Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benjamin Lee, Md Abdul Kader, E. Ross Colgate, Marya Carmolli, Dorothy M. Dickson, Sean A. Diehl, Masud Alam, Sajia Afreen, Josyf C. Mychaleckyj, Uma Nayak, William A. Petri, Rashidul Haque, Beth D. Kirkpatrick
Summary: Oral vaccines as challenge agents in controlled human infection models can be used to explore immune responses to rotavirus, with fecal virus shedding post-dose as a marker of mucosal immunity. Further development of controlled human infection models for rotaviruses in prospective studies can be a promising tool to assess vaccine efficacy and immune correlates of protection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Tintu Varghese, Gagandeep Kang, Andrew Duncan Steele
Summary: Rotavirus is a major cause of child mortality, especially in low-income countries with limited healthcare access. The efficacy of rotavirus vaccines is lower in low-income settings compared to high-income populations. Despite lower efficacy, rotavirus vaccines significantly reduce diarrheal disease and mortality, and are cost-effective in countries with a high burden. Evaluating the effectiveness and cost-benefit of rotavirus vaccines is crucial for introducing new vaccines or switching vaccine products in resource-limited countries.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dung Thi Thuy Truong, Ji-Man Kang, Ngoc Thi Hong Tran, Lan Trong Phan, Hung Thanh Nguyen, Thang Vinh Ho, Thao Thi Thanh Nguyen, Phuc Le Hoang, Trang Mai Thuy Pham, Thuy Dieu Nguyen, Thang Anh Hoang, Quang Chan Luong, Quang Duy Pham, Jong Gyun Ahn, Sangchul Yoon, Thuong Vu Nguyen, Joon-Sup Yeom
Summary: This study investigated the genotype distribution of Rotavirus (RV) and vaccine effectiveness (VE) in children hospitalized with gastroenteritis in Vietnam before the introduction of the RV vaccine. The study found that RV positivity decreased over time and was associated with various factors. The most prevalent RV genotype was G3P[8], and the overall VE was 69.7% in fully vaccinated children.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Avnika B. Amin, Timothy L. Lash, Jacqueline E. Tate, Lance A. Waller, Mary E. Wikswo, Umesh D. Parashar, Laura S. Stewart, James D. Chappell, Natasha B. Halasa, John Williams, Marian G. Michaels, Robert W. Hickey, Eileen J. Klein, Janet A. Englund, Geoffrey A. Weinberg, Peter G. Szilagyi, Mary Allen Staat, Monica M. McNeal, Julie A. Boom, Leila C. Sahni, Rangaraj Selvarangan, Christopher J. Harrison, Mary E. Moffatt, Jennifer E. Schuster, Barbara A. Pahud, Gina M. Weddle, Parvin H. Azimi, Samantha H. Johnston, Daniel C. Payne, Michael D. Bowen, Benjamin A. Lopman
Summary: This study analyzed six years of data from eight surveillance sites in the United States and found that estimates of annual rotavirus vaccine effectiveness fluctuated over time, especially when cases were defined by on-site enzyme immunoassay alone. The use of confirmatory testing to define cases reduced fluctuations, but did not eliminate them. Controlling for time-varying rotavirus activity and bias-adjusting for diagnostic misclassification are both critical for estimating the most valid annual rotavirus vaccine effectiveness.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mitsue Ito, Masamune Higashigawa
Summary: The study in Japan demonstrated the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine in reducing hospitalization rates among children with acute gastroenteritis. Despite low vaccination rates in the first two years, a significant decrease in hospitalization rates was observed in the third year post-vaccine introduction. Different types of vaccine effectiveness (VE), including direct, indirect, total, and overall VE, were estimated, with high values indicating a herd immunity effect of the rotavirus vaccine.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Pathology
Asmaa El-Heneidy, Catherine Cheung, Stephen B. Lambert, Claire Y. T. Wang, David M. Whiley, Peter D. Sly, Robert S. Ware, Keith Grimwood
Summary: This study found no association between HBGA phenotype and RV5 vaccine virus shedding in Australian infants.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Umid Eraliev, Renat Latipov, Dilorom Tursunova, Annemarie Wasley, Danni Daniels, Umed Ismoilov, Manzura Akramova, Mehri Sultanova, Dilbar Yuldashova, Bahodir Barakaev, Vazira Mutalova, Laziz Tuychiev, Erkin Musabaev, Said Sharapov, Boris Pleshkov, Dovile Videbaek, Shahin Huseynov, Kamola Safaeva, Slavica Mijatovic-Rustempasic, Michael D. Bowen, Umesh D. Parashar, Margaret M. Cortese
Summary: Uzbekistan was the first country in central Asia to introduce rotavirus vaccine into its national immunization program. By comparing pre- and post-vaccine data, it was found that the vaccine effectively reduced the likelihood of hospitalization for rotavirus disease in children aged<5.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Anvar Nazurdinov, Zafarjon Azizov, Manija Mullojonova, Umeda Sadykova, Liudmila Mosina, Simarjit Singh, Sudoba Suleymonova, Farida Tishkova, Dovile Videbaek, Margaret M. Cortese, Danni S. Daniels, Rachel M. Burke
Summary: The study assessed the impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction on the disease burden among children in Tajikistan. It found that the introduction of rotavirus vaccine significantly reduced the hospitalization rate and rotavirus positivity among children. The study also estimated the vaccine effectiveness in Tajik children.
Article
Virology
Tamika Fellows, Nicola Page, Alan Fix, Jorge Flores, Stanley Cryz, Monica Mcneal, Miren Iturriza-Gomara, Michelle J. Groome
Summary: The shedding of rotavirus following an oral rotavirus vaccine challenge has been investigated as a potential model to assess the effectiveness of parenteral rotavirus vaccines. Previous studies have shown that the shedding of a challenge dose was reduced among recipients of a parenteral vaccine compared to placebo recipients. However, no association was found between serum RV-specific immune responses and fecal shedding of rotavirus post-challenge. Infants shedding rotavirus after receiving three doses of the parenteral vaccine demonstrated higher immune responses compared to non-shedders, indicating that RV shedding can reflect vaccine response following oral vaccination. Further evaluation is needed to determine the usefulness of fecal shedding as a measure of field efficacy in rotavirus vaccine trials.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Shevanthi Nayagam, Margaret J. de Villiers, Yusuke Shimakawa, Maud Lemoine, Mark R. Thursz, Nick Walsh, Timothy B. Hallett
Summary: In 2020, WHO recommended adding peripartum antiviral prophylaxis to hepatitis B vaccination to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV. This study evaluated the impact and cost-effectiveness of this recommendation and a simplified strategy of providing antiviral prophylaxis to all HBsAg-positive pregnant women. The findings suggest that the addition of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis could be cost-effective in many countries, especially if diagnostic costs are reduced.
LANCET GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Assucenio Chissaque, Rachel M. Burke, Esperanca L. Guimaraes, Filomena Manjate, Arsenio Nhacolo, Jorfelia Chilaule, Benilde Munlela, Percina Chirinda, Jeronimo S. Langa, Idalecia Cossa-Moiane, Elda Anapakala, Adilson Fernando Loforte Bauhofer, Marcelino Garrine, Eva D. Joao, Julia Sambo, Luzia Goncalves, Goitom Weldegebriel, Keith Shaba, Isah Mohammed Bello, Jason M. Mwenda, Umesh D. Parashar, Jacqueline E. Tate, Inacio Mandomando, Nilsa de Deus
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of Rotarix (R) vaccine in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis in Mozambique. The results showed that the vaccine was moderately effective with a VE of 52.0% in children aged 6-11 months and -24.0% in children aged 12-23 months. The VE was lower in stunted children.
Article
Immunology
Rachel M. Burke, Shuman Shih, Chao Agnes Hsiung, Catherine Yen, Baoming Jiang, Umesh D. Parashar, Jacqueline E. Tate, Fang-Tzy Wu, Yhu-Chering Huang
Summary: Although Taiwan did not include rotavirus vaccines in the national immunization schedule, the study found that the vaccines still significantly reduced pediatric hospitalization rates associated with rotavirus.
Review
Immunology
Jordan E. Cates, Avnika B. Amin, Jacqueline E. Tate, Ben Lopman, Umesh Parashar
Summary: The study revealed that in high-income countries, RV1 had 10% lower effectiveness against partially and fully heterotypic strains compared to homotypic strains. In middle-income countries, this difference was 14-16%, and RV5 showed less pronounced differences, primarily in high-income countries. Ongoing surveillance is crucial, especially in low-income settings with limited data.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Louisa Pollock, Aisleen Bennett, Khuzwayo C. Jere, Jonathan Mandolo, Queen Dube, Naor Bar-Zeev, Robert S. Heyderman, Nigel A. Cunliffe, Miren Iturriza-Gomara
Summary: Low plasma RV-specific IgA is strongly associated with rotavirus vaccine failure in Malawian infants. This study provides further evidence that RV-specific IgA is a marker of protection, although the question of reduced rotavirus vaccine efficacy in low-income countries remains unclear.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Rachel M. Burke, Jacqueline E. Tate, Umesh D. Parashar
Summary: Rotavirus vaccines have been widely introduced in 106 countries globally, demonstrating effectiveness against severe disease and mortality with a favorable benefit-risk profile. Ongoing research aims to understand geographic disparities in vaccine effectiveness to optimize strategies worldwide.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Chimwemwe Mhango, Jonathan J. Mandolo, End Chinyama, Richard Wachepa, Oscar Kanjerwa, Chikondi Malamba-Banda, Prisca B. Matambo, Kayla G. Barnes, Chrispin Chaguza, Isaac T. Shawa, Martin M. Nyaga, Daniel Hungerford, Umesh D. Parashar, Virginia E. Pitzer, Arox W. Kamng'ona, Miren Iturriza-Gomara, Nigel A. Cunliffe, Khuzwayo C. Jere
Summary: The diversity of G and P genotypes did not change significantly after the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in Malawi, but there was an increase in P genotype diversity in children older than 12 months. G3 rotaviruses reemerged and became the predominant genotype from 2017 onwards, replacing G1P[8] and G2P[4].
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
George E. Stenhouse, Khuzwayo C. Jere, Chikondi Peno, Rebecca J. Bengtsson, End Chinyama, Jonathan Mandolo, Amy Cain, Miren Iturriza-Gomara, Naor Bar-Zeev, Nigel A. Cunliffe, Jennifer Cornick, Kate S. Baker
Summary: The study identified fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella strains with the acquirable resistance determinant qnrS1 in multiple isolates from Malawi, highlighting the global concern of antimicrobial resistance and limited treatment options.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Louisa Pollock, Aisleen Bennett, Khuzwayo C. Jere, Jonathan Mandolo, Queen Dube, Naor Bar-Zeev, Robert S. Heyderman, Nigel A. Cunliffe, Miren Iturriza-Gomara
Summary: Low plasma RV-specific IgA is strongly associated with rotavirus vaccine failure in Malawian infants. This study provides further evidence that RV-specific IgA is a marker of protection, although the question of reduced rotavirus vaccine efficacy in low-income countries remains unclear.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Bianca F. Middleton, Margie Danchin, Mark A. Jones, Amanda J. Leach, Nigel Cunliffe, Carl D. Kirkwood, Jonathan Carapetis, Sarah Gallagher, Lea-Ann Kirkham, Caitlyn Granland, Monica McNeal, Julie A. Marsh, Claire S. Waddington, Thomas L. Snelling
Summary: The study evaluated the immune response of Australian Aboriginal children after an additional dose of Rotarix vaccine. The results showed that the additional dose increased the proportion of vaccine immune response.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Desiree Witte, Amanda Handley, Khuzwayo C. Jere, Nada Bogandovic-Sakran, Ashley Mpakiza, Ann Turner, Daniel Pavlic, Karen Boniface, Jonathan Mandolo, Darren Suryawijaya Ong, Rhian Bonnici, Frances Justice, Naor Bar-Zeev, Miren Iturriza-Gomara, Jim Ackland, Celeste M. Donato, Daniel Cowley, Graeme Barnes, Nigel A. Cunliffe, Julie E. Bines
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of the RV3-BB rotavirus vaccine in neonatal and infant schedules in Malawi. The vaccine was found to be safe and immunogenic when administered in both schedules, with the mid-titre vaccine showing similar effectiveness to the high-titre vaccine.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pui-Ying Iroh Tam, James Chirombo, Marc Henrion, Laura Newberry, Ivan Mambule, Dean Everett, Charles Mwansambo, Nigel Cunliffe, Neil French, Robert S. Heyderman, Naor Bar-Zeev
Summary: The study assessed characteristics of clinical pneumonia in children hospitalized in a government hospital in Malawi after the introduction of PCV, finding that HIV exposure status had an impact on clinical features, but did not affect the frequency of danger signs or mortality.
Article
Immunology
Prisca Benedicto-Matambo, Julie E. Bines, Chikondi Malamba-Banda, Isaac T. Shawa, Kayla Barnes, Arox W. Kamng'ona, Daniel Hungerford, Kondwani C. Jambo, Miren Iturriza-Gomara, Nigel A. Cunliffe, Katie L. Flanagan, Khuzwayo C. Jere
Summary: Live-attenuated vaccines have been shown to reduce deaths and hospitalizations associated with diarrhea in children and may provide protection against other infections as well. The off-target effects of vaccination are thought to be mediated by modified innate and adaptive immunity. However, it remains unclear whether rotavirus vaccines can also reduce non targeted gastrointestinal infections.
Review
Immunology
Frederick N. Were, Khuzwayo C. Jere, George E. Armah, M. Jeffrey Mphahlele, Jason M. Mwenda, A. Duncan Steele
Summary: The 13th African Rotavirus Symposium was a significant virtual event that aimed to advance rotavirus research and prevention in Africa. The symposium covered various topics related to rotavirus, including burden of disease, genomic characterization, and clinical evaluation of new rotavirus vaccines in Africa. Despite the introduction of rotavirus vaccination in 42 African countries, the high burden of rotavirus mortality in Africa highlights the need for further efforts.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Diego F. Wyszynski, Mondira Bhattacharya, Oscar Martinez-Perez, Anthony R. Scialli, Melissa Tassinari, Naor Bar-Zeev, Cheryl Renz, Sonia Hernandez-Diaz
Summary: This study aims to compare the relative risks of obstetric, neonatal, and infant outcomes between pregnant individuals who received COVID-19 vaccines and those who did not. By collecting data through an international non-interventional cohort study, the study will determine the safety profiles of the vaccines and generate hypotheses for future research. The results will provide information for pregnant individuals and healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
Article
Immunology
Jonathan Mandolo, Edward P. K. Parker, Christina Bronowski, Kulandaipalayam Natarajan C. Sindhu, Alistair C. Darby, Nigel A. Cunliffe, Gagandeep Kang, Miren Iturriza-Gomara, Arox W. Kamng'ona, Khuzwayo C. Jere, RoVI Study Grp
Summary: Breastmilk microbiota composition does not appear to play a significant role in the response to oral rotavirus vaccines in infants from India, Malawi, and the UK.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
James T. Nyirenda, Marc Y. R. Henrion, Vita Nyasulu, Mike Msakwiza, Wilfred Nedi, Herbert Thole, Jacob Phulusa, Neema Toto, Khuzwayo C. Jere, Alex Winter, Leigh A. Sawyer, Thomas Conrad, Donnie Hebert, Crystal Chen, Wesley C. Van Voorhis, Eric R. Houpt, Pui-Ying Iroh Tam, Darwin J. Operario
Summary: This study re-evaluates the trial outcomes and conclusions regarding the efficacy of clofazimine in treating cryptosporidiosis in HIV patients, using ELISA and quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect Cryptosporidium. The results show that ELISA has lower sensitivity but equal or greater specificity compared to qPCR. In addition, previously unidentified Cryptosporidium species were discovered in Malawi and Southern Africa, and enterotoxigenic E. coli was also identified as a cause of diarrhea in some participants.
Article
Microbiology
Khuzwayo C. Jere, Innocent Chibwe, David Chaima, Watipaso Kasambala, Chimwemwe Mhango, Joseph Bitilinyu-Bangoh, Bernard Mvula, Wakisa Kipandula, Arox W. Kamng'ona, A. Duncan Steele, Annie Chauma-Mwale, Daniel Hungerford, Matthew Kagoli, Martin M. Nyaga, Queen Dube, Neil French, Nigel A. Cunliffe, Chisomo L. Msefula, Chrispin Chaguza
Summary: This article reports the draft genomes of five A. caviae strains isolated from suspected cholera cases during the 2022-2023 cholera outbreak in Malawi, highlighting the increasing recognition of A. caviae as an etiological agent of acute gastroenteritis.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mohammad Tahir Yousafzai, Sultan Karim, Sonia Qureshi, Momin Kazi, Hina Memon, Amber Junejo, Zohra Khawaja, Najeeb Ur Rehman, Muhammad Sajid Ansari, Rafey Ali, Ikram Uddin Ujjan, Heera Mani Lohana, Naveed M. Memon, Mudassar Hussain, Roohi Nigar, Naor Bar-Zeev, Farah Naz Qamar
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness and impact of the typhoid conjugate vaccine Typbar-TCV against extensively drug-resistant (XDR) S Typhi among children in Pakistan. The results showed that Typbar-TCV was 55% effective against suspected S Typhi, 95% effective against culture-confirmed S Typhi, and 97% effective against XDR S Typhi. The vaccine was able to protect children against S Typhi infection in an outbreak setting and curtailed a major XDR S Typhi outbreak in a densely populated area.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2021)
