Last data update: Apr 22, 2024. (Total: 46599 publications since 2009)
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Interim effectiveness of updated 2023-2024 (monovalent XBB.1.5) COVID-19 vaccines against COVID-19-associated hospitalization among adults aged ≥18 years with immunocompromising conditions - VISION Network, September 2023-February 2024
Link-Gelles R , Rowley EAK , DeSilva MB , Dascomb K , Irving SA , Klein NP , Grannis SJ , Ong TC , Weber ZA , Fleming-Dutra KE , McEvoy CE , Akinsete O , Bride D , Sheffield T , Naleway AL , Zerbo O , Fireman B , Hansen J , Goddard K , Dixon BE , Rogerson C , Fadel WF , Duszynski T , Rao S , Barron MA , Reese SE , Ball SW , Dunne MM , Natarajan K , Okwuazi E , Shah AB , Wiegand R , Tenforde MW , Payne AB . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024 73 (12) 271-276 In September 2023, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended updated 2023-2024 (monovalent XBB.1.5) COVID-19 vaccination for all persons aged ≥6 months to prevent COVID-19, including severe disease. As with past COVID-19 vaccines, additional doses may be considered for persons with immunocompromising conditions, who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 and might have decreased response to vaccination. In this analysis, vaccine effectiveness (VE) of an updated COVID-19 vaccine dose against COVID-19-associated hospitalization was evaluated during September 2023-February 2024 using data from the VISION VE network. Among adults aged ≥18 years with immunocompromising conditions, VE against COVID-19-associated hospitalization was 38% in the 7-59 days after receipt of an updated vaccine dose and 34% in the 60-119 days after receipt of an updated dose. Few persons (18%) in this high-risk study population had received updated COVID-19 vaccine. All persons aged ≥6 months should receive updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccination; persons with immunocompromising conditions may get additional updated COVID-19 vaccine doses ≥2 months after the last recommended COVID-19 vaccine. |
Risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and protection associated with mRNA vaccination among US adults with psychiatric disorders
Levy ME , Yang DH , Dunne MM , Miley K , Irving SA , Grannis SJ , Weber ZA , Griggs EP , Spark TL , Bassett E , Embi PJ , Gaglani M , Natarajan K , Valvi NR , Ong TC , Naleway AL , Stenehjem E , Klein NP , Link-Gelles R , DeSilva MB , Kharbanda AB , Raiyani C , Beaton MA , Dixon BE , Rao S , Dascomb K , Patel P , Mamawala M , Han J , Fadel WF , Barron MA , Grisel N , Dickerson M , Liao IC , Arndorfer J , Najdowski M , Murthy K , Ray C , Tenforde MW , Ball SW . Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024 18 (3) e13269 BACKGROUND: Although psychiatric disorders have been associated with reduced immune responses to other vaccines, it remains unknown whether they influence COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE). This study evaluated risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and estimated mRNA VE stratified by psychiatric disorder status. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort analysis of the VISION Network in four US states, the rate of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated hospitalization between December 2021 and August 2022 was compared across psychiatric diagnoses and by monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccination status using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Among 2,436,999 adults, 22.1% had ≥1 psychiatric disorder. The incidence of COVID-19-associated hospitalization was higher among patients with any versus no psychiatric disorder (394 vs. 156 per 100,000 person-years, p < 0.001). Any psychiatric disorder (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.27; 95% CI, 1.18-1.37) and mood (aHR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.15-1.36), anxiety (aHR, 1.33, 95% CI, 1.22-1.45), and psychotic (aHR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.14-1.74) disorders were each significant independent predictors of hospitalization. Among patients with any psychiatric disorder, aHRs for the association between vaccination and hospitalization were 0.35 (95% CI, 0.25-0.49) after a recent second dose, 0.08 (95% CI, 0.06-0.11) after a recent third dose, and 0.33 (95% CI, 0.17-0.66) after a recent fourth dose, compared to unvaccinated patients. Corresponding VE estimates were 65%, 92%, and 67%, respectively, and were similar among patients with no psychiatric disorder (68%, 92%, and 79%). CONCLUSION: Psychiatric disorders were associated with increased risk of COVID-19-associated hospitalization. However, mRNA vaccination provided similar protection regardless of psychiatric disorder status, highlighting its benefit for individuals with psychiatric disorders. |
Interim effectiveness of updated 2023-2024 (monovalent xbb.1.5) COVID-19 vaccines against COVID-19-associated emergency department and urgent care encounters and hospitalization among immunocompetent adults aged ≥18 years - VISION and IVY Networks, September 2023-January 2024
DeCuir J , Payne AB , Self WH , Rowley EAK , Dascomb K , DeSilva MB , Irving SA , Grannis SJ , Ong TC , Klein NP , Weber ZA , Reese SE , Ball SW , Barron MA , Naleway AL , Dixon BE , Essien I , Bride D , Natarajan K , Fireman B , Shah AB , Okwuazi E , Wiegand R , Zhu Y , Lauring AS , Martin ET , Gaglani M , Peltan ID , Brown SM , Ginde AA , Mohr NM , Gibbs KW , Hager DN , Prekker M , Mohamed A , Srinivasan V , Steingrub JS , Khan A , Busse LW , Duggal A , Wilson JG , Chang SY , Mallow C , Kwon JH , Exline MC , Columbus C , Vaughn IA , Safdar B , Mosier JM , Harris ES , Casey JD , Chappell JD , Grijalva CG , Swan SA , Johnson C , Lewis NM , Ellington S , Adams K , Tenforde MW , Paden CR , Dawood FS , Fleming-Dutra KE , Surie D , Link-Gelles R . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024 73 (8) 180-188 In September 2023, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended updated 2023-2024 (monovalent XBB.1.5) COVID-19 vaccination for all persons aged ≥6 months to prevent COVID-19, including severe disease. However, few estimates of updated vaccine effectiveness (VE) against medically attended illness are available. This analysis evaluated VE of an updated COVID-19 vaccine dose against COVID-19-associated emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) encounters and hospitalization among immunocompetent adults aged ≥18 years during September 2023-January 2024 using a test-negative, case-control design with data from two CDC VE networks. VE against COVID-19-associated ED/UC encounters was 51% (95% CI = 47%-54%) during the first 7-59 days after an updated dose and 39% (95% CI = 33%-45%) during the 60-119 days after an updated dose. VE estimates against COVID-19-associated hospitalization from two CDC VE networks were 52% (95% CI = 47%-57%) and 43% (95% CI = 27%-56%), with a median interval from updated dose of 42 and 47 days, respectively. Updated COVID-19 vaccine provided increased protection against COVID-19-associated ED/UC encounters and hospitalization among immunocompetent adults. These results support CDC recommendations for updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccination. All persons aged ≥6 months should receive updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. |
Vaccine value profile for Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Lyu Y , Choong A , Chow EPF , Seib KL , Marshall HS , Unemo M , de Voux A , Wang B , Miranda AE , Gottlieb SL , Mello MB , Wi T , Baggaley R , Marshall C , Abu-Raddad LJ , Abara WE , Chen XS , Ong JJ . Vaccine 2023 Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection (gonorrhoea) is a global public health challenge, causing substantial sexual and reproductive health consequences, such as infertility, pregnancy complications and increased acquisition or transmission of HIV. There is an urgency to controlling gonorrhoea because of increasing antimicrobial resistance to ceftriaxone, the last remaining treatment option, and the potential for gonorrhoea to become untreatable. No licensed gonococcal vaccine is available. Mounting observational evidence suggests that N. meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle-based vaccines may induce cross-protection against N. gonorrhoeae (estimated 30%-40% effectiveness using the 4CMenB vaccine). Clinical trials to determine the efficacy of the 4CMenB vaccine against N. gonorrhoeae are underway, as are Phase 1/2 studies of a new gonococcal-specific vaccine candidate. Ultimately, a gonococcal vaccine must be accessible, affordable and equitably dispensed, given that those most affected by gonorrhoea are also those who may be most disadvantaged in our societies, and most cases are in less-resourced settings. This vaccine value profile (VVP) provides a high level, holistic assessment of the current data to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of pipeline vaccines. This was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships and multi-lateral organizations. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the N. gonorrhoeae VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps. The VVP was developed using published data obtained from peer-reviewed journals or reports. |
Influenza vaccine effectiveness against influenza-A-associated emergency department, urgent care, and hospitalization encounters among U.S. adults, 2022-2023
Tenforde MW , Weber ZA , Yang DH , DeSilva MB , Dascomb K , Irving SA , Naleway AL , Gaglani M , Fireman B , Lewis N , Zerbo O , Goddard K , Timbol J , Hansen JR , Grisel N , Arndorfer J , McEvoy CE , Essien IJ , Rao S , Grannis SJ , Kharbanda AB , Natarajan K , Ong TC , Embi PJ , Ball SW , Dunne MM , Kirshner L , Wiegand RE , Dickerson M , Patel P , Ray C , Flannery B , Garg S , Adams K , Klein NP . J Infect Dis 2023 BACKGROUND: The 2022-2023 United States influenza season had unusually early influenza activity with high hospitalization rates. Vaccine-matched A(H3N2) viruses predominated, with lower levels of A(H1N1)pdm09 activity also observed. METHODS: Using the test-negative design, we evaluated influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) during the 2022-2023 season against influenza-A-associated emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) visits and hospitalizations from October 2022-March 2023 among adults (age ≥18 years) with acute respiratory illness (ARI). VE was estimated by comparing odds of seasonal influenza vaccination among case-patients (influenza A test-positive by molecular assay) and controls (influenza test-negative), applying inverse-propensity-to-be-vaccinated weights. RESULTS: The analysis included 85,389 ED/UC ARI encounters (17.0% influenza-A-positive; 37.8% vaccinated overall) and 19,751 hospitalizations (9.5% influenza-A-positive; 52.8% vaccinated overall). VE against influenza-A-associated ED/UC encounters was 44% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 40-47%) overall and 45% and 41% among adults aged 18-64 and ≥65 years, respectively. VE against influenza-A-associated hospitalizations was 35% (95%CI: 27-43%) overall and 23% and 41% among adults aged 18-64 and ≥65 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: VE was moderate during the 2022-2023 influenza season, a season characterized with increased burden of influenza and co-circulation with other respiratory viruses. Vaccination is likely to substantially reduce morbidity, mortality, and strain on healthcare resources. |
Impact of accounting for correlation between COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in a COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness evaluation using a test-negative design
Payne AB , Ciesla AA , Rowley EAK , Weber ZA , Reese SE , Ong TC , Vazquez-Benitez G , Naleway AL , Klein NP , Embi PJ , Grannis SJ , Kharbanda AB , Gaglani M , Tenforde MW , Link-Gelles R . Vaccine 2023 41 (51) 7581-7586 Test-negative-design COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) studies use symptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals as cases and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2-negative individuals as controls to evaluate COVID-19 VE. To evaluate the potential bias introduced by the correlation of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination behaviors, we assessed changes in estimates of VE of bivalent vaccines against COVID-19-associated hospitalizations and emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) encounters when considering influenza vaccination status or including or excluding influenza-positive controls using data from the multi-state VISION vaccine effectiveness network. Analyses included encounters during October 2022 - February 2023, a period of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza cocirculation. When considering influenza vaccination status or including or excluding influenza-positive controls, COVID-19 VE estimates were robust, with most VE estimates against COVID-19-associated hospitalization and ED/UC encounters changing less than 5 percentage points. Higher proportions of influenza-positive patients among controls, influenza vaccination coverage, or VE could impact these findings; the potential bias should continue to be assessed. |
Vaccine effectiveness against pediatric influenza-a-associated urgent care, emergency department, and hospital encounters during the 2022-2023 Season, VISION Network
Adams K , Weber ZA , Yang DH , Klein NP , DeSilva MB , Dascomb K , Irving SA , Naleway AL , Rao S , Gaglani M , Flannery B , Garg S , Kharbanda AB , Grannis SJ , Ong TC , Embi PJ , Natarajan K , Fireman B , Zerbo O , Goddard K , Timbol J , Hansen JR , Grisel N , Arndorfer J , Ball SW , Dunne MM , Kirshner L , Chung JR , Tenforde MW . Clin Infect Dis 2023 BACKGROUND: During the 2022-2023 influenza season, the United States experienced the highest influenza-associated pediatric hospitalization rate since 2010-2011. Influenza A/H3N2 infections were predominant. METHODS: We analyzed acute respiratory illness (ARI)-associated emergency department or urgent care (ED/UC) encounters or hospitalizations at three health systems among children and adolescents aged 6 months-17 years who had influenza molecular testing during October 2022-March 2023. We estimated influenza A vaccine effectiveness (VE) using a test-negative approach. The odds of vaccination among influenza-A-positive cases and influenza-negative controls were compared after adjusting for confounders and applying inverse-propensity-to-be-vaccinated weights. We developed overall and age-stratified VE models. RESULTS: Overall, 13,547 of 44,787 (30.2%) eligible ED/UC encounters and 263 of 1,862 (14.1%) hospitalizations were influenza-A-positive cases. Among ED/UC patients, 15.2% of influenza-positive versus 27.1% of influenza-negative patients were vaccinated; VE was 48% (95% confidence interval [CI], 44%-52%) overall, 53% (95% CI, 47%-58%) among children aged 6 months-4 years and 38% (95% CI, 30%-45%) among those aged 9-17 years. Among hospitalizations, 17.5% of influenza-positive versus 33.4% of influenza-negative patients were vaccinated; VE was 40% (95% CI, 6%-61%) overall, 56% (95% CI, 23%-75%) among children ages 6 months-4 years and 46% (95% CI, 2%-70%) among those 5-17 years. CONCLUSIONS: During the 2022-2023 influenza season, vaccination reduced the risk of influenza-associated ED/UC encounters and hospitalizations by almost half (overall VE 40-48%). Influenza vaccination is a critical tool to prevent moderate-to-severe influenza illness in children and adolescents. |
Effectiveness of the original monovalent coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines in preventing emergency department or urgent care encounters and hospitalizations among adults with disabilities: VISION Network, June 2021-September 2022
Patel P , Schrader KE , Rice CE , Rowley E , Cree RA , DeSilva MB , Embi PJ , Gaglani M , Grannis SJ , Ong TC , Stenehjem E , Naleway AL , Ball S , Natarajan K , Klein NP , Adams K , Kharbanda A , Ray C , Link-Gelles R , Tenforde MW . Open Forum Infect Dis 2023 10 (11) ofad474 Adults with disabilities are at increased risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using data across 9 states during Delta- and Omicron-predominant periods (June 2021-September 2022), we evaluated the effectiveness of the original monovalent COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccines among 521 206 emergency department/urgent care encounters (11 471 [2%] in patients with a documented disability) and 139 548 hospitalizations (16 569 [12%] in patients with a disability) for laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in adults (aged ≥18 years). Across variant periods and for the primary series or booster doses, vaccine effectiveness was similar in those with and those without a disability. These findings highlight the importance of adults with disabilities staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations. |
Clinical epidemiology and risk factors for critical outcomes among vaccinated and unvaccinated adults hospitalized with COVID-19-VISION Network, 10 States, June 2021-March 2023
Griggs EP , Mitchell PK , Lazariu V , Gaglani M , McEvoy C , Klein NP , Valvi NR , Irving SA , Kojima N , Stenehjem E , Crane B , Rao S , Grannis SJ , Embi PJ , Kharbanda AB , Ong TC , Natarajan K , Dascomb K , Naleway AL , Bassett E , DeSilva MB , Dickerson M , Konatham D , Fireman B , Allen KS , Barron MA , Beaton M , Arndorfer J , Vazquez-Benitez G , Garg S , Murthy K , Goddard K , Dixon BE , Han J , Grisel N , Raiyani C , Lewis N , Fadel WF , Stockwell MS , Mamawala M , Hansen J , Zerbo O , Patel P , Link-Gelles R , Adams K , Tenforde MW . Clin Infect Dis 2023 BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of COVID-19 continues to develop with emerging variants, expanding population-level immunity, and advances in clinical care. We describe changes in the clinical epidemiology of hospitalized COVID-19 and risk factors for critical outcomes over time. METHODS: We included adults aged ≥18 years from 10 states hospitalized with COVID-19 June 2021-March 2023 when multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants or sub-lineages predominated. We evaluated changes in baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and critical outcomes (intensive care unit admission and/or death) and used regression models to evaluate critical outcomes risk factors (risk ratios) stratified by COVID-19 vaccination status. RESULTS: 60,488 COVID-19-associated hospitalizations were included in the analysis. Among those hospitalized, from Delta period (June-December 2021) to the Omicron post-BA.4/BA.5 period (September 2022-March 2023), median age increased from 60 to 75 years, proportion vaccinated increased from 18.2% to 70.1%, while critical outcomes declined from 24.8% to 19.4% (all p < 0.001). Compared to all hospitalization events, those with critical outcomes had a higher proportion of four or more categories of medical conditions categories assessed (32.8% critical versus 23.0% all hospitalized). Critical outcome risk factors were similar for unvaccinated and vaccinated populations; presence of ≥4 medical condition categories was most strongly associated with risk of critical outcomes regardless of vaccine status (unvaccinated aRR 2.27 [95% CI: 2.14-2.41]; vaccinated aRR 1.73 [95% CI: 1.56-1.92]) across periods. CONCLUSION: The proportion of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 who experienced critical outcomes decreased with time and median patient age increased with time. Multimorbidity was mostly strongly associated with critical outcomes. |
Effectiveness of monovalent and bivalent mRNA vaccines in preventing COVID-19-associated emergency department and urgent care encounters among children aged 6 months-5 years - VISION Network, United States, July 2022-June 2023
Link-Gelles R , Ciesla AA , Rowley EAK , Klein NP , Naleway AL , Payne AB , Kharbanda A , Natarajan K , DeSilva MB , Dascomb K , Irving SA , Zerbo O , Reese SE , Wiegand RE , Najdowski M , Ong TC , Rao S , Stockwell MS , Stephens A , Goddard K , Martinez YC , Weber ZA , Fireman B , Hansen J , Timbol J , Grannis SJ , Barron MA , Embi PJ , Ball SW , Gaglani M , Grisel N , Arndorfer J , Tenforde MW , Fleming-Dutra KE . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (33) 886-892 On June 19, 2022, the original monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were approved as a primary series for children aged 6 months-4 years (Pfizer-BioNTech) and 6 months-5 years (Moderna) based on safety, immunobridging, and limited efficacy data from clinical trials. On December 9, 2022, CDC expanded recommendations for use of updated bivalent vaccines to children aged ≥6 months. mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against emergency department or urgent care (ED/UC) encounters was evaluated within the VISION Network during July 4, 2022-June 17, 2023, among children with COVID-19-like illness aged 6 months-5 years. Among children aged 6 months-5 years who received molecular SARS-CoV-2 testing during August 1, 2022-June 17, 2023, VE of 2 monovalent Moderna doses against ED/UC encounters was 29% (95% CI = 12%-42%) ≥14 days after dose 2 (median = 100 days after dose 2; IQR = 63-155 days). Among children aged 6 months-4 years with a COVID-19-like illness who received molecular testing during September 19, 2022-June 17, 2023, VE of 3 monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech doses was 43% (95% CI = 17%-61%) ≥14 days after dose 3 (median = 75 days after dose 3; IQR = 40-139 days). Effectiveness of ≥1 bivalent dose, comparing children with at least a complete primary series and ≥1 bivalent dose to unvaccinated children, irrespective of vaccine manufacturer, was 80% (95% CI = 42%-96%) among children aged 6 months-5 years a median of 58 days (IQR = 32-83 days) after the dose. All children should stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including initiation of COVID-19 vaccination immediately when they are eligible. |
Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines at preventing emergency department or urgent care encounters and hospitalizations among immunocompromised adults: An observational study of real-world data across 10 US states from August-December 2021
Embi PJ , Levy ME , Patel P , DeSilva MB , Gaglani M , Dascomb K , Dunne MM , Klein NP , Ong TC , Grannis SJ , Natarajan K , Yang DH , Stenehjem E , Zerbo O , McEvoy C , Rao S , Thompson MG , Konatham D , Irving SA , Dixon BE , Han J , Schrader KE , Grisel N , Lewis N , Kharbanda AB , Barron MA , Reynolds S , Liao IC , Fadel WF , Rowley EA , Arndorfer J , Goddard K , Murthy K , Valvi NR , Weber ZA , Fireman B , Reese SE , Ball SW , Naleway AL . Vaccine 2023 BACKGROUND: Immunocompromised (IC) persons are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes and are less protected by 1-2 COVID-19 vaccine doses than are immunocompetent (non-IC) persons. We compared vaccine effectiveness (VE) against medically attended COVID-19 of 2-3 mRNA and 1-2 viral-vector vaccine doses between IC and non-IC adults. METHODS: Using a test-negative design among eight VISION Network sites, VE against laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) events and hospitalizations from 26 August-25 December 2021 was estimated separately among IC and non-IC adults and among specific IC condition subgroups. Vaccination status was defined using number and timing of doses. VE for each status (versus unvaccinated) was adjusted for age, geography, time, prior positive test result, and local SARS-CoV-2 circulation. RESULTS: We analyzed 8,848 ED/UC events and 18,843 hospitalizations among IC patients and 200,071 ED/UC events and 70,882 hospitalizations among non-IC patients. Among IC patients, 3-dose mRNA VE against ED/UC (73% [95% CI: 64-80]) and hospitalization (81% [95% CI: 76-86]) was lower than that among non-IC patients (ED/UC: 94% [95% CI: 93-94]; hospitalization: 96% [95% CI: 95-97]). Similar patterns were observed for viral-vector vaccines. Transplant recipients had lower VE than other IC subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: During B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant predominance, IC adults received moderate protection against COVID-19-associated medical events from three mRNA doses, or one viral-vector dose plus a second dose of any product. However, protection was lower in IC versus non-IC patients, especially among transplant recipients, underscoring the need for additional protection among IC adults. |
Evaluation of Sampling and Concentration Methods for Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Detection from Wastewater
Zhou N , Ong A , Fagnant-Sperati C , Harrison J , Kossik A , Beck N , Shirai J , Burnor E , Swanstrom R , Demeke B , Patel S , Scott Meschke J , Kang G , Giri S , Raghava V , Abraham D , Moe C , Kapoor R , Wang Y , Liu P , Feasey N , Rigby J , Dines Y , Elviss N , Alm E , Moniz K , Xiao A , Karmacharya D , Napit R , Poudel A , Muhammad S , Ashraf Z , Boyle D , Andrews J , Aiemjoy K , LeBoa C , Tamrakar D , Shrestha S , Shakya J , Murphy JL , Narayanan J , Brown TW , Taniuchi M , Islam Md O , Blake I . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023 108 (3) 482-491 Salmonella enterica serovar (Salmonella Typhi) is the causative bacterial agent of typhoid fever. Environmental surveillance of wastewater and wastewater-impacted surface waters has proven effective in monitoring various pathogens and has recently been applied to Salmonella Typhi. This study evaluated eight sample collection and concentration methods with 12 variations currently being developed and used for Salmonella Typhi surveillance globally to better understand the performance of each method based on its ability to detect Salmonella Typhi and its feasibility. Salmonella Typhi strains Ty21a and Ty2 were seeded to influent wastewater at known concentrations to evaluate the following methods: grab sampling using electropositive filters, centrifugation, direct enrichment, or membrane filtration and trap sampling using Moore swabs. Concentrated samples underwent nucleic acid extraction and were detected and/or quantified via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results suggest that all methods tested can be successful at concentrating Salmonella Typhi for subsequent detection by qPCR, although each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, including the Salmonella Typhi concentration it is best suited for, with a range of positive detections observed as low as 0.1-0.001 colony-forming units (CFU) Ty21a/mL and 0.01 CFU Ty2/mL. These factors should be considered when identifying a method for environmental surveillance and will greatly depend on the use case planned. |
Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines at Preventing Emergency Department or Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations Among Immunocompromised Adults: An Observational Study of Real-World Data Across 10 US States from August-December 2021 (preprint)
Embi PJ , Levy ME , Patel P , DeSilva MB , Gaglani M , Dascomb K , Dunne MM , Klein NP , Ong TC , Grannis SJ , Natarajan K , Yang DH , Stenehjem E , Zerbo O , McEvoy C , Rao S , Thompson MG , Konatham D , Irving SA , Dixon BE , Han J , Schrader KE , Grisel N , Lewis N , Kharbanda AB , Barron MA , Reynolds S , Liao IC , Fadel WF , Rowley EA , Arndorfer J , Goddard K , Murthy K , Valvi NR , Weber ZA , Fireman B , Reese SE , Ball SW , Naleway AL . medRxiv 2022 21 Background: Immunocompromised (IC) persons are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes and are less protected by 1-2 COVID-19 vaccine doses than are immunocompetent (non-IC) persons. We compared vaccine effectiveness (VE) against medically attended COVID-19 of 2-3 mRNA and 1-2 viral-vector vaccine doses between IC and non-IC adults. Method(s): Using a test-negative design among eight VISION Network sites, VE against laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated emergency department (ED) or urgent care (UC) events and hospitalizations from 26 August-25 December 2021 was estimated separately among IC and non-IC adults and among specific IC condition subgroups. Vaccination status was defined using number and timing of doses. VE for each status (versus unvaccinated) was adjusted for age, geography, time, prior positive test result, and local SARS-CoV-2 circulation. Result(s): We analyzed 8,848 ED/UC events and 18,843 hospitalizations among IC patients and 200,071 ED/UC events and 70,882 hospitalizations among non-IC patients. Among IC patients, 3-dose mRNA VE against ED/UC (73% [95% CI: 64-80]) and hospitalization (81% [95% CI: 76-86]) was lower than that among non-IC patients (ED/UC: 94% [95% CI: 93-94]; hospitalization: 96% [95% CI: 95-97]). Similar patterns were observed for viral-vector vaccines. Transplant recipients had lower VE than other IC subgroups. Conclusion(s): During B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant predominance, IC adults received moderate protection against COVID-19-associated medical events from three mRNA doses, or one viral-vector dose plus a second dose of any product. However, protection was lower in IC versus non-IC patients, especially among transplant recipients, underscoring the need for additional protection among IC adults. Copyright The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. This article is a US Government work. It is not subject to copyright under 17 USC 105 and is also made available for use under a CC0 license. |
Evaluation of sampling and concentration methods for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi detection from wastewater (preprint)
Zhou NA , Ong AQW , Fagnant-Sperati CS , Harrison JC , Kossik AL , Beck NK , Shirai JH , Burnor E , Swanstrom R , Demeke B , Patel S , Meschke JS , Kang G , Giri S , Raghava V , Abraham D , Moe C , Kapoor R , Wang Y , Liu P , Feasey N , Rigby J , Dines Y , Elviss N , Alm E , Moniz K , Xiao A , Karmacharya D , Napit R , Poudel A , Muhammad S , Ashraf Z , Boyle D , Andrews J , Aiemjoy K , LeBoa C , Tamrakar D , Shrestha S , Shakya J , Murphy JL , Narayanan J , Brown TW , Taniuchi M , Islam Md O , Blake I . medRxiv 2022 08 Salmonella enterica serovar (Salmonella Typhi) is the causative bacterial agent of Typhoid fever. Environmental surveillance of wastewater and wastewater-impacted surface waters has proven effective in monitoring various pathogens, and has recently been applied to Salmonella Typhi. This study evaluated eight sample collection and concentration methods with twelve variations currently being developed and used for Salmonella Typhi surveillance globally to better understand the performance of each method based on their ability to detect Salmonella Typhi and feasibility. Salmonella Typhi strains, Ty21a and Ty2, were seeded to influent wastewater at known concentrations to evaluate the following methods: grab sampling using electropositive filters, centrifugation, direct enrichment, or membrane filtration and trap sampling using Moore swabs. Concentrated samples underwent nucleic acid extraction and were detected and/or quantified via qPCR. Results suggest that all methods tested can be successful at concentrating Salmonella Typhi for subsequent detection by qPCR, although each method has its own strengths and weaknesses including the Salmonella Typhi concentrations they are best suited for with a range of positive detections observed as low as 0.1-0.001 CFU Ty21a/mL and 0.01 CFU Ty2/mL. These factors should be considered when identifying a method for environmental surveillance and will greatly depend on the use case planned. Copyright The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license. |
Preventing HIV among adolescent boys and young men through PEPFAR-supported voluntary medical male circumcision in 15 Sub-Saharan African Countries, 2018-2021
Peck ME , Ong K , Lucas T , Thomas AG , Wandira R , Ntwaaga B , Mkhontfo M , Zegeye T , Yohannes F , Mulatu D , Gultie T , Juma AW , Odoyo-June E , Maida A , Msungama W , Canda M , Mutandi G , Zemburuka BLT , Kankindi I , Vranken P , Maphothi N , Loykissoonlal D , Bunga S , Grund JM , Kazaura KJ , Kabuye G , Chituwo O , Muyunda B , Kamboyi R , Lingenda G , Mandisarisa J , Peterson A , Malaba R , Xaba S , Moyo T , Toledo C . AIDS Educ Prev 2023 35 67-81 Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is an HIV prevention intervention that has predominantly targeted adolescent and young men, aged 10-24 years. In 2020, the age eligibility for VMMC shifted from 10 to 15 years of age. This report describes the VMMC client age distribution from 2018 to 2021, at the site, national, and regional levels, among 15 countries in southern and eastern Africa. Overall, in 2018 and 2019, the highest proportion of VMMCs were performed among 10-14-year-olds (45.6% and 41.2%, respectively). In 2020 and 2021, the 15-19-year age group accounted for the highest proportion (37.2% and 50.4%, respectively) of VMMCs performed across all age groups. Similarly, in 2021 at the site level, 68.1% of VMMC sites conducted the majority of circumcisions among men aged 15-24 years. This analysis highlights that adolescent boys and young men are the primary recipients of VMMC receiving an important lifetime reduction in HIV risk. |
Number needed to vaccinate with a COVID-19 booster to prevent a COVID-19-associated hospitalization during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 variant predominance, December 2021-February 2022, VISION Network: a retrospective cohort study
Adams K , Riddles JJ , Rowley EAK , Grannis SJ , Gaglani M , Fireman B , Hartmann E , Naleway AL , Stenehjem E , Hughes A , Dalton AF , Natarajan K , Dascomb K , Raiyani C , Irving SA , Sloan-Aagard C , Kharbanda AB , DeSilva MB , Dixon BE , Ong TC , Keller J , Dickerson M , Grisel N , Murthy K , Nanez J , Fadel WF , Ball SW , Patel P , Arndorfer J , Mamawala M , Valvi NR , Dunne MM , Griggs EP , Embi PJ , Thompson MG , Link-Gelles R , Tenforde MW . Lancet Reg Health Am 2023 23 100530 BACKGROUND: Understanding the usefulness of additional COVID-19 vaccine doses-particularly given varying disease incidence-is needed to support public health policy. We characterize the benefits of COVID-19 booster doses using number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-associated hospitalization or emergency department encounter. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of immunocompetent adults at five health systems in four U.S. states during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 predominance (December 2021-February 2022). Included patients completed a primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series and were either eligible to or received a booster dose. NNV were estimated using hazard ratios for each outcome (hospitalization and emergency department encounters), with results stratified by three 25-day periods and site. FINDINGS: 1,285,032 patients contributed 938 hospitalizations and 2076 emergency department encounters. 555,729 (43.2%) patients were aged 18-49 years, 363,299 (28.3%) 50-64 years, and 366,004 (28.5%) ≥65 years. Most patients were female (n = 765,728, 59.6%), White (n = 990,224, 77.1%), and non-Hispanic (n = 1,063,964, 82.8%). 37.2% of patients received a booster and 62.8% received only two doses. Median estimated NNV to prevent one hospitalization was 205 (range 44-615) and NNV was lower across study periods for adults aged ≥65 years (110, 46, and 88, respectively) and those with underlying medical conditions (163, 69, and 131, respectively). Median estimated NNV to prevent one emergency department encounter was 156 (range 75-592). INTERPRETATION: The number of patients needed to receive a booster dose was highly dependent on local disease incidence, outcome severity, and patient risk factors for moderate-to-severe disease. FUNDING: Funding was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention though contract 75D30120C07986 to Westat, Inc. and contract 75D30120C07765 to Kaiser Foundation Hospitals. |
Estimates of bivalent mRNA vaccine durability in preventing COVID-19-associated hospitalization and critical illness among adults with and without immunocompromising conditions - VISION Network, September 2022-April 2023
Link-Gelles R , Weber ZA , Reese SE , Payne AB , Gaglani M , Adams K , Kharbanda AB , Natarajan K , DeSilva MB , Dascomb K , Irving SA , Klein NP , Grannis SJ , Ong TC , Embi PJ , Dunne MM , Dickerson M , McEvoy C , Arndorfer J , Naleway AL , Goddard K , Dixon BE , Griggs EP , Hansen J , Valvi N , Najdowski M , Timbol J , Rogerson C , Fireman B , Fadel WF , Patel P , Ray CS , Wiegand R , Ball S , Tenforde MW . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (21) 579-588 On September 1, 2022, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended a single bivalent mRNA COVID-19 booster dose for persons aged ≥12 years who had completed at least a monovalent primary series. Early vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates among adults aged ≥18 years showed receipt of a bivalent booster dose provided additional protection against COVID-19-associated emergency department and urgent care visits and hospitalizations compared with that in persons who had received only monovalent vaccine doses (1); however, insufficient time had elapsed since bivalent vaccine authorization to assess the durability of this protection. The VISION Network* assessed VE against COVID-19-associated hospitalizations by time since bivalent vaccine receipt during September 13, 2022-April 21, 2023, among adults aged ≥18 years with and without immunocompromising conditions. During the first 7-59 days after vaccination, compared with no vaccination, VE for receipt of a bivalent vaccine dose among adults aged ≥18 years was 62% (95% CI = 57%-67%) among adults without immunocompromising conditions and 28% (95% CI = 10%-42%) among adults with immunocompromising conditions. Among adults without immunocompromising conditions, VE declined to 24% (95% CI = 12%-33%) among those aged ≥18 years by 120-179 days after vaccination. VE was generally lower for adults with immunocompromising conditions. A bivalent booster dose provided the highest protection, and protection was sustained through at least 179 days against critical outcomes, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission or in-hospital death. These data support updated recommendations allowing additional optional bivalent COVID-19 vaccine doses for certain high-risk populations. All eligible persons should stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines. |
Prediction of Susceptibility to First-Line Tuberculosis Drugs by DNA Sequencing.
Allix-Béguec C , Arandjelovic I , Bi L , Beckert P , Bonnet M , Bradley P , Cabibbe AM , Cancino-Muñoz I , Caulfield MJ , Chaiprasert A , Cirillo DM , Clifton DA , Comas I , Crook DW , De Filippo MR , de Neeling H , Diel R , Drobniewski FA , Faksri K , Farhat MR , Fleming J , Fowler P , Fowler TA , Gao Q , Gardy J , Gascoyne-Binzi D , Gibertoni-Cruz AL , Gil-Brusola A , Golubchik T , Gonzalo X , Grandjean L , He G , Guthrie JL , Hoosdally S , Hunt M , Iqbal Z , Ismail N , Johnston J , Khanzada FM , Khor CC , Kohl TA , Kong C , Lipworth S , Liu Q , Maphalala G , Martinez E , Mathys V , Merker M , Miotto P , Mistry N , Moore DAJ , Murray M , Niemann S , Omar SV , Ong RT , Peto TEA , Posey JE , Prammananan T , Pym A , Rodrigues C , Rodrigues M , Rodwell T , Rossolini GM , Sánchez Padilla E , Schito M , Shen X , Shendure J , Sintchenko V , Sloutsky A , Smith EG , Snyder M , Soetaert K , Starks AM , Supply P , Suriyapol P , Tahseen S , Tang P , Teo YY , Thuong TNT , Thwaites G , Tortoli E , van Soolingen D , Walker AS , Walker TM , Wilcox M , Wilson DJ , Wyllie D , Yang Y , Zhang H , Zhao Y , Zhu B . N Engl J Med 2018 379 (15) 1403-1415 BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends drug-susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex for all patients with tuberculosis to guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes. Whether DNA sequencing can be used to accurately predict profiles of susceptibility to first-line antituberculosis drugs has not been clear. METHODS: We obtained whole-genome sequences and associated phenotypes of resistance or susceptibility to the first-line antituberculosis drugs isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide for isolates from 16 countries across six continents. For each isolate, mutations associated with drug resistance and drug susceptibility were identified across nine genes, and individual phenotypes were predicted unless mutations of unknown association were also present. To identify how whole-genome sequencing might direct first-line drug therapy, complete susceptibility profiles were predicted. These profiles were predicted to be susceptible to all four drugs (i.e., pansusceptible) if they were predicted to be susceptible to isoniazid and to the other drugs or if they contained mutations of unknown association in genes that affect susceptibility to the other drugs. We simulated the way in which the negative predictive value changed with the prevalence of drug resistance. RESULTS: A total of 10,209 isolates were analyzed. The largest proportion of phenotypes was predicted for rifampin (9660 [95.4%] of 10,130) and the smallest was predicted for ethambutol (8794 [89.8%] of 9794). Resistance to isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide was correctly predicted with 97.1%, 97.5%, 94.6%, and 91.3% sensitivity, respectively, and susceptibility to these drugs was correctly predicted with 99.0%, 98.8%, 93.6%, and 96.8% specificity. Of the 7516 isolates with complete phenotypic drug-susceptibility profiles, 5865 (78.0%) had complete genotypic predictions, among which 5250 profiles (89.5%) were correctly predicted. Among the 4037 phenotypic profiles that were predicted to be pansusceptible, 3952 (97.9%) were correctly predicted. CONCLUSIONS: Genotypic predictions of the susceptibility of M. tuberculosis to first-line drugs were found to be correlated with phenotypic susceptibility to these drugs. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others.). |
Effectiveness of BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccination in Children and Adolescents.
Klein NP , Demarco M , Fleming-Dutra KE , Stockwell MS , Kharbanda AB , Gaglani M , Rao S , Lewis N , Irving SA , Hartmann E , Natarajan K , Dalton AF , Zerbo O , DeSilva MB , Konatham D , Stenehjem E , Rowley EAK , Ong TC , Grannis SJ , Sloan-Aagard C , Han J , Verani JR , Raiyani C , Dascomb K , Reese SE , Barron MA , Fadel WF , Naleway AL , Nanez J , Dickerson M , Goddard K , Murthy K , Grisel N , Weber ZA , Dixon BE , Patel P , Fireman B , Arndorfer J , Valvi NR , Griggs EP , Hallowell C , Embi PJ , Ball SW , Thompson MG , Tenforde MW , Link-Gelles R . Pediatrics 2023 151 (5) OBJECTIVES: We assessed BNT162b2 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against mild to moderate and severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children and adolescents through the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 period. METHODS: Using VISION Network records from April 2021 to September 2022, we conducted a test-negative, case-control study assessing VE against COVID-19-associated emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) encounters and hospitalizations using logistic regression, conditioned on month and site, adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: We compared 9800 ED/UC cases with 70 232 controls, and 305 hospitalized cases with 2612 controls. During Delta, 2-dose VE against ED/UC encounters at 12 to 15 years was initially 93% (95% confidence interval 89 to 95), waning to 77% (69% to 84%) after ≥150 days. At ages 16 to 17, VE was initially 93% (86% to 97%), waning to 72% (63% to 79%) after ≥150 days. During Omicron, VE at ages 12 to 15 was initially 64% (44% to 77%), waning to 13% (3% to 23%) after ≥150 days; at ages 16 to 17 VE was 31% (10% to 47%) during days 60 to 149, waning to 7% (-8 to 20%) after 150 days. A monovalent booster increased VE to 54% (40% to 65%) at ages 12 to 15 and 46% (30% to 58%) at ages 16 to 17. At ages 5 to 11, 2-dose VE was 49% (33% to 61%) initially and 41% (29% to 51%) after 150 days. During Delta, VE against hospitalizations at ages 12 to 17 was high (>97%), and at ages 16 to 17 remained 98% (73% to 100%) beyond 150 days; during Omicron, hospitalizations were too infrequent to precisely estimate VE. CONCLUSIONS: BNT162b2 protected children and adolescents against mild to moderate and severe COVID-19. VE was lower during Omicron predominance including BA.4/BA.5, waned after dose 2 but increased after a monovalent booster. Children and adolescents should receive all recommended COVID-19 vaccinations. |
Patient and epidemiological factors associated with influenza testing in hospitalized adults with acute respiratory illnesses, 2016-2017 to 2019-2020
Dalton AF , Couture A , DeSilva MB , Irving SA , Gohil S , Rao S , Fink RV , Naleway AL , Guo Z , Sundaresan D , Birch RJ , Ball S , Zheng K , Ong TC , Reed C , Bozio CH . Open Forum Infect Dis 2023 10 (4) ofad162 BACKGROUND: Data are limited on influenza testing among adults with acute respiratory illness (ARI)-associated hospitalizations. We identified factors associated with influenza testing in adult ARI-associated hospitalizations across the 2016-2017 through 2019-2020 influenza seasons. METHODS: Using data from 4 health systems in the United States, we identified hospitalizations that had an ARI discharge diagnosis or respiratory virus test. A hospitalization with influenza testing was based on testing performed within 14 days before through 72 hours after admission. We used random forest analysis to identify patient characteristics and influenza activity indicators that were most important in terms of their relationship to influenza testing. RESULTS: Across 4 seasons, testing rates ranged from 14.8%-19.4% at 3 pooled sites and 60.1%-78.5% at a fourth site with different testing practices. Discharge diagnoses of pneumonia or infectious disease of noninfluenza etiology, presence of ARI signs/symptoms, hospital admission month, and influenza-like illness activity level were consistently among the variables with the greatest relative importance. CONCLUSIONS: Select ARI diagnoses and indicators of influenza activity were the most important factors associated with influenza testing among ARI-associated hospitalizations. Improved understanding of which patients are tested may enhance influenza burden estimates and allow for more timely clinical management of influenza-associated hospitalizations. |
Estimation of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness and COVID-19 Illness and Severity by Vaccination Status During Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 Sublineage Periods.
Link-Gelles R , Levy ME , Natarajan K , Reese SE , Naleway AL , Grannis SJ , Klein NP , DeSilva MB , Ong TC , Gaglani M , Hartmann E , Dickerson M , Stenehjem E , Kharbanda AB , Han J , Spark TL , Irving SA , Dixon BE , Zerbo O , McEvoy CE , Rao S , Raiyani C , Sloan-Aagard C , Patel P , Dascomb K , Uhlemann AC , Dunne MM , Fadel WF , Lewis N , Barron MA , Murthy K , Nanez J , Griggs EP , Grisel N , Annavajhala MK , Akinseye A , Valvi NR , Goddard K , Mamawala M , Arndorfer J , Yang DH , Embí PJ , Fireman B , Ball SW , Tenforde MW . JAMA Netw Open 2023 6 (3) e232598 IMPORTANCE: Recent SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant sublineages, including BA.4 and BA.5, may be associated with greater immune evasion and less protection against COVID-19 after vaccination. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 2, 3, or 4 doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination among immunocompetent adults during a period of BA.4 or BA.5 predominant circulation; and to evaluate the relative severity of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients across Omicron BA.1, BA.2 or BA.2.12.1, and BA.4 or BA.5 sublineage periods. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This test-negative case-control study was conducted in 10 states with data from emergency department (ED) and urgent care (UC) encounters and hospitalizations from December 16, 2021, to August 20, 2022. Participants included adults with COVID-19-like illness and molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2. Data were analyzed from August 2 to September 21, 2022. EXPOSURES: mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The outcomes of interest were COVID-19 ED or UC encounters, hospitalizations, and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or in-hospital death. VE associated with protection against medically attended COVID-19 was estimated, stratified by care setting and vaccine doses (2, 3, or 4 doses vs 0 doses as the reference group). Among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, demographic and clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared across sublineage periods. RESULTS: During the BA.4 and BA.5 predominant period, there were 229 eligible ED and UC encounters among patients with COVID-19-like illness (median [IQR] age, 51 [33-70] years; 49 682 [60.4%] female patients), and 19 114 patients (23.2%) had test results positive for SARS-CoV-2; among 21 007 hospitalized patients (median [IQR] age, 71 [58-81] years; 11 209 [53.4%] female patients), 3583 (17.1 %) had test results positive for SARS-CoV-2. Estimated VE against hospitalization was 25% (95% CI, 17%-32%) for receipt of 2 vaccine doses at 150 days or more after receipt, 68% (95% CI, 50%-80%) for a third dose 7 to 119 days after receipt, and 36% (95% CI, 29%-42%) for a third dose 120 days or more (median [IQR], 235 [204-262] days) after receipt. Among patients aged 65 years or older who had received a fourth vaccine dose, VE was 66% (95% CI, 53%-75%) at 7 to 59 days after vaccination and 57% (95% CI, 44%-66%) at 60 days or more (median [IQR], 88 [75-105] days) after vaccination. Among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, ICU admission or in-hospital death occurred in 21.4% of patients during the BA.1 period vs 14.7% during the BA.4 and BA.5 period (standardized mean difference: 0.17). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this case-control study of COVID-19 vaccines and illness, VE associated with protection against medically attended COVID-19 illness was lower with increasing time since last dose; estimated VE was higher after receipt of 1 or 2 booster doses compared with a primary series alone. |
Voluntary medical male circumcisions for HIV prevention - 13 countries in eastern and southern Africa, 2017-2021
Peck ME , Ong KS , Lucas T , Harvey P , Lekone P , Letebele M , Thomas VT , Maziya V , Mkhontfo M , Gultie T , Mulatu D , Shimelis M , Zegeye T , Juma AW , Odoyo-June E , Musingila PK , Njenga J , Auld A , Kapito M , Maida A , Msungama W , Canda M , Come J , Malimane I , Aupokolo M , Zemburuka B , Kankindi I , Malamba S , Remera E , Tubane E , Machava R , Maphothi N , Vranken P , Amuri M , Kazaura KJ , Simbeye D , Alamo S , Kabuye G , Chituwo O , Kamboyi R , Masiye J , Mandisarisa J , Xaba S , Toledo C . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (10) 256-260 In 2007, voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) was endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS after it was found to be associated with approximately a 60% reduction in the risk for female-to-male transmission of HIV (1). As a result of this endorsement, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), through partnerships with U.S. government agencies, including CDC, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Agency for International Development, started supporting VMMCs performed in prioritized countries in southern and eastern Africa. During 2010-2016, CDC supported 5,880,372 VMMCs in 12 countries (2,3). During 2017-2021, CDC supported 8,497,297 VMMCs performed in 13 countries. In 2020, the number of VMMCs performed declined 31.8% compared with the number in 2019, primarily because of COVID-19-related disruptions to VMMC service delivery. PEPFAR 2017-2021 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting data were used to provide an update and describe CDC's contribution to the scale-up of the VMMC program, which is important to meeting the 2025 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) target of 90% of males aged 15-59 years having access to VMMC services in prioritized countries to help end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 (4). |
Protection from COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection against COVID-19-associated encounters in adults during Delta and Omicron predominance.
Bozio CH , Butterfield KA , Briggs Hagen M , Grannis S , Drawz P , Hartmann E , Ong TC , Fireman B , Natarajan K , Dascomb K , Gaglani M , DeSilva MB , Yang DH , Midgley CM , Dixon BE , Naleway AL , Grisel N , Liao IC , Reese SE , Fadel WF , Irving SA , Lewis N , Arndorfer J , Murthy K , Riddles J , Valvi NR , Mamawala M , Embi PJ , Thompson MG , Stenehjem E . J Infect Dis 2023 227 (12) 1348-1363 BACKGROUND: Data assessing protection conferred from COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and/or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection during Delta and Omicron predominance periods in the U.S. are limited. METHODS: This cohort study included persons ≥18 years who had ≥1 healthcare encounter across four health systems and had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 before August 26, 2021. COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection defined the exposure. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for the Delta and Omicron periods; protection was calculated as (1-HR)x100%. RESULTS: Compared to unvaccinated and previously uninfected persons, during Delta predominance, protection against COVID-19-associated hospitalizations was high for those 2- or 3-dose vaccinated and previously infected, 3-dose vaccinated alone, and prior infection alone (range:91%-97%, with overlapping 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs)); during Omicron predominance, estimates were lower (range:77%-90%). Protection against COVID-19-associated emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) encounters during Delta predominance was high for those exposure groups (range:86%-93%); during Omicron predominance, protection remained high for those 3-dose vaccinated with or without a prior infection (76% (95%CI=67%-83%) and 71% (95%CI=67%-73%), respectively). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and/or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection provided protection against COVID-19-associated hospitalizations and ED/UC encounters regardless of variant. Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination still provides protection against severe COVID-19 disease, regardless of prior infection. |
Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on voluntary medical male circumcision services for HIV prevention, Sub-Saharan Africa, 2020
Peck ME , Ong KS , Lucas T , Prainito A , Thomas AG , Brun A , Kiggundu V , Yansaneh A , Busang L , Kgongwana K , Kelaphile D , Seipone K , Letebele MH , Makadzange PF , Marwiro A , Sesinyi M , Lapidos T , Lukhele N , Maziya V , Mkhontfo M , Gultie T , Mulatu D , Shimelis M , Zegeye T , Teka T , Bulterys M , Njenga JN , Odoyo-June E , Juma AW , Soo L , Talam N , Brown M , Chakare T , Nonyana N , Khoabane MA , Auld AF , Maida A , Msungama W , Kapito M , Nyirenda R , Matchere F , Odek J , Canda M , Malimane I , Come J , Gaspar N , Langa A , Aupokolo MA , Vejorerako KC , Kahindi L , Mali D , Zegeye A , Mangoya D , Zemburuka BL , Bamwesigye J , Kankindi I , Kayirangwa E , Malamba SS , Roels T , Kayonde L , Zimulinda E , Ndengo E , Nsanzimana S , Remera E , Rwibasira GN , Sangwayire B , Semakula M , Rugira E , Rugwizangoga E , Tubane E , Yoboka E , Lawrence J , Loykissoonlal D , Maphothi N , Achut V , Bunga S , Moi M , Amuri M , Kazaura K , Simbeye D , Fida N , Kayange AA , Seleman M , Akao J , Alamo ST , Kabuye G , Kyobutungi S , Makumbi FE , Mudiope P , Nantez B , Chituwo O , Godfrey L , Muyunda B , Kamboyi R , Masiye J , Lifuka E , Mandisarisa J , Mhangara M , Xaba S , Toledo C . Emerg Infect Dis 2022 28 (13) S262-s269 Beginning in March 2020, to reduce COVID-19 transmission, the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief supporting voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services was delayed in 15 sub-Saharan African countries. We reviewed performance indicators to compare the number of VMMCs performed in 2020 with those performed in previous years. In all countries, the annual number of VMMCs performed decreased 32.5% (from 3,898,960 in 2019 to 2,631,951 in 2020). That reduction is largely attributed to national and local COVID-19 mitigation measures instituted by ministries of health. Overall, 66.7% of the VMMC global annual target was met in 2020, compared with 102.0% in 2019. Countries were not uniformly affected; South Africa achieved only 30.7% of its annual target in 2020, but Rwanda achieved 123.0%. Continued disruption to the VMMC program may lead to reduced circumcision coverage and potentially increased HIV-susceptible populations. Strategies for modifying VMMC services provide lessons for adapting healthcare systems during a global pandemic. |
Vaccine effectiveness against influenza-associated urgent care, emergency department, and hospital encounters during the 2021-2022 season, VISION Network
Tenforde MW , Weber ZA , DeSilva MB , Stenehjem E , Yang DH , Fireman B , Gaglani M , Kojima N , Irving SA , Rao S , Grannis SJ , Naleway AL , Kirshner L , Kharbanda AB , Dascomb K , Lewis N , Dalton AF , Ball SW , Natarajan K , Ong TC , Hartmann E , Embi PJ , McEvoy CE , Grisel N , Zerbo O , Dunne MM , Arndorfer J , Goddard K , Dickerson M , Patel P , Timbol J , Griggs EP , Hansen J , Thompson MG , Flannery B , Klein NP . J Infect Dis 2023 228 (2) 185-195 BACKGROUND: Following historically low influenza activity during the 2020-2021 season, the United States saw an increase in influenza circulating during the 2021-2022 season. Most viruses belonged to the influenza A(H3N2) 3C.2a1b 2a.2 subclade. METHODS: We conducted a test-negative case-control analysis among adults ≥18 years of age at three sites within the VISION Network. Encounters included emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) visits or hospitalizations with ≥1 acute respiratory illness (ARI) discharge diagnosis codes and molecular testing for influenza. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated by comparing the odds of influenza vaccination ≥14 days before the encounter date between influenza-positive cases (type A) and influenza-negative and SARS-CoV-2-negative controls, applying inverse probability-to-be-vaccinated weights, and adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: 86,732 ED/UC ARI-associated encounters (7,696 [9%] cases) and 16,805 hospitalized ARI-associated encounters (649 [4%] cases) were included. VE against influenza-associated ED/UC encounters was 25% (95% confidence interval (CI): 20-29%) and 25% (95%CI: 11-37%) against influenza-associated hospitalizations. VE against ED/UC encounters was lower in adults ≥65 years of age (7%; CI: -5-17%) or with immunocompromising conditions (4%, CI:-45-36%). CONCLUSIONS: During an influenza A(H3N2)-predominant influenza season, modest VE was observed. These findings highlight the need for improved vaccines, particularly for A(H3N2) viruses that are historically associated with lower VE. |
Relationships between social vulnerability and COVID-19 vaccination coverage and vaccine effectiveness
Dalton AF , Weber ZA , Allen KS , Stenehjem E , Irving SA , Spark TL , Adams K , Zerbo O , Lazariu V , Dixon BE , Dascomb K , Hartmann E , Kharbanda AB , Ong TC , DeSilva MB , Beaton M , Gaglani M , Patel P , Naleway AL , Sam Kish MN , Grannis SJ , Grisel N , Sloan-Aagard C , Rao S , Raiyani C , Dickerson M , Bassett E , Fadel WF , Arndorfer J , Nanez J , Barron MA , Vazquez-Benitez G , Liao IC , Griggs EP , Reese SE , Valvi NR , Murthy K , Rowley EAK , Embi PJ , Ball S , Link-Gelles R , Tenforde MW . Clin Infect Dis 2023 76 (9) 1615-1625 BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccination coverage remains lower in communities with higher social vulnerability. Factors such as SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk and access to health care are often correlated with social vulnerability and may therefore contribute to a relationship between vulnerability and observed vaccine effectiveness (VE). Understanding whether these factors impact VE could contribute to our understanding of real-world VE. METHODS: We used electronic health record data from seven health systems to assess vaccination coverage among patients with medically attended COVID-19-like illness. We then used a test-negative design to assess VE for 2- and 3-dose mRNA adult (≥18 years) vaccine recipients across Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) quartiles. SVI rankings were determined by geocoding patient addresses to census tracts; rankings were grouped into quartiles for analysis. RESULTS: In July 2021, primary series vaccination coverage was higher in the least vulnerable quartile than in the most vulnerable quartile (56% vs. 36%, respectively). In February 2022, booster dose coverage among persons who had completed a primary series was higher in the least vulnerable quartile than in the most vulnerable quartile (43% vs. 30%). VE among 2-dose and 3-dose recipients during the Delta and Omicron BA.1 periods of predominance was similar across SVI quartiles. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccination coverage varied substantially by SVI. Differences in VE estimates by SVI were minimal across groups after adjusting for baseline patient factors. However, lower vaccination coverage among more socially vulnerable groups means that the burden of illness is still disproportionately borne by the most socially vulnerable populations. |
Early Estimates of Bivalent mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness in Preventing COVID-19-Associated Emergency Department or Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations Among Immunocompetent Adults - VISION Network, Nine States, September-November 2022.
Tenforde MW , Weber ZA , Natarajan K , Klein NP , Kharbanda AB , Stenehjem E , Embi PJ , Reese SE , Naleway AL , Grannis SJ , DeSilva MB , Ong TC , Gaglani M , Han J , Dickerson M , Fireman B , Dascomb K , Irving SA , Vazquez-Benitez G , Rao S , Konatham D , Patel P , Schrader KE , Lewis N , Grisel N , McEvoy C , Murthy K , Griggs EP , Rowley EAK , Zerbo O , Arndorfer J , Dunne MM , Goddard K , Ray C , Zhuang Y , Timbol J , Najdowski M , Yang DH , Hansen J , Ball SW , Link-Gelles R . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (5152) 1616-1624 During June-October 2022, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 sublineage accounted for most of the sequenced viral genomes in the United States, with further Omicron sublineage diversification through November 2022.* Bivalent mRNA vaccines contain an ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain component plus an updated component of the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 sublineages. On September 1, 2022, a single bivalent booster dose was recommended for adults who had completed a primary vaccination series (with or without subsequent booster doses), with the last dose administered ≥2 months earlier (1). During September 13-November 18, the VISION Network evaluated vaccine effectiveness (VE) of a bivalent mRNA booster dose (after 2, 3, or 4 monovalent doses) compared with 1) no previous vaccination and 2) previous receipt of 2, 3, or 4 monovalent-only mRNA vaccine doses, among immunocompetent adults aged ≥18 years with an emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) encounter or hospitalization for a COVID-19-like illness.(†) VE of a bivalent booster dose (after 2, 3, or 4 monovalent doses) against COVID-19-associated ED/UC encounters was 56% compared with no vaccination, 31% compared with monovalent vaccination only with last dose 2-4 months earlier, and 50% compared with monovalent vaccination only with last dose ≥11 months earlier. VE of a bivalent booster dose (after 2, 3, or 4 monovalent doses) against COVID-19-associated hospitalizations was 57% compared with no vaccination, 38% compared with monovalent vaccination only with last dose 5-7 months earlier, and 45% compared with monovalent vaccination only with last dose ≥11 months earlier. Bivalent vaccines administered after 2, 3, or 4 monovalent doses were effective in preventing medically attended COVID-19 compared with no vaccination and provided additional protection compared with past monovalent vaccination only, with relative protection increasing with time since receipt of the last monovalent dose. All eligible persons should stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving a bivalent booster dose. Persons should also consider taking additional precautions to avoid respiratory illness this winter season, such as masking in public indoor spaces, especially in areas where COVID-19 community levels are high. |
Parents' report on the health care management of spina bifida in early childhood.
Ong KS , Reeder M , Alriksson-Schmidt A , Rice S , Feldkamp ML . J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2022 15 (4) 621-631 PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe health care use by type of health providers and care settings visited by children with spina bifida (SB) and to compare this use between children with and without a shunt. METHODS: Health care use data were extracted from a larger study on the health and functioning of children with SB aged 3-6 years. The present study focused on the medical information subsection of a parent-reported survey related to SB care, general care, specialty care (e.g., neurosurgery), emergency care, and complications related to SB and shunts. RESULTS: Parents of 101 children with SB participated. Most of the children were male with myelomeningocele SB and had a shunt. They visited a health care provider for SB care an average of 7.4 times and a specialist an average of 11.9 times in the previous 12 months. Most visited a multidisciplinary clinic for SB-related care and a private physician's office for general care. Children with a shunt had more SB-related medical visits, more visits to a specialist, and a greater number of different types of specialists than those without it. Frequency of emergency room visits did not differ between the two groups. Health providers informed parents about headaches, vomiting, and fever as signs of complications, and some parents did report shunt-related complications. CONCLUSION: SB is a complex medical condition requiring that children receive medical care from various medical specialists, especially for children with a shunt. Findings on health care use suggest high levels of monitoring and care coordination that parents navigate to care for their child. |
Protection of 2 and 3 mRNA Vaccine Doses Against Severe Outcomes Among Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19 - VISION Network, August 2021 - March 2022.
DeSilva MB , Mitchell PK , Klein NP , Dixon BE , Tenforde MW , Thompson MG , Naleway AL , Grannis SJ , Ong TC , Natarajan K , Reese SE , Zerbo O , Kharbanda AB , Patel P , Stenehjem E , Raiyani C , Irving SA , Fadel WF , Rao S , Han J , Reynolds S , Davis JM , Lewis N , McEvoy C , Dickerson M , Dascomb K , Valvi NR , Barron MA , Goddard K , Vazquez-Benitez G , Grisel N , Mamawala M , Embi PJ , Fireman B , Essien IJ , Griggs EP , Arndorfer J , Gaglani M . J Infect Dis 2022 227 (8) 961-969 BACKGROUND: We assessed COVID-19 vaccination impact on illness severity among adults hospitalized with COVID-19 August 2021-March 2022. METHODS: We evaluated differences in intensive care unit (ICU) admission, in-hospital death, and length of stay among vaccinated (2 or 3 mRNA vaccine doses) versus unvaccinated patients aged ≥18 years hospitalized for ≥24 hours with COVID-19-like illness (CLI) and positive SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing. We calculated odds ratios for ICU admission and death and subdistribution hazard ratios (SHR) for time to hospital discharge adjusted for age, geographic region, calendar time, and local virus circulation. RESULTS: We included 27,149 SARS-CoV-2 positive hospitalizations. During both Delta and Omicron-predominant periods, protection against ICU admission was strongest among 3-dose vaccinees compared with unvaccinated patients (Delta OR [CI]: 0.52 [0.28-0.96]); Omicron OR [CI]: 0.69 [0.54-0.87]). During both periods, risk of in-hospital of death was lower among vaccinated compared with unvaccinated but ORs were overlapping; during Omicron, lowest among 3-dose vaccinees (OR [CI] 0.39 [0.28-0.54]). We observed SHR >1 across all vaccination strata in both periods indicating faster discharge for vaccinated patients. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower rates of ICU admission and in-hospital death in both Delta and Omicron periods compared with being unvaccinated. |
Factors beyond compensation associated with uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision in Zambia
Ong KS , Laube C , Mohan D , Iverson L , Kaonga A , Chituwo O , Kamboyi R , Kabila M , Toledo C . AIDS Behav 2022 27 (6) 1836-1848 Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) provides partial protection against female-to-male transmission of HIV. The Maximizing the Impact of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision in Zambia (MAXZAM) project was a phased implementation of a demand generation strategy for VMMC through economic compensation. Previously published findings showed increased uptake of VMMC when compensation was provided. This paper is a follow-up evaluation of the MAXZAM project exploring additional factors associated with uptake of VMMC. Factors found associated include the outreach setting in which men were approached, number of information sources seen, heard, or read about VMMC, their self-reported HIV risk behaviors, their self-reported intention to go through the procedure, and their behavioral-psychographic profile. The findings highlight the importance of considering general (e.g., intensifying mass communications and targeting specific settings) and person-centered demand generation approaches (e.g., considering the client's psychographic profile and HIV risk level) to maximize effect on VMMC uptake. |
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