[In this post: (1) Research Articles Abstracts.
Contents:
(1.1) Cross-sectional and longitudinal factors predicting influenza vaccination in Hong Kong Chinese elderly aged 65 and above.
(1.2) Safety and Immunogenicity of Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Infants.
(1.3) A seven-segmented influenza A virus expressing the influenza C glycoprotein HEF.
(1.4) Annexin II incorporated into influenza virus particles supports virus replication by converting plasminogen into plasmin.
(1.5) Human infection with highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus.
(1.6) Influenza vaccination in paediatric nurses: Cross-sectional study of coverage, refusal, and factors in acceptance.
(1.7) Generation and evaluation of the trivalent inactivated reassortant vaccine using human, avian, and swine influenza A viruses.
(1.8) Quantification of influenza virus hemagglutinins in complex mixtures using isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry.
(1.9) Plant-expressed HA as a seasonal influenza vaccine candidate.
(1.10) Influenza vaccination for healthcare workers: Is it really as effective as we claim?
(1.11) Molecular and phylogenetic analyses of bovine rhinovirus type 2 shows it is closely related to foot-and-mouth disease virus.
(1.12) Influenza virus and acute asthma in children.
(1.13) Severe respiratory syncytial virus infection in term infants with genetic or other underlying disorders.
See original abstracts at the source site. EDITED.]
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(1.1): J Infect. 2008 Apr 26 [Epub ahead of print]
Cross-sectional and longitudinal factors predicting influenza vaccination in Hong Kong Chinese elderly aged 65 and above.
Lau JT, Kim JH, Yang X, Tsui HY.
Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 5/F), School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVES:
The study investigated cross-sectional predictors of ever-undergone influenza vaccination (IV) and longitudinal predictors of first-time IV among Chinese elderly in Hong Kong.
METHODS:
A random telephone survey interviewed 886 Chinese respondents aged 65 and above and 483 of these 886 respondents (54.5%) completed another follow-up questionnaire.
RESULTS:
Of the 483 respondents, 25.1% (or 121) had ever undergone IV at baseline; 13% (47 of 362) were vaccinated for the first time during the follow-up period. The cross-sectional data identified 10 significant variables related to the Health Belief Model (HBM) predicting having ever undergone IV (e.g., perceived efficacy of prevention, side effects, financial difficulty, univariate OR=1.58-68.14 and 0.31-0.47). None of these variables could prospectively predict first-time IV during the follow-up period; the only significant variable was whether the respondent visited social centers during the follow-up period (OR=2.74).
CONCLUSIONS:
The 10 studied variables (e.g., perceived efficacy, perceived side effects) were predictive of whether ever undergone IV in the cross-sectional survey. These variables were, however, unable to predict first-time IV in the longitudinal study. Therefore, programs modifying these cross-sectional factors (e.g. change perceptions on efficacy and safety) may not be effective in promoting first-time IV among the elderly. Longitudinal intervention studies are warranted.
PMID: 18442855 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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(1.2): J Infect Dis. 2008 May 15;197(10):1448-1454.
Safety and Immunogenicity of Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Infants.
Halasa NB, Gerber MA, Chen Q, Wright PF, Edwards KM.
1Departments of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, and 2Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; 3Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Background.
Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) is not licensed for use in infants <6 months old, the group with the highest influenza hospitalization rates among children.
Methods.
In this prospective, open-label study, 2 doses of TIV were administered to healthy infants aged 10-22 weeks. Adverse reactions were assessed, and hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody titers were determined. Weekly telephone surveillance for influenza-like illness was conducted during the influenza season.
Results.
A total of 42 infants were enrolled and completed the study. Mild local and systemic reactions were noted. In the first season (2004-2005), postvaccination HAI titers >1:32 were noted for 31.6%, 47.4%, and 21.1% of 19 subjects for H1N1, H3N2, and B strains included in the vaccine, respectively. In the second season (2005-2006), postvaccination HAI titers >1:32 were seen in 45.5%, 59.1%, and 0% of 23 subjects for H1N1, H3N2, and B strains included in the vaccine, respectively. Infants who were seronegative before vaccination (titers <1:8) were significantly more likely to have a 4-fold rise in antibody titer after vaccination, compared with infants who had prevaccination titers >1:8 ([Formula: see text]).
Conclusion.
Two doses of TIV were found to be safe and moderately immunogenic against some influenza strains. The presence of preexisting maternally derived antibody was associated with significantly lower seroresponse rates to vaccination. Whether vaccination with TIV will prevent influenza in these young children remains to be determined.
PMID: 18444800 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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(1.3): J Virol. 2008 Apr 30 [Epub ahead of print]
A seven-segmented influenza A virus expressing the influenza C glycoprotein HEF.
Gao Q, Brydon EW, Palese P.
Departments of Microbiology, and Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Influenza viruses are classified into three types: A, B and C.
The genomes of A and B type influenza viruses consist of eight RNA segments, whereas influenza C viruses only have seven RNAs.
Both A and B influenza viruses contain two major surface glycoproteins: the hemagglutinin (HA) and the neuraminidase (NA).
Influenza C viruses have only one major surface glycoprotein, HEF (hemagglutinin-esterase-fusion). By using reverse genetics, we generated two seven-segmented chimeric influenza viruses.
Each possesses six RNA segments from influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PB2, PB1, PA, NP, M, and NS); the seventh RNA segment encodes either the influenza C/Johannesburg/1/66 (C/JHB/1/66) HEF full length protein or a chimeric protein HEF-Ecto, which consists of the HEF ectodomain and the HA transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions.
To facilitate packaging of the heterologous segment, both the HEF and HEF-Ecto coding regions are flanked by HA packaging sequences.
When introduced as an eighth segment with the NA packaging sequences, both viruses are able to stably express a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, indicating a potential use for these viruses as vaccine vectors to carry foreign antigens.
Finally, we showed that incorporation of a GFP RNA segment enhances the growth of seven-segmented viruses, indicating that efficient influenza A viral RNA packaging requires the presence of eight RNA segments.
These results support a selective mechanism of viral RNA recruitment to the budding site.
PMID: 18448539 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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(1.4): J Virol. 2008 Apr 30 [Epub ahead of print]
Annexin II incorporated into influenza virus particles supports virus replication by converting plasminogen into plasmin.
Lebouder F, Morello E, Rimmelzwaan GF, Bosse F, Péchoux C, Delmas B, Riteau B.
Unité de Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, UR 892 INRA, Domaine de Vilvert, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France; Department of Virology and Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Unité UR1196 Génomique et Physiologie de la Lactation, INRA, Plateau de Microscopie Electronique, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas cedex, France.
For influenza viruses to become infectious, proteolytic cleavage of the hemagglutinin is essential.
This is usually mediated by trypsin-like proteases in the respiratory tract.
Binding of plasminogen to influenza virus A/WSN/33 leads to cleavage of HA, a feature determining its pathogenicity and neurotropism in mice.
Here, we demonstrate that plasminogen also promotes the replication of other influenza virus strains.
Inhibition of the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin blocked influenza virus replication.
Evidence is provided that activation of plasminogen is mediated by the host cellular protein annexin-2, which is incorporated into the virus particles.
Indeed, inhibition of plasminogen binding to annexin-2, using a competitive inhibitor, inhibits plasminogen activation into plasmin.
Collectively, these results indicate that annexin-2-mediated activation of plasminogen supports the replication of influenza viruses, which may contribute to their pathogenicity.
PMID: 18448517 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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(1.5): Lancet. 2008 Apr 26;371(9622):1464-75.
Human infection with highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus.
Gambotto A, Barratt-Boyes SM, de Jong MD, Neumann G, Kawaoka Y.
Department of Surgery, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA. agamb@pitt.edu
Highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza A viruses have spread relentlessly across the globe since 2003, and they are associated with widespread death in poultry, substantial economic loss to farmers, and reported infections of more than 300 people with a mortality rate of 60%.
The high pathogenicity of H5N1 influenza viruses and their capacity for transmission from birds to human beings has raised worldwide concern about an impending human influenza pandemic similar to the notorious H1N1 Spanish influenza of 1918.
Since many aspects of H5N1 influenza research are rapidly evolving, we aim in this Seminar to provide an up-to-date discussion on select topics of interest to influenza clinicians and researchers.
We summarise the clinical features and diagnosis of infection and present therapeutic options for H5N1 infection of people.
We also discuss ideas relating to virus transmission, host restriction, and pathogenesis.
Finally, we discuss vaccine development in view of the probable importance of vaccination in pandemic control.
PMID: 18440429 [PubMed - in process]
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(1.6): Vaccine. 2008 Apr 8 [Epub ahead of print]
Influenza vaccination in paediatric nurses: Cross-sectional study of coverage, refusal, and factors in acceptance.
Norton SP, Scheifele DW, Bettinger JA, West RM.
Department of Paediatrics, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
BACKGROUND:
Influenza vaccination among health-care workers is poor, and the effectiveness of hospital vaccination programs remains unclear. Little is known about the effectiveness of intensive evidence-based vaccination programs in nursing staff. We determined whether the recommended vaccination rate could be achieved among paediatric nurses during an intensive promotional program for influenza vaccination. We also sought to identify the reasons for which nurses refuse the influenza vaccine and predictors of future vaccination intent.
METHODS:
We offered influenza vaccination to nursing staff during an influenza season through a multi-component program that included intensive promotional activities. We analysed vaccination data to determine uptake rates. In a cross-sectional survey, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to all nurses with patient contact during that season. The questionnaire evaluated their vaccine use, site of work, absenteeism and physician visits due to respiratory illness, vaccination intent for the subsequent influenza season, and other items. We surveyed vaccinated nurses regarding their program experiences and the frequency and severity of adverse reactions. Unvaccinated nurses were asked their reasons for refusing vaccination. Multiple logistic-regression analysis was conducted to identify variables that predicted the likelihood of future vaccine acceptance.
RESULTS:
More than 75% (895/1182) of applicable nurses were vaccinated in the program. The questionnaire response rate was nearly 48% (585/1230). Vaccination in the program during the current season (odds ratio [OR] 101.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 52.54-197.98), program convenience (OR 199.19, 95% CI 98.01-404.11), and a physician visit for respiratory illness (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.29-4.61) were found to be independent predictors of intent to receive the vaccine the following season. A lack of perceived personal need was the most common reason for vaccine refusal, given in 30% (77/258) of unvaccinated respondents.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adequate coverage of nurses is achievable during an intensive voluntary immunisation program against influenza, using best-known practices. Perceived lack of personal benefit is a major deterrent, while program convenience and previous vaccination strongly predict future vaccine acceptance. Our findings support interventions that improve the convenience of hospital immunisation programs for influenza, particularly those that are aimed at nurses and that promote vaccine efficacy and benefits.
PMID: 18448210 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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(1.7): Vaccine. 2008 Apr 11 [Epub ahead of print]
Generation and evaluation of the trivalent inactivated reassortant vaccine using human, avian, and swine influenza A viruses.
Du N, Li W, Li Y, Liu S, Sui Y, Qu Z, Wang Y, Du Y, Xu B.
College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100094, China.
Reassortant technology was used to obtain three interspecific reassortant influenza viruses using three influenza viruses of A/Puerto Rico/8/34(H1N1), A/swine/Hebei/1/2005(H3N2) and A/chicken/Guangdong/126/2002(H9N2).
The high-growth reassortant strains were H9/PR8, H3/H9N2 and H1/H9N2 that contained hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes from the inactivated parental viruses and the other 6 internal genes from the live parental viruses.
The trivalent formalin-inactivated vaccine, containing H1, H3 and H9 subtype antigens from human, swine and avian influenza viruses respectively, was prepared using these reassortant viruses.
Animal studies showed that the vaccine was safe and immunogenic.
Two-dosing regimen of the influenza vaccine induced high titers of hemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibodies and influenza-specific IgG antibodies without antigenic cross-interference.
It protected 100% chickens from challenge of A/chicken/Guangdong/126/2002 virus and protected 100% mice against challenges with different combinations of the three infective parental viruses.
These results indicated that the trivalent vaccine could offer multi-protection against multi-influenza viruses synchronously.
This kind of multivalent inactivated reassortant influenza vaccine maybe enlightens the pandemic influenza preparedness as the emergency measure.
PMID: 18448208 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher
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(1.8): Vaccine. 2008 Mar 31;26(20):2510-2520 [Epub ahead of print]
Quantification of influenza virus hemagglutinins in complex mixtures using isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry.
Williams TL, Luna L, Guo Z, Cox NJ, Pirkle JL, Donis RO, Barr JR.
National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, MS F-50, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States.
Influenza vaccination is the primary method for preventing influenza and its severe complications.
Licensed inactivated vaccines for seasonal or pandemic influenza are formulated to contain a preset amount of hemagglutinin (HA), the critical antigen to elicit protection.
Current methods to establish the HA concentration of vaccines rely on indirect measurements that are subject to considerable experimental variability.
We present a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the absolute quantification of viral proteins in a complex mixture.
Through use of an isotope dilution approach, HA from viral subtypes H1, H3, H5, and B was determined both directly and rapidly.
This method can be applied to purified virus preparations, to monovalent bulk concentrates, or to trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines with improved speed, sensitivity, precision, and accuracy.
This LC/MS/MS approach may substantially increase the reliability of methods used to quantitate the amount of antigen in seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines and reduce the time and effort to deliver influenza vaccines for public health use during the next influenza pandemic.
PMID: 18440105 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher
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(1.9): Vaccine. 2008 Apr 9 [Epub ahead of print]
Plant-expressed HA as a seasonal influenza vaccine candidate.
Shoji Y, Chichester JA, Bi H, Musiychuk K, de la Rosa P, Goldschmidt L, Horsey A, Ugulava N, Palmer GA, Mett V, Yusibov V.
Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology, 9 Innovation Way, Suite 200, Newark, DE 19711, USA.
Influenza is a globally important respiratory pathogen that causes a high degree of morbidity and mortality annually.
Although current vaccines are effective against virus infection, new strategies need to be developed to satisfy the global demand for an influenza vaccine.
To address this point, we have engineered and produced the full-length hemagglutinin (HA) protein from the A/Wyoming/03/03 (H3N2) strain of influenza in plants.
The antigenicity of this plant-produced HA was confirmed by ELISA and single-radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assays.
Immunization of mice with plant-produced HA resulted in HA-specific humoral (IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b) and cellular (IFNgamma and IL-5) immune responses.
In addition, significant serum hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralizing (VN) antibody titers were obtained with an antigen dose as low as 5mug.
These results demonstrate that plant-produced HA protein is antigenic and can induce immune responses in mice that correlate with protection.
PMID: 18440103 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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(1.10): Vaccine. 2008 Apr 9 [Epub ahead of print]
Influenza vaccination for healthcare workers: Is it really as effective as we claim?
Chan SS.
Emergency Department, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, Hong Kong.
PMID: 18439731 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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(1.11): Virology. 2008 Apr 10;373(2):411-25. Epub 2008 Jan 16.
Molecular and phylogenetic analyses of bovine rhinovirus type 2 shows it is closely related to foot-and-mouth disease virus.
Hollister JR, Vagnozzi A, Knowles NJ, Rieder E.
Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, NY 11944, USA.
Bovine rhinovirus 2 (BRV2), a causative agent of respiratory disease in cattle, is tentatively assigned to the genus Rhinovirus in the family Picornaviridae.
A nearly full-length cDNA of the BRV2 genome was cloned and the nucleotide sequence determined.
BRV2 possesses a putative leader proteinase, a small 2A protein and a poly(C) tract, which are characteristic of aphthoviruses.
Alignment of BRV-2 and FMDV polyproteins showed that 41% of amino acids were identical within the P1 region.
Furthermore, 2A, 2C, 3B(3), 3C and 3D proteins are as much as 67%, 52%, 52%, 50%, and 64% identical, respectively.
BRV2 leader protein is rapidly released from the viral polyprotein and cleaves eIF4G at a rate similar to FMDV leader proteinase, suggesting a functional relationship between the leader protein in these viruses.
The results suggest that BRV2 is closely related to FMDV and should therefore be considered as a new species within the genus Aphthovirus.
PMID: 18201745 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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(1.12): Pediatrics. 2008 May;121(5):1079-80.
Influenza virus and acute asthma in children.
Jartti T, Ruuskanen O.
PMID: 18450922 [PubMed - in process]
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(1.13): Pediatrics. 2008 Apr;121(4):868; author reply 868-9.
Comment on:
Pediatrics. 2007 Oct;120(4):e1076-81.
Severe respiratory syncytial virus infection in term infants with genetic or other underlying disorders.
Afghani B, Ngo T.
PMID: 18381557 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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