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Kimbugwe G, Vatrinet R, Mwanga JA, Kakuru R, Mpeirwe D, Logoose S, Opio K, Kambale M, Seeley J, Grais RF, Marquer C, Kaleebu P, Ssali A. Perceptions, attitudes, and willingness of healthcare and frontline workers to participate in an Ebola vaccine trial in Uganda. Vaccine 2024; 42:3002-3008. [PMID: 38565464 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the knowledge, perception and attitudes towards Ebola vaccines is an important factor in ensuring future use of these vaccines. A qualitative methods study embedded in an Ebola vaccine immunogenicity and safety trial (NCT04028349) was conducted to explore the knowledge and perceptions of healthcare (HCWs) and frontline workers (FLWs), about Ebola vaccines and their willingness to participate or recommend participation in Uganda. METHOD We carried out focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews before and after vaccination, with 70 HCWs and FLWs who consented to participate in the trial, and in the qualitative component, from August to September 2019. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS Respondents showed good knowledge about Ebola and the vaccines in general, and had wide access to information through several channels, including the study team. On prevention, particular attention was given to effective communication within health facilities. Misconceptions were mainly around route of transmission, animal origin and types of vaccines. Previous fears were based on rumours circulating in the community, mainly about the presence of the virus in the vaccine, side effects and intention to harm (e.g. by "the whites"), ultimately insisting on transparency, trust and involvement of local leaders. Acceptability of participation was motivated by the need to protect self and others, and the willingness to advance research. Majority were willing to recommend participation to their community. CONCLUSIONS Overall, information sharing leads to a better understanding and acceptance of vaccine trials and a positive vaccination experience can be a deciding factor in the acceptance of others. Particular attention should be paid to involving the community in addressing misconceptions and fears, while ensuring that participants have access to vaccination sites in terms of transport, and that they are properly accommodated at the study site including staying for a reasonable period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Janet Seeley
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Agnes Ssali
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Lee AW, Liu K, Lhomme E, Blie J, McCullough J, Onorato MT, Connor L, Simon JK, Dubey S, VanRheenen S, Deutsch J, Owens A, Morgan A, Welebob C, Hyatt D, Nair S, Hamzé B, Guindo O, Sow SO, Beavogui AH, Leigh B, Samai M, Akoo P, Serry-Bangura A, Fleck S, Secka F, Lowe B, Watson-Jones D, Roy C, Hensley LE, Kieh M, Coller BAG. Immunogenicity and Vaccine Shedding After 1 or 2 Doses of rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP Ebola Vaccine (ERVEBO®): Results From a Phase 2, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial in Children and Adults. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:870-879. [PMID: 37967326 PMCID: PMC11006114 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP vaccine (ERVEBO®) is a single-dose, live-attenuated, recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vaccine indicated for the prevention of Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by Zaire ebolavirus in individuals 12 months of age and older. METHODS The Partnership for Research on Ebola VACcination (PREVAC) is a multicenter, phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 3 vaccine strategies in healthy children (ages 1-17) and adults, with projected 5 years of follow-up (NCT02876328). Using validated assays (GP-ELISA and PRNT), we measured antibody responses after 1-dose rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP, 2-dose rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP (given on Day 0 and Day 56), or placebo. Furthermore, we quantified vaccine virus shedding in a subset of children's saliva using RT-PCR. RESULTS In total, 819 children and 783 adults were randomized to receive rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP (1 or 2 doses) or placebo. A single dose of rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP increased antibody responses by Day 28 that were sustained through Month 12. A second dose of rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP given on Day 56 transiently boosted antibody concentrations. In vaccinated children, GP-ELISA titers were superior to placebo and non-inferior to vaccinated adults. Vaccine virus shedding was observed in 31.7% of children, peaking by Day 7, with no shedding observed after Day 28 post-dose 1 or any time post-dose 2. CONCLUSIONS A single dose of rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP induced robust antibody responses in children that was non-inferior to the responses induced in vaccinated adults. Vaccine virus shedding in children was time-limited and only observed after the first dose. Overall, these data support the use of rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP for the prevention of EVD in at-risk children. Clinical Trials Registration. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02876328), the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR201712002760250), and the European Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT number: 2017-001798-18).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ken Liu
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Edouard Lhomme
- Inserm, CHU Bordeaux, CIC 1401, EUCLID/F-CRIN Clinical Trials Platform, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Julie Blie
- Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccines in Liberia (PREVAIL), Monrovia, Liberia
| | - John McCullough
- Advanced BioMedical Laboratories (ABML), Cinnaminson, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amy Morgan
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | | | - Benjamin Hamzé
- Pôle Recherche Clinique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Paris, France
| | - Oumar Guindo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Abdoul H Beavogui
- Centre National de Formation et de Recherche en Santé Rurale (CNFRSR), Maferinyah, Guinea
| | - Bailah Leigh
- College of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Mohamed Samai
- College of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Pauline Akoo
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Alimamy Serry-Bangura
- College of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Suzanne Fleck
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Fatou Secka
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Brett Lowe
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Watson-Jones
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Céline Roy
- Inserm, CHU Bordeaux, CIC 1401, EUCLID/F-CRIN Clinical Trials Platform, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, MART, UMS 54, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Lisa E Hensley
- National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Mark Kieh
- Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccines in Liberia (PREVAIL), Monrovia, Liberia
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Happe M, Hofstetter AR, Wang J, Yamshchikov GV, Holman LA, Novik L, Strom L, Kiweewa F, Wakabi S, Millard M, Kelley CF, Kabbani S, Edupuganti S, Beck A, Kaltovich F, Murray T, Tsukerman S, Carr D, Ashman C, Stanley DA, Ploquin A, Bailer RT, Schwartz R, Cham F, Tindikahwa A, Hu Z, Gordon IJ, Rouphael N, Houser KV, Coates EE, Graham BS, Koup RA, Mascola JR, Sullivan NJ, Robb ML, Ake JA, Lyke KE, Mulligan MJ, Ledgerwood JE, Kibuuka H. Heterologous cAd3-Ebola and MVA-EbolaZ vaccines are safe and immunogenic in US and Uganda phase 1/1b trials. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:67. [PMID: 38553525 PMCID: PMC10980745 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00833-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a filoviral infection caused by virus species of the Ebolavirus genus including Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) and Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV). We investigated the safety and immunogenicity of a heterologous prime-boost regimen involving a chimpanzee adenovirus 3 vectored Ebola vaccine [either monovalent (cAd3-EBOZ) or bivalent (cAd3-EBO)] prime followed by a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara EBOV vaccine (MVA-EbolaZ) boost in two phase 1/1b randomized open-label clinical trials in healthy adults in the United States (US) and Uganda (UG). Trial US (NCT02408913) enrolled 140 participants, including 26 EVD vaccine-naïve and 114 cAd3-Ebola-experienced participants (April-November 2015). Trial UG (NCT02354404) enrolled 90 participants, including 60 EVD vaccine-naïve and 30 DNA Ebola vaccine-experienced participants (February-April 2015). All tested vaccines and regimens were safe and well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported related to study products. Solicited local and systemic reactogenicity was mostly mild to moderate in severity. The heterologous prime-boost regimen was immunogenic, including induction of durable antibody responses which peaked as early as two weeks and persisted up to one year after each vaccination. Different prime-boost intervals impacted the magnitude of humoral and cellular immune responses. The results from these studies demonstrate promising implications for use of these vaccines in both prophylactic and outbreak settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myra Happe
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Amelia R Hofstetter
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Clinical Monitoring Research Program Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Galina V Yamshchikov
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - LaSonji A Holman
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laura Novik
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Larisa Strom
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Salim Wakabi
- Makerere University-Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Monica Millard
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Colleen F Kelley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Kabbani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Srilatha Edupuganti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Allison Beck
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Florence Kaltovich
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tamar Murray
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Susanna Tsukerman
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Derick Carr
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carl Ashman
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daphne A Stanley
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Aurélie Ploquin
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert T Bailer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard Schwartz
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fatim Cham
- Makerere University-Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Zonghui Hu
- Biostatistics Research Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ingelise J Gordon
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nadine Rouphael
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katherine V Houser
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emily E Coates
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Barney S Graham
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard A Koup
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John R Mascola
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nancy J Sullivan
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Merlin L Robb
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julie A Ake
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Kirsten E Lyke
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark J Mulligan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julie E Ledgerwood
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hannah Kibuuka
- Makerere University-Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
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Anderson EM, Coller BAG. Translational success of fundamental virology: a VSV-vectored Ebola vaccine. J Virol 2024; 98:e0162723. [PMID: 38305150 PMCID: PMC10994820 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01627-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by Ebola virus (EBOV) is a severe, often fatal, hemorrhagic disease. A critical component of the public health response to curb EVD epidemics is the use of a replication-competent, recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)-vectored Ebola vaccine, rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP (ERVEBO). In this Gem, we will discuss the past and ongoing development of rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP, highlighting the importance of basic science and the strength of public-private partnerships to translate fundamental virology into a licensed VSV-vectored Ebola vaccine.
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5
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Moso MA, Lim CK, Williams E, Marshall C, McCarthy J, Williamson DA. Prevention and post-exposure management of occupational exposure to Ebola virus. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:e93-e105. [PMID: 37722397 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00376-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
There have been significant advances in the prevention and management of Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by Zaire Ebola virus (ZEBOV), including the development of two effective vaccines, rVSV-ZEBOV and Ad26.ZEBOV/MVA-BN-Filo. In addition, ZEBOV monoclonal antibodies have become first-line therapy for EVD. However, the 2022-23 outbreak of Sudan Ebola virus (SUDV) in Uganda has highlighted the gap in current therapies and vaccines, whose efficacy is uncertain against non-ZEBOV species. Health-care and laboratory staff working in EVD treatment centres or Ebola virus diagnostic and research laboratories face unique risks relating to potential occupational exposure to Ebola viruses. Given the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with EVD, facilities should have strategies in place to manage occupational exposures, including consideration of post-exposure therapies. In this Review, we discuss currently available evidence for prevention and post-exposure prophylaxis of EVD, including therapies currently under evaluation for SUDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Moso
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Chuan K Lim
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eloise Williams
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Caroline Marshall
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - James McCarthy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Hodson DZ, Etoundi YM, Parikh S, Boum Y. Striving towards true equity in global health: A checklist for bilateral research partnerships. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001418. [PMID: 36963065 PMCID: PMC10021183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Interest in "global health" among schools of medicine, public health, and other health disciplines in high-income countries (HIC) continues to rise. Persistent power imbalances, racism, and maintenance of colonialism/neocolonialism plague global health efforts, including global health scholarship. Scholarly projects conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) by trainees at these schools in HIC often exacerbate these problems. Drawing on published literature and shared experiences, we review key inequalities within each phase of research, from design through implementation and analysis/dissemination, and make concrete and practical recommendations to improve equity at each stage. Key problems facing global health scholarship include HIC-centric nature of global health organizations, paucity of funding directly available for LMIC investigators and trainees, misplaced emphasis on HIC selected issues rather than local solutions to local problems, the dominance of English language in the scientific literature, and exploitation of LMIC team members. Four key principles lie at the foundation of all our recommendations: 1) seek locally derived and relevant solutions to global health issues, 2) create paired collaborations between HIC and LMIC institutions at all levels of training, 3) provide funding for both HIC and LMIC team members, 4) assign clear roles and responsibilities to value, leverage, and share the strengths of all team members. When funding for global health research is predicated upon more ethical and equitable collaborations, the nature of global health collaborations will evolve to be more ethical and equitable. Therefore, we propose the Douala Equity Checklist as a 20-item tool HIC and LMIC institutions can use throughout the conduct of global health projects to ensure more equitable collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Z Hodson
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Yannick Mbarga Etoundi
- Douala Military Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Sunil Parikh
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Yap Boum
- Epicentre, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Institut Pasteur of Bangui, Bangui, Central African Republic
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7
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Simon JK, Kennedy SB, Mahon BE, Dubey SA, Grant-Klein RJ, Liu K, Hartzel J, Coller BAG, Welebob C, Hanson ME, Grais RF. Immunogenicity of rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP Ebola vaccine (ERVEBO®) in African clinical trial participants by age, sex, and baseline GP-ELISA titer: A post hoc analysis of three Phase 2/3 trials. Vaccine 2022; 40:6599-6606. [PMID: 36208978 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ERVEBO®, a live recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vaccine containing the Zaire ebolavirus glycoprotein (GP) in place of the VSV GP (rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP), was advanced through clinical development by Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in collaboration with multiple partners to prevent Ebola virus disease (EVD) and has been approved for human use in several countries. METHODS We evaluated data from three Phase 2/3 clinical trials conducted in Liberia (PREVAIL), Guinea (FLW), and Sierra Leone (STRIVE) during the 2013-2016 West African EVD outbreak to assess immune responses using validated assays. We performed a post hoc analysis of the association of vaccine response with sex, age (18-50 yrs & >50 yrs), and baseline (BL) GP-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titer (<200 & ≥200 EU/mL), including individual study (PREVAIL, FLW, or STRIVE) data and pooled data from all 3 studies. The endpoints were total IgG antibody response (EU/mL) measured by the GP-ELISA and neutralizing antibody response measured by the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) to rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP at Days 28, 180, and 365 postvaccination. RESULTS In the overall pooled population, in all subgroups, and in each trial independently, GP-ELISA and PRNT geometric mean titers increased from BL, generally peaking at Day 28 and persisting through Day 365. Immune responses were greater in women and participants with BL GP-ELISA ≥ 200 EU/mL, but did not differ across age groups. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP elicits a robust and durable immune response through 12 months postvaccination in participants regardless of age, sex, or BL GP-ELISA titer. The higher immune responses observed in women and participants with pre-existing immunity are consistent with those described previously and for other vaccines. Trials were registered as follows: PREVAIL: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02344407; FLW: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201503001057193; STRIVE: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02378753. Protocols V920-009, 011, and 018.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen B Kennedy
- Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccines in Liberia (PREVAIL), Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Barbara E Mahon
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Ken Liu
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
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8
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Potluri R, Kumar A, Oriol-Mathieu V, Van Effelterre T, Metz L, Bhandari H. Model-based evaluation of the impact of prophylactic vaccination applied to Ebola epidemics in Sierra Leone and Democratic Republic of Congo. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:769. [PMID: 36192683 PMCID: PMC9529325 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07723-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protection by preventive Ebola vaccines has been demonstrated in clinical trials, but a complete picture of real-world effectiveness is lacking. Our previous study modeling the impact of preventively vaccinating healthcare workers (HCW) alone or with a proportion of the general population (GP) estimated significant reductions in incidence and mortality. The model assumed 100% vaccine efficacy, which is unlikely in the real world. We enhanced this model to account for lower vaccine efficacy and to factor in reduced infectiousness and lower case fatality rate in vaccinated individuals with breakthrough infections. METHODS The previous model was enhanced to still permit a risk, although lower, for vaccinated individuals to become infected. The enhanced model, calibrated with data from epidemics in Sierra Leone (SL) and North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, helped evaluate the impact of preventive Ebola vaccination in different scenarios based on different vaccine efficacy rates (90% and 30% reductions in infection risk in the base and conservative scenarios, respectively; additionally, both scenarios with 50% reductions in infectiousness and mortality) and vaccination coverage among HCWs (30%, 90%) and GP (0%, 5%, and 10%). RESULTS The base scenario estimated that, depending upon the proportions of vaccinated HCWs and GP, 33-85% of cases and 34-87% of deaths during the 2014 SL epidemic and 42-89% of cases and 41-89% of deaths during the 2018 North Kivu epidemic would be averted versus no vaccination. Corresponding estimates for the conservative scenario were: 23-74% of cases and 23-77% of deaths averted during the SL epidemic and 31-80% of both cases and deaths averted during the North Kivu epidemic. CONCLUSIONS Preventive vaccination targeting HCW alone or with GP may significantly reduce the size and mortality of an EVD outbreak, even with modest efficacy and coverage. Vaccines may also confer additional benefits through reduced infectiousness and mortality in breakthrough cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Potluri
- SmartAnalyst Inc., 300 Vesey Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY, 10282, USA.
| | - Amit Kumar
- SmartAnalyst India Pvt. Ltd., Gurugram, India
| | | | | | - Laurent Metz
- Johnson & Johnson Global Public Health, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Mahon BE, Simon J, Widdowson MA, Samai M, Rogier E, Legardy-Williams J, Liu K, Schiffer J, Lange J, DeByle C, Pinner R, Schuchat A, Slutsker L, Goldstein S. Baseline Asymptomatic Malaria Infection and Immunogenicity of Recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus-Zaire Ebola Virus Envelope Glycoprotein. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:1907-1915. [PMID: 34013349 PMCID: PMC8643414 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of malaria infection on the immunogenicity of the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-Zaire Ebola virus envelope glycoprotein (GP) vaccine (rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP) (ERVEBO) is unknown. METHODS The Sierra Leone Trial to Introduce a Vaccine Against Ebola (STRIVE) vaccinated 7998 asymptomatic adults with rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP during the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic. In STRIVE's immunogenicity substudy, participants provided blood samples at baseline and at 1, 6, and 9-12 months. Anti-GP binding and neutralizing antibodies were measured using validated assays. Baseline samples were tested for malaria parasites by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Overall, 506 participants enrolled in the immunogenicity substudy and had ≥1 postvaccination antibody titer. Of 499 participants with a result, baseline malaria parasitemia was detected in 73 (14.6%). All GP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) geometric mean titers (GMTs) at 1, 6, and 9-12 months were above baseline, and 94.1% of participants showed seroresponse by GP-ELISA (≥2-fold rise and ≥200 ELISA units/mL), while 81.5% showed seroresponse by PRNT (≥4-fold rise) at ≥1 postvaccination assessment. In participants with baseline malaria parasitemia, the PRNT seroresponse proportion was lower, while PRNT GMTs and GP-ELISA seroresponse and GMTs showed a trend toward lower responses at 6 and 9-12 months. CONCLUSION Asymptomatic adults with or without malaria parasitemia had robust immune responses to rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP, persisting for 9-12 months. Responses in those with malaria parasitemia were somewhat lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara E Mahon
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jakub Simon
- Global Clinical Development–Vaccines, Merck & Co, Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Mohamed Samai
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Eric Rogier
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Kenneth Liu
- Biostatistics, Merck & Co, Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jarad Schiffer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James Lange
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carolynn DeByle
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert Pinner
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anne Schuchat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Susan Goldstein
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Wolf J, Jannat R, Dubey S, Troth S, Onorato MT, Coller BA, Hanson ME, Simon JK. Development of Pandemic Vaccines: ERVEBO Case Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:190. [PMID: 33668698 PMCID: PMC7996233 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventative vaccines are considered one of the most cost-effective and efficient means to contain outbreaks and prevent pandemics. However, the requirements to gain licensure and manufacture a vaccine for human use are complex, costly, and time-consuming. The 2013-2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak was the largest EVD outbreak to date and the third Public Health Emergency of International Concern in history, so to prevent a pandemic, numerous partners from the public and private sectors combined efforts and resources to develop an investigational Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) vaccine candidate (rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP) as quickly as possible. The rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP vaccine was approved as ERVEBOTM by the European Medicines Authority (EMA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2019 after five years of development. This review describes the development program of this EBOV vaccine, summarizes what is known about safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy, describes ongoing work in the program, and highlights learnings applicable to the development of pandemic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayanthi Wolf
- Regulatory Affairs, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
| | - Risat Jannat
- Global Vaccines & Biologics Commercialization, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
| | - Sheri Dubey
- Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics & Drug Metabolism, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
| | - Sean Troth
- Department of Safety Assessment and Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
| | - Matthew T. Onorato
- Global Clinical Trial Operations, Vaccines, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
| | - Beth-Ann Coller
- Global Clinical Development, Vaccines, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
| | - Mary E. Hanson
- Global Scientific & Medical Publications, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
| | - Jakub K. Simon
- Global Clinical Development, Vaccines, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA;
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11
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Radosavljevic A, Agarwal M, Chee SP, Zierhut M. Epidemiology of Viral Induced Anterior Uveitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2021; 30:297-309. [PMID: 33617392 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1853177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Viral agents are the most common cause of infectious anterior uveitis worldwide. The purpose of this review is to analyze the frequency, gender and racial differences of viral anterior uveitis (VAU) in various populations.Methods: Systematized literature review of epidemiological reports of VAU cited in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library database published until June 30th, 2020.Results: A total of 12 clinical studies on epidemiology of definite VAU and 36 clinical studies of presumed VAU were identified. Members of Herpesviridae family represent the most common causes of VAU. Other less frequently reported causes, such as rubella and endemic viruses (HTLV-1, Chikungunya, Dengue, Ebola, Zika virus) were also analyzed.Conclusion: HSV, VZV are prevalent worldwide. CMV is more frequent in Asia, and rubella in the West. However, due to globalization and air travel, HTLV-1, Chikungunya, Dengue and Ebola may become important causes of VAU across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mamta Agarwal
- Uveitis & Cornea Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Soon Phaik Chee
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Manfred Zierhut
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany
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12
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Grais RF, Kennedy SB, Mahon BE, Dubey SA, Grant-Klein RJ, Liu K, Hartzel J, Coller BA, Welebob C, Hanson ME, Simon JK. Estimation of the correlates of protection of the rVSVΔG-ZEBOV-GP Zaire ebolavirus vaccine: a post-hoc analysis of data from phase 2/3 clinical trials. LANCET MICROBE 2021; 2:e70-e78. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(20)30198-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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13
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Etard JF. Immunity to Ebola virus: the full picture is being revealed. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 21:441-442. [PMID: 33065040 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30793-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Etard
- Translational Research on HIV and Infectious Diseases, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Inserm, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France.
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