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Latest Relevant PublicationsLatest published papers and commentaries from the chief editors – 004

Latest published papers and commentaries from the chief editors – 004

“Characteristics of children with invasive pneumococcal disease eligible for the 1+1 compared with the 2+1 PCV13 infant immunisation schedule in England: a prospective national observational surveillance study”

Published: Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. September 24/2024; https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(24)00193-7

Editorial comment: Three years ago, the United Kingdom introduced a 1+1 schedule for vaccinating children with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). This study demonstrates that with robust surveillance and high vaccination coverage, there has been no significant increase in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease. However, continued—and potentially enhanced—surveillance remains necessary.


“Evaluation of a Quadrivalent Shigella flexneri Serotype 2a, 3a, 6, and Shigella sonnei O-Specific Polysaccharide and IpaB MAPS Vaccine”

Published: Vaccines. September 20/2024; 12(10): 1091. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101091

Editorial comment: A Shigella vaccine is crucial, especially in regions with limited access to clean drinking water. This animal study shows promising results for a quadrivalent Shigella vaccine utilizing Multiple Antigen-Presenting System (MAPS) technology. However, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy.


“Wastewater Surveillance for Influenza A Virus and H5 Subtype Concurrent with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Outbreak in Cattle and Poultry and Associated Human Cases — United States, May 12–July 13, 2024”

Published: Weekly / September 19, 2024 / 73(37);804–809 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7337a1

Editorial Comment: Wastewater surveillance can detect influenza A virus and the H5 subtype, although current testing does not distinguish between human and animal sources.

During May 12–July 13, 2024, high influenza A virus levels were detected in wastewater in four states, including three states with seasonal human influenza virus activity noted during this time. The H5 subtype was detected in wastewater in nine states; follow-up investigations in many of these states revealed likely animal-related sources, including those related to milk processing.

Early work to interpret influenza A virus and H5 subtype detections in wastewater can help with public health preparedness and response for the upcoming respiratory illness season.


“Humanly Possible”: Geographies, Metrics and Methods to Address Immunization Inequalities”

Published: Vaccines. September 18/2024; 12(9): 1062. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12091062

Editorial comment: The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has recognized the EPI’s remarkable success, highlighting what is ‘humanly possible.’ This Special Issue explores various contexts where inequalities in immunization arise and how they are being addressed.

The contributions provide compelling evidence that transformation is ‘humanly possible’ in two keyways. First, they reveal that immunization inequalities stem from structural factors such as maternal education, gender inequality, societal norms, and global financing. While these factors contribute to inequities, they are also changeable, underscoring both the possibility and responsibility for human intervention to mitigate them. Second, methodological advancements—such as improved measurement of ‘zero dose’ (ZD), standardization of indicators, and the integration of diverse data sources and analytical approaches—demonstrate our ability to refine analyses, identify gaps, and advance toward greater equity.


“Chikungunya Virus Vaccines: A Review of IXCHIQ and PXVX0317 from Pre-Clinical Evaluation to Licensure”

Published: BioDrugs . 2024 Sep 18th DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40259-024-00677-y

Editorial Comment: The European Medicine Agency is considering accelerated assessment review of PXVX0317, with potential for approval by both agencies in 2025. In this review, authors summarize published data from pre-clinical and clinical trials for the IXCHIQ and PXVX0317 vaccines.


“The greatest Dengue epidemic in Brazil: Surveillance, Prevention, and Control”

Published: lRev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop. 57 • 2024 • https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0113-2024  

Editorial Comment: Increasing tetravalent vaccination coverage and the implementation of a novel Aedes aegypti infection control technologies could reduce the number of dengue cases in Brazil in the coming years. Community engagement through activities such as home cleaning and elimination of potential mosquito breeding sites, facilitated by social media and health education initiatives, must continue to achieve this reduction. Ultimately, a multisectoral approach encompassing sanitary improvements, mosquito control, vaccination, and community mobilization is crucial in the fight against dengue epidemics.


“AAP Recommendations for the Prevention of RSV Disease in Infants and Children”

Published: Last Updated 09/03/2024 Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention (aap.org)

Editorial Comment: Please read the recently released AAP RSV recommendations for prevention of this terrible disease causing a high morbidity and mortality in infants worldwide.


“mRNA-based HIV-1 vaccines”

Published: Virology;17 July 2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.00041-24

Editorial Comment: Recently, attempts to address some of these challenges have led to multiple studies that manufactured, optimized, and tested, in different animal models, mRNA-based HIV-1 vaccines. Several clinical trials have also been initiated or are planned to start soon. Here, we have a nice  review of the current strategies applied to HIV-1 mRNA vaccines, discussion about different targeting approaches, and a summary of the latest findings, offering insights into the challenges and future of HIV-1 mRNA vaccines.


“T-Cell Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination”

Published: Vaccines 2024; 12 (10): 1126. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101126

Editorial comment: The authors described the main features of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, including cross-reactive T cells, generated in patients with different degrees of COVID-19 severity, and of Spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells induced by vaccines. Finally, they discussed T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 variants and hybrid immunity and concluded by highlighting possible strategies to improve the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination.


“Report from the World Health Organization’s immunization and vaccines-related implementation research advisory committee (IVIR-AC) ad hoc meeting, 28 June – 1 July 2024”

Published: Vaccine 42(26): 126307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126307

Editorial comment: The World Health Organization’s Immunization and Vaccines-related Implementation Research Advisory Committee (IVIR-AC) provides independent reviews and evaluations of vaccine-related research to optimize the impact of vaccination programs. From June 28 to July 1, 2024, IVIR-AC convened for an ad hoc meeting to discuss new evidence regarding criteria for rubella vaccine introduction and the risk of congenital rubella syndrome. This report summarizes the background on rubella virus transmission and the burden of congenital rubella syndrome, along with the meeting structure, presentations, discussions, and recommendations.


“National recommendations for adult pneumococcal vaccination in countries of the WHO regions of Americas, Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, South East Asia, and Western Pacific”

Published: Vaccine 2024; 42(26): 126390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126390

Editorial comment: In this study the authors gathered national guidelines for adult pneumococcal immunization from 161 countries across the World Health Organization (WHO) regions, including the Americas (excluding Canada and the United States), Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific. Data were sourced from official country websites and documents, the WHO portal, as well as through direct contact with public health officials, relevant governmental sources, and local vaccination experts.


“Recent advances in the influenza virus vaccine landscape: a comprehensive overview of technologies and trials”

Published: Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; Oct 3:30002524. https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.00025-24

Editorial comment: This review aimed to summarize advances in the influenza virus vaccine landscape by describing all the different technologies that are currently in use in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.


“Tracking the spread of avian influenza A(H5N1) with alternative surveillance methods: the example of wastewater data”

Published: Lancet 2024; 24(10): E604-5.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00498-5

Editorial comment: In this correspondence the authors demonstrate the potential of wastewater monitoring as a complementary tool in avian influenza surveillance. Integrating this information with other sources of epidemiological data could substantially improve our ability to detect emerging avian influenza threats early and respond effectively.


“Early onset of protection of the TAK-003 dengue vaccine: Data from the DEN-301 clinical trial”

Published: Vaccine 2024; 42(26): 126309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126309

Editorial comment: Data from this phase 3 study shows that a single dose of TAK-003 provides 82.1% efficacy 14 days after administration, with protection lasting at least 3 months, making it a suitable option for travelers.


“Anticipated Effects of Higher-valency Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines on Colonization and Acute Otitis Media”

Published: Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024; 43(10): 1004-10. https://doi.org/10.1097/INF.0000000000004413.

Editorial comment: From September 2021 to September 2023 in Rochester, New York, 825 nasopharyngeal (NP) and middle ear fluid (MEF) samples were collected from 301 children aged 6 to 36 months. Most Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in young children were non-PCV15 and non-PCV20 serotypes, with serotype 35B being particularly prevalent. As a result, the impact of higher-valency PCVs in reducing pneumococcal colonization or acute otitis media (AOM) is expected to be limited.


“Mosquito-borne diseases are surging in Europe — how worried are scientists?”

Published: Nature 2024; 633: 749. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-03031-y

Editorial comment: A must-read paper that explores how diseases like West Nile virus and dengue are becoming more prevalent as the insects that transmit them migrate north. It discusses the potential consequences of this trend and the actions that may need to be taken in response.


“The Recent Research Progress of the Tumor mRNA Vaccine”

Published: Vaccines 2024; 12(10): 1167. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101167

Editorial comment: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the defining characteristics of mRNA vaccines and recent research advancements in the rapidly evolving field of tumor (cancer) immunotherapy.


“5-year vaccine protection following a single dose of Vi-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine in Bangladeshi children (TyVOID): a cluster randomised trial”

Published: Lancet 2024; 404(10461): 1419-29.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01494-6

Editorial comment: This extended follow-up study of a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Bangladesh evaluated the protection provided by a single dose of the Typhoid-Fever Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) in children aged 9 months to 15 years, over a period of 3–5 years post-vaccination. The study found a decline in vaccine effectiveness during this period, with an estimated effectiveness of 50% (95% CI: –13 to 78) at 3–5 years. Additionally, the authors noted that vaccine effectiveness waned more significantly in children vaccinated under the age of 2, dropping from 85% to 24%.


“Pooled safety evaluation for a new single-shot live-attenuated chikungunya vaccine”

Published:  J Travel Med 2024; taae133: https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taae133

Editorial comment: In this phase 3 clinical trial, the live-attenuated Chikungunya vaccine VLA1553 demonstrated excellent local tolerability and a strong overall safety profile in both adults aged 18-64 and those over 65, consistent with expectations for a live-attenuated vaccine.

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