Seroprevalence of rubella antibodies and determinants of susceptibility to rubella in a cohort of pregnant women in Canada, 2008–2011

Long term control of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome relies on high population-level immunity against rubella, particularly among women of childbearing age. In Canada, all pregnant women should be screened so that susceptible new mothers can be offered vaccination for rubella before discharge. This study was undertaken to estimate rubella susceptibility in a cohort of pregnant women in Canada and to identify associated socio-economic and demographic factors. Biobanked plasma samples were obtained from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study, in which pregnant women were recruited between 2008 and 2011. Socio-demographic characteristics and obstetric histories were collected. Second trimester plasma samples (n = 1,752) were tested for rubella-specific IgG using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The percentage of women with IgG titers <5 IU/mL, 5–10 IU/mL, and ≥10 IU/mL were 2.3%, 10.1%, and 87.6%, respectively. Rates of seronegativity, defined as <5 IU/mL, were 3.1% in women who had no previous live birth and 1.6% in women who had given birth previously. Among the latter group, seronegativity was higher in women with high school education or less (adjusted OR (aOR) 5.93, 95% CI 2.08–16.96) or with a college or trade school diploma (aOR 3.82, 95% CI 1.45–10.12), compared to university graduates, and those born outside Canada (aOR 2.60, 95% CI 1.07–6.31). In conclusion, a large majority of pregnant women were found to be immune to rubella. Further research is needed to understand inequalities in vaccine uptake or access, and more effort is needed to promote catch-up measles-mumps-rubella vaccination among socioeconomically disadvantaged and immigrant women of childbearing age.     

Evaluation of measles–rubella vaccination for mothers in early puerperal phase

BackgroundThe postpartum period is an ideal opportunity to vaccinate mothers with inadequate immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases including measles and rubella.MethodsA prospective study of measles–rubella (MR) vaccination in the early puerperal phase was conducted in 171 mothers, who had insufficient antibody titers when screened for immunity to measles (≤1:4 on the neutralization test [NT]) or rubella (≤1:16 on the hemagglutination inhibition [HI] test) during pregnancy. To evaluate the efficacy of MR vaccination in the postpartum period, we determined their post-vaccination antibody titers and immune responses to vaccination, and investigated the association between these and their prolactin (PRL) levels and Th1/Th2 ratios at the time of vaccination. We also examined the passage of viral RNA and antigen into breast milk.ResultsOf the 169 participants who completed the study schedule, 117 and 101 had low antibody titers against measles and rubella, respectively. In the measles-seronegative group, the antibody-positive rate was 87% on the NT assay, and the NT geometric mean antibody titer was 11.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.0–13.0). In the rubella-seronegative group, the antibody-positive rate was 88% on the HI test assay, and the HI geometric mean antibody titer was 64.0 (95% CI, 53.9–76.0). There was no association between the post-vaccination antibody titers and the PRL levels or Th1/Th2 ratios at the time of vaccination. In the rubella-seronegative group, subjects with higher Th1/Th2 ratios showed higher rates of responsiveness than those with lower ratios (P = 0.045). Although measles virus RNA was isolated from the breast milk of two vaccinated mothers, breastfeeding was not associated with clinical disease in any infants.ConclusionMR vaccination in the early puerperal phase is considered an effective way to prevent the diseases, regardless of the mother's immunological status and hormonal milieu.     

Last cases of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in Spain, 1997–2016: The success of a vaccination program

With a highly immunized population, rubella infection in Spain is so low that the WHO has declared the elimination of rubella. Rubella in pregnant women is also very rare. The objective of this study is to describe the last cases of congenital rubella syndrome reported and recommend actions to maintain the status of the disease as eliminated.The CRS cases reported to the Spanish National Epidemiological Surveillance Network between 1997 and 2016 were studied, and the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and maternal characteristics of newborns with CRS described. The incidence of CRS was calculated using Birth Statistics from the Spanish National Statistics Agency (INE).Twenty-three cases of CRS were reported, 70% of which were associated with rubella outbreaks. The most common clinical conditions were heart disease (52.2%), deafness (39.1%) and cataracts (30.4%); 91.3% of cases were confirmed by laboratory testing. 70.0% were born from a non-vaccinated foreign mother, resident in Spain (cumulative rate incidence (CR): 1.1/100,000 births), with mothers coming from Africa (36.0%), Latin America (29.0%), Eastern Europe (21.0%) and Asia (14.0%). Six were born to Spanish mothers (CR: 0.08/ 100,000 births), the last of which were in 2005.The majority of CRS cases were born to unvaccinated immigrant women infected in Spain during rubella outbreaks. Universal vaccination in childhood is the most efficient strategy to prevent rubella. The limited circulation of the virus will, however, quickly lead to a loss of awareness about rubella among clinicians and epidemiologists. It is necessary to maintain protocols capable of identifying signs consistent with rubella in pregnant women and signs suggestive of congenital rubella in newborns.     

A rubella outbreak investigation and BRD-II strain rubella vaccine effectiveness study,Harbin city,Heilongjiang province,China, 2010–2011

Background

In the 1990s, China introduced rubella vaccine into the private market using BRD-II virus strain, which is different than the globally used RA27/3 strain. In 2007, BRD-II rubella containing vaccine was introduced into the national immunization program and recommended for routine use. However, to our knowledge, there are no field vaccine effectiveness (VE) studies of BRD-II rubella vaccine. In April 2011, a rubella outbreak was detected in two daycare centers in Harbin city, China. We conducted an investigation to determine VE of BRD-II rubella vaccine.

Methods

Rubella cases were either laboratory-confirmed or epidemiologically linked to laboratory-confirmed cases. We collected demographic characteristics, migrant status, and history of rubella and measles vaccination from all children in the two daycare centers.

Results

The first case of rubella was on 22 November, 2010. Among the 143 children in the two daycare centers, 22 acquired rubella, for an overall attack rate (AR) of 15.4% (22/143). The AR in higher-grade classes (21.7%) was higher than in lower grade classes (3.9%). The AR among migrant children (47.8%) was higher than among local children (9.2%). Rubella vaccine coverage was 17% (24/143), while measles vaccine coverage was 100%. The AR among rubella-vaccinated children was 0% (0/24), and the AR among rubella-unvaccinated children was 18.5% (22/119), for a VE of 100% (P value = 0.025, 95% CI: 35–100%). Rubella vaccine coverage among children born before 2007 was 10.2% (10/98), and was lower than that for children born in 2007 or after (31.1% (14/45), RR = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.16–0.68). Emergency vaccination was conducted on 11 and 12 April 2011, and the outbreak stopped in one week later.

Conclusions

Domestic BRD-II strain rubella vaccine showed high vaccine effectiveness against rubella. Rubella vaccine coverage through routine immunization was insufficient. Consideration should be given for measuring rubella vaccine coverage to determine the need for catch-up vaccination in China.     

Epidemiology of epidemic diphtheria in three regions, Russia, 1994–1996

Background: A massive diphtheria epidemic which began in the former Soviet Union in 1990 is the first large-scale diphtheria epidemic in developed countries in more than 30 years and has primarily affected adults. In response, health authorities attempted to maximize vaccination for children and conducted an unprecedented campaign to vaccinate adults. Methods: We analyzed diphtheria surveillance data (case report forms and diphtheria vaccine coverage data) from three Russian regions from January 1994 to December 1996 and estimated vaccine effectiveness by the screening method. Results: We reviewed records from 2243 (97.2%) of 2307 reported cases. The highest cumulative incidence in the period was among children aged 5 to 9 years (106 cases per 100,000 population); adults aged 40–49 years had the highest adult incidence for disease (88 cases per 100,000) and the highest incidence of any age group of clinically severe disease (29 cases per 100,000) and death (5.1 deaths per 100,000). The incidence among women aged 20–49 years (82 per 100,000 women) was higher than among men (47 per 100,000, p<0.01). The annual incidence decreased from 25.2 cases per 100,000 population in 1994 to 9.4 cases per 100,000 in 1996. The decrease occurred as adult coverage increased from an estimated 25–30% in December 1992 to 88% in December 1995. Vaccine effectiveness was high among both children and adults. Conclusions: The Russian diphtheria epidemic primarily affected adults, especially women; this pattern is likely representative of diphtheria epidemics in immunized populations. Raising childhood immunization coverage and mass adult vaccination was effective in controlling the Russian epidemic. An improved understanding of the current epidemiology of diphtheria will be useful to design public health responses to prevent or control modern epidemics.     

Molecular genetic analysis of influenza A/H3N2 virus strains isolated in Western Siberia in the 2010–2011 epidemic season

Molecular genetic and antigenic features of influenza A/H3N2 virus strains isolated in Western Siberia in 2011 are similar to those of the vaccine strain A/Perth/16/2009 despite a number of unique amino-acid changes. The strains lack specific amino-acid changes in NA protein providing decrease of sensibility to NA inhibitors activity that used in medical practice. Based on phylogenic analysis of HA protein amino-acid sequences examined strains are similar to influenza A/H3N2 virus strains circulating at the moment in Eurasia.     

Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Europe, 2010–2011

Drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis is challenging elimination of tuberculosis (TB). We evaluated risk factors for TB and levels of second-line drug resistance in M. tuberculosis in patients in Europe with multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB. A total of 380 patients with MDR TB and 376 patients with non–MDR TB were enrolled at 23 centers in 16 countries in Europe during 2010–2011. A total of 52.4% of MDR TB patients had never been treated for TB, which suggests primary transmission of MDR M. tuberculosis. At initiation of treatment for MDR TB, 59.7% of M. tuberculosis strains tested were resistant to pyrazinamide, 51.1% were resistant to ≥1 second-line drug, 26.6% were resistant to second-line injectable drugs, 17.6% were resistant to fluoroquinolones, and 6.8% were extensively drug resistant. Previous treatment for TB was the strongest risk factor for MDR TB. High levels of primary transmission and advanced resistance to second-line drugs characterize MDR TB cases in Europe.     

Decline of varicella vaccination in German surveillance regions after recommendation of separate first-dose vaccination for varicella and measles–mumps–rubella

Background

Germany introduced routine varicella (V) vaccination in 2004. Due to a slightly increased risk of febrile convulsions after first-dose application of combined measles–mumps–rubella–varicella (MMRV) vaccine separate first-dose vaccinations with MMR and monovalent V vaccine were recommended in September 2011.

Methods

We compared V and MMR vaccinations in paediatric practices from two surveillance regions (Munich and Würzburg) one year before and after the change in the recommendation.

Results

A total of 1405/326 monthly reports were provided by a monthly average of 79/14 practices participating in Munich/Würzburg. V first-dose vaccinations (monovalent V or MMRV vaccine) declined by 12% in Munich (from 10.1 to 8.9 vaccinations per month and practice; p < 0.005) and by 4% in Würzburg (from 9.9 to 9.5; p = 0.620), respectively. First-dose vaccinations for MMR (MMR or MMRV vaccine) did not change significantly in both regions.

Conclusion

Acceptance of V vaccination depends in part on the use of combination vaccine.     

Description of a large measles epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo, 2010–2013

Background

Although measles mortality has declined dramatically in Sub-Saharan Africa, measles remains a major public health problem in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here, we describe the large measles epidemic that occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2010 and 2013 using data from the national surveillance system as well as vaccine coverage surveys to provide a snapshot of the epidemiology of measles in DRC.

Methods

Standardized national surveillance data were used to describe measles cases from 2010 to 2013. Attack rates and case fatality ratios were calculated and the temporal and spatial evolution of the epidemic described. Data on laboratory confirmation and vaccination coverage surveys as a part of routine program monitoring are also presented.

Findings

Between week 1 of 2010 and week 45 of 2013, a total of 294,455 cases and 5,045 deaths were reported. The cumulative attack rate (AR) was 0.4%. The Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) was 1.7% among cases reported in health structures through national surveillance. A total of 186,178 cases (63%) were under 5 years old, representing an estimated AR of 1.4% in this age group. Following the first mass vaccination campaigns, weekly reported cases decreased by 21.5%. Results of post-vaccination campaign coverage surveys indicated sub-optimal (under 95%) vaccination coverage among children surveyed.

Conclusions

The data reported here highlight the need to seek additional means to reinforce routine immunization as well as ensure the timely implementation of Supplementary Immunization Activities to prevent large and repeated measles epidemics in DRC. Although reactive campaigns were conducted in response to the epidemic, strategies to ensure that children are vaccinated in the routine system remains the foundation of measles control.

     

Increased measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake in the context of a targeted immunisation campaign during a measles outbreak in a vaccine-reluctant community in England

Background

Following a measles outbreak in a vaccine-rejecting community between April and September 2011 in South-East England, local health agencies implemented a two-pronged measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) immunisation campaign from August to October offered at the local general practice where most cases were registered. The campaign included (a) accelerated vaccination of children earlier than scheduled (1st dose at 6–11 months, or 2nd dose at 18–39 months), (b) catch-up of those aged over 18 months who had had no MMR immunisations or were late for second MMR. We investigated the impact of the outbreak and campaign on the number of MMR doses given.

Materials and methods

In January 2012, we collected information on MMR vaccination for children registered at the practice aged 6 months–16 years on 1 August 2011, through the child health information system. We counted the number of MMR doses administered in 2011 and compared it to 2008–2010 data. We estimated the proportion vaccinated among the children eligible for the accelerated and catch-up campaign.

Results

The local practice administered 257 MMR doses in 2011, a 114% increase on the average for 2008–2010. Among children eligible for earlier MMR vaccination 5/26 (19%) received a first dose, and 34/57 (60%) a second dose. Among children eligible for catch-up, 20/329 (6%) received their first MMR and 39/121 (32%) their second. Of 1538 children, the proportion completely unimmunised for MMR declined by 3 percentage-points after the outbreak.

Discussion

Uptake of MMR vaccination significantly increased during the outbreak following the immunisation campaign. Those amenable to MMR vaccination seem to have benefited from the campaign more than those with no previous vaccinations. Future evaluations should address what made a few parents change their mind and have their children vaccinated for the first time during the outbreak.     

Safety and immunogenicity of a measles–mumps–rubella–varicella vaccine given as a second dose in children up to six years of age

Two doses of measles–mumps–rubella vaccine (MMR) are widely recommended and consideration is being given to a similar schedule for varicella vaccine. A combined measles–mumps–rubella–varicella vaccine (MMRV) could be considered for this second dose in children previously vaccinated separately with MMR and varicella vaccines. Healthy children (N = 390) aged 15–75 months (median 54 months) previously immunized with MMR and varicella vaccines were randomly allocated to receive MMRV or separate injections of MMR and varicella vaccines. Before administration of study vaccines, seropositivity rates were 96.4% for measles, 94.3% for mumps, 99.5% for rubella, and 97.9% for varicella. Post-immunization, seropositivity rates were 99.5% for measles and mumps and 100% for rubella and varicella in the MMR + varicella group and 100% for all four antigens in the MMRV group; a 26.2- and 27.2-fold increase in varicella titer was observed in the MMR + varicella vaccine and MMRV groups, respectively. Except for more frequent pain in the MMRV group (33.3% vs. 23.7%, p = 0.043), there were no differences in the incidence of local and solicited symptoms between groups. In children primed with MMR and varicella vaccine, MMRV had non-inferior immunogenicity and similar safety profiles as a second dose of licensed MMR and varicella vaccine administered concomitantly.     

Similar immunogenicity of measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine administrated at 8 months versus 12 months age in children

Two doses of measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) strategy has been recommended by World Health Organization and is also widely adopted in many countries. In order to provide the evidence for perfecting the immunization strategy of MMR, this study evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of MMR with different two-dose schedule in infants. 280 participants were enrolled and randomly allocated to Group 1 (first dose at 8 months) or Group 2 (first dose at 12 months), and both groups administered the second dose at 10 months later. Solicited local and general symptoms after each vaccination with MMR were mild and infrequent in all participants of two groups. After administration of the first dose of MMR, seropositive rates were 100% in both groups for measles, 89.3% in Group 1 and 87.1% in Group 2 for mumps (P = 0.578), 92.0% in Group 1 and 92.9% in Group 2 (P = 0.393). The seropositive rates of mumps decreased significantly (from >86% to <65%) both in two groups (P < 0.001) 10 months after the first dose of MMR, but no significant change was found in measles and rubella. All children get the positive titer for three vaccines in two groups after given the second dose MMR, higher seroconversion rate was found for mumps both in two groups (71.7% vs 77.2%, P = 0.370). In conclusion, this study indicated that the MMR was well tolerated and immunogenic against measles, mumps and rubella with schedule of first dose both at 8 months and 12 months age. Our findings strongly supported that two doses of MMR can be introduced by replacing the first dose of MR in current EPI with MMR at 8 months age and the second dose at 18 months in China.     

Australian rubella serosurvey 2012–2013: On track for elimination?

BackgroundThe World Health Organization has targeted rubella virus for elimination regionally. Australia was one of the first countries to implement a nationally funded rubella immunisation program, in 1971, and conducts regular national rubella serosurveillance studies. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of rubella-specific IgG antibody in the Australian population by age and sex in 2012–2013, to compare the results with three previous serosurveys conducted in 1996–1999, 2002 and 2007 and to estimate the effective reproduction numbers (R_n).MethodsThis study used 2729 serum and plasma specimens, randomly selected from a specimen bank collected in 2012–2013 across Australia. Age groups included in the sample ranged from 1 to 49 years. Sera were tested for rubella-specific IgG-antibody using the Enzygnost anti-rubella IgG enzyme immunoassay and classified as positive, negative or equivocal according to rubella-specific IgG concentrations of >7 IU/ml, <3 IU/ml and 3–7 IU/ml, respectively.ResultsThe overall proportions seropositive, seronegative and equivocal for rubella-specific IgG were 92.1% (95% CI, 91.0–93.2), 6.7% (95% CI, 5.7–7.7) and 1.2% (95% CI, 0.8–1.6), respectively. The proportion of males seropositive was significantly lower than females in the 30–34 (83.1% vs. 96.8%, p = 0.003), 35–39 (86.1% vs. 96.3%, p = 0.02) and 40–44 (86.1% vs. 95.7%, p = 0.03) year age groups. R_n for rubella in 2012–2013 was estimated to be 0.33 (95% CI 0.28–0.39).DiscussionThe 2012–2013 national serosurvey showed levels of rubella-specific IgG seropositivity in the Australian population are relatively high with no evidence of decrease compared to previous serosurveys conducted in 1996–1999, 2002 and 2007. The lower proportion of seropositive males aged 30–44 years likely reflects the initial immunisation program targeting females only. To our knowledge this study represents the longest period of serosurveillance following introduction of a nationally funded rubella immunisation program. The lack of evidence of decreasing rubella-specific IgG seropositivity is therefore reassuring for Australia and other countries with longstanding high vaccine coverage.     

Trends in income-related health inequalities in self-assessed health in Korea, 1998–2011

This study assesses income-related health inequalities in self-assessed health (SAH) and its trend from 1998 to 2011 in Korea that covers important time periods of financial crisis and post-crisis. Data came from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1998 to 2011. A population-representative sample aged 46 years and older was analysed. SAH was used as an indicator of health status, with household equivalence income as a proxy for socio-economic position. Age-adjusted prevalence rates of SAH were analysed to estimate both absolute and relative measures of health inequalities and the trend over time by the relative index of inequality (RII) and the slope index of inequality (SII). Results indicated that the highest level of health inequalities was found among men aged 46–59 years, especially in 2001 and 2005. For men, there was no clear, consistent pattern of increase or decrease in the trend over time. On the other hand, increasing trends in the RII and SII were found for women, except for women aged 46–59 years who reported a decreasing trend in the SII. Trends in health inequalities over time were influenced by economic crisis, demonstrating the need for macro-level economic policies as well as health policies addressing health gaps.     

Risk of febrile seizure after measles–mumps–rubella–varicella vaccine: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundConsidering the febrile seizure rate, there is no longer a clear preference for use of measles–mumps–rubella–varicella (MMRV) vaccine over separate measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) and varicella (V) vaccine. This work was undertaken to assess the risk of febrile seizure after MMRV vaccine in children.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, BIOSIS Previews, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and other databases through 12 December 2014. Meta-analysis was conducted using R version 3.1.2 and Stata version 12.0.ResultsA total of thirty-nine studies were included. Thirty-one published or unpublished clinical trials involving about 40,000 subjects did not show significant differences in incidence of febrile seizure or vaccine related febrile seizure between MMRV and MMR with or without varicella vaccine after any doses, in the risk windows of 0–28, 0–42 or 0–56 days and 7–10 days. In addition, these studies showed that the receipt of concomitant use of MMRV and other pediatric vaccines was not a significant predictor of febrile seizure. Eight post-marketing observations involving more than 3,200,000 subjects were included. No evidence suggested elevated risk of febrile seizure associated with MMRV vaccine among children aged 4–6 years old during 7–10 days or 0–42 days after vaccination. However, an approximately 2-fold increase in risk of seizure or febrile seizure during 7–10 days or 5–12 days after MMRV vaccination was found among children aged 10–24 months, although the highest incidence of seizure was still lower than 2.95‰.ConclusionsFirst MMRV vaccine dose in children aged 10–24 months was associated with an elevated risk of seizure or febrile seizure. Further post-marketing restudies based on more rigorous study design are needed to confirm the findings.     

Obesity epidemic in India: intrauterine origins?

The epidemic of 'obesity' in India is not appreciated because BMI underestimates the adiposity of Indians. Specific adiposity measurements are necessary for recognition of the adiposity of 'thin' Indians. The origin of this adiposity is only beginning to be understood. In addition to a possible genetic predisposition, intrauterine 'programming' might be responsible, although in the 'thrifty phenotype' hypothesis the adiposity of the 'thin' fetus has not been appreciated. Dutch men who faced 'winter hunger' during the first trimester of their in utero life have become more obese as adults. Low birth weight predicts central obesity in some studies, including studies in urban children. It has also been shown that small and thin Indian newborns (weight 2.7 kg and ponderal index 2.4 kg/m3) have poor muscle and visceral mass but higher adiposity for a given weight compared with white Caucasian babies. This body composition is influenced by maternal adiposity before pregnancy and by aspects of maternal nutritional intake and circulating nutrient concentrations during pregnancy. There are no strong paternal determinants of adiposity at birth. Adiposity may be an integral part of the orchestrated adjustments made to support 'brain preservation' during intrauterine growth, because brain tissue is predominantly fat. Increased nutrition in the face of a genetic predisposition or multigenerational undernutrition increases maternal insulin resistance in late pregnancy and promotes fetal adiposity even in absence of marked hyperglycaemia. Further research is necessary to define the role of specific nutrients and metabolites in the intrauterine processes promoting adiposity before maternal interventions to curtail the epidemic of obesity and diabetes are planned.     

Genetic diversity of Influenza B virus in 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 in Tunisia

Objective

The authors had for aim to characterize influenza B strains having circulated in Tunisia to identify new mutations and compare them with reference strains.

Methods

The epidemiological surveillance of influenza allowed identifying 19 patients with symptoms related to respiratory infection, who had been infected by influenza B strains isolated in several regions of Tunisia in 2009–2010 and in 2010–2011. Laboratory identification and detection of mutations in the segment encoding hemagglutinin of influenza viruses was performed by real time PCR and sequencing.

Results

The two influenza B Tunisian strains of the 2009–2010 season belonged to the Victoria lineage, whereas 2010–2011 season strains belonged to B/Victoria/2/87 and B/Yamagata/16/88 lineages with a dominance of the Yamagata lineage (76%). This study allowed identifying amino acid substitutions: T121A, S150I, N165Y, T181A, G183R, D196N, S229D, M251V and K253R in the B/Yamagata lineage; L58P, N75K, K109N, N165K, S172P and K257R into the B/Victoria lineage. These mutations were specific of Tunisian groups of variants. Most influenza B-Yamagata lineage viruses (69%) were associated with severe cases.

Conclusion

Molecular analysis of the various influenza B strains circulating in Tunisia is useful to detect new mutations that can modify the phenotype of influenza strains.     

Mortality from neglected tropical diseases in Brazil, 2000–2011

Objective

To describe mortality from neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Brazil, 2000–2011.

Methods

We extracted information on cause of death, age, sex, ethnicity and place of residence from the nationwide mortality information system at the Brazilian Ministry of Health. We selected deaths in which the underlying cause of death was a neglected tropical disease (NTD), as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and based on its International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes. For specific NTDs, we estimated crude and age-adjusted mortality rates and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We calculated crude and age-adjusted mortality rates and mortality rate ratios by age, sex, ethnicity and geographic area.

Findings

Over the 12-year study period, 12 491 280 deaths were recorded; 76 847 deaths (0.62%) were caused by NTDs. Chagas disease was the most common cause of death (58 928 deaths; 76.7%), followed by schistosomiasis (6319 deaths; 8.2%) and leishmaniasis (3466 deaths; 4.5%). The average annual age-adjusted mortality from all NTDs combined was 4.30 deaths per 100 000 population (95% CI: 4.21–4.40). Rates were higher in males: 4.98 deaths per 100 000; people older than 69 years: 33.12 deaths per 100 000; Afro-Brazilians: 5.25 deaths per 100 000; and residents in the central-west region: 14.71 deaths per 100 000.

Conclusion

NTDs are important causes of death and are a significant public health problem in Brazil. There is a need for intensive integrated control measures in areas of high morbidity and mortality.     

Influenza D Virus in Cattle,France, 2011–2014

A new influenza virus, genus D, isolated in US pigs and cattle, has also been circulating in cattle in France. It was first identified there in 2011, and an increase was detected in 2014. The virus genome in France is 94%–99% identical to its US counterpart, which suggests intercontinental spillover.