TL;DR: It is demonstrated that monogenic or digenic POLR3A andPOLR3C deficiencies confer increased susceptibility to severe VZV disease in otherwise healthy children, providing evidence for an essential role of a DNA sensor in human immunity.
Abstract: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) typically causes chickenpox upon primary infection. In rare cases, VZV can give rise to life-threatening disease in otherwise healthy people, but the immunological basis for this remains unexplained. We report 4 cases of acute severe VZV infection affecting the central nervous system or the lungs in unrelated, otherwise healthy children who are heterozygous for rare missense mutations in POLR3A (one patient), POLR3C (one patient), or both (two patients). POLR3A and POLR3C encode subunits of RNA polymerase III. Leukocytes from all 4 patients tested exhibited poor IFN induction in response to synthetic or VZV-derived DNA. Moreover, leukocytes from 3 of the patients displayed defective IFN production upon VZV infection and reduced control of VZV replication. These phenotypes were rescued by transduction with relevant WT alleles. This work demonstrates that monogenic or digenic POLR3A and POLR3C deficiencies confer increased susceptibility to severe VZV disease in otherwise healthy children, providing evidence for an essential role of a DNA sensor in human immunity.
TL;DR: The apparent validity and robustness of the estimates highlight the importance of serological data for the characterization of varicella epidemiology, even in the absence of sampling or assay standardization.
Abstract: Surveillance systems for varicella in Europe are highly heterogeneous or completely absent. We estimated the varicella incidence based on seroprevalence data, as these data are largely available and not biased by under-reporting or underascertainment. We conducted a systematic literature search for varicella serological data in Europe prior to introduction of universal varicella immunization. Age-specific serological data were pooled by country and serological profiles estimated using the catalytic model with piecewise constant force of infection. From the estimated profiles, we derived the annual incidence of varicella infection (/100·000) for six age groups (<5, 5–9, 10–14, 15–19, 20–39 and 40–65 years). In total, 43 studies from 16 countries were identified. By the age of 15 years, over 90% of the population has been infected by varicella in all countries except for Greece (86·6%) and Italy (85·3%). Substantial variability across countries exists in the age-specific annual incidence of varicella primary infection among the <5 years old (from 7052 to 16 122 per 100 000) and 5–9 years old (from 3292 to 11 798 per 100 000). The apparent validity and robustness of our estimates highlight the importance of serological data for the characterization of varicella epidemiology, even in the absence of sampling or assay standardization.
TL;DR: The protective effect of re-exposure to chickenpox is likely limited, as boosting only occurred in 17–25% of the VZV re-exposed grandparents and for less than one year.
Abstract: Re-exposure to chickenpox may boost varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immunity in the elderly. This secondary immune response is hypothesized to confer protection against herpes zoster. We longitudinally sampled 36 adults over the course of one year after re-exposure to chickenpox. The resulting 183 samples and those of 14 controls were assessed for VZV-specific T-cell immunity and antibody titres. The percentages of VZV-specific CD4+ IL-2-producing T-cells were increased in re-exposed grandparents compared to control participants up to 9 months after re-exposure. Using a longitudinal mixture modelling approach, we found that 25% and 17% of re-exposed grandparents showed a boosting of VZV-specific CD4+ IL-2-producing T-cells and VZV-specific antibodies, respectively. The antibody boosting occurred exclusively in cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG-positive participants. CMV IgG-positive participants also had higher VZV IE62-specific CD4+ IFN-γ-producing T-cell percentages and VZV-specific antibody titres. The protective effect of re-exposure to chickenpox is likely limited, as boosting only occurred in 17–25% of the VZV re-exposed grandparents and for less than one year.
TL;DR: Investigation of the age-specific prevalence of anti-varicella zoster virus (VZV) IgG-antibodies among children in Germany found that schoolchildren with a migration background and children without siblings have an increased risk of being VZV seronegative and should be targeted for catch-up vaccination, if they have no history of chickenpox.
Abstract: In 2004, universal childhood varicella vaccination was introduced in Germany We aimed to determine the age-specific prevalence of anti-varicella zoster virus (VZV) IgG-antibodies among children in the pre-varicella vaccine era in Germany, to identify factors associated with VZV seropositivity, and to assess the suitability of a commercially available ELISA for VZV seroepidemiological studies by comparing it with an in-house fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen test (FAMA) as the gold standard Serum samples of 13,433 children and adolescents aged 1–17 years included in the population-based German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS; conducted 2003–2006) were tested for anti-VZV IgG by ELISA All samples with equivocal ELISA results and a random selection of ELISA-negative and -positive samples were tested by FAMA Statistical analyses were conducted using a weighting factor adjusting the study population to the total population in Germany Seroprevalences were calculated as percentages (%) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) Odds ratios (OR) were computed by multivariate logistic regression to determine the association between socio-demographic factors and VZV seropositivity The VZV seropositivity rate was 803% (95% CI: 793–813) in varicella-unvaccinated children and adolescents VZV seropositivity rates differed significantly between age groups up to age 6 years, but not by gender Of 118 retested serum samples with an equivocal ELISA result, 458% were FAMA-positive The proportion of samples tested as false-negative in by ELISA varied by age group: 26% in children aged 1–6 and 9% in children aged 7–17 years Multivariate analyses showed that age, having older siblings, and early daycare start were associated with seropositivity in preschoolers; migration background reduced the chance of VZV seropositivity in schoolchildren (OR: 065; 043–099) and adolescents (OR: 062; 04–097) In the pre-varicella vaccine era, most children in Germany contracted varicella by age six Schoolchildren with a migration background and children without siblings have an increased risk of being VZV seronegative and should be targeted for catch-up vaccination, if they have no history of chickenpox ELISAs are suitable for use in population-level serosurveys on VZV, but samples with equivocal ELISA results should be retested by FAMA
TL;DR: There is lack of quality data that could be used to develop VZV control programmes, including vaccination, in Africa, and limited data on VzV seroprevalence in children showed very low seropositivity to anti-VZV antibodies.
Abstract: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella and herpes zoster. These vaccine preventable diseases are common globally. Most available data on VZV epidemiology are from industrialised temperate countries and cannot be used to guide decisions on the immunization policy against VZV in Africa. This systematic review aims to review the published data on VZV morbidity and mortality in Africa. All published studies conducted in Africa from 1974 to 2015 were eligible. Eligible studies must have reported any VZV epidemiological measure (incidence, prevalence, hospitalization rate and mortality rate). For inclusion in the review, studies must have used a defined VZV case definition, be it clinical or laboratory-based. Twenty articles from 13 African countries were included in the review. Most included studies were cross-sectional, conducted on hospitalized patients, and half of the studies used varying serological methods for diagnosis. VZV seroprevalence was very high among adults. Limited data on VZV seroprevalence in children showed very low seropositivity to anti-VZV antibodies. Co-morbidity with VZV was common. There is lack of quality data that could be used to develop VZV control programmes, including vaccination, in Africa. PROSPERO 2015: CRD42015026144
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TL;DR: The results suggest that this rat model can be utilized to study the mechanisms of 1) orofacial zoster associated pain and 2) the sex differences underlying zosterassociated pain.
Abstract: Background Most people are initially infected with varicella zoster virus (VZV) at a young age and this infection results in chickenpox. VZV then becomes latent and reactivates later in life resulting in herpes zoster (HZ) or “shingles”. Often VZV infects neurons of the trigeminal ganglia to cause ocular problems, orofacial disease and occasionally a chronic pain condition termed post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). To date, no model has been developed to study orofacial pain related to varicella zoster. Importantly, the incidence of zoster associated pain and PHN is known to be higher in women, although reasons for this sex difference remain unclear. Prior to this work, no animal model was available to study these sex-differences. Our goal was to develop an orofacial animal model for zoster associated pain which could be utilized to study the mechanisms contributing to this sex difference. Methods To develop this model VZV was injected into the whisker pad of rats resulting in IE62 protein expression in the trigeminal ganglia; IE62 is an immediate early gene in the VZV replication program. Results Similar to PHN patients, rats showed retraction of neurites after VZV infection. Treatment of rats with gabapentin, an agent often used to combat PHN, ameliorated the pain response after whisker pad injection. Aversive behavior was significantly greater for up to 7 weeks in VZV injected rats over control inoculated rats. Sex differences were also seen such that ovariectomized and intact female rats given the lower dose of VZV showed a longer affective response than male rats. The phase of the estrous cycle also affected the aversive response suggesting a role for sex steroids in modulating VZV pain. Conclusions These results suggest that this rat model can be utilized to study the mechanisms of 1) orofacial zoster associated pain and 2) the sex differences underlying zoster associated pain.
TL;DR: If vaccination in accordance with the current US VZV vaccination schedule is inadequate to maintain herd immunity, young adults not previously exposed to wild-type V zoster virus may be at increased risk for varicella outbreaks.
TL;DR: One-dose varicella vaccination cannot prevent thevaricella outbreaks in kindergartens and schools in Shanghai despite the implementation of one-dose Varicella vaccine, and a second dose of variceslla vaccine should be recommended for children.
Abstract: The outbreaks of varicella occurring in kindergartens and schools are increasingly notified in Shanghai despite the implementation of one-dose varicella vaccination. We analyzed surveillance data on the notified outbreaks of varicella in Minhang District of Shanghai during 2008-2014. A total of 13 511 varicella cases and 154 outbreaks involving 1558 (11·5%) cases were reported. Annual attack rates of outbreak-associated varicella in outbreak classes were 5·5%-12%. The mean age of the outbreak-associated cases was 8·6 ± 3·1 years. Among 1558 outbreak cases, 660 (42·4%) received one-dose varicella vaccine previously. The proportions of breakthrough varicella infection during outbreaks ranged from 21·5% in 2008 to 86·1% in 2014. Annual breakthrough infection rates in outbreak classes ranged from 5·4% to 7·4%. Breakthrough cases as index cases results in 9·7% of outbreaks, and the average duration of outbreaks was significantly longer in vaccinated cases as index cases than in unvaccinated cases as index cases (11·3 ± 5·8 days vs. 8·6 ± 6·1 days, P < 0·05). The mean time of breakthrough infection since vaccination was 6·2 ± 2·3 years (range 0·6-13·4 years). One-dose varicella vaccination cannot prevent the varicella outbreaks in kindergartens and schools. A second dose of varicella vaccine should be recommended for children.
TL;DR: In Denmark, where varicella vaccination is not part of the childhood vaccination program, the estimated risk of post-varicella arterial ischemic stroke was one case (including possible cases) per 26,000 children with variceella.
TL;DR: The high rate of MS patients reporting prior chickenpox infection is comparable with previous reports, and data are useful for consideration of immunosuppressive treatments and/or VZV and zoster vaccination.
Abstract: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection has been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS), but direct causal involvement has been disputed. Nevertheless, knowledge of VZV exposure is important, given the risk of serious complications of first exposure while undergoing immunosuppressive treatment, in particular with fingolimod. We distributed questionnaires to MS clinic patients, requesting information about history of chickenpox, sibling/household/occupational exposure, history of zoster (shingles), and disease-modifying treatment. A random, proportionally representative sample of 51 patients that included patients with positive, negative, and unknown chickenpox history were selected for determination of VZV IgG by ELISA. Of 1206 distributed questionnaires, 605 were returned (50% response rate). Of these, 86% reported history of chickenpox, 5.6% gave negative history, and 8.5% did not know. Of 594 who answered the zoster question, 78% gave a negative response, 4% did not know, and 104 (17%) answered yes. Of these, 83 reported 1 episode; 12 had 2; 5 had 3; and 1 each reported 5, 6, and 15 episodes. Of 51 patients tested for VZV IgG (44 “yes,” 4 “no,” and 3 “I don’t know” answers to the question of whether they had chickenpox), 48 were seropositive; the 3 seronegative all had reported having had chickenpox. The high rate of MS patients reporting prior chickenpox infection is comparable with previous reports. A substantial proportion of MS patients, estimated to be higher than an age-matched general population, report single or multiple episodes of zoster. These data are useful for consideration of immunosuppressive treatments and/or VZV and zoster vaccination.
TL;DR: It is confirmed that, in the asylum seeker population, chickenpox history is not the optimal method to identify susceptible individuals and the need for additional prevention and control measures is supported.
Abstract: An outbreak of chickenpox occurred between December 2015 and May 2016 among asylum seekers in a reception centre in Latium, Italy. We describe the epidemiological and laboratory investigations, control measures and validity of reported history of chickenpox infection. Serological screening of all residents and incoming asylum seekers was performed, followed by vaccine offer to all susceptible individuals without contraindication. Forty-six cases were found and 41 were associated with the outbreak. No complications, hospitalisations or deaths occurred. Serological testing was performed in 1,278 individuals and 169 were found to be susceptible, with a seroprevalence of 86.8%. A questionnaire was administered to 336 individuals consecutively attending the CARA health post to collect their serological result. The sensitivity, specificity and the positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) of the reported history of chickenpox were 45.0%, 76.1%, 88.3% and 25.6%, respectively. We observed an increasing trend for the PPV and decreasing trend for the NPV with increasing age. Our report confirms that, in the asylum seeker population, chickenpox history is not the optimal method to identify susceptible individuals. Our experience supports the need for additional prevention and control measures and highlights the importance of national and local surveillance systems for reception centres.
TL;DR: This updated study supports the value of an HZ vaccination strategy targeting the Swiss population aged 65–79 y, and takes into account updated vaccine prices, a different age cohort, latest clinical data and burden of illness data.
Abstract: Herpes zoster (HZ) or "shingles" results from a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) acquired during primary infection (chickenpox) and surviving in the dorsal root ganglia. In about 20% of cases, a complication occurs, known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). A live attenuated vaccine against VZV is available for the prevention of HZ and subsequent PHN. The present study aims to update an earlier evaluation estimating the cost-effectiveness of the HZ vaccine from a Swiss third party payer perspective. It takes into account updated vaccine prices, a different age cohort, latest clinical data and burden of illness data. A Markov model was developed to simulate the lifetime consequences of vaccinating 15% of the Swiss population aged 65-79 y. Information from sentinel data, official statistics and published literature were used. Endpoints assessed were number of HZ and PHN cases, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), costs of hospitalizations, consultations and prescriptions. Based on a vaccine price of CHF 162, the vaccination strategy accrued additional costs of CHF 17,720,087 and gained 594 QALYs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was CHF 29,814 per QALY gained. Sensitivity analyses showed that the results were most sensitive to epidemiological inputs, utility values, discount rates, duration of vaccine efficacy, and vaccine price. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses indicated a more than 99% chance that the ICER was below 40,000 CHF per QALY. Findings were in line with existing cost-effectiveness analyses of HZ vaccination. This updated study supports the value of an HZ vaccination strategy targeting the Swiss population aged 65-79 y.
TL;DR: The overall incidence of varicella has decreased substantially in Haidian district since 2013, with largest decline in children aged 5-9years and non-significantly declined trend in adults aged ≥20years, but a significant increasing trend in infants.
TL;DR: To inform the policy decision on the use of varicella vaccination, a health economic assessment of vaccination and mathematical modeling of vaccination impact are needed.
Abstract: Background Norway does not currently implement universal varicella vaccination in childhood. We aimed to characterize health care burden of varicella in Norway in the prevaccine era. Methods We linked individual patient data from different national registries to examine varicella vaccinations and varicella-coded primary care consultations, hospitalizations, outpatient hospital visits, deaths and viral infections of central nervous system in the whole population of Norway during 2008-2014. We estimated health care contact rates and described the epidemiology of medically attended varicella infection. Results Each year approximately 14,600 varicella-related contacts occurred within primary health care and hospital sector in Norway. The annual contact rate was 221 cases per 100,000 population in primary health care and 7.3 cases per 100,000 in hospital care. Both in primary and hospital care, the highest incidences were observed among children 1 year of age: 2,654 and 78.1 cases per 100,000, respectively. The annual varicella mortality was estimated at 0.06 deaths per 100,000 and in-hospital case-fatality rate at 0.3%. Very few (0.2-0.5%) patients were vaccinated against varicella. Among hospitalized varicella patients, 22% had predisposing conditions, 9% had severe-to-very severe comorbidities and 5.5% were immunocompromised. Varicella-related complications were reported in 29.3% of hospitalized patients. Varicella zoster virus was the third most frequent virus found among 16% of patients with confirmed viral infections of central nervous system. Conclusions Varicella causes a considerable health care burden in Norway, especially among children. To inform the policy decision on the use of varicella vaccination, a health economic assessment of vaccination and mathematical modeling of vaccination impact are needed.
TL;DR: The comparison between studies performed in different periods shows a significant increase of seropositivity in age class 1 – 4 years, expression of vaccine interventions already adopted in some regions.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate if and how varicella prevalence has changed in Italy. In particular a seroprevalence study was performed, comparing it to similar surveys conducted in pre-immun...
TL;DR: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) in saliva from six herpes zoster patients and one chickenpox patient was found to be exclusively associated with epithelial cells by confocal microscopy, and no VZV was found in the liquid fraction of saliva.
Abstract: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) in saliva from 6 herpes zoster patients and 1 chickenpox patient was found to be exclusively associated with epithelial cells by confocal microscopy. VZV localization with antibody specific to the VZV glycoprotein E was detected primarily on the membrane but was also inside the cell. Epithelial cells with VZV were still present in saliva in 1 out of two tested zoster patients after 10 months of recovery. Saliva from healthy controls (non-shingles patients, n = 5) did not show any sign of VZV by polymerase chain reaction or by confocal microscopy. No VZV was found in the liquid fraction of saliva. Further work is required to understand the movement of VZV in the saliva cells of infected patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
TL;DR: Clinicians should be aware of the rare complications of this common pathology so that a timely diagnosis can be made, followed by prompt management of acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis secondary to VZV.
Abstract: Primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection, predominantly in the pediatric population, presents with pyrexia and a classic pruritic vesicular rash. In adults, although less common, it is more severe and linked to more complications. Neurological complications, which account for less than 1% of all VZV complications, include meningitis, encephalitis, arterial vasculopathy, and venous thrombosis. We present a case of a 39-year-old male who developed extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following primary VZV infection. Venous thrombosis in VZV has been suggested to be caused by autoantibodies against protein S, pre-existing hypercoagulability, or endothelial damage. The patient was acutely managed using intravenous acyclovir and heparin. Long-term anticoagulation therapy with warfarin was continued after discharge. We concluded that clinicians should be aware of the rare complications of this common pathology so that a timely diagnosis can be made, followed by prompt management. Further studies need to be done to better understand acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis secondary to VZV.
TL;DR: The results support the need for increased awareness of current varicella prevention recommendations among both immunocompetent and immunodepressed individuals and prompt antiviral therapy may be indicated to reduce the number of days of hospitalization.
Abstract: Varicella pneumonia has been studied extensively in adults; it may also affect children and may require hospitalization. We examined pneumonia complications in children hospitalized for varicella, over a 13 year period. Pneumonia occurred in 8.2% of children hospitalized for varicella. The median length of hospitalization was 6 days. No statistically significant difference in length of stay was detected between immunodepressed children and previously healthy children. The hospitalization was on average shorter in patients who started antiviral therapy within 24 h of varicella onset. None of the included patients had been previously immunized for varicella. Our results support the need for increased awareness of current varicella prevention recommendations among both immunocompetent and immunodepressed individuals. In children affected by varicella, prompt antiviral therapy may be indicated to reduce the number of days of hospitalization.
TL;DR: A case of HZ is reported in an otherwise healthy 19-month-old boy who had been vaccinated at 13 months of age and recovered fully after acyclovir treatment.
Abstract: Herpes zoster (HZ), or shingles, is commonly seen in older adults but does occur in children. Routine administration of the varicella vaccine started in 1995 in the United States; since then, the incidence of varicella and HZ has declined. We report a case of HZ in an otherwise healthy 19-month-old boy who had been vaccinated at 13 months of age and recovered fully after acyclovir treatment. We review previously reported cases of HZ in healthy vaccinated children.
TL;DR: Varicella vaccination is not cost-effective in Iran in one-dose and two-dose scenario under the assumptions of this study in base case scenario according to the threshold of incremental cost per DALY averted less than three time of GDP per capita in Iran.
Abstract: Background: Varicella zoster virus is the etiologic agent of primary varicella (chickenpox) during childhood, and varicella vaccination has not been introduced in Iran. The aim of this study is to estimate cost-effectiveness of one- and two-dose Varicella Vaccination Program in Iran. Methods: A decision-tree model was conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Varicella Vaccination Program in a cohort of 12 months children in Iran. Epidemiologic parameters of varicella were extracted from local and international sources, and cost of disease was estimated based on societal prospective in 2015 US$. Incremental cost per disability-adjusted life years (DALY) averted calculated as final outcome. Sensitivity analysis was also performed for lower and upper estimate of incidence, DALY, and vaccine efficacy. Results: Considering the vaccine efficacy of 95%, for the two-dose and 85% for the one-dose vaccination, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per DALYs averted were US$41,531 and US$17,280, respectively. ICER has changed between (US$ 6,177–US$167,047) in lower and upper base estimate of epidemiological burden parameters in sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: Varicella vaccination is not cost-effective in Iran in one-dose and two-dose scenario under the assumptions of this study in base case scenario according to the threshold of incremental cost per DALY averted less than three time of GDP per capita in Iran = US$ 14,292. One-dose vaccination program might be cost-effective in upper scenario of epidemiological burden of varicella in sensitivity analysis.
TL;DR: The coverage rate of the first dose of varicella vaccine in selected areas was lower than that recommended by WHO position paper, and the coverage rate was relatively low in areas of low social-economic status.
Abstract: // Chenyan Yue 1 , Yan Li 1 , Yamin Wang 1 , Yan Liu 2 , Linsheng Cao 1 , Xu Zhu 3 , Kathryn Martin 3 , Huaqing Wang 1 and Zhijie An 1 1 The Department of National Immunization Programme, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050, China 2 Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310021, China 3 China Office of United Nations Children’s Fund, Beijing, 100600, China Correspondence to: Zhijie An, email: anzj@chinacdc.cn Keywords: varicella vaccine, vaccination, coverage, children, GDP Received: October 20, 2016 Accepted: April 05, 2017 Published: April 21, 2017 ABSTRACT Background: Vaccine is the most effective way to protect susceptible children from varicella. Few published literature or reports on varicella vaccination of Chinese children exist. Thus, in order to obtain specific information on varicella vaccination of this population, we conducted this survey. Methodology: We first used purposive sampling methods to select 6 provinces 10 counties from eastern, middle and western parts of China with high quality of Immunization Information Management System (IIMS), and then randomly select children from population in the IIMS, then we checked vaccination certificate on-site. Principal Findings: Based on the varicella vaccination information collected from 481 children's vaccination certificates from all ten selected counties in China, overall coverage of the first dose of varicella vaccine was 73.6%. There is a positive linear correlation between per capita GDP and vaccine coverage at county level (r=0.929, P < 0.01). The cumulative vaccine coverage among children at 1 year, 2 years and ≥3 years old were 67.6%, 71.9% and 73.6% respectively ( X 2 =4.53, P =0.10). The age of vaccination was mainly concentrated in 12-17 months. Conclusions: The coverage rate of the first dose of varicella vaccine in selected areas was lower than that recommended by WHO position paper. The coverage rate was relatively low in areas of low social-economic status. The cumulative coverage had no significant statistical difference among different age group. Most children received varicella vaccine before 3 years old. We suggest introducing the varicella vaccine into routine immunization program, to ensure universal high coverage among children in China. We also suggest that varicella vaccination information should be checked before entering school, in order to control and prevent varicella outbreaks in schools.
TL;DR: All refugees rostered at Crossroads Clinic in Toronto, Canada in 2011–2014 were included in this study, and 7.9 % were susceptible to varicella.
Abstract: Several outbreaks of varicella have occurred among refugees. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of varicella susceptibility among refugees, and identify risk factors for varicella susceptibility. All refugees rostered at Crossroads Clinic in Toronto, Canada in 2011-2014 were included in our study. Varicella serology was assessed at the initial visit. Refugees' age, sex, education, time since arrival, and climate and population density of birth country were abstracted from the chart. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for varicella susceptibility. 1063 refugees were rostered at Crossroads Clinic during the study; 7.9 % (95 % CI 6.1, 9.7) were susceptible to varicella. Tropical climate (OR 3.20, 95 % CI 1.53, 6.69) and younger age (ORper year of age 0.92, 95 % CI 0.88-0.96) were associated with increased varicella susceptibility. These risk factors for varicella susceptibility should be taken into account to maximize the cost-effectiveness of varicella prevention strategies among refugees.
TL;DR: Robust safety monitoring remains an important component of the national varicella vaccination program and only previously known AEs were reported more frequently after second-dose varICElla vaccination compared with other vaccines.
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In 2006, routine 2-dose varicella vaccination for children was recommended to improve control of varicella. We assessed the safety of second-dose varicella vaccination. METHODS: We identified second-dose single-antigen varicella vaccine reports in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System during 2006 to 2014 among children aged 4 to 18 years. We analyzed reports by age group (4–6 and 7–18 years), sex, serious or nonserious status, most common adverse events (AEs), and whether other vaccines were administered concomitantly with varicella vaccine. We reviewed serious reports of selected AEs and conducted empirical Bayesian data mining to detect disproportional reporting of AEs. RESULTS: We identified 14 641 Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System reports after second-dose varicella vaccination, with 494 (3%) classified as serious. Among nonserious reports, injection site reactions were most common (48% of children aged 4–6 years, 38% of children aged 7–18 years). The most common AEs among serious reports were pyrexia (31%) for children aged 4 to 6 years and headache (28%) and vomiting (27%) for children aged 7 to 18 years. Serious reports of selected AEs included anaphylaxis (83), meningitis (5), encephalitis (16), cellulitis (52), varicella (6), herpes zoster (6), and deaths (7). One immunosuppressed adolescent was reported with vaccine-strain herpes zoster. Only previously known AEs were reported more frequently after second-dose varicella vaccination compared with other vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: We identified no new or unexpected safety concerns for second-dose varicella vaccination. Robust safety monitoring remains an important component of the national varicella vaccination program.
TL;DR: The results obtained identify important determinants in the local epidemiology of varicella and show that community characteristics should be considered, to improve the understanding ofvaricella distribution.
TL;DR: This article reviews best practice management of children with chickenpox, gives up-to-date guidance on the safe use of antipyretics, the avoidance of ibuprofen and discusses immunisation against VZV, and includes implications for nursing practice.
Abstract: Chickenpox is an extremely contagious infectious disease caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). It is a common childhood illness characterised by an itchy vesicular rash and fever, which usually resolves spontaneously without medical intervention. Serious, and rarely fatal, complications can occur, including pneumonia, central nervous system infection, overwhelming secondary bacterial infections, especially with Group A streptococcus, and necrotising fasciitis. Therefore it is crucial that emergency department (ED) nurses can recognise the signs and symptoms that indicate deterioration. This article reviews best practice management of children with chickenpox, gives up-to-date guidance on the safe use of antipyretics, the avoidance of ibuprofen and discusses immunisation against VZV. It also includes implications for nursing practice and a case study that illustrates some of the challenges that ED nurses may encounter.
TL;DR: RNA sequencing of bronchial alveolar lavage-resident T cells isolated from infected rhesus macaques show that SVV infection alters expression of genes important for regulation of gene expression, cell cycle progression, metabolism, and antiviral immunity.
TL;DR: It is indicated that a positive complement fixation result by single‐point testing confirms at least recent onset of herpes zoster, while paired tests can confirm disease when primary tests are negative.
Abstract: Herpes zoster is an internal reactivation of varicella zoster virus following establishment of latent infection in the dorsal root ganglia during primary infection, which presents as chickenpox. Therefore, serologically, herpes zoster patients already have anti-varicella zoster virus immunoglobulin G at the onset of disease. Hence, positive serum antibody does not confirm the diagnosis of herpes zoster. We retrospectively investigated the incidence of varicella zoster virus-specific complement fixation in 865 zoster patients at initial presentation to a dermatology clinic. As a result, 66% of patients showed negative complement fixation, with patient numbers decreasing as titer increased. Paired complement fixation tests conducted within a short period showed a marked elevation in titer, and complement fixation titer gradually decreased after a year. Furthermore, incidence showed no correlation with patient age. These observations indicate that the complement fixation titer at first visit is mainly influenced by the duration from onset to presentation at clinic. Our findings indicate that a positive complement fixation result by single-point testing confirms at least recent onset of herpes zoster, while paired tests can confirm disease when primary tests are negative.
TL;DR: Although varicella outbreaks continue to occur most often in school-aged children and among unvaccinated persons, they are small (median of 7).
Abstract: Abstract Background Nationwide varicella outbreak surveillance was instituted in 2015 to monitor impact of the 2007 2-dose varicella vaccination recommendation in the US. Sentinel surveillance for varicella outbreaks in school settings demonstrated feasibility of outbreak surveillance. Methods Beginning August 2015, through CDC’s Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity funding, health departments conducted surveillance for varicella outbreaks, defined as ≥5 varicella cases in a setting within at least 1 incubation period (21 days). Health department staff collected case-based data on: outbreak setting, age, vaccination status, number of varicella vaccine doses, number of lesions, laboratory testing results, and whether cases resulted in hospitalizations and/or had complications. Results During 8/1/2015–1/7/2017, 49 jurisdictions reported 89 outbreaks (1,030 cases); 35 (39%) outbreaks occurred in schools, 16 (18%) in daycares, 37 (42%) in other settings, and 1 unknown setting. Median size and duration of outbreaks was 7 cases (range, 5–257 cases) and 29 days (0–160 days), respectively. Of 921 outbreak-associated cases with information on both age and vaccination, 68% (624) were in children aged 1–9 years and 77% (713) in unvaccinated persons. Among vaccinated patients with information on number of doses, 62% (119/192) were 1-dose varicella vaccine recipients. Among patients with information on number of lesions, 54% (414/767) had ≥50 lesions, of whom 86% were unvaccinated. Of vaccinees, 78% (79/101) with 1-dose and 76% (44/58) with 2-doses had <50 lesions (P = 0.84). Three patients were hospitalized, all unvaccinated; an additional 10 had complications (6 unvaccinated, 1 2-dose vaccinee, 3 1-dose vaccinees). Varicella was laboratory confirmed in 77 (7%) cases. Conclusion Although varicella outbreaks continue to occur most often in school-aged children and among unvaccinated persons, they are small (median of 7). Vaccinated patients had more mild disease (<50 lesions) and no hospitalizations compared with unvaccinated patients. Number of lesions did not differ significantly among 1- vs. 2-dose vaccinees. Continued varicella outbreak surveillance is critical for monitoring the impact of the 2-dose vaccination policy for controlling outbreaks. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
TL;DR: The clinical presentation and complication rates of chicken pox in cancer patients, who were on active chemotherapy, are similar to the normal population and the recovery from a varicella infection and complications may be delayed in patients with neutropenia.
TL;DR: Live-attenuated varicella vaccination is safe in non-immunocompromised populations and is associated with rare non-serious adverse events as discussed by the authors, and extreme caution is advised prior to live vaccination of healthcare workers.