Article
Immunology
Vivian K. Y. Leung, Annette Fox, Louise A. Carolan, Malet Aban, Karen L. Laurie, Julian Druce, Yi-Mo Deng, Monica A. Slavin, Caroline Marshall, Sheena G. Sullivan
Summary: This study examined antibody responses to influenza vaccination among healthcare workers by prior vaccination history and found that vaccination history can impact immunogenicity. Vaccine-naïve healthcare workers showed stronger responses against A(H3N2).
Article
Immunology
Geoffrey J. Gorse, Stephen Grimes, Helen Buck, Hussain Mulla, Peter White, Heather Hill, Jeanine May, Sharon E. Frey, Peter Blackburn
Summary: The clinical trial of MAS-1 adjuvant showed promising results in enhancing immunogenicity, providing higher protective immunity, and maintaining vaccine efficacy for at least 6 months post-vaccination without safety concerns. This suggests that MAS-1 may offer enhanced, more durable, and broader protective immunity compared to non-adjuvanted vaccines.
Article
Immunology
Geoffrey J. Gorse, Stephen Grimes, Helen Buck, Hussain Mulla, Peter White, Heather Hill, Jeanine May, Sharon E. Frey, Peter Blackburn
Summary: The study showed that MAS-1 adjuvant can enhance immunogenicity while reducing hemagglutinin dose in influenza vaccines. The 0.3 mL dose was found to be safe, but the 0.5 mL dose caused late injection site reactions.
Article
Virology
Greg A. Kirchenbaum, Giuseppe A. Sautto, Robert A. Richardson, Jeffrey W. Ecker, Ted M. Ross
Summary: Influenza is highly contagious, affecting millions of people annually. Seasonal vaccination is the best prevention method, but its efficacy is limited. The competitive HAI assay is a new tool to analyze the antibody activity induced by influenza vaccination.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Su Lan Yang, Adiratna Mat Ripen, Chin Tho Leong, Jen Ven Lee, Chia How Yen, Avinash Kumar Chand, Karina Koh, Nur Aisyah Binti Abdul Rahim, Varaalakshmy Gokilavanan, Nik Nur Eliza binti Mohamed, Raj Kumar A. L. Sevalingam, Nadirah Sulaiman, Ahmad Kamil bin Ab Razak, Nurul Haslinda binti Mohd Nor, Mei Kuan Pong, Ket Yan Tai, Valerie Toh, Yuan Liang Woon, Kalaiarasu M. Peariasamy
Summary: Breakthrough infections and declining antibody titers are important factors to consider in the evaluation of vaccination policies for healthcare staff. A prospective cohort study found a significant increase in breakthrough infections among healthcare workers 10-24 weeks after receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine, coinciding with a decrease in antibody titers. Individuals with breakthrough infections had higher antibody titers post-infection compared to those without infection, particularly in symptomatic cases. The study supports the administration of booster vaccinations for healthcare staff.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Shuyi Zhong, Hejiang Wei, Mao Li, Yanhui Cheng, Simin Wen, Dayan Wang, Yuelong Shu
Summary: This study found an association between HLA single nucleotide polymorphisms and antibody response to influenza vaccine, which can help in understanding the varied responsiveness to the vaccine in different populations.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Hang Xie, Ruoxuan Xiang, Hamilton J. Wan, Ewan P. Plant, Peter Radvak, Martina Kosikova, Xing Li, Olga Zoueva, Zhiping Ye, Xiu-Feng Wan
Summary: The study found that postvaccination antibodies induced by the B/Vic vaccine component of the 2019/20 influenza season had reduced HAI cross-reactivity toward predominant 3DEL viruses in the United States. Specifically, antibodies against the 136E+150K subgroup showed significantly lower titers compared to those against the 136E+150N viruses. Close monitoring of the 3DEL 136E+150K subgroup is recommended should it return and predominate the 2020/21 influenza season.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Meng-Hsuan Sung, Ye Shen, Andreas Handel, Justin Bahl, Ted M. Ross
Summary: The study revealed distinct vaccine-elicited immune responses between adults and teenagers when vaccinated repeatedly in consecutive years. A mixture pattern of changes in both directions was observed in adults when stratified by prior vaccinations. Additionally, an interactive effect of age and BMI on the HAI composite scores was identified in the overall population and adults.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nijalingappa K. Kalappanavar, Apurba Ghosh, Monika Sharma, Latha Ravichandran, Nirmal Choraria, P. Saravanan, Madhukar Pandey, N. Pradeep, Prachee Shah, Sneha Nair, Ashfaque Shaikh, Serge van de Witte
Summary: This study evaluated the immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of a quadrivalent influenza vaccine in Indian children and adolescents. The results showed that the vaccine had a positive benefit/risk profile in this population.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Weijia Xiong, Tim K. Tsang, Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera, Nancy H. L. Leung, Vicky J. Fang, Ian G. Barr, J. S. Malik Peiris, Benjamin J. Cowling
Summary: We explored the biphasic pattern of antibody titers waning after influenza vaccination in children. Using blood samples, we found evidence for a faster waning in the first 1-2 years, followed by a slower decline in the longer term. Children with higher postvaccination titers showed faster antibody decay.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Takahiro Kageyama, Kei Ikeda, Shigeru Tanaka, Toshibumi Taniguchi, Hidetoshi Igari, Yoshihiro Onouchi, Atsushi Kaneda, Kazuyuki Matsushita, Hideki Hanaoka, Taka-Aki Nakada, Seiji Ohtori, Ichiro Yoshino, Hisahiro Matsubara, Toshinori Nakayama, Koutaro Yokote, Hiroshi Nakajima
Summary: The study aimed to determine antibody responses in healthcare workers following the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and identified factors that predict the response. Results showed that healthcare workers have good antibody responses to the vaccine, with factors like immunosuppressive medication, age, and time from vaccination affecting antibody titers.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Meng-Hsuan Sung, W. Zane Billings, Michael A. Carlock, Hannah B. Hanley, Justin Bahl, Andreas Handel, Ted M. Ross, Ye Shen
Summary: The long-term effects of host factors on vaccine-induced immune responses and their interactions with annual influenza vaccinations have been explored in a cohort study of 386 individuals who received standard-dose influenza vaccine for at least 2 seasons from 2016 to 2020. The study revealed disparate immune responses between males and females in adults who were repeatedly vaccinated, as well as interactive effects between age and BMI, and between sex at birth and BMI in adults.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jieshi Yu, Chithra Sreenivasan, Zhizhang Sheng, Shao-Lun Zhai, Jared W. Wollman, Sisi Luo, Chen Huang, Rongyuan Gao, Zhao Wang, Radhey S. Kaushik, Jane Christopher-Hennings, Eric Nelson, Ben M. Hause, Feng Li, Dan Wang
Summary: This study developed a swine influenza vaccine based on consensus H3, which can generate a broad antibody response against different circulating subtypes. Pigs vaccinated with this vaccine were fully protected against H3N2 viruses and further study of the consensus H3 vaccine platform is warranted for broad protection against diverse swine influenza viruses.
Article
Immunology
Sheetal Sawant, Sarah Anne Gurley, R. Glenn Overman, Angelina Sharak, Sarah V. Mudrak, Thomas Oguin, Gregory D. Sempowski, Marcella Sarzotti-Kelsoe, Emmanuel B. Walter, Hang Xie, Marcela F. Pasetti, M. Anthony Moody, Georgia D. Tomaras
Summary: This study presents a validated hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay for accurate measurement of H3N2 influenza antibody titers. The assay demonstrated high precision, specificity, and sensitivity, making it suitable for evaluating vaccine-induced protection. This research is of great importance for influenza vaccine development.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Liyan Wang, Fan Yang, Yixin Xiao, Bin Chen, Fumin Liu, Linfang Cheng, Hangping Yao, Nanping Wu, Haibo Wu
Summary: This study obtained three monoclonal antibodies against influenza virus from mice immunized with the HA protein of A/Michigan/45/2015(H1N1), demonstrating strong preventive and therapeutic effects. Two amino acid mutations were discovered, and one of the antibodies still showed protective efficacy after 24 hours of infection.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Heidi Peck, Nithila Anbumurali, Kimberley McMahon, Kevin Freeman, Ammar Aziz, Leah Gillespie, Bingyi Yang, Jean Moselen, Yi Mo Deng, Benjamin J. Cowling, Ian G. Barr, Kanta Subbarao, Sheena G. Sullivan
Summary: Despite low circulation of influenza, 42 cases were identified among 15,026 travelers in quarantine in Darwin, Australia, in 2020. Testing during quarantine is an important source of viruses for influenza vaccine strain selection and underscores the potential for influenza epidemics as global travel resumes.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sheena G. Sullivan, Giovanni Radhitio P. Sadewo, Julia M. Brotherton, Claire Kaufman, Jessie J. Goldsmith, Sarah Whiting, Logan Wu, Jose T. Canevari, Dean Lusher
Summary: Restricting visitor access and encouraging staff to work at a single site can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in residential aged-care services. This study found that multi-site work and household contacts were the main factors contributing to the spread of the virus in aged-care facilities. Therefore, limiting staff mobility and reducing transmission through household networks are essential measures to prevent outbreaks.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
B. Turton, S. Sullivan, T. Chher, S. Hak, K. Sokal-Gutierrez, F. Wieringa, A. Singh
Summary: This study examines the relationship between dental caries and malnutrition in children. The results suggest that the development of pulpally involved carious lesions has an effect on wasting outcomes, but not on stunting. This highlights the importance of oral health promotion and preventive measures in low-income settings to promote normal growth and development among preschool children.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Christopher R. Bailie, Jo Kay C. Ghosh, Martyn D. Kirk, Sheena G. Sullivan
Summary: This study used case-crossover methods to estimate the effects of ambient PM2.5 on acute respiratory illnesses in Melbourne. The results showed consistent effects on emergency department presentations and hospital admissions, with the largest impact observed in children.
JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Chin Fen Neoh, Wirawan Jeong, David C. M. Kong, Monica A. Slavin
Summary: In the past two decades, there have been urgent needs for new antifungal agents due to the emergence of resistant fungi, the growing at-risk patient populations for invasive fungal diseases (IFD), and the high morbidity and mortality associated with IFD. This review discusses five promising antifungal agents for IFD (i.e. fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, olorofim, rezafungin, and opelconazole), currently in late-phase clinical studies and likely to be available for clinical use soon. The mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, spectrum of activity, safety, and efficacy data of each agent, including ongoing clinical trials, are described. The potential roles of these novel antifungals in clinical practice and the key considerations for clinical use are also discussed.
EXPERT REVIEW OF ANTI-INFECTIVE THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
A. Khanina, A. P. Douglas, D. K. Yeoh, M. So, J. Abbotsford, T. Spelman, D. C. M. Kong, M. A. Slavin, K. A. Thursky
Summary: The Antifungal National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey (AF-NAPS) tool was assessed for its validity and reliability. The tool was found to be generally accurate, but some incorrect classifications were identified. The aim is to address the reasons for incorrect classification through online tools and educational materials.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Clea Melenotte, Vishukumar Aimanianda, Monica Slavin, Jose Maria Aguado, Darius Armstrong-James, Yee-Chun Chen, Shahid Husain, Christian Van Delden, Faouzi Saliba, Agnes Lefort, Francoise Botterel, Olivier Lortholary
Summary: Invasive aspergillosis is a rare but serious infection in liver transplant recipients, with a high mortality rate. Risk factors before, during, and after transplantation have been identified, and accurate diagnosis requires collaboration between radiology and clinical biology. It is recommended to reduce the dose of tacrolimus and closely monitor blood levels when using certain drugs, and surgery should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Antifungal prophylaxis and environmental measures should be implemented to prevent outbreaks.
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Paul M. Kinsella, Michelle K. Yong, Monica A. Slavin, Victoria G. Hall
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Benjamin W. Teh, Malgorzata Mikulska, Nicolas J. Mueller, Monica A. Slavin
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Michelle K. Yong, Monica A. Slavin, Roy F. Chemaly, Genovefa A. Papanicolaou
Summary: In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the preferred strategy for preventing CMV in at-risk populations in alloHCT. Letermovir prophylaxis is now offered to all CMV seropositive recipients, resulting in significant reductions in CMV infection and other important outcomes. However, there are limitations such as delayed onset CMV infections and increased drug costs.
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sheena G. Sullivan, Arseniy Khvorov, Xiaotong Huang, Can Wang, Kylie E. C. Ainslie, Joshua Nealon, Bingyi Yang, Benjamin J. Cowling, Tim K. Tsang
Summary: Test-negative studies are widely used to estimate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. Selection bias can occur if the probability of participation is related to vaccination or COVID-19. However, using a clinical case definition can mitigate this bias. A systematic review and simulation found that studies using a clinical case definition had lower estimates of vaccine effectiveness compared to those that did not. Additionally, simulations showed a positive bias in vaccine effectiveness estimates when there was a higher proportion of healthy, vaccinated non-cases.
Article
Hematology
Dionysios Neofytos, William J. Steinbach, Kimberly Hanson, Paul A. Carpenter, Genovefa A. Papanicolaou, Monica A. Slavin
Summary: The Practice Guidelines Committee of the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) updated their infectious disease guidelines for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) by publishing concise formats of frequently asked questions, tables, and figures. This sixth guideline focuses on invasive candidiasis (IC) and addresses its epidemiology, clinical diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment, along with special considerations for different types of HCT recipients and future research directions.
TRANSPLANTATION AND CELLULAR THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chin Fen Neoh, Sharon C. A. Chen, David C. M. Kong, Kate Hamilton, Quoc A. Nguyen, Tim Spelman, Michelle Tew, Emma L. Harvey, Su Ann Ho, Natalie R. Saunders, Surekha Tennakoon, Amy Crowe, Debbie Marriott, Jason A. Trubiano, Monica A. Slavin
Summary: The economic burden of invasive Scedosporium/L. prolificans infections is substantial, with an adjusted median excess cost of AUD36,422 and a length of stay of 16.27 days during index hospitalization. The cumulative cost can increase significantly to AUD203,292 over 1.5 years in cases with these infections.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Jessica C. O'Keeffe, Nikhil Singh, Monica A. Slavin
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of pretransplant workup, identification, and prevention of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in patients with hematological malignancy. Assessing risk factors and implementing appropriate prophylactic measures during the pretransplant period are essential for effectively preventing IFD.
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Benjamin J. Cowling, Mike Y. W. Kwan, Caitriona Murphy, Eunice L. Y. Chan, Joshua S. C. Wong, Sheena G. Sullivan, Malik Peiris, So-Lun Lee
Summary: In March-June 2023, a test-negative study was conducted in Hong Kong on 1671 children hospitalized with acute respiratory illness. Among them, 286 children (17.2%) tested positive for influenza virus, including 188 with A(H1N1). The estimated effectiveness of influenza vaccine against influenza-associated hospitalization was 69.6% (95% confidence interval: 49.3%, 81.7%).
JOURNAL OF THE PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES SOCIETY
(2023)