The Pediatric infectious disease journal
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Oct 2008
Vaccines against pandemic influenza: what can be done before the next pandemic?
We currently do not know which specific influenza subtype or isolate will cause the next influenza pandemic. However, 4 influenza virus hemagglutinin subtypes (H2, H5, H7, and H9) are considered the most likely candidates. Avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype have received the most attention to this point, as their ability to spread within the human population remains the only barrier to emergence of a pandemic strain. ⋯ The use of adjuvants to improve presentation of antigen and stimulate the immune system offers promise for enhanced immunity. Currently approved adjuvants, MF59 and Alum, can be readily incorporated into pandemic vaccines, while novel adjuvants are moving toward approval, but may still be years away from routine use. Thus, a prepandemic vaccine strategy that involves the stockpiling of both potential antigens and proven adjuvants may represent the best approach to deal with this looming threat.
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Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was first identified in 2001 in Dutch children with bronchiolitis. The virus is an RNA virus in the Pneumovirinae subfamily and is most closely related to respiratory syncytial virus. hMPV has been shown to have worldwide circulation with nearly universal infection by age 5. Similar to influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, activity is greatest during the winter in temperate climates. ⋯ In addition, 6-12% of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been associated with hMPV and underlying lung disease is common in patients hospitalized with hMPV. Lastly, hMPV has been linked with severe idiopathic pneumonia in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants. Although the true spectrum of adult hMPV remains to be defined, it is clear that hMPV can result in severe illness the frail elderly and adults with underlying diseases.
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Antivirals are effective in prophylaxis and therapy for influenza and are likely to be active against a new pandemic variant. They can be divided into the M2 inhibitors, adamantane and rimantadine, and the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), zanamivir and oseltamivir. The former are limited in activity to type A viruses, whereas the latter are also active against type B viruses. ⋯ Resistance does emerge, but not at the same frequency as with the M2 inhibitors. Resistant viruses also appear less fit and thus less able to spread. However, as use increases, resistance needs to be carefully monitored.
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Oct 2008
Benefits of early hepatitis B immunization programs for newborns and infants.
Despite the availability of safe and effective hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines for >20 years, strategies targeting risk groups failed to sufficiently control hepatitis B disease at the population level; this is mainly because of difficulties in risk identification and in program implementation. Hence, the global burden of disease of HBV still is substantial. The World Health Organization recommends universal vaccination against hepatitis B to ultimately eliminate HBV; this recommendation had been progressively implemented to reach 168 countries with a universal program by the end of 2006. ⋯ The benefits of universal HBV vaccination for newborns and infants are: higher impact on chronic carrier rate and transmission; established potential of high vaccine coverage in this age group; opportunities to combine HBV vaccination with existing universal vaccination programs for newborns and infants; and impact on perinatal transmission, if vaccination is started shortly after birth. Moreover, the safety, immunogenicity, and long-term efficacy of newborn and infant HBV vaccination have been proven extensively. In summary, newborn and infant HBV vaccination programs should be considered the preferred strategy, capable of providing important and sustained impact on global HBV incidence, even if they have a delayed impact on sexual transmission of HBV.
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Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. · Oct 2008
The role of respiratory viral infections among children hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia in a developing country.
We report an investigation for 16 bacteria and viruses among 184 children hospitalized with pneumonia in Salvador, Brazil. Etiology was established in 144 (78%) cases. ⋯ Rhinovirus (21%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (21%) were the most common pathogens. Our results demonstrate the importance of viral and pneumococcal infections among those patients.