Table of Contents

Volume 7, Issue 2

  February 2011

  Pages 133 - 282

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 Issue Catalogue (MARC XML)

EDITOR'S CORNER

Open Access Article

Letter from the Editor

Ronald W. Ellis and Eva Riedmann
Page 133
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.15128
Abstract | PDF







NEWS, POLICY AND PROFILES

Open Access Article

News

Eva M. Riedmann
Pages 134 - 137
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.15129
Abstract | PDF

Autism study was an elaborate fraud; Sanofi’s Clostridium difficile vaccine enters Phase II; Chickenpox vaccine reduces illness and disease-related costs; NGO, industry and academia team up to evaluate new malaria vaccine; Phase IIa: GeoVax tests simplified vaccine regimen Experts urge US to stockpile cholera vaccine; FDA approves Gardasil for prevention of anal cancer; Novel therapeutic vaccine has potential to fight multiple conditions

Open Access Article

Saving the pneumococcal AMC and GAVI

Donald W. Light
Pages 138 - 141
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.14919
Abstract | PDF

The GAVI Alliance, a key institution in saving poor children by increasing the use of vaccines, is mounting a campaign in early 2011 to raise $4.1 billion to close its funding crisis. Yet much of this shortfall stems from its own decisions, especially around the Advance Market Commitment (AMC), a costly kind of surplus contract GAVI is using to save poor children by selling new, global pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) at deep discount. This essay explains how the AMC became a surplus contract, why it and GAVI are in financial straits and how to save both. It concludes with thoughts about how generous and caring donors can maximize the number of children saved.
Commentaries to this article:
http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/vaccines/article/15218/
http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/vaccines/article/15217/
http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/vaccines/article/15361/
http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/vaccines/article/15360/
http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/vaccines/article/15359/
http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/vaccines/article/15215/
http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/vaccines/article/15216/
http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/vaccines/article/15357/
http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/vaccines/article/15355/





Open Access Article

Questions for Biotechs: REIVAC

Pierre Loulergue, Xavier Duval, Florence Galtier, Nezha Lenzi, Henri Laurichesse and Odile Launay
Pages 142 - 143
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.15130
Abstract | PDF

Correction appears in Human Vaccines 7-9 news:

list of the REIVAC network members: for the REIVAC network (Nathalie Colin de Verdière (Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris), Claudre Dubray (CIC P501, Clermont-Ferrand), Xavier Duval (CIC P007, Hôpital Bichat, Paris), Florence Galtier (CIC P1001, Montpellier), Catherine Goujon (Lyon), Fabrice Laine (CIC P0203, Rennes), Odile Launay (CIC BT505, Hôpital Cochin, Paris), Christian Libersa (CIC P9301, Lille), Frédéric Lucht (CIC CIE3, Saint-Etienne), Catherine Mutter (CIC P2, Strasbourg), Deborah Postil (CIC P0801, Limoges))




PORTRAIT OF A LEADING VACCINOLOGIST

Open Access Article

Fascination for vaccination: About achievements and challenges in the vaccine world

Bernard van der Zeijst
Pages 144 - 148
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.15131
Abstract | PDF







MEETING REPORT

Open Access Article

The Vaccine Renaissance

Nikolai Petrovsky
Pages 149 - 152
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.14321
Abstract | PDF

Approximately 100 delegate drawn from academia, government and industry gathered in Providence, Rhode Island on the 20^th October 2010, for the Vaccine Renaissance Conference IV. This meeting was the fourth in a series of annual conferences for vaccinologists in the US North-East organised by Prof. Annie De Groot (University of Rhode Island). The conference had a strong academic stream with a focus on early stage vaccine research and development with a major focus on cutting-edge developments in the vaccine field. This year, the day before the main conference, an associated immuno-informatic workshop was held at the University of Rhode Island, which provided training to delegates on use of immuno-informatic tools for rational vaccine design.




REVIEWS

Open Access Article

Current experience with school-located influenza vaccination programs in the United States: A review of the medical literature

Harry F. Hull and Christopher S. Ambrose
Pages 153 - 160
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13668
Abstract | PDF

In the United States, all children 6 months through 18 years of age are recommended to be vaccinated against influenza annually. However, the existing pediatric immunization infrastructure does not have the capacity to vaccinate a high proportion of children each year. School-located influenza vaccination (SLIV) programs provide an opportunity to immunize large numbers of school-age children. We reviewed the medical literature in order to document the current U.S. experience to benefit future SLIV programs. Published reports or abstracts for 36 SLIV programs were identified, some of which spanned multiple years. The programs immunized between 70–128,228 students. While most programs vaccinated 40–50% of students, coverage ranged from 7–73%. Higher percentages of elementary students were vaccinated compared with middle and high school students. While many programs offered only intranasal vaccine, several programs have successfully used both the intranasal and injectable vaccines. Faculty and staff were immunized in some programs and uptake in this group varied considerably. Students were vaccinated quickly during school hours. Costs, where reported, ranged from approximately $20–$27 per dose delivered, including both vaccine and administration costs. The greatest need for future U.S. SLIV program implementation is the development of a financially sustainable model that can be replicated annually on a national scale.

Open Access Article

Long term protection against cervical infection with the human papillomavirus: Review of currently available vaccines

Barbara Romanowski
Pages 161 - 169
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13690
Abstract | PDF

Two vaccines against HPV are commercially available: an HPV-16/18 (bivalent) and an HPV-6/11/16/18 (quadrivalent) vaccine. Vaccination programs have been and will be implemented before the full duration of protection is known. Whether booster doses will be required is also unknown at this time. Meanwhile, predictions rely upon phase III studies and mathematical modelling. In a head to head study, the bivalent vaccine induced a higher, more sustained immune response than the quadrivalent vaccine. Immunogenicity of the bivalent vaccine against HPV-16 and HPV-18 has been demonstrated up to 8.4 years. For the quadrivalent vaccine, immunogenicity data up to 5 years show that the immune response against HPV-18 wanes after approximately 4 years. Efficacy against infection and cervical lesions associated with HPV-16/18 has been shown up to 8.4 and 5 years with the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccine, respectively. Cross-protection against non-vaccine types appears stronger with the bivalent vaccine. However, both vaccines may provide sufficient immunogenicity to confer long-term protection. Ongoing monitoring is essential.

Open Access Article

Meningococcal glycoconjugate vaccines

Roberto Gasparini and Donatella Panatto
Pages 170 - 182
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13717
Abstract | PDF

Neisseria meningitidis is a major cause of invasive bacterial infections worldwide. For this reason, efforts to control the disease have been directed at optimizing meningococcal vaccines and implementing appropriate vaccination policies. In the past, plain polysaccharide vaccines containing purified capsular polysaccharides A, C, Y and W135 were developed, but failed to protect infants, who are at greatest risk. Experience with the conjugate Haemophilus vaccine suggested that this approach might well empower meningococcal vaccines. Thus, a very efficacious vaccine against serogroup C Neisseria meningitis was optimized and has been widely used in developed nations since 1999. On the basis of epidemiological changes in the circulation of pathogenic serogroups in the United States, a quadrivalent conjugate vaccine against A, C, Y and W135 serogroups (Menactra™) has been developed and was approved by the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2005. Recently, another tetravalent conjugate meningococcal vaccine (Menveo™) has been licensed and made available in the United States of America and in the European Union. Finally, in response to large epidemics caused by serogroup A meningococcus in Africa, a new, safe, immunogenic and affordable vaccine has been developed. This review highlights the evolution of conjugate meningococcal vaccines in general and discusses how this kind of vaccine can contribute to preventing meningococcal disease.

Open Access Article

Folate receptor α: A storied past and promising future in immunotherapy

Guy T. Clifton, Alan K. Sears, Kevin S. Clive, Jarrod P. Holmes, Elizabeth A. Mittendorf, Constantine G. Ioannides, Sathibalan Ponniah and George E. Peoples
Pages 183 - 190
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13784
Abstract | PDF

Folate receptor alpha (FR α) is a membrane-bound transport protein with several features which make it an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. FR α is largely shielded from the immune system in normal tissue but exposed while expressed on a variety of malignancies; it is functionally active in cancer pathogenesis; and it is immunogenic. A variety of different immunotherapeutic methods targeting FR α are being explored to treat cancer. Passive immunotherapy includes monoclonal antibodies, antibodies modified to deliver treatments, and modified T cell therapy. Active immunotherapy has focused on using FR α to increase the immunogenicity of cancer or to generate active FR α-directed immunity through a range of vaccination techniques. We will review the rationale behind targeting immunotherapy to FR α and cover the various techniques designed to do this.




SHORT REPORT

Open Access Article

Uptake of 2009 H1N1 vaccine among adolescent females

Paul L. Reiter, Annie-Laurie McRee, Sami L. Gottlieb, Lauri E. Markowitz and Noel T. Brewer
Pages 191 - 196
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13847
Abstract | PDF

Background. The public health response to the threat of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus during the 2009–2010 influenza season was extensive. To better understand the lower than expected vaccine uptake, we aimed to characterize correlates of 2009 H1N1 vaccination among adolescent females in the U.S. and examine accessibility of the vaccine to parents.

Methods. We collected data from a national sample of mothers of adolescent females ages 11-14 years (n=944) during December 2009 using an online survey.

Results. Overall, 22% (221/944) of mothers indicated their daughters had received 2009 H1N1 vaccine. H1N1 vaccination was higher among daughters who had received 2009 seasonal influenza vaccine (49% vs. 11%, OR=7.00, 95% CI: 4.18–11.73) or whose mothers expressed higher trust in their daughters’ healthcare providers (26% vs. 11%, OR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.10–4.73). Among mothers of unvaccinated daughters, 20% (150/723) indicated they wanted to get their daughters 2009 H1N1 vaccine but were unable to. Vaccination among daughters and accessibility of the vaccine to parents did not differ by race, socioeconomic status, or health insurance status.

Discussion. One explanation for the lower than expected uptake of 2009 H1N1 vaccine is that many parents were unable to get their daughters the vaccine despite wanting to do so. Concomitant administration with seasonal influenza vaccine may increase uptake of novel influenza vaccines.




RESEARCH PAPERS

Open Access Article

Pertussis knowledge, attitude and practices among European health care professionals in charge of adult vaccination

Muriel Hoffait, David Hanlon, Bernd Benninghoff and Stijn Calcoen
Pages 197 - 201
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13918
Abstract | PDF

Despite successful infant vaccination programmes, pertussis remains endemic in many countries. Waning immunity leaves adolescents and adults susceptible to disease and potential reservoirs of infection allowing transmission to vulnerable infants. Misdiagnosis leads to significant underestimation of disease burden and inappropriate treatment. This online survey of 517 European health care professionals (HCP) examined their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding pertussis and adult vaccination. Compared with other vaccine-preventable diseases, HCPs did not perceive pertussis as a serious disease in adults and there was a low perceived need for adult vaccination; only 17% mentioned pertussis as a disease they would usually vaccinate adults against. Pertussis incidence was considered to be low. Although the majority of HCPs agreed that vaccination is useful to prevent pertussis transmission from adults to susceptible infants, respondents discussed pertussis vaccination with ≤5% of patients; 58% respondents had never prescribed a pertussis vaccine to adults. The perceived low incidence of pertussis in adults and the lack of official guidelines/ recommendations were cited as key reasons for not administering pertussis boosters. Despite only taking place in four countries, our results suggest that the incidence and burden of adult pertussis is not reflected in the attitudes of European HCPs to the disease. Awareness of adult pertussis, its diagnosis and guidance on pertussis boosters should be raised to protect adults and vulnerable infants and to manage the consequences of waning pertussis immunity.

Open Access Article

An assessment of thermal stability of Clostridium difficile toxoid formulations

Lorna E. Lancaster, Kevin Markey and Mei M. Ho
Pages 202 - 210
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13986
Abstract | PDF

Strains of Clostridium difficile produce toxins A and B that can cause diarrhoea and pseudomembranous colitis. Currently, there is no preventative therapy for this infection but antibodies to the toxins provide protection, therefore a toxoid-based vaccine is needed. To evaluate thermal stability, a lyophilized and liquid formulation of toxoids A and B were stored at a range of temperatures for 5 weeks. Changes in toxoid structures and immune responses in an animal model before and after the incubation period were assessed. The structural integrity and the immune responses to liquid formulations were affected when stored at 56°C but the lyophilized formulation was thermally stable and same treatment did not result in significant loss of immunological responses when immunized in an animal model.

Open Access Article

Increasing uptake of Gardasil among American adolescents: Comparisons with the history of Hepatitis B vaccination

Justin B. Dickerson, Matthew L. Smith and Marcia G. Ory
Pages 211 - 219
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13633
Abstract | PDF

Objectives: This paper identifies differences in the uptake rate of Gardasil and contrasts Gardasil uptake rate with the history of Hepatitis B vaccination. Methods: A targeted review of peer-reviewed journals and industry commentary was conducted. New trends were calculated and figures created based on secondary data. Results: The distribution of HPV vaccine does not conform to the geographic incidence rate of cervical cancer. Contrary to contemporary belief, school immunization mandates for Hepatitis B vaccines were not the impetus for their acceptance. Familial beliefs about HPV vaccines appear to be the most significant challenge to Gardasil uptake rate. Conclusions: Gardasil is at a critical juncture for increased uptake. Evidence-based educational interventions are needed.

Open Access Article

The immunogenicity and safety of vaccination with purified Vero cell rabies vaccine (PVRV) in China under a 2-1-1 regimen

Huazhang Liu, Guihua Huang, Qing Tang, Jia Li, Shouchun Cao, Chuanxi Fu, Qing Cao, Beiyan Liu, Huai Pan and Ming Wang
Pages 220 - 224
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.14003
Abstract | PDF

Background. In China, rabies vaccine is only permitted to use under the Essen 5-dose regimen for the rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). However, Purified chick embryo cell vaccine made in India (Rabipur) has been approved in use under 2-1-1 immune program in 2010. Our objective is to confirm the immunogenicity and safety of PVRV manufactured in China (SPEEDA) under 2-1-1 program, compared with Rabipur and with the Essen 5-dose regimen. Methods. A total of 112 subjects were divided into three groups: 50 subjects in test group A, 32 subjects in control group B and 30 subjects in control group C. “Zagreb” 2-1-1 program was chosen for group A and B using SPEEDA and Rabipur, “Essen” 5-dose regimen was adopted for group C using SPEEDA, thus to observe the general and local reactions within 72h post vaccination. Serum samples were also collected at D0, D7, D14 and D45 to determine the rabies serum neutralizing antibody by rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). Results. All groups showed similar immunogenicity. The neutralizing antibody titers at D14 and D45 of all subjects showed more than 0.5IU/ml. No moderate and severe adverse effects were observed, though mild adverse reactions may occur. Conclusions. PVRV (SPEEDA), under 2-1-1 regimen, is equally safe and immunogenic as the PCECV (Rabipur) for post-exposure prophylaxis vaccination.

Open Access Article

Maternal characteristics that predict a preference for mandatory adolescent HPV vaccination

Ruth C. Carlos, Amanda F. Dempsey, Ken Resnicow, Mack Ruffin, Divya A. Patel, Christopher M. Straus and Dalton Vanessa K.
Pages 225 - 229
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13691
Abstract | PDF

Adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake, as a means of cervical cancer prevention, remains suboptimal with significant racial disparity. A survey study of mothers already engaging in their own cancer screening, at a predominantly black urban site and a predominantly white suburban site, finds that a majority of mothers surveyed support hypothetical mandates for adolescent HPV vaccination three years after the introduction of these vaccines. Enactment of state laws may represent an efficient means to improve HPV vaccination in adolescent daughters of these mothers. Nevertheless, in a sizable minority, maternal perceptions of the HPV vaccine may hinder adherence to these vaccination laws. In these women, tailored interventions directed at these perceptions may be required.

Open Access Article

The humoral response to Gardasil over four years as defined by Total IgG and competitive Luminex immunoassay

Darron R. Brown, Suzanne M. Garland, Daron G. Ferris, Elmar Joura, Marc Steben, Margaret James, David Radley, Scott Vuocolo, Elizabeth I.O. Garner, Richard M. Haupt and Janine T. Bryan
Pages 230 - 238
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13948
Abstract | PDF

Safe and effective vaccines against anogenital human papillomaviruses (HPV) are now available. These vaccines, composed of virus-like particles (VLPs) made from the L1 major capsid protein of specific HPV types, induce a polyclonal antibody response directed against specific conformational and linear epitopes displayed on the VLP. Numerous studies indicated the importance of neutralizing antibodies in protection from infection. However, our understanding of the antibody responses to these vaccines is not complete, and there is no established immune correlate of protection nor antibody threshold that correlates with protection against HPV infection or disease. In the current study, antibody responses of young women to Gardasil®, the quadrivalent HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 L1 VLP vaccine (qHPV), were assessed through 48 months (M) in total IgG and competitive Luminex immunoassays (total IgG LIA and cLIA). The total IgG LIA was developed as a research assay to evaluate preclinical multivalent HPV VLP vaccine formulations. The cLIA simultaneously evaluates the antibody response to a unique conformational, neutralizing epitope on each of the four HPV types present in the quadrivalent vaccine; HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. The same sera from women vaccinated with the qHPV vaccine were tested in both the total IgG LIA and the cLIA assays. The proportion of vaccinated women achieving seropositivity and the anti-HPV VLP total IgG and cLIA geometric mean titers (GMTs) were summarized at M7, M24, M48 based on the serostatus cut-points defined for each immunoassay. Overall, greater than 99% of subjects seroconverted to all four vaccine types in both assays; GMTs peaked at M7. For all four HPV types, regardless of the immunoassay used, the most significant decline in GMTs was observed between M7 and M24. By M24, the antibody titers had reached a plateau and minimal declines in antibody titers were observed between M24 and M48 for all four HPV types in both immunoassays. Testing the same sera, seropositivity for M48 HPV18 remained high (96.7%) in the total IgG LIA, but was 64.8% in the cLIA. The current study illustrates potential important differences in serologic assays utilized in the clinical trials of the two currently available HPV VLP vaccines (quadrivalent and bivalent). Differences in seropositivity status are attributed to the measurement parameters and sensitivity of the individual immunoassays and do not indicate reduced anti-HPV18 protective antibodies.

Open Access Article

Safety and immunogenicity of a tetravalent meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y conjugate vaccine in adolescents and adults

Nancy Bermal, Li-Min Huang, AP Dubey, Hermant Jain, Ashish Bavdekar, Tzou-Yien Lin, Veronique Bianco, Yaela Baine and Jacqueline M. Miller
Pages 239 - 247
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.14068
Abstract | PDF

The highest incidence of invasive meningococcal disease is in young children, with a second peak in adolescents/young adults. All five major disease-causing serogroups (A, B, C, W-135 and Y) have been described in Asia. Immunogenicity and safety of the investigational meningococcal ACWY-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (ACWY-TT, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) was evaluated in healthy, meningococcal conjugate vaccine-naïve adolescents in the Philippines, India and Taiwan. 1025 adolescents were randomized (3:1) to receive one dose of ACWY-TT or tetravalent ACWY polysaccharide vaccine (Mencevax™, Men-PS). Serum bactericidal activity using rabbit complement (rSBA) was measured. Local and systemic adverse reactions were recorded for 4 days. Safety data were pooled with results from a second, similarly designed study in adults for evaluation of grade 3 systemic events. The pre-specified immunogenicity criterion for non-inferiority to Men-PS was met. One month post-vaccination, ≥85.4%-97.1% had a vaccine response (post-titre ≥1:8 in initially seronegative and ≥4-fold increase in seropositive), versus 78.0%-96.6% after Men-PS, against each vaccine serogroup. Exploratory comparisons showed statistically significantly higher post-vaccination rSBA geometric mean titres against all serogroups following ACWY-TT versus Men-PS. Exploratory analysis showed no statistically significant differences between groups in grade 3 general symptoms; however, the statistical criterion for non-inferiority between pooled treatment groups in terms of the ratio of incidences of grade 3 general symptoms was not demonstrated. No SAEs were related to vaccination. ACWY-TT was immunogenic in Asian adolescents with a reactogenicity profile that was clinically acceptable and similar to that of licensed Men-PS. The results of this study indicate that ACWY-TT could be used as a third conjugate vaccine in the protection of adolescents against meningococcal disease.

Open Access Article

Immunogenicity of a scalable inactivated rotavirus vaccine in mice

Biao Zhang, Shan Yi, Yingxia Ma, Guangming Zhang, Yongxin Zhang, Tianhong Xie, Hongjun Li and Maosheng Sun
Pages 248 - 257
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.14121
Abstract | PDF

Inactivated rotavirus vaccine is a safe and effective potential vaccine for the prevention of rotavirus infection among children, but no approved licensed vaccine is available now. In this study, a scalable inactivated rotavirus vaccine, prepared in Vero cells cultured by microcarrier fermentation, inactivated by formalin and absorbed by Al(OH)₃ adjuvant, was vaccinated into the six weeks-old female Balb/c mice by intramuscular injection. After twice immunization at interval of three weeks, both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were assessed by ELISA, microneutralization assay and EISPOT assay. The results indicated that the scalable inactivated rotavirus vaccines induced not only high serum IgG antibody and neutralizing antibody responses, but Th1 and Th2 cytokine-secreting cell responses in mice immunized by the inactivated rotavirus vaccines. These results suggest that the scalable inactivated rotavirus vaccine has good immunogenicity, which provided the base for the scaled development of inactivated rotavirus vaccine in the future.

Open Access Article

Co-administration of a novel Haemophilus influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis serogroups C and Y-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine does not interfere with the immune response to antigens contained in infant vaccines routinely used in the United States

Gary S. Marshall, Colin D. Marchant, Mark Blatter, Leonard R. Friedland, Emmanuel Aris and Jacqueline M. Miller
Pages 258 - 264
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.14170
Abstract | PDF

An investigational combined Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Neisseria meningitidis serogroups C and Y tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (HibMenCY-TT) has been developed to protect infants from invasive disease caused by Hib and these meningococcal serogroups without adding injections to the immunization schedule. Incorporation of this novel vaccine into the US vaccination schedule will require demonstration of a lack of immunologic interference with other routine pediatric vaccines. This study assessed the immune response to 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and combined diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-hepatitis B-inactivated poliovirus vaccine (DTaP-HepB-IPV) when separately co-administered with HibMenCY-TT as compared to a US-licensed H. influenzae type b tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (Hib-TT) at 2, 4, 6 (N=606) and 12–15 months of age (N=366). HibMenCY-TT was non-inferior to Hib-TT in terms of antibody responses to all Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes contained in PCV7 and the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and poliovirus antigens contained in DTaP-HepB-IPV one month after the third vaccine dose, and the anti-tetanus geometric mean antibody concentration (GMC) was significantly higher in the HibMenCY-TT group than in the Hib-TT group. In an exploratory analysis, no significant differences in the proportion of subjects with anti-pneumococcal antibody concentrations ≥0.2 µg/ml or anti-pneumococcal GMC were seen between the two groups after the fourth vaccine dose. A schedule of HibMenCY-TT given concomitantly with PCV7 and DTaP-HepB-IPV would be expected to protect infants against all of the targeted diseases.




COMMENTARIES

Open Access Article

The state of art patent search with an example of human vaccines

Shyh-Jen Wang
Pages 265 - 268
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.14004
Abstract | PDF

The patent information is the largest, well-classified and most up-to-date collection of technical documents on new and innovative technologies. To delicately exploring all the patent documents on the topic interested, we develop a thought process to precisely target and completely cover the patent documents interested. The tips on the process include expanding the keywords with synonyms and equivalents, limiting the search in a short period of time, keeping out the keywords not interested, identifying other possible keywords to screen the patent owned by the leading assignees or inventors, and inspecting other possible International Patent Classification (IPC) or United States Patent Classification (UPC). Following the thought process, we build a comprehensive patent search on human vaccine. Certainly, the search result searched should be updated frequently to keep the up-to-date information.

Open Access Article

Vaccine safety in special populations

Nicola P. Klein
Pages 269 - 271
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13860
Abstract | PDF

Studies evaluating the safety of vaccines routinely administered to a population of healthy infants and children may not provide adequate reassurance for members of special populations such as premature infants and children with chronic conditions. However, evaluating the safety of vaccines administered to special populations presents a host of challenges, including limited numbers of subjects, lack of appropriate comparisons groups and substantial complexity in both collecting and evaluating the data. Improving the available immunization safety data for those in special populations will provide substantial benefit to the clinicians caring for these vulnerable patients.

Open Access Article

Pertussis booster vaccine in China

Fengcai Zhu
Pages 272 - 275
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13861
Abstract | PDF

Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) has achieved great success in infants and younger children in China. However, pertussis booster vaccination in older children, adolescents, and adults has received more attention lately due to the waning immunity that is observed following immunization and, as a result, a resurgence of pertussis in these populations. Under the current national childhood immunization program in China, children will not receive a pertussis booster dose after 2 years of age. Recently, a reduced antigen content diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis combined vaccine (dTpa) was licensed in China and has been used as the booster dose to children aged 6-12 years. The preferred strategy for pertussis booster vaccination in China would be to substitute dTpa vaccine for the currently recommended combined diphtheria and tetanus vaccine at 6 years of age; however, the availability and accessibility of the dTpa vaccine in China are limited due to insufficient supply and high price. In addition, development of a dTpa vaccine that can be used to vaccinate children aged 13 years or greater is urgently needed.

Open Access Article

The clinical use of adjuvants in pneumococcal vaccination: Current status and future perspectives

Ole Søgaard
Pages 276 - 280
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13919
Abstract | PDF

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one most prevalent bacterial infectious organism with a major effect on public health in both industrialized and developing countries.^{1, 2} Streptococcus pneumoniae mainly causes disease at the extremities of ages, in the very young (< 2 yrs) and in the elderly (> 65 yrs).^2-4 Ninety-one different capsular serotypes can cause pneumococcal disease such as pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis, and pneumococcal infections kill more people than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined.^{3, 5, 6} In developing countries, one out of six childhood deaths is attributed to pneumococcal infections.⁷ Currently licensed vaccines are based on capsular polysaccharides that induce immune protection primarily via opsonophagocytic antibodies.




SPOTLIGHT

Open Access Article

MMR vaccination and autism: Learnings and implications

Rajan R. Patil
Pages 281 - 282
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/hv.7.2.13968
Abstract | PDF

The Lancet has indeed taken an unprecedented action by retracting a research paper published by Dr. Wakefield citing misconduct and ethical fraud [1]. The paper published in 1998 indicated possible linkage between MMR vaccine and autism [2]. With this, The Lancet has done great service to the cause of public health, especially to developing world where the immunization is the only credible health insurance that could be offered to their citizens. With developing countries already struggling to provide measles vaccine coverage beyond 50% to children, the majority of whom are undernourished caught in the unending vicious cycle of infection, malnutrition and early child mortality.