≥65 years (6.30) and children aged <1 year (8.45); many cases in infants aged <1 year occurred during the first month of life in preterm or low-birth-weight infants. Among children aged <5 years (incidence: 2.84), incidence was substantially higher in American Indian and Alaska Natives AI/AN (15.19) than in all other races (2.62). Overall, 14.5% of cases were fatal; case fatality was highest among adults aged ≥65 years (20%). Nontypeable H. influenzae had the highest incidence (1.22) and case fatality (16%), as compared with Hib (0.03; 4%) and non-b encapsulated serotypes (0.45; 11%). Compared with 2002-2008, the estimated incidence of invasive H. influenzae disease increased by 16%, driven by increases in disease caused by serotype a and nontypeable strains. Conclusions: Invasive H. influenzae disease has increased, particularly due to nontypeable strains and serotype a. A considerable burden of invasive H. influenzae disease affects the oldest and youngest age groups, particularly AI/AN children. These data can inform prevention strategies, including vaccine development.

Expanding Pertussis Epidemiology in 6 Latin America Countries through the Latin American Pertussis Project.

The Latin American Pertussis Project (LAPP), established in 2009, is a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pan American Health Organization, Sabin Vaccine Institute, and the ministries of health of 6 countries in Latin America. The project goal is to expand understanding of pertussis epidemiology in Latin America to inform strategies for control and prevention. Here we describe LAPP structure and activities. After an initial surveillance evaluation, LAPP activities are tailored to individual country needs. LAPP activities align with Global Health Security Agenda priorities and have focused on expanding laboratory diagnostic capacity, implementing a laboratory quality control and quality assurance program, and providing epidemiologic support to strengthen reporting of pertussis surveillance data. Lessons learned include that ongoing mentoring is key to the successful adoption of new technologies and that sustainability of laboratory diagnostics requires a regional commitment to procure reagents and related supplies.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of pertussis epidemiology in Latin America and the Caribbean: 1980–2015 / Examen sistemático y metanálisis de las características epidemiológicas de la tos ferina en América Latina y el Caribe: 1980-2015 / Revisão sistemática e metanálise da epidemiologia da coqueluche na América Latina e Caribe: 1980 a 2015

[English]. Objectives. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), pertussis disease incidence has reportedly increased since 2000 despite high vaccine coverage. A systematic review of pertussis literature and a meta-analysis was conducted to understand the burden of disease in LAC. Methods. A systematic literature review was completed, using relevant search terms. Original articles describing pertussis epidemiology and vaccine coverage in LAC published between 1980 and 2015 were identified. Applying a Bayesian meta-analysis random-effects model, we calculated pooled estimates and corresponding 95% credible intervals (95% CrIs) for pertussis incidence, case fatality ratio (CFR), pertussis prevalence among contacts, and coverage with three doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine (DTP3). Results. A total of 59 studies meeting our selection criteria were identified, representing 15 countries. Of the 59, 15 of them provided incidence data, with 7 of the 15 reporting a pertussis case definition. The pertussis incidence estimate for the 1980–1999 period was 17.8 cases per 100 000 persons (95% CrI: 5.9–29.7); for the 2000–2015 period, it was 2.5 cases per 100 000 persons (95% CrI: 1.8–3.2). For the 1980–2015 period, the CFR, in 19 studies reviewed, was 3.9% (95% CrI: 2.9%–4.9%); for that same period, in 5 studies reviewed, pertussis prevalence among contacts was 24.9% (95% CrI: 13.7%–36.1%). Pooled DTP3 vaccine coverage estimates, in a total of 20 studies reviewed for the following three time periods, were: 1980–1990, 72.4% (95% CrI: 64.6%–80.2%); 1991–2000, 79.0% (95% CrI: 66.1%–91.9%); and 2001–2015, 90.0% (95% CrI: 87.7%–92.3%). Conclusion. A decrease in pertussis incidence and an achievement of moderately high DTP3 vaccine coverage since the early 2000s was observed. The review highlights the need for increased publication of pertussis data at the country level and for LAC as a whole in order to better understand the true burden of the disease. Application of a standardized case definition and use of active case finding would aid in obtaining more accurate estimates of the disease burden in LAC.

[Español]. Objetivos. En América Latina y el Caribe, la incidencia de la tos ferina habría aparentemente aumentado desde el 2000, a pesar de la alta cobertura de vacunación. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía sobre tos ferina y un metanálisis para conocer la carga de esta enfermedad en América Latina y el Caribe. Métodos. La revisión bibliográfica sistemática se realizó utilizando términos de búsqueda pertinentes. Se encontraron artículos originales que describían las características epidemiológicas de la tos ferina y la cobertura de vacunación en América Latina y el Caribe publicados entre 1980 y el 2015. Aplicando un modelo bayesiano de efectos aleatorios para el metanálisis, se obtuvieron estimaciones combinadas y los correspondientes intervalos de credibilidad del 95% (ICr) para la incidencia, la tasa de letalidad y la prevalencia entre contactos de la tos ferina, y la cobertura con tres dosis de vacuna contra la difteria, el tétanos y la tos ferina (DTP3). Resultados. Se encontraron en total 59 estudios de 15 países que cumplían con los criterios de selección. De ellos, 15 proporcionaban datos sobre incidencia. Siete de estos 15 contenían una definición de caso de tos ferina. La incidencia estimada de tos ferina para el período 1980-1999 fue de 17,8 casos por 100 000 (ICr 95%: 5,9-29,7) y para el período 2000-2015, de 2,5 casos por 100 000 (ICr 95%: 1,8-3,2). En cuanto a la tasa de letalidad, para el período 1980-2015 en 19 estudios examinados fue de 3,9% (ICr 95%: 2,9%-4,9%); en el mismo período, en 5 estudios examinados la prevalencia de tos ferina entre los contactos fue de 24,9% (ICr 95%: 13,7%-36,1%). Las estimaciones combinadas de cobertura con DTP3 en un total de 21 estudios examinados para los siguientes tres períodos fueron: en 1980-1990, 72,4% (ICr 95%: 64,6%-80,2%); en 1991-2000, 79,0% (ICr 95%: 66,1%-91,9%) y en el 2001-2015, 90,0% (ICr 95%: 87,7%-92,3%). Conclusiones. Se observó una disminución de la incidencia de la tos ferina y el logro de una cobertura moderadamente alta con la vacuna DTP3 desde principios del siglo XXI. En el examen se subraya la necesidad de incrementar la publicación de datos sobre la tos ferina en los países y en América Latina y el Caribe en su conjunto, para conocer mejor la verdadera carga de enfermedad. La adopción de una definición de caso normalizada y la búsqueda activa de casos ayudarán a obtener estimaciones más precisas de la carga de enfermedad en América Latina y el Caribe.

[Português]. Objetivos. Há relatos de que a incidência de coqueluche na América Latina e Caribe (ALC) tem aumentado desde o ano 2000, apesar da alta cobertura vacinal. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática e metanálise da literatura sobre a coqueluche para compreender a carga da doença na ALC. Métodos. Fizemos uma revisão sistemática da literatura usando termos de pesquisa relevantes. Identificamos artigos originais, publicados entre 1980 e 2015, que descrevessem a epidemiologia da coqueluche e a cobertura vacinal na ALC. Aplicando um modelo Bayesiano de efeitos aleatórios para a metanálise, calculamos estimativas agrupadas e seus correspondentes intervalos de credibilidade de 95% (CrIs 95%) para a incidência de coqueluche, a taxa de letalidade, a prevalência de coqueluche entre os contatos e a cobertura com três doses da vacina combinada para difteria, tétano e coqueluche (DTP3). Resultados. Identificamos um total de 59 estudos que cumpriram os nossos critérios de seleção, representando 15 países. Destes 59, 15 apresentaram dados sobre a incidência, e 7 dos 15 apresentaram uma definição de “caso de coqueluche”. A incidência estimada da coqueluche no período de 1980 a 1999 foi de 17,8 casos por 100.000 pessoas (CrI 95%: 5,9-29,7); no período de 2000 a 2015, foi de 2,5 casos por 100.000 pessoas (CrI 95%: 1,8-3,2). No período de 1980 a 2015, a taxa de letalidade, em 19 estudos revistos, foi de 3,9% (CrI 95%: 2,9%-4,9%); neste mesmo período, em 5 estudos revistos, a prevalência de coqueluche entre os contatos foi de 24,9% (CrI 95%: 13,7%-36,1%). A cobertura vacinal agrupada com DTP3, em um total de 21 estudos examinados nos seguintes três períodos, foi estimada em: 1980 a 1990, 72,4% (CrI 95%: 64,6%-80,2%); 1991 a 2000, 79,0% (CrI 95%: 66,1%-91,9%); 2001 a 2015, 90,0% (CrI 95%: 87,7%-92,3%). Conclusões. Foi observada uma redução na incidência de coqueluche e uma cobertura vacinal com DTP3 relativamente alta desde o início da década de 2000. Esta revisão destaca a necessidade de melhorar a publicação de dados sobre a coqueluche ao nível nacional e na ALC como um todo, a fim de promover uma melhor compreensão sobre a verdadeira carga da doença. O uso de uma definição padronizada de “caso de coqueluche” e a busca ativa de casos ajudaria na obtenção de estimativas mais precisas da carga da doença na ALC.

Reduced Severity of Pertussis in Persons With Age-Appropriate Pertussis Vaccination-United States, 2010-2012.

BACKGROUND: In 2012, >48000 pertussis cases were reported in the United States. Many cases occurred in vaccinated persons, showing that pertussis vaccination does not prevent all pertussis cases. However, pertussis vaccination may have an impact on disease severity. METHODS: We analyzed data on probable and confirmed pertussis cases reported through Enhanced Pertussis Surveillance (Emerging Infections Program Network) between 2010 and 2012. Surveillance data were collected through physician and patient interview and vaccine registries. We assessed whether having received an age-appropriate number of pertussis vaccines (AAV) (for persons aged ≥3 months) was associated with reduced odds of posttussive vomiting, a marker of more clinically significant illness, or of severe pertussis (seizure, encephalopathy, pneumonia, and/or hospitalization). Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 9801 pertussis patients aged ≥3 months, 77.6% were AAV. AAV status was associated with a 60% reduction in odds of severe disease in children aged 7 months-6 years in multivariable logistic regression and a 30% reduction in odds of posttussive vomiting in persons aged 19 months-64 years. CONCLUSIONS: Serious pertussis symptoms and complications are less common among AAV pertussis patients, demonstrating that the positive impact of pertussis vaccination extends beyond decreasing risk of disease.

Large Cluster of Neisseria meningitidis Urethritis in Columbus, Ohio, 2015.

Background: Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is a Gram-negative diplococcus that normally colonizes the nasopharynx and rarely infects the urogenital tract. On Gram stain of urethral exudates, Nm can be misidentified as the more common sexually transmitted pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Methods: In response to a large increase in cases of Nm urethritis identified among men presenting for screening at a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Columbus, Ohio, we investigated the epidemiologic characteristics of men with Nm urethritis and the molecular and phylogenetic characteristics of their Nm isolates. The study was conducted between 1 January and 18 November 2015. Results: Seventy-five Nm urethritis cases were confirmed by biochemical and polymerase chain reaction testing. Men with Nm urethritis were a median age of 31 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 24-38) and had a median of 2 sex partners in the last 3 months (IQR = 1-3). Nm cases were predominantly black (81%) and heterosexual (99%). Most had urethral discharge (91%), reported oral sex with a female in the last 12 months (96%), and were treated with a ceftriaxone-based regimen (95%). A minority (15%) also had urethral chlamydia coinfection. All urethral Nm isolates were nongroupable, ST-11 clonal complex (cc11), ET-15, and clustered together phylogenetically. Urethral Nm isolates were similar by fine typing (PorA P1.5-1,10-8, PorB 2-2, FetA F3-6), except 2, which had different PorB types (2-78 and 2-52). Conclusions: Between January and November 2015, 75 urethritis cases due to a distinct Nm clade occurred among primarily black, heterosexual men in Columbus, Ohio. Future urogenital Nm infection studies should focus on pathogenesis and modes of sexual transmission.

Safety of a meningococcal group B vaccine used in response to two university outbreaks.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety of meningococcal group B (MenB)-4C vaccine. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduates, dormitory residents, and persons with high-risk medical conditions received the MenB-4C vaccine two-dose series during mass vaccination clinics from 12/2013 through 11/2014. METHODS: Adverse events (AEs) were identified by 15 minutes of observation postvaccination, spontaneous reports, surveys, and hospital surveillance. Causality was assessed for serious adverse events (SAEs). RESULTS: 16,974 persons received 31,313 MenB-4C doses. The incidence of syncope during the 15-minutes post-dose 1 was 0.88/1000 persons. 2% of participants spontaneously reported an AE (most common were arm pain and fever). 3 SAEs were suspected of being caused by the vaccine, including one case of anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Most AEs reported were nonserious and consistent with previous clinical trial findings. Measures to prevent injury from syncope and to treat anaphylaxis should be available wherever vaccines are administered. Our safety evaluation supports the use of MenB-4C in response to outbreaks.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of pertussis epidemiology in Latin America and the Caribbean: 1980-2015.

OBJECTIVES: In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), pertussis disease incidence has reportedly increased since 2000 despite high vaccine coverage. A systematic review of pertussis literature and a meta-analysis was conducted to understand the burden of disease in LAC. METHODS: A systematic literature review was completed, using relevant search terms. Original articles describing pertussis epidemiology and vaccine coverage in LAC published between 1980 and 2015 were identified. Applying a Bayesian meta-analysis random-effects model, we calculated pooled estimates and corresponding 95% credible intervals (95% CrIs) for pertussis incidence, case fatality ratio (CFR), pertussis prevalence among contacts, and coverage with three doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine (DTP3). RESULTS: A total of 59 studies meeting our selection criteria were identified, representing 15 countries. Of the 59, 15 of them provided incidence data, with 7 of the 15 reporting a pertussis case definition. The pertussis incidence estimate for the 1980-1999 period was 17.8 cases per 100 000 persons (95% CrI: 5.9-29.7); for the 2000-2015 period, it was 2.5 cases per 100 000 persons (95% CrI: 1.8-3.2). For the 1980-2015 period, the CFR, in 19 studies reviewed, was 3.9% (95% CrI: 2.9%-4.9%); for that same period, in 5 studies reviewed, pertussis prevalence among contacts was 24.9% (95% CrI: 13.7%-36.1%). Pooled DTP3 vaccine coverage estimates, in a total of 20 studies reviewed for the following three time periods, were: 1980-1990, 72.4% (95% CrI: 64.6%-80.2%); 1991-2000, 79.0% (95% CrI: 66.1%-91.9%); and 2001-2015, 90.0% (95% CrI: 87.7%-92.3%). CONCLUSION: A decrease in pertussis incidence and an achievement of moderately high DTP3 vaccine coverage since the early 2000s was observed. The review highlights the need for increased publication of pertussis data at the country level and for LAC as a whole in order to better understand the true burden of the disease. Application of a standardized case definition and use of active case finding would aid in obtaining more accurate estimates of the disease burden in LAC.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of pertussis epidemiology in Latin America and the Caribbean: 1980-2015 / Examen sistemático y metanálisis de las características epidemiológicas de la tos ferina en América Latina y el Caribe: 1980-2015 / Revisão sistemática e metanálise da epidemiologia da coqueluche na América Latina e Caribe: 1980 a 2015

Objectives In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), pertussis disease incidence has reportedly increased since 2000 despite high vaccine coverage. A systematic review of pertussis literature and a meta-analysis was conducted to understand the burden of disease in LAC. Methods A systematic literature review was completed, using relevant search terms. Original articles describing pertussis epidemiology and vaccine coverage in LAC published between 1980 and 2015 were identified. Applying a Bayesian meta-analysis random-effects model, we calculated pooled estimates and corresponding 95% credible intervals (95% CrIs) for pertussis incidence, case fatality ratio (CFR), pertussis prevalence among contacts, and coverage with three doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine (DTP3). Results A total of 59 studies meeting our selection criteria were identified, representing 15 countries. Of the 59, 15 of them provided incidence data, with 7 of the 15 reporting a pertussis case definition. The pertussis incidence estimate for the 1980-1999 period was 17.8 cases per 100 000 persons (95% CrI: 5.9-29.7); for the 2000-2015 period, it was 2.5 cases per 100 000 persons (95% CrI: 1.8-3.2). For the 1980-2015 period, the CFR, in 19 studies reviewed, was 3.9% (95% CrI: 2.9%-4.9%); for that same period, in 5 studies reviewed, pertussis prevalence among contacts was 24.9% (95% CrI: 13.7%-36.1%). Pooled DTP3 vaccine coverage estimates, in a total of 20 studies reviewed for the following three time periods, were: 1980-1990, 72.4% (95% CrI: 64.6%-80.2%); 1991-2000, 79.0% (95% CrI: 66.1%-91.9%); and 2001-2015, 90.0% (95% CrI: 87.7%-92.3%). Conclusion A decrease in pertussis incidence and an achievement of moderately high DTP3 vaccine coverage since the early 2000s was observed. The review highlights the need for increased publication of pertussis data at the country level and for LAC as a whole in order to better understand the true burden of the disease. Application of a standardized case definition and use of active case finding would aid in obtaining more accurate estimates of the disease burden in LAC.

RESUMEN Objetivos En América Latina y el Caribe, la incidencia de la tos ferina habría aparentemente aumentado desde el 2000, a pesar de la alta cobertura de vacunación. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía sobre tos ferina y un metanálisis para conocer la carga de esta enfermedad en América Latina y el Caribe. Métodos. La revisión bibliográfica sistemática se realizó utilizando términos de búsqueda pertinentes. Se encontraron artículos originales que describían las características epidemiológicas de la tos ferina y la cobertura de vacunación en América Latina y el Caribe publicados entre 1980 y el 2015. Aplicando un modelo bayesiano de efectos aleatorios para el metanálisis, se obtuvieron estimaciones combinadas y los correspondientes intervalos de credibilidad del 95% (ICr) para la incidencia, la tasa de letalidad y la prevalencia entre contactos de la tos ferina, y la cobertura con tres dosis de vacuna contra la difteria, el tétanos y la tos ferina (DTP3). Resultados Se encontraron en total 59 estudios de 15 países que cumplían con los criterios de selección. De ellos, 15 proporcionaban datos sobre incidencia. Siete de estos 15 contenían una definición de caso de tos ferina. La incidencia estimada de tos ferina para el período 1980-1999 fue de 17,8 casos por 100 000 (ICr 95%: 5,9-29,7) y para el período 2000-2015, de 2,5 casos por 100 000 (ICr 95%: 1,8-3,2). En cuanto a la tasa de letalidad, para el período 1980-2015 en 19 estudios examinados fue de 3,9% (ICr 95%: 2,9%-4,9%); en el mismo período, en 5 estudios examinados la prevalencia de tos ferina entre los contactos fue de 24,9% (ICr 95%: 13,7%-36,1%). Las estimaciones combinadas de cobertura con DTP3 en un total de 21 estudios examinados para los siguientes tres períodos fueron: en 1980-1990, 72,4% (ICr 95%: 64,6%-80,2%); en 1991-2000, 79,0% (ICr 95%: 66,1%-91,9%) y en el 2001-2015, 90,0% (ICr 95%: 87,7%-92,3%). Conclusiones Se observó una disminución de la incidencia de la tos ferina y el logro de una cobertura moderadamente alta con la vacuna DTP3 desde principios del siglo XXI. En el examen se subraya la necesidad de incrementar la publicación de datos sobre la tos ferina en los países y en América Latina y el Caribe en su conjunto, para conocer mejor la verdadera carga de enfermedad. La adopción de una definición de caso normalizada y la búsqueda activa de casos ayudarán a obtener estimaciones más precisas de la carga de enfermedad en América Latina y el Caribe.

RESUMO Objetivos Há relatos de que a incidência de coqueluche na América Latina e Caribe (ALC) tem aumentado desde o ano 2000, apesar da alta cobertura vacinal. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática e metanálise da literatura sobre a coqueluche para compreender a carga da doença na ALC. Métodos. Fizemos uma revisão sistemática da literatura usando termos de pesquisa relevantes. Identificamos artigos originais, publicados entre 1980 e 2015, que descrevessem a epidemiologia da coqueluche e a cobertura vacinal na ALC. Aplicando um modelo Bayesiano de efeitos aleatórios para a metanálise, calculamos estimativas agrupadas e seus correspondentes intervalos de credibilidade de 95% (CrIs 95%) para a incidência de coqueluche, a taxa de letalidade, a prevalência de coqueluche entre os contatos e a cobertura com três doses da vacina combinada para difteria, tétano e coqueluche (DTP3). Resultados Identificamos um total de 59 estudos que cumpriram os nossos critérios de seleção, representando 15 países. Destes 59, 15 apresentaram dados sobre a incidência, e 7 dos 15 apresentaram uma definição de "caso de coqueluche". A incidência estimada da coqueluche no período de 1980 a 1999 foi de 17,8 casos por 100.000 pessoas (CrI 95%: 5,9-29,7); no período de 2000 a 2015, foi de 2,5 casos por 100.000 pessoas (CrI 95%: 1,8-3,2). No período de 1980 a 2015, a taxa de letalidade, em 19 estudos revistos, foi de 3,9% (CrI 95%: 2,9%-4,9%); neste mesmo período, em 5 estudos revistos, a prevalência de coqueluche entre os contatos foi de 24,9% (CrI 95%: 13,7%-36,1%). A cobertura vacinal agrupada com DTP3, em um total de 21 estudos examinados nos seguintes três períodos, foi estimada em: 1980 a 1990, 72,4% (CrI 95%: 64,6%-80,2%); 1991 a 2000, 79,0% (CrI 95%: 66,1%-91,9%); 2001 a 2015, 90,0% (CrI 95%: 87,7%-92,3%). Conclusões Foi observada uma redução na incidência de coqueluche e uma cobertura vacinal com DTP3 relativamente alta desde o início da década de 2000. Esta revisão destaca a necessidade de melhorar a publicação de dados sobre a coqueluche ao nível nacional e na ALC como um todo, a fim de promover uma melhor compreensão sobre a verdadeira carga da doença. O uso de uma definição padronizada de "caso de coqueluche" e a busca ativa de casos ajudaria na obtenção de estimativas mais precisas da carga da doença na ALC.

Understanding Factors Affecting University A Students' Decision to Receive an Unlicensed Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine.

PURPOSE: During March-November 2013, five cases of serogroup B meningococcal disease occurred among University A undergraduates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used the unlicensed MenB-4C (Bexsero, Novartis Vaccines), a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, to control the outbreak. All undergraduates (n = 19,257) were offered two doses; 51% of undergraduates received ≥1 dose of MenB-4C. We conducted a knowledge, attitudes, and practice survey to understand which factors and sources of information impacted their decision on whether or not to receive vaccine. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was sent to University A undergraduates. The survey was implemented in June 2-30, 2014, and covered demographics, MenB-4C vaccination decision, and sources of information. Descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 1,341 students completed the survey (response rate = 7.0%), of these 873 received ≥1 dose of MenB-4C. Among vaccinated respondents, the predominant reasons for receiving vaccine were knowledge of disease severity, parental recommendation, and believing that vaccination offered the best protection. Among unvaccinated respondents, the predominant reasons for not receiving vaccine were perception of low disease risk and concern over vaccine newness and safety. Respondents' top primary sources of information were e-mails from the university followed by their parents. CONCLUSIONS: Reasons behind respondents' decision to receive an unlicensed vaccine were similar to those reported for routinely recommended vaccines. Given the challenges around communicating the importance of receiving a vaccine that is not routinely recommended, respondents' primary sources of information, the university and their parents, could be targeted to improve coverage rates.

Notes from the Field: Increase in Neisseria meningitidis-Associated Urethritis Among Men at Two Sentinel Clinics - Columbus, Ohio, and Oakland County, Michigan, 2015.

Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) urogenital infections, although less common than infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng), have been associated with urethritis, cervicitis, proctitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Nm can appear similar to Ng on Gram stain analysis (gram-negative intracellular diplococci) (1-5). Because Nm colonizes the nasopharynx, men who receive oral sex (fellatio) can acquire urethral Nm infections (1,3,5). This report describes an increase in Nm-associated urethritis in men attending sexual health clinics in Columbus, Ohio, and Oakland County, Michigan.

Food and Drug Administration Approval for Use of Hiberix as a 3-Dose Primary Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccination Series.

On January 14, 2016, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (Research Triangle Park, North Carolina) received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expand use of Hiberix (Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine [Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate]) for a 3-dose infant primary vaccination series at ages 2, 4, and 6 months. Hiberix was first licensed in the United States in August 2009 for use as a booster dose in children aged 15 months through 4 years under the Accelerated Approval Regulations, in response to a Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine shortage that lasted from December 2007 to July 2009 (1). Expanding the age indication to include infants provides another vaccine option in addition to other currently licensed monovalent or combination Hib vaccines recommended for the primary vaccination series.* Hiberix contains 10 µg purified capsular polyribosyl ribitolphosphate (PRP) conjugated to 25 µg tetanus toxoid (PRP-T) and is supplied as a single-dose vial of lyophilized vaccine to be reconstituted with saline diluent. For the 3-dose primary series, a single (0.5 mL) dose should be given by intramuscular injection at ages 2, 4, and 6 months; the first dose may be given as early as age 6 weeks. The recommended catch-up schedule for PRP-T vaccines (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/child-adolescent.html) should be followed. As previously recommended, a single booster dose should be administered to children aged 15 months through 18 months; to facilitate timely booster vaccination, Hiberix can be administered as early as age 12 months, in accordance with Hib vaccination schedules for routine and catch-up immunization (1-3).

Twenty Years of Active Bacterial Core Surveillance.

Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) was established in 1995 as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Infections Program (EIP) network to assess the extent of invasive bacterial infections of public health importance. ABCs is distinctive among surveillance systems because of its large, population-based, geographically diverse catchment area; active laboratory-based identification of cases to ensure complete case capture; detailed collection of epidemiologic information paired with laboratory isolates; infrastructure that allows for more in-depth investigations; and sustained commitment of public health, academic, and clinical partners to maintain the system. ABCs has directly affected public health policies and practices through the development and evaluation of vaccines and other prevention strategies, the monitoring of antimicrobial drug resistance, and the response to public health emergencies and other emerging infections.

Use of MenACWY-CRM vaccine in children aged 2 through 23 months at increased risk for meningococcal disease: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2013.

During its October 2013 meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended use of a third meningococcal conjugate vaccine, MenACWY-CRM (Menveo, Novartis), as an additional option for vaccinating infants aged 2 through 23 months at increased risk for meningococcal disease. MenACWY-CRM is the first quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine licensed for use in children aged 2 through 8 months. MenACWY-D (Menactra, Sanofi Pasteur) is recommended for use in children aged 9 through 23 months who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, and Hib-MenCY-TT (MenHibrix, GlaxoSmithKline) is recommended for use in children aged 6 weeks through 18 months at increased risk. This report summarizes information on MenACWY-CRM administration in infants and provides recommendations for vaccine use in infants aged 2 through 23 months who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. Because the burden of meningococcal disease in infants is low in the United States and the majority of cases that do occur are caused by serogroup B, which is not included in any vaccine licensed in the United States, only those infants who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease are recommended to receive a meningococcal vaccine.

Prevention and control of haemophilus influenzae type b disease: recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP).

This report compiles and summarizes all recommendations from CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding prevention and control of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease in the United States. As a comprehensive summary of previously published recommendations, this report does not contain any new recommendations; it is intended for use by clinicians, public health officials, vaccination providers, and immunization program personnel as a resource. ACIP recommends routine vaccination with a licensed conjugate Hib vaccine for infants aged 2 through 6 months (2 or 3 doses, depending on vaccine product) with a booster dose at age 12 through 15 months. ACIP also recommends vaccination for certain persons at increased risk for Hib disease (i.e., persons who have early component complement deficiencies, immunoglobulin deficiency, anatomic or functional asplenia, or HIV infection; recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplant; and recipients of chemotherapy or radiation therapy for malignant neoplasms). This report summarizes current information on Hib epidemiology in the United States and describes Hib vaccines licensed for use in the United States. Guidelines for antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis of contacts of persons with Hib disease also are provided.