The prevalence of anti-rubella antibodies in women of childbearing age in Poland.

Congenital rubella is a clinically serious problem, which is due to maternal infection with rubella virus during the first trimester of pregnancy. It may result in spontaneous abortion or in fetal infection leading to fetal birth defect. Maternal anti-rubella antibodies have a protective effect and they may prevent congenital rubella. Vaccination of 13-year-old girls in Poland was introduced in 1989. Vaccination coverage is above 95%. The presence of anti-rubella antibodies in maternal blood >15 IU/ml is indicative for immunity to rubella. Thus, the aim of the study was the evaluation of anti-rubella antibody levels in women 15-30 years old. Samples of that sera were collected from six provinces in Poland. We have observed the decrease of anti-rubella antibody titer together with increasing age of tested women. Among 1289 investigated women 135 [10.5%] did not have protective levels of anti-rubella antibodies. We have noticed large decline in protective anti-rubella antibodies in young women (19-22 years of age), who are just entering their prime childbearing years.

The epidemiology of measles in Poland: prevalence of measles virus antibodies in the population.

WHO has adopted a goal of eliminating indigenous measles from the European Region by the year 2007. The strategy focuses on reducing the proportion of susceptible individuals in the population to low levels and maintaining these low levels of susceptibility. Routine vaccination against measles for children aged 13-15 months was introduced in Poland in 1975, and a second dose added in 1991. High coverage (> 95%) is achieved with both doses. In order to assess progress towards measles elimination in Poland, a serological survey was performed to evaluate the impact of vaccination on the susceptibility profile of population. Three thousand residual serum samples from individuals aged 1-30 years were collected from hospitals in six selected voivodeships (administration units) in Poland. These were tested for measles-specific IgG using a commercial ELISA. Overall 4% (120/3000) were negative for measles virus antibody. The highest proportion of negatives (8.2%) occurred among cohorts born 1977-81--the only cohorts in which susceptibility exceeded the WHO targets. 'Catch-up' vaccination strategies should target these cohorts.

[Measles vaccines]. / Szczepionki przeciw odrze.

The World Health Organization has settled the goal of measles elimination in European Region by the year 2007. The proposed measles elimination strategy is to reduce an estimated proportion of susceptible individuals in the population to low levels by intensive vaccination and to maintain these low levels for some years. In this strategy, the quality of measles vaccine used for immunization is crucial. The different kinds of measles vaccines used at present in the world and novel generations of vaccines are presented.

[Serological survey of measles antibody prevalence in chosen regions in Poland]. / Poziom przeciwcial odrowych u ludzi w wybranych województwach w Polsce.

Serological survey of measles antibody prevalence in the Polish population was carried out in 1998. The study group consisted of population in 6 regions: Warsaw, Wroclaw, Poznan, Lublin, Tarnobrzeg and Zielona Gora. A total of 3,000 serum samples were collected from individuals aged from 12 months to 30 years. Sera were assayed for measles specific IgG by ELISA test. All samples with titres < or = 0.5 IU were considered as negative. Serological survey has revealed a total of 4% negative samples. The highest percentage of susceptibles was noted among persons aged 15-19 years (8.2%), and among children who have just finished their first year of life (8%). The need for revaccination of teenagers aged 15-19 years is suggested.

[Examination of protein MPB 70 properties in BCG substrains used for the production of Polish antituberculosis vaccines]. / Badanie obecnosci bialka MPB 70 w podszczepie BCG uzywanym do produkcji Polskiej szczepionki przeciwgruzliczej.

The aim of the study was examination of MPB70 protein production by different BCG substrains and testing this protein as reagent in allergenic skin test on BCG vaccinated guinea pigs. Three BCG substrains: Danish 1331 (D), Japanese 172 (J) and Polish BCG Moreau (P) were used for the study. The protein MPB70 received from dr Nagai from Osaka University was used as reference preparation. It has been shown that MPB70 protein of molecular weight about 21,500 Da was present only in BCG Moreau (P) and Japanese (J) substrains. In immunoblotting test monoclonal antibodies reacted additionally with 43,000 Da protein in all tested substrains. We suspect that the detected additional molecule was a dimer of MPB70 protein. The development of skin reactions to MPB70 protein was seen in guinea pigs vaccinated with J and P substrains. The peak of alergy to MPB70 protein was observed 9 weeks after vaccination. In sera of vaccinated animals antibodies against MPB70 protein were detected by ELISA method. The possibility of using MPB70 protein for diagnostic purpose is discussed.

[The impact of immunization against measles on epidemiology of measles in Poland]. / Wplyw szczepien ochronnych na sytuacje epidemiologiczna odry w Polsce.

The measles vaccination has been introduced in Poland in 1975, and the second vaccine dose of measles vaccine in 1991. Mass immunization against measles exerted a significant impact on measles incidence, morbidity rate and mortality. The progressive increase of immunization coverage caused significant decrease of measles incidence rate among children at age below 10 years as well as among not vaccinated children up to 12 months of age. The lengthening of the interepidemic period and significant increase of morbidity rate among older children (over 10 years) and young adults were observed during the period after introduction of mass vaccination against measles. Since 1992 not a single case of death caused by measles was notified. Data on measles incidence and vaccination coverage during the period of observation will be used for development of the mathematical models for measles transmission and choice of optimal immunization strategy in Poland.

[Usefulness of the cytotoxic test for testing levels of diphtheria antibodies in sera of immunized animals]. / Przydatnosc testu cytotoksycznego do badania poziomu przeciwcial bloniczych w surowicach uodparnianych zwierzat.

Vero cells method was used for determination of antibodies level in humans vaccinated with Td vaccine and also in animals immunized with Di, DiTe, Td and DTP vaccines. We have found quite high levels of antibodies in both groups of animals. There was also a significant increase of antibody level in the human sera after Td booster dose in the CCV and HA tests, but the correlation with antitoxin titre was low. CCV test could be useful for determination of immunogenicity of diphtheria toxid.

[Polysaccharide vaccines. II. Meningococcal vaccines]. / Szczepionki polisacharydowe. II. Szczepionki meningokokowe.

A short history of vaccination and troubles connected with preparation of vaccine effective in preventing serogroup B meningococcal diseases was described. Different kinds of meningococcal vaccines used all over the world and epidemiological situation in Poland was also discussed.

[Evaluation of the usefulness of the peripheral test for determination of rabies vaccine potency]. / Ocena przydatnosci testu peryferyjnego do badania mocy szczepionki przeciw wsciekliznie.

The results of CDC peripheral test for potency of rabies vaccines were compared to the results obtained in the NIH intracerebral test recommended by the WHO. We did not find statistically significant differences in the potency of tested rabies vaccines by CDC and NIH tests.

[Polysaccharide vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type B]. / Szczepionki polisacharydowe przeciw Haemophilus influenzae typ B.

Epidemiological situation of Haemophilus influenzae infection was described. Conjugated polysaccharide vaccines used all over the world and available in Poland were discussed according to their efficacy and safety.

[Comparative study of BCG vaccines: Polish, Danish and Japanese -- laboratory tests]. / Badania porównawcze szczepionek BCG produkcji polskiej, dunskiej i japonskiej--czesc laboratoryja.

Three freeze-dried BCG vaccines: Polish, Danish and Japan were compared. It was found, that they fullfill all WHO requirements for freeze-dried BCG vaccine. They were shown to have a high survival of bacilli upon freeze-drying, good viability, thermostability and allergizing properties in guinea pigs. Japan BCG vaccine had especially high viability and thermostability. Mentioned BCG vaccines were safe for guinea pigs even in dose of 5 mg BCG (100 human doses) administrated subcutaneously. It was shown, that Polish BCG vaccine, that is regarded as vaccine of middle strength does not differ essentialy from strong Danish vaccine in respect to viability, thermostability and allergizing properties in guinea pigs evaluated 6 weeks after vaccination.

[Evaluation of the usefulness of the antibody binding test for the estimation of the potency of the rabies vaccine]. / Ocena przydatnosci testu wiazania przeciwcial do badania immunogennosci szczepionki przeciw wsciekliznie.

Two methods of the estimation of the potency rabies vaccine were used: in vivo NIH Test and in vitro Antibody Binding Test (AB-Test). Six series of vaccines were studied, they passed NIH Test. The results of AB-test were comparable with the results of NIH Test. The AB-Test could be used instead NIH Test when the vaccine must be released in short time.

[Investigation of factors determining stability of BCG vaccine]. / Badanie czynników warunkujacych stabilnosc szczepionki BCG.

This study was aimed at establishment of influence of a carrier-sodium glutamate and of changes introduced during the process of freeze-drying on survival of BCG bacilli during lyophilization, as well on thermostability and homogeneity of the vaccine and its immunogenicity. It was found that appropriate drying of the vaccine after freeze-drying performed in higher temperature influences favorably its thermostability. Concentration of the carrier is significantly influential for survival of bacilli during freeze-drying. Vaccine containing 1% of sodium glutamate was characterized by best thermostability, homogeneity and high survival of bacilli during freeze-drying. These parameters were keeping on a high level also one year after expiration date. It was shown that there exists a proportional dependence between immunogenicity of the vaccine measured indirectly by intensiveness of tuberculin allergization and number of live particles of BCG contained in vaccination dose.

[Perspectives on fighting leprosy]. / Perspektywy zwalczania tradu.

This review presents current distribution of leprosy in the world. The immunologic analyses of the histopathology and pathogenesis of the various stages of leprosy is discussed. The present effectiveness of multidrug therapy (MDT) in the face of emerging resistance to anti-leprosy drugs is presented as well as different attempts for preparing safe and effective vaccine against leprosy.

[Evaluation of thermostability of lyophilized BCG vaccines by using an accelerated thermal degradation test]. / Ocena termostabilnosci liofilizowanych szczepionek BCG przy pomocy testu przyspieszonej degradacji cieplnej.

The degree of thermal degradation of BCG vaccines prepared from various substrains, using a test evaluating number of viable particles of BCG was determined. Thermal degradation coefficient were established for particular vaccines in different temperatures and a prognosis time curve of 50% CFU titer loss was constructed. It was found, that polish vaccine does not differ essentially from danish and french vaccines in respect to thermostability. Japanese preparation showed higher stability in all temperatures tested as compared to above mentioned vaccines. It was shown that when based on presented figures, and using interpolation method, it is possible with a high degree of probability foresee a decrease of vaccine titer at optional temperature.

[Heat stability of potency of bacterial vaccines and the titer of tetanus antitoxin of Polish production]. / Stabilnosc cieplna mocy szczepionek bakteryjnych oraz miano antytoksyny tezcowej produkcji krajowej.

Described the stability of potency vaccines (DTP, BCG) and immunoglobulins (human's and animal's) at storage and experimental temperatures. Thermal degradation rate and design of loss of potency in time have been determined by Arrhenius equation. Our results were similar to WHO data from preparations which have been made in another countries.

[Various immunochemical properties of nonspecific bacterial vaccines]. / Niektóre immunochemiczne wlasciwosci nieswoistych szczepionek bakteryjnych.

After critical evaluation of the composition and technology of preparation of nonspecific bacterial vaccines (nsb) some of them were withdrawn from the production (Neoflaminum, Neurovaccinum) and replaced with a new one (Polyvaccinum submite). Part of them were modified (media) and modernised (Panodinum, vaccine according to Delbet). Panodine produced at the present is free from bovine bile, which according to the results of the studies is strongly haemolytic for human and animal red blood cells. Thus it was justified to withdraw this component from Neoflaminum and Panodinum preparations. Purity and degree of lysis of these preparations were evaluated on the basis of ratio between nucleic acid absorbance and protein absorbance A260/A280. This allowed to determine if nsb tested are partially lysed and if their production process is reproducible. Our pilot studies on five patients suffering from infectious asthma indicate that a restoration of phagocytic activity of granulocytes and an increase of leukocytes migration after subsequent Panodine injections take place.

The use of the firefly bioluminescent reaction for the rapid detection and counting of mycobacterium BCG.

A rapid test for the counting of Mycobacterium BCG, based on firefly luciferase assay of bacterial ATP has been evaluated. Three different methods for the extraction of ATP from mycobacterial cells were examined. Extraction with n-butanol proved to be the best method. The amount of ATP extracted correlated well with the number of colony forming units. It was found that the ATP content per colony forming particle of BCG varied only slightly after various periods of cultivation.