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Reshi QUA, Godakumara K, Ord J, Dissanayake K, Hasan MM, Andronowska A, Heath P, Fazeli A. Spermatozoa, acts as an external cue and alters the cargo and production of the extracellular vesicles derived from oviductal epithelial cells in vitro. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:737-755. [PMID: 36469292 PMCID: PMC10409707 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00715-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviduct provides optimum physiological and biochemical milieu essential for successful fertilization, early embryo development and facilitates functional maturation of spermatozoa. A study has revealed that spermatozoa alters the gene expression in bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) remotely via bio-active particles, thus acting as a cue to the oviduct prior to their arrival. However, very little attention has been paid to the question of whether spermatozoa could alter the cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from BOECs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the alterations in small non-coding RNAs in EVs cargo derived from BOECs when incubated with spermatozoa in contact and non-contact co-culture models. After 4 h of incubation the EVs were isolated from the conditioned media, followed by small non-coding sequencing of the BOEC derived EVs. Our results revealed that EVs from both co-culture models contained distinct cargo in form of miRNA, fragmented mRNA versus control. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that EV miRNA from direct co-culture were involved in the biological processes associated with phagocytosis, macroautophagy, placenta development, cellular responses to TNF and FGF. The mRNA fragments also varied within the different groups and mapped to the exonic regions of the transcriptome providing vital insights regarding the changes in cellular transcriptome on the arrival of spermatozoa. The findings of this study suggest that spermatozoa, in contact as well as remotely, alter the EV cargo of female reproductive tract epithelial cells which might be playing an essential role in pre and post-fertilization events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qurat Ul Ain Reshi
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - James Ord
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Längassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Keerthie Dissanayake
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute for Women's Health, Maternal and Fetal Medicine Department, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Aneta Andronowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima St. 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Paul Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience SITraN, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Rd, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia.
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2SF, UK.
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Abstract
Despite a recent endorsement from official and professional bodies unequivocally recommending COVID-19 vaccination, vaccine hesitancy among pregnant people remains high. The accumulated evidence demonstrates that pregnant people are a special risk group for COVID-19, with an increased risk of intensive care unit admission, extracorporeal membranous oxygenation requirement, preterm birth, and perinatal death. These risks are further increased with some variants of concern, and vaccination of pregnant people reduces the COVID-19-related increase in maternal or fetal morbidity. Data from more than 180,000 vaccinated persons show that immunization against COVID-19 with an mRNA vaccine is safe for pregnant people. Many observational studies comparing perinatal outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant people have had reassuring findings and did not demonstrate harmful effects on pregnancy or the newborn. Immunization with mRNA vaccines does not increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, low birthweight, maternal or neonatal intensive care unit admission, fetal death, fetal abnormality, or pulmonary embolism. Moreover, observational data corroborate the findings of randomized trials that mRNA vaccination is highly effective at preventing severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant people, emphasizing that the potential maternal and fetal benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the potential risks of vaccination. Ensuring pregnant people have unrestricted access to COVID-19 vaccination should be a priority in every country worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kalafat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Paul Heath
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Smriti Prasad
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Pat O Brien
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London Hospitals, London, England, United Kingdom; Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, England, United Kingdom; Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St George's University of London, London, England, United Kingdom; Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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3
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Sharland E, Qazi S, Heath P, Balasegaram M, Bielicki J, Sharland M. Can the history of empiric antibiotic treatment for neonatal sepsis inform future global trials? Clin Microbiol Infect 2022; 28:1313-1315. [PMID: 35718346 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sharland
- University College Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Paul Heath
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manica Balasegaram
- Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julia Bielicki
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Sharland
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
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4
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Prasad S, Kalafat E, Blakeway H, Townsend R, O'Brien P, Morris E, Draycott T, Thangaratinam S, Le Doare K, Ladhani S, von Dadelszen P, Magee LA, Heath P, Khalil A. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2414. [PMID: 35538060 PMCID: PMC9090726 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30052-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy is a particular concern affecting vaccination uptake by this vulnerable group. Here we evaluated evidence from 23 studies including 117,552 COVID-19 vaccinated pregnant people, almost exclusively with mRNA vaccines. We show that the effectiveness of mRNA vaccination against RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection 7 days after second dose was 89·5% (95% CI 69·0-96·4%, 18,828 vaccinated pregnant people, I2 = 73·9%). The risk of stillbirth was significantly lower in the vaccinated cohort by 15% (pooled OR 0·85; 95% CI 0·73–0·99, 66,067 vaccinated vs. 424,624 unvaccinated, I2 = 93·9%). There was no evidence of a higher risk of adverse outcomes including miscarriage, earlier gestation at birth, placental abruption, pulmonary embolism, postpartum haemorrhage, maternal death, intensive care unit admission, lower birthweight Z-score, or neonatal intensive care unit admission (p > 0.05 for all). COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in pregnancy appears to be safe and is associated with a reduction in stillbirth. Pregnant women have been disproportionately under-vaccinated against COVID-19, partly because they were excluded from initial trials. This systematic review and meta-analysis supports efficacy of vaccination in pregnancy, and finds no evidence of adverse maternal or perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Prasad
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Erkan Kalafat
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Helena Blakeway
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Rosemary Townsend
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Pat O'Brien
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK.,University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Edward Morris
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK.,Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
| | - Tim Draycott
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK.,North Bristol NHS Trust Department of Women's Health, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, UK
| | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Women's Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kirsty Le Doare
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Shamez Ladhani
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, Public Health England, England, UK.,British Paediatric Surveillance Unit, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, England, UK
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Institute of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura A Magee
- Institute of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK. .,Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK.
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5
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Kalafat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Laura A Magee
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London SW17 0QT, UK; Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0QT, UK.
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6
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Magee LA, von Dadelszen P, Kalafat E, Duncan EL, O'Brien P, Morris E, Heath P, Khalil A. COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy-number needed to vaccinate to avoid harm. Lancet Infect Dis 2021; 21:1627. [PMID: 34739865 PMCID: PMC8563006 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00691-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Magee
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Erkan Kalafat
- Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Statistics, Ankara, Turkey; Koc University, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emma L Duncan
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Pat O'Brien
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK; University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Edward Morris
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK; Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London SW17 0QT, UK; Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0QT, UK.
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7
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Stocker M, van Herk W, El Helou S, Dutta S, Schuerman FABA, van den Tooren-de Groot RK, Wieringa JW, Janota J, van der Meer-Kappelle LH, Moonen R, Sie SD, de Vries E, Donker AE, Zimmerman U, Schlapbach LJ, de Mol AC, Hoffman-Haringsma A, Roy M, Tomaske M, F Kornelisse R, van Gijsel J, Visser EG, Plötz FB, Heath P, Achten NB, Lehnick D, van Rossum AMC. C-Reactive Protein, Procalcitonin, and White Blood Count to Rule Out Neonatal Early-onset Sepsis Within 36 Hours: A Secondary Analysis of the Neonatal Procalcitonin Intervention Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e383-e390. [PMID: 32881994 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) is one of the main causes of global neonatal mortality and morbidity, and initiation of early antibiotic treatment is key. However, antibiotics may be harmful. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of results from the Neonatal Procalcitonin Intervention Study, a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled intervention study. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of serial measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and white blood count (WBC) within different time windows to rule out culture-positive EOS (proven sepsis). RESULTS We analyzed 1678 neonates with 10 899 biomarker measurements (4654 CRP, 2047 PCT, and 4198 WBC) obtained within the first 48 hours after the start of antibiotic therapy due to suspected EOS. The areas under the curve (AUC) comparing no sepsis vs proven sepsis for maximum values of CRP, PCT, and WBC within 36 hours were 0.986, 0.921, and 0.360, respectively. The AUCs for CRP and PCT increased with extended time frames up to 36 hours, but there was no further difference between start to 36 hours vs start to 48 hours. Cutoff values at 16 mg/L for CRP and 2.8 ng/L for PCT provided a sensitivity of 100% for discriminating no sepsis vs proven sepsis. CONCLUSIONS Normal serial CRP and PCT measurements within 36 hours after the start of empiric antibiotic therapy can exclude the presence of neonatal EOS with a high probability. The negative predictive values of CRP and PCT do not increase after 36 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stocker
- Department of Paediatrics, Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Wendy van Herk
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Erasmus Medical Centre, University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Salhab El Helou
- Division of Neonatology, McMaster University Children's Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sourabh Dutta
- Division of Neonatology, McMaster University Children's Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frank A B A Schuerman
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Isala Women and Children's Hospital, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jantien W Wieringa
- Department of Paediatrics, Haaglanden Medical Centre, "s Gravenhage, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Janota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynocology, Second Medical Faculty, Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.,First Medical Faculty, Czech Republic and Institute of Pathological Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Rob Moonen
- Department of Neonatology, Zuyderland Medical Centre, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Sintha D Sie
- Department of Neonatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther de Vries
- Department of Paediatrics, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, "s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Albertine E Donker
- Department of Paediatrics, Maxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Urs Zimmerman
- Department of Paediatrics, Kantonsspital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Luregn J Schlapbach
- Paediatric Critical Care Research Group, Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Padiaitric Intensive Care Unit, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,University Children's Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amerik C de Mol
- Department of Neonatology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Madan Roy
- Department of Neonatology, St. Josephs Healthcare, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maren Tomaske
- Department of Paediatrics, Stadtspital Triemli, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - René F Kornelisse
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus Medical Centre, University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eline G Visser
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Erasmus Medical Centre, University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frans B Plötz
- Department of Pediatrics, Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Heath
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Disease, St George's University Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Niek B Achten
- Department of Pediatrics, Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk Lehnick
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, Head Biostatistics and Methodology, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Annemarie M C van Rossum
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Erasmus Medical Centre, University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Tulotta C, Lefley DV, Moore CK, Amariutei AE, Spicer-Hadlington AR, Quayle LA, Hughes RO, Ahmed K, Cookson V, Evans CA, Vadakekolathu J, Heath P, Francis S, Pinteaux E, Pockley AG, Ottewell PD. IL-1B drives opposing responses in primary tumours and bone metastases; harnessing combination therapies to improve outcome in breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2021; 7:95. [PMID: 34290237 PMCID: PMC8295314 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00305-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer bone metastasis is currently incurable, ~75% of patients with late-stage breast cancer develop disease recurrence in bone and available treatments are only palliative. We have previously shown that production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1B (IL-1B) by breast cancer cells drives bone metastasis in patients and in preclinical in vivo models. In the current study, we have investigated how IL-1B from tumour cells and the microenvironment interact to affect primary tumour growth and bone metastasis through regulation of the immune system, and whether targeting IL-1 driven changes to the immune response improves standard of care therapy for breast cancer bone metastasis. Using syngeneic IL-1B/IL1R1 knock out mouse models in combination with genetic manipulation of tumour cells to overexpress IL-1B/IL1R1, we found that IL-1B signalling elicited an opposite response in primary tumours compared with bone metastases. In primary tumours, IL-1B inhibited growth, by impairing the infiltration of innate immune cell subsets with potential anti-cancer functions but promoted enhanced tumour cell migration. In bone, IL-1B stimulated the development of osteolytic metastases. In syngeneic models of breast cancer, combining standard of care treatments (Doxorubicin and Zoledronic acid) with the IL-1 receptor antagonist Anakinra inhibited both primary tumour growth and metastasis. Anakinra had opposite effects on the immune response compared to standard of care treatment, and its anti-inflammatory signature was maintained in the combination therapy. These data suggest that targeting IL-1B signalling may provide a useful therapeutic approach to inhibit bone metastasis and improve efficacy of current treatments for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tulotta
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Diane V Lefley
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Charlotte K Moore
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ana E Amariutei
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Amy R Spicer-Hadlington
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lewis A Quayle
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Russell O Hughes
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Khawla Ahmed
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Victoria Cookson
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Catherine A Evans
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jayakumar Vadakekolathu
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sheila Francis
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emmanuel Pinteaux
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - A Graham Pockley
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Penelope D Ottewell
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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9
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Shepheard SR, Parker MD, Cooper-Knock J, Verber NS, Tuddenham L, Heath P, Beauchamp N, Place E, Sollars ESA, Turner MR, Malaspina A, Fratta P, Hewamadduma C, Jenkins TM, McDermott CJ, Wang D, Kirby J, Shaw PJ. Value of systematic genetic screening of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:510-518. [PMID: 33589474 PMCID: PMC8053339 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-325014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The clinical utility of routine genetic sequencing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is uncertain. Our aim was to determine whether routine targeted sequencing of 44 ALS-relevant genes would have a significant impact on disease subclassification and clinical care. METHODS We performed targeted sequencing of a 44-gene panel in a prospective case series of 100 patients with ALS recruited consecutively from the Sheffield Motor Neuron Disorders Clinic, UK. All participants were diagnosed with ALS by a specialist Consultant Neurologist. 7/100 patients had familial ALS, but the majority were apparently sporadic cases. RESULTS 21% of patients with ALS carried a confirmed pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutation, of whom 93% had no family history of ALS. 15% met the inclusion criteria for a current ALS genetic-therapy trial. 5/21 patients with a pathogenic mutation had an additional variant of uncertain significance (VUS). An additional 21% of patients with ALS carried a VUS in an ALS-associated gene. Overall, 13% of patients carried more than one genetic variant (pathogenic or VUS). Patients with ALS carrying two variants developed disease at a significantly earlier age compared with patients with a single variant (median age of onset=56 vs 60 years, p=0.0074). CONCLUSIONS Routine screening for ALS-associated pathogenic mutations in a specialised ALS referral clinic will impact clinical care in 21% of cases. An additional 21% of patients have variants in the ALS gene panel currently of unconfirmed significance after removing non-specific or predicted benign variants. Overall, variants within known ALS-linked genes are of potential clinical importance in 42% of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R Shepheard
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Matthew D Parker
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Johnathan Cooper-Knock
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nick S Verber
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lee Tuddenham
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nick Beauchamp
- Human Genetics, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Elsie Place
- Human Genetics, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Malaspina
- Neuroscience and Trauma, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Channa Hewamadduma
- Academic Directorate of Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Thomas M Jenkins
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Christopher J McDermott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Dennis Wang
- Sheffield Bioinformatics Core, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Janine Kirby
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Academic Directorate of Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Sadarangani M, Kollmann T, Bjornson G, Heath P, Clarke E, Marchant A, Levy O, Leuridan E, Ulloa-Gutierrez R, Cutland CL, Kampmann B, Chaithongwongwatthana S, Dinleyici E, van Damme P, Munoz FM. The Fifth International Neonatal and Maternal Immunization Symposium (INMIS 2019): Securing Protection for the Next Generation. mSphere 2021; 6:e00862-20. [PMID: 33504658 PMCID: PMC7885317 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00862-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in reaching some milestones of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, neonatal and early infant morbidity and mortality remain high, and maternal health remains suboptimal in many countries. Novel and improved preventative strategies with the potential to benefit pregnant women and their infants are needed, with maternal and neonatal immunization representing effective approaches. Experts from immunology, vaccinology, infectious diseases, clinicians, industry, public health, and vaccine-related social sciences convened at the 5th International Neonatal and Maternal Immunization Symposium (INMIS) in Vancouver, Canada, from 15 to 17 September 2019. We critically evaluated the lessons learned from recent clinical studies, presented cutting-edge scientific progress in maternal and neonatal immunology and vaccine development, and discussed maternal and neonatal immunization in the broader context of infectious disease epidemiology and public health. Focusing on practical aspects of research and implementation, we also discussed the safety, awareness, and perception of maternal immunization as an existing strategy to address the need to improve maternal and neonatal health worldwide. The symposium provided a comprehensive scientific and practical primer as well as an update for all those with an interest in maternal and neonatal infection, immunity, and vaccination. The summary presented here provides an update of the current status of progress in maternal and neonatal immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Sadarangani
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tobias Kollmann
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, University of Western Perth, Perth, Australia
| | - Gordean Bjornson
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul Heath
- St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ed Clarke
- Vaccines & Immunity Theme, Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM), Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Arnaud Marchant
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Ofer Levy
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elke Leuridan
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rolando Ulloa-Gutierrez
- Hospital Nacional de Niños Dr. Carlos Sáenz Herrera, Centro de Ciencias Médicas C.C.S.S., San José, Costa Rica
| | - Clare L Cutland
- African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise (ALIVE), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Beate Kampmann
- Vaccines & Immunity Theme, Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM), Banjul, The Gambia
- The Vaccine Centre, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Surasith Chaithongwongwatthana
- Division of Infectious Disease in Gynecology and Obstetrics (InDiGO), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ener Dinleyici
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Pierre van Damme
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Flor M Munoz
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Kyohere M, Davies HG, Musoke P, Nakimuli A, Tusubira V, Tasimwa HB, Nsimire JS, Heath P, Cose S, Baker C, Le Doare K, Sekikubo M. Seroepidemiology of maternally-derived antibody against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Mulago/Kawempe Hospitals Uganda - PROGRESS GBS. Gates Open Res 2020; 4:155. [PMID: 33299966 PMCID: PMC7706450 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13183.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Group B
Streptococcus (GBS) is a major contributor to the high burden of neonatal and young infant infectious disease in resource- limited settings. As disease protection during the first six months of life is provided via placental transfer of maternal antibodies, a maternal GBS vaccine may provide an effective strategy to reduce infectious death and disability. An efficacy study may be difficult because of the large sample size required and alternative approaches such as serocorrelates of protection based on natural antibody concentration are being considered. Such studies would need to be undertaken in high burden settings such as Uganda. We therefore aim to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a GBS sero-epidemiology study in Kampala, Uganda. Methods: This is a prospective cohort and nested case-control study, conducted across two-centres with two entry points. A) consecutive women and their infants at birth, with collection of maternal swab, cord and maternal blood, and follow up by telephone until the infant is 3 months old; B) any infant under 3 months of age, presenting with signs of sepsis to any of the paediatric units, with collection of blood culture, cerebrospinal fluid and nasopharyngeal swabs. Any infants identified as having GBS disease (defined as GBS isolated from a normally sterile site) will be recruited and followed up for two years to assess their neurodevelopment. A nested qualitative study will investigate stakeholder (pregnant women and their families, healthcare workers and community leaders) opinions of sampling for such a study and understanding and potential uptake of vaccines in pregnancy. Discussion: The primary aim is to determine anti-GBS antibody concentration in infants with GBS disease compared to healthy controls. Secondary outcomes include stillbirth and all-cause infection and acceptance of sample methods and vaccination. The findings will inform scalability and sustainability of the programme in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kyohere
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University (MUJHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hannah Georgia Davies
- Paediatric Infection and Immunology Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, SW170RE, UK
| | - Philippa Musoke
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University (MUJHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, 256, Uganda
| | - Annettee Nakimuli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, 256, Uganda
| | - Valerie Tusubira
- Makerere University - Johns Hopkins University (MUJHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hannington Baluku Tasimwa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, 256, Uganda
| | | | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infection and Immunology Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, SW170RE, UK
| | - Stephen Cose
- Immunology and Vaccines Research Unit, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Carol Baker
- University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kirsty Le Doare
- Paediatric Infection and Immunology Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, SW170RE, UK.,Immunology and Vaccines Research Unit, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Musa Sekikubo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, 256, Uganda
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Almasnouri TS, Hamilton N, Heath P, van Eeden Van Eeden F, Simpson JE. Hypoxia‐induced changes in microglia in the
vhl
‐/‐
zebrafish. Alzheimers Dement 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.047129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul Heath
- University of Sheffield Sheffield United Kingdom
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13
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Berardi A, Cassetti T, Creti R, Vocale C, Ambretti S, Sarti M, Facchinetti F, Cose S, Heath P, Le Doare K. The Italian arm of the PREPARE study: an international project to evaluate and license a maternal vaccine against group B streptococcus. Ital J Pediatr 2020; 46:160. [PMID: 33115542 PMCID: PMC7594470 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-020-00923-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis in infants, with long term neurodevelopmental sequelae. GBS may be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and preterm birth. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) is currently the only way to prevent early-onset disease (presenting at 0 to 6 days of life), although it has no impact on the disease presenting over 6 days of life and its implementation is challenging in resource poor countries. A maternal vaccine against GBS could reduce all GBS manifestations as well as improve pregnancy outcomes, even in low-income countries. Main body The term “PREPARE” designates an international project aimed at developing a maternal vaccination platform to test vaccines against neonatal GBS infections by maternal immunization. It is a non-profit, multi-center, interventional and experimental study (promoted by the St George University of London. [UK]) with the aim of developing a maternal vaccination platform, determining pregnancy outcomes, and defining the extent of GBS infections in children and mothers in Africa. PREPARE also aims to estimate the protective serocorrelates against the main GBS serotypes that cause diseases in Europe and Africa and to conduct two trials on candidate GBS vaccines. PREPARE consists of 6 work packages. In four European countries (Italy, UK, Netherlands, France) the recruitment of cases and controls will start in 2020 and will end in 2022. The Italian PREPARE network includes 41 centers. The Italian network aims to collect: GBS isolates from infants with invasive disease, maternal and neonatal sera (cases); cord sera and GBS strains from colonized mothers whose infants do not develop GBS infection (controls). Short conclusion PREPARE will contribute information on protective serocorrelates against the main GBS serotypes that cause diseases in Europe and Africa. The vaccine that will be tested by the PREPARE study could be an effective strategy to prevent GBS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Berardi
- Unità Operativa di Terapia Intensiva Neonatale, Dipartimento Integrato Materno-Infantile, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Cassetti
- Unità Operativa di Microbiologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberta Creti
- Reparto di Antibiotico Resistenza e Patogeni Speciali (AR-PS), Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Vocale
- Unità Operativa di Microbiologia Clinica, Centro di Riferimento Regionale per le Emergenze Microbiologiche, (CRREM), Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Ambretti
- Unità Operativa di Microbiologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Sarti
- Unità Operativa di Microbiologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliero- Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Facchinetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mother, Child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Stephen Cose
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Clinical Research, LSHTM, London, UK
| | | | - Paul Heath
- St George's Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Kirsty Le Doare
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George's University of London, London, UK
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14
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Kyohere M, Davies HG, Musoke P, Nakimuli A, Tusubira V, Tasimwa HB, Nsimire JS, Heath P, Cose S, Baker C, Le Doare K, Sekikubo M. Seroepidemiology of maternally-derived antibody against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Mulago/Kawempe Hospitals Uganda - PROGRESS GBS. Gates Open Res 2020; 4:155. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13183.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major contributor to the high burden of neonatal and young infant infectious disease in resource- limited settings. As disease protection during the first six months of life is provided via placental transfer of maternal antibodies, a maternal GBS vaccine may provide an effective strategy to reduce infectious death and disability. An efficacy study may be difficult because of the large sample size required and alternative approaches such as serocorrelates of protection based on natural antibody concentration are being considered. Such studies would need to be undertaken in high burden settings such as Uganda. We therefore aim to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a GBS sero-epidemiology study in Kampala, Uganda. Methods: This is a prospective cohort and nested case-control study, conducted across two-centres with two entry points. A) consecutive women and their infants at birth, with collection of maternal swab, cord and maternal blood, and follow up by telephone until the infant is 3 months old; B) any infant under 3 months of age, presenting with signs of sepsis to any of the paediatric units, with collection of blood culture, cerebrospinal fluid and nasopharyngeal swabs. Any infants identified as having GBS disease (defined as GBS isolated from a normally sterile site) will be recruited and followed up for two years to assess their neurodevelopment. A nested qualitative study will investigate stakeholder (pregnant women and their families, healthcare workers and community leaders) opinions of sampling for such a study and understanding and potential uptake of vaccines in pregnancy. Discussion: The primary aim is to determine anti-GBS antibody concentration in infants with GBS disease compared to healthy controls. Secondary outcomes include stillbirth and all-cause infection and acceptance of sample methods and vaccination. The findings will inform scalability and sustainability of the programme in Uganda.
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15
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Folegatti PM, Ewer KJ, Aley PK, Angus B, Becker S, Belij-Rammerstorfer S, Bellamy D, Bibi S, Bittaye M, Clutterbuck EA, Dold C, Faust SN, Finn A, Flaxman AL, Hallis B, Heath P, Jenkin D, Lazarus R, Makinson R, Minassian AM, Pollock KM, Ramasamy M, Robinson H, Snape M, Tarrant R, Voysey M, Green C, Douglas AD, Hill AVS, Lambe T, Gilbert SC, Pollard AJ. Safety and immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: a preliminary report of a phase 1/2, single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2020; 396:467-478. [PMID: 32702298 PMCID: PMC7445431 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)31604-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1643] [Impact Index Per Article: 410.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) might be curtailed by vaccination. We assessed the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of a viral vectored coronavirus vaccine that expresses the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS We did a phase 1/2, single-blind, randomised controlled trial in five trial sites in the UK of a chimpanzee adenovirus-vectored vaccine (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein compared with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) as control. Healthy adults aged 18-55 years with no history of laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or of COVID-19-like symptoms were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 at a dose of 5 × 1010 viral particles or MenACWY as a single intramuscular injection. A protocol amendment in two of the five sites allowed prophylactic paracetamol to be administered before vaccination. Ten participants assigned to a non-randomised, unblinded ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 prime-boost group received a two-dose schedule, with the booster vaccine administered 28 days after the first dose. Humoral responses at baseline and following vaccination were assessed using a standardised total IgG ELISA against trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, a muliplexed immunoassay, three live SARS-CoV-2 neutralisation assays (a 50% plaque reduction neutralisation assay [PRNT50]; a microneutralisation assay [MNA50, MNA80, and MNA90]; and Marburg VN), and a pseudovirus neutralisation assay. Cellular responses were assessed using an ex-vivo interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot assay. The co-primary outcomes are to assess efficacy, as measured by cases of symptomatic virologically confirmed COVID-19, and safety, as measured by the occurrence of serious adverse events. Analyses were done by group allocation in participants who received the vaccine. Safety was assessed over 28 days after vaccination. Here, we report the preliminary findings on safety, reactogenicity, and cellular and humoral immune responses. The study is ongoing, and was registered at ISRCTN, 15281137, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04324606. FINDINGS Between April 23 and May 21, 2020, 1077 participants were enrolled and assigned to receive either ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (n=543) or MenACWY (n=534), ten of whom were enrolled in the non-randomised ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 prime-boost group. Local and systemic reactions were more common in the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 group and many were reduced by use of prophylactic paracetamol, including pain, feeling feverish, chills, muscle ache, headache, and malaise (all p<0·05). There were no serious adverse events related to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. In the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 group, spike-specific T-cell responses peaked on day 14 (median 856 spot-forming cells per million peripheral blood mononuclear cells, IQR 493-1802; n=43). Anti-spike IgG responses rose by day 28 (median 157 ELISA units [EU], 96-317; n=127), and were boosted following a second dose (639 EU, 360-792; n=10). Neutralising antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 32 (91%) of 35 participants after a single dose when measured in MNA80 and in 35 (100%) participants when measured in PRNT50. After a booster dose, all participants had neutralising activity (nine of nine in MNA80 at day 42 and ten of ten in Marburg VN on day 56). Neutralising antibody responses correlated strongly with antibody levels measured by ELISA (R2=0·67 by Marburg VN; p<0·001). INTERPRETATION ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 showed an acceptable safety profile, and homologous boosting increased antibody responses. These results, together with the induction of both humoral and cellular immune responses, support large-scale evaluation of this candidate vaccine in an ongoing phase 3 programme. FUNDING UK Research and Innovation, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Thames Valley and South Midland's NIHR Clinical Research Network, and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Gießen-Marburg-Langen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Folegatti
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Katie J Ewer
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Parvinder K Aley
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Brian Angus
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephan Becker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Belij-Rammerstorfer
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Duncan Bellamy
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Sagida Bibi
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Mustapha Bittaye
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Clutterbuck
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Christina Dold
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Saul N Faust
- NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Adam Finn
- School of Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Amy L Flaxman
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Bassam Hallis
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Salisbury, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Vaccine Institute, St George's University, London, UK
| | - Daniel Jenkin
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Rajeka Lazarus
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Rebecca Makinson
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela M Minassian
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Katrina M Pollock
- NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maheshi Ramasamy
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Hannah Robinson
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew Snape
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Tarrant
- Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Merryn Voysey
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine Green
- Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander D Douglas
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Adrian V S Hill
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Teresa Lambe
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah C Gilbert
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew J Pollard
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.
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Khalil A, Kalafat E, Benlioglu C, O'Brien P, Morris E, Draycott T, Thangaratinam S, Le Doare K, Heath P, Ladhani S, von Dadelszen P, Magee LA. SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical features and pregnancy outcomes. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 25:100446. [PMID: 32838230 PMCID: PMC7334039 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and pregnancy. METHODS Databases (Medline, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Library) were searched electronically on 6th April and updated regularly until 8th June 2020. Reports of pregnant women with reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 were included. Meta-analytical proportion summaries and meta-regression analyses for key clinical outcomes are provided. FINDINGS 86 studies were included, 17 studies (2567 pregnancies) in the quantitative synthesis; other small case series and case reports were used to extract rarely-reported events and outcome. Most women (73.9%) were in the third trimester; 52.4% have delivered, half by caesarean section (48.3%). The proportion of Black, Asian or minority ethnic group membership (50.8%); obesity (38.2%), and chronic co-morbidities (32.5%) were high. The most commonly reported clinical symptoms were fever (63.3%), cough (71.4%) and dyspnoea (34.4%). The commonest laboratory abnormalities were raised CRP or procalcitonin (54.0%), lymphopenia (34.2%) and elevated transaminases (16.0%). Preterm birth before 37 weeks' gestation was common (21.8%), usually medically-indicated (18.4%). Maternal intensive care unit admission was required in 7.0%, with intubation in 3.4%. Maternal mortality was uncommon (~1%). Maternal intensive care admission was higher in cohorts with higher rates of co-morbidities (beta=0.007, p<0.05) and maternal age over 35 years (beta=0.007, p<0.01). Maternal mortality was higher in cohorts with higher rates of antiviral drug use (beta=0.03, p<0.001), likely due to residual confounding. Neonatal nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR was positive in 1.4%. INTERPRETATION The risk of iatrogenic preterm birth and caesarean delivery was increased. The available evidence is reassuring, suggesting that maternal morbidity is similar to that of women of reproductive age. Vertical transmission of the virus probably occurs, albeit in a small proportion of cases. FUNDING N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, UK
| | - Erkan Kalafat
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Can Benlioglu
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Pat O'Brien
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Edward Morris
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
| | - Tim Draycott
- The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
- North Bristol NHS Trust Department of Women's Health, Westbury on Trym, UK
| | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Women's Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kirsty Le Doare
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Shamez Ladhani
- Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, Public Health England, UK
- British Paediatric Surveillance Unit, Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, UK
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura A. Magee
- School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Giovannelli I, Heath P, Shaw PJ, Kirby J. The involvement of regulatory T cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their therapeutic potential. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 21:435-444. [PMID: 32484719 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1752246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation, meaning the establishment of a diffuse inflammatory condition in the CNS, is one of the main hallmarks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, a crucial role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in this disease has been outlined. Tregs are a T cell subpopulation with immunomodulatory properties. In this review, we discuss the physiology of Tregs and their role in ALS disease onset and progression. Evidence has demonstrated that in ALS patients Tregs are dramatically and progressively reduced in number and are less effective in promoting immune suppression. In addition, Tregs levels correlate with the rate of disease progression and patient survival. For this reason, Tregs are now considered a promising therapeutic target for neuroprotection in ALS. In this review, the clinical impact of these cells will be discussed and an overview of the current clinical trials targeting Tregs is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Giovannelli
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - P Heath
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - P J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - J Kirby
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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18
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Vandrevala T, Barber V, Mbire-Chigumba E, Calvert A, Star C, Khalil A, Griffiths P, Book AS, Book GM, Heath P, Jones CE. Parenting a child with congenital cytomegalovirus infection: a qualitative study. BMJ Paediatr Open 2020; 4:e000844. [PMID: 33225083 PMCID: PMC7662527 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common infectious cause of congenital disability, which can cause lifelong impairments including sensorineural hearing loss and developmental delay. This study aimed to explore the experiences of parenting a child with congenital CMV and the impact this has on families. METHODS Ten parents living with a child with congenital CMV in the UK participated in semistructured interviews and data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The findings illustrate that delays in making the diagnosis of congenital CMV are associated with parental distress and lack of knowledge about CMV among medical professionals can exacerbate this distress. Parents expressed frustration about not knowing about CMV infection during their pregnancies and therefore not having the opportunity to take measures to reduce their risk of acquiring CMV while pregnant. The uncertainty about the long-term outcomes of children with congenital CMV adds additional emotional burden for parents. Family and wider societal networks have the potential to facilitate coping and alleviate stress, but the lack of awareness of CMV acts as a barrier to receiving support from family and friends. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to increase awareness of CMV among medical professionals, pregnant women and wider society to improve the diagnostic process and to provide better support for families caring for children with congenital CMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria Barber
- Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston-Upon-Thames, London, UK
| | | | - Anna Calvert
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, Unite, London, UK
| | | | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Gayle M Book
- Parent of child with congenital CMV infection, London, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- University of London Saint George's, London, UK
| | - Christine E Jones
- Faculty of Medicine and Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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19
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Carreras-Abad C, Cochet M, Hall T, Ramkhelawon L, Khalil A, Peregrine E, Vinayakarao L, Sivarajan S, Hamid R, Planche T, Sheridan E, Winchester S, Plumb J, Djennad A, Andrews N, Le Doare K, Heath P. Developing a serocorrelate of protection against invasive group B streptococcus disease in pregnant women: a feasibility study. Health Technol Assess 2019; 23:1-40. [PMID: 31855555 PMCID: PMC6936166 DOI: 10.3310/hta23670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B streptococcus is the leading cause of infection in infants. Currently, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is the major strategy to prevent invasive group B streptococcus disease. However, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis does not prevent maternal sepsis, premature births, stillbirths or late-onset disease. Maternal vaccination may offer an alternative strategy. Multivalent polysaccharide protein conjugate vaccine development is under way and a serocorrelate of protection is needed to expedite vaccine licensure. OBJECTIVES The ultimate aim of this work is to determine the correlate of protection against the major group B streptococcus disease-causing serotypes in infants in the UK. The aim of this feasibility study is to test key operational aspects of the study design. DESIGN Prospective cohort study of pregnant women and their infants in a 6-month period (1 July to 31 December 2018). SETTING Five secondary and tertiary hospitals from London and South England. National iGBS disease surveillance was conducted in all trusts in England and Wales. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years who were delivering at one of the selected hospitals and who provided consent during the study period. There were no exclusion criteria. INTERVENTIONS No interventions were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (1) To test the feasibility of collecting serum at delivery from a large cohort of pregnant women. (2) To test the key operational aspects for a proposed large serocorrelates study. (3) To test the feasibility of collecting samples from those with invasive group B streptococcus. RESULTS A total of 1823 women were recruited during the study period. Overall, 85% of serum samples were collected at three sites collecting only cord blood. At the two sites collecting maternal, cord and infant blood samples, the collection rate was 60%. A total of 614 women were screened for group B streptococcus with a colonisation rate of 22% (serotype distribution: 30% III, 25% Ia, 16% II, 14% Ib, 14% V and 1% IV). A blood sample was collected from 34 infants who were born to colonised women. Maternal and infant blood and the bacterial isolates for 15 newborns who developed invasive group B streptococcal disease during the study period were collected (serotype distribution: 29% III, 29% II, 21% Ia, 7% Ib, 7% IV and 7% V). LIMITATIONS Recruitment and sample collection were dependent on the presence of research midwives rather than the whole clinical team. In addition, individualised consent limited the number of women who could be approached each day, and site set-up for the national surveillance study and the limited time period of this feasibility study limited recruitment of all eligible participants. CONCLUSIONS We have verified the feasibility of collecting and processing rectovaginal swabs and blood samples in pregnant women, as well as samples from those with invasive group B streptococcal disease. We have made recommendations for the recruitment of cases within the proposed GBS3 study and for controls both within GBS3 and as an extension of this feasibility study. FUTURE WORK A large case-control study comparing specific immunoglobulin G levels in mothers whose infants develop invasive group B streptococcal disease with those in colonised mothers whose infants do not develop invasive group B streptococcal disease is recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN49326091; IRAS project identification number 246149/REC reference number 18/WM/0147. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 67. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Carreras-Abad
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Madeleine Cochet
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Tom Hall
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Laxmee Ramkhelawon
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Asma Khalil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elisabeth Peregrine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Latha Vinayakarao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | - Sharmila Sivarajan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Redhill, UK
| | - Rosol Hamid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Croydon, UK
| | - Tim Planche
- Microbiology Department, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Stephen Winchester
- Microbiology Department, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Redhill, UK
| | - Jane Plumb
- Group B Strep Support Group, Haywards Heath, UK
| | - Abdelmajid Djennad
- Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Nick Andrews
- Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Kirsty Le Doare
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
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20
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Bratcher HB, Rodrigues CMC, Finn A, Wootton M, Cameron JC, Smith A, Heath P, Ladhani S, Snape MD, Pollard AJ, Cunningham R, Borrow R, Trotter C, Gray SJ, Maiden MCJ, MacLennan JM. UKMenCar4: A cross-sectional survey of asymptomatic meningococcal carriage amongst UK adolescents at a period of low invasive meningococcal disease incidence. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:118. [PMID: 31544158 PMCID: PMC6749934 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15362.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Carriage of
Neisseria meningitidis, the meningococcus, is a prerequisite for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a potentially devastating infection that disproportionately afflicts infants and children. Humans are the sole known reservoir for the meningococcus, and it is carried asymptomatically in the nasopharynx of ~10% of the population. Rates of carriage are dependent on age of the host and social and behavioural factors. In the UK, meningococcal carriage has been studied through large, multi-centre carriage surveys of adolescents in 1999, 2000, and 2001, demonstrating carriage can be affected by immunisation with the capsular group C meningococcal conjugate vaccine, inducing population immunity against carriage. Fifteen years after these surveys were carried out, invasive meningococcal disease incidence had declined from a peak in 1999. The UKMenCar4 study was conducted in 2014/15 to investigate rates of carriage amongst the adolescent population during a period of low disease incidence. The protocols and methodology used to perform UKMenCar4, a large carriage survey, are described here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly B Bratcher
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Charlene M C Rodrigues
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Adam Finn
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8AE, UK
| | - Mandy Wootton
- Division of Public Health Wales, Cardiff, CF10 3NW, UK
| | - J Claire Cameron
- NHS National Services Scotland, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, G2 6QE, UK
| | - Andrew Smith
- University of Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, UK.,Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratory, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, G2 6QE, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Shamez Ladhani
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, SW17 0QT, UK.,Immunisation Department, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Matthew D Snape
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Andrew J Pollard
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Richard Cunningham
- Microbiology Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, UK
| | - Raymond Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Caroline Trotter
- Disease Dynamics Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Stephen J Gray
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Martin C J Maiden
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Jenny M MacLennan
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
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21
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Bratcher HB, Rodrigues CMC, Finn A, Wootton M, Cameron JC, Smith A, Heath P, Ladhani S, Snape MD, Pollard AJ, Cunningham R, Borrow R, Trotter C, Gray SJ, Maiden MCJ, MacLennan JM. UKMenCar4: A cross-sectional survey of asymptomatic meningococcal carriage amongst UK adolescents at a period of low invasive meningococcal disease incidence. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:118. [PMID: 31544158 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15362.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Carriage of Neisseria meningitidis, the meningococcus, is a prerequisite for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a potentially devastating infection that disproportionately afflicts infants and children. Humans are the sole known reservoir for the meningococcus, and it is carried asymptomatically in the nasopharynx of ~10% of the population. Rates of carriage are dependent on age of the host and social and behavioural factors. In the UK, meningococcal carriage has been studied through large, multi-centre carriage surveys of adolescents in 1999, 2000, and 2001, demonstrating carriage can be affected by immunisation with the capsular group C meningococcal conjugate vaccine, inducing population immunity against carriage. Fifteen years after these surveys were carried out, invasive meningococcal disease incidence had declined from a peak in 1999. The UKMenCar4 study was conducted in 2014/15 to investigate rates of carriage amongst the adolescent population during a period of low disease incidence. The protocols and methodology used to perform UKMenCar4, a large carriage survey, are described here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly B Bratcher
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Charlene M C Rodrigues
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Adam Finn
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS2 8AE, UK
| | - Mandy Wootton
- Division of Public Health Wales, Cardiff, CF10 3NW, UK
| | - J Claire Cameron
- NHS National Services Scotland, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, G2 6QE, UK
| | - Andrew Smith
- University of Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, UK.,Scottish Microbiology Reference Laboratory, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, G2 6QE, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Shamez Ladhani
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, SW17 0QT, UK.,Immunisation Department, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Matthew D Snape
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Andrew J Pollard
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Richard Cunningham
- Microbiology Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, UK
| | - Raymond Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Caroline Trotter
- Disease Dynamics Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Stephen J Gray
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, Public Health England, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Martin C J Maiden
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Jenny M MacLennan
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
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22
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Germovsek E, Lutsar I, Kipper K, Karlsson MO, Planche T, Chazallon C, Meyer L, Trafojer UMT, Metsvaht T, Fournier I, Sharland M, Heath P, Standing JF. Plasma and CSF pharmacokinetics of meropenem in neonates and young infants: results from the NeoMero studies. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 73:1908-1916. [PMID: 29684147 PMCID: PMC6005047 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sepsis and bacterial meningitis are major causes of mortality and morbidity in neonates and infants. Meropenem, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, is not licensed for use in neonates and infants below 3 months of age and sufficient information on its plasma and CSF disposition and dosing in neonates and infants is lacking. Objectives To determine plasma and CSF pharmacokinetics of meropenem in neonates and young infants and the link between pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes in babies with late-onset sepsis (LOS). Methods Data were collected in two recently conducted studies, i.e. NeoMero-1 (neonatal LOS) and NeoMero-2 (neonatal meningitis). Optimally timed plasma samples (n = 401) from 167 patients and opportunistic CSF samples (n = 78) from 56 patients were analysed. Results A one-compartment model with allometric scaling and fixed maturation gave adequate fit to both plasma and CSF data; the CL and volume (standardized to 70 kg) were 16.7 (95% CI 14.7, 18.9) L/h and 38.6 (95% CI 34.9, 43.4) L, respectively. CSF penetration was low (8%), but rose with increasing CSF protein, with 40% penetration predicted at a protein concentration of 6 g/L. Increased infusion time improved plasma target attainment, but lowered CSF concentrations. For 24 patients with culture-proven Gram-negative LOS, pharmacodynamic target attainment was similar regardless of the test-of-cure visit outcome. Conclusions Simulations showed that longer infusions increase plasma PTA but decrease CSF PTA. CSF penetration is worsened with long infusions so increasing dose frequency to achieve therapeutic targets should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Germovsek
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Rheumatology, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Irja Lutsar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Karin Kipper
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Mats O Karlsson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tim Planche
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ursula M T Trafojer
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department for Women and Child Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | - Mike Sharland
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Joseph F Standing
- Department of Infection, Inflammation and Rheumatology, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.,Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- P Heath
- MERL, University of Reading, Reading
| | - I Hughes
- MERL, University of Reading, Reading
| | - M A Gosney
- Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Reading
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24
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Thomas R, Velaphi S, Ellis S, Walker AS, Standing JF, Heath P, Sharland M, Dona' D. The use of polymyxins to treat carbapenem resistant infections in neonates and children. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 20:415-422. [PMID: 30576264 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1559817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of healthcare-associated multidrug resistant bacterial infections, particularly due to carbapenem resistant organisms, has been on the rise globally. Among these are the carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterobacteriaceae, which have been responsible for numerous outbreaks in neonatal units. The polymyxins (colistin and polymyxin B) are considered to be the last resort antibiotics for treating such infections. However, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data on the use of polymyxins in neonates and children are very limited, and there are safety concerns. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors summarize the global burden of multidrug resistance, particularly carbapenem resistance, in the neonatal and paediatric population, and the potential wider use of polymyxins in treating these infections. EXPERT OPINION Both colistin and polymyxin B have similar efficacy in treating multidrug resistant infections but have safety concerns. However, polymyxin B appears to be a better therapeutic option, with more rapid and higher steady state concentrations achieved compared to colistin and less reported nephrotoxicity. There is virtually no data in neonates and children currently; there is therefore an urgent need for pharmacokinetic and safety trials in these populations to determine the optimal drug and dosing regimens and provide recommendations for their use against carbapenem resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reenu Thomas
- a Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Sithembiso Velaphi
- a Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Sally Ellis
- b Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) , Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - A Sarah Walker
- c MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London , University College London , London , UK
| | - Joseph F Standing
- d Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health , University College London , London , UK
| | - Paul Heath
- e Paediatric Infectious Disease Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity , St George's University of London , London , UK
| | - Mike Sharland
- e Paediatric Infectious Disease Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity , St George's University of London , London , UK
| | - Daniele Dona'
- e Paediatric Infectious Disease Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity , St George's University of London , London , UK
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25
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Simpson JE, Wharton S, Brayne C, Matthews F, Heath P, Ince P. S5‐01‐01: AGEING AND NEUROIMMUNOLOGY: WHITE MATTER PATHOLOGY. Alzheimers Dement 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.2964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Paul Heath
- University of SheffieldSheffieldUnited Kingdom
| | - Paul Ince
- University of SheffieldSheffieldUnited Kingdom
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26
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DeSilva M, Munoz FM, Sell E, Marshall H, Tse Kawai A, Kachikis A, Heath P, Klein NP, Oleske JM, Jehan F, Spiegel H, Nesin M, Tagbo BN, Shrestha A, Cutland CL, Eckert LO, Kochhar S, Bardají A. Congenital microcephaly: Case definition & guidelines for data collection, analysis, and presentation of safety data after maternal immunisation. Vaccine 2017; 35:6472-6482. [PMID: 29150052 PMCID: PMC5710988 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Malini DeSilva
- Health Partners Institute for Education and Research, United States
| | | | - Erick Sell
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen Marshall
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network and Robinson Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, South Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alison Tse Kawai
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Harvard Pilgrim Health, United States
| | - Alisa Kachikis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul Heath
- St. Georges Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection & Immunity, St. Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Nicola P Klein
- Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Centre, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - James M Oleske
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Fyezah Jehan
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Pakistan
| | - Hans Spiegel
- Kelly Government Solutions (KGS), Contractor to DAIDS/NIAID/NIH, Rockville, United States
| | - Mirjana Nesin
- National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, United States
| | - Beckie N Tagbo
- Institute of Child Health & Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Anju Shrestha
- Sanofi Pasteur, Global Pharmacovigilance, Sanofi Pasteur, United States
| | - Clare L Cutland
- Medical Research Council: Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, Johannesburg, Department of Science and Technology National Research Foundation, Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Linda O Eckert
- St. Georges Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection & Immunity, St. Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Sonali Kochhar
- Global Healthcare Consulting, Delhi, India; Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Azucena Bardají
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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27
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Marchant A, Sadarangani M, Garand M, Dauby N, Verhasselt V, Pereira L, Bjornson G, Jones CE, Halperin SA, Edwards KM, Heath P, Openshaw PJ, Scheifele DW, Kollmann TR. Maternal immunisation: collaborating with mother nature. Lancet Infect Dis 2017; 17:e197-e208. [PMID: 28433705 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30229-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Maternal immunisation has the potential to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases after birth. The success of tetanus, influenza, and pertussis immunisation during pregnancy has led to consideration of additional maternal immunisation strategies to prevent group B streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus infections, among others. However, many gaps in knowledge regarding the immunobiology of maternal immunisation prevent the optimal design and application of this successful public health intervention. Therefore, we did an innovative landscape analysis to identify research priorities. Key topics were delineated through review of the published literature, consultation with vaccine developers and regulatory agencies, and a collaborative workshop that gathered experts across several maternal immunisation initiatives-group B streptococcus, respiratory syncytial virus, pertussis, and influenza. Finally, a global online survey prioritised the identified knowledge gaps on the basis of expert opinion about their importance and relevance. Here we present the results of this worldwide landscape analysis and discuss the identified research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Marchant
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Manish Sadarangani
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vaccine Evaluation Center, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mathieu Garand
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vaccine and Immunity Theme, Medical Research Council Unit, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Nicolas Dauby
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Valerie Verhasselt
- Faculty of Molecular Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Gordean Bjornson
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christine E Jones
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Scott A Halperin
- Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University, Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre, and Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kathryn M Edwards
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Paul Heath
- St George's Vaccine Institute, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Peter J Openshaw
- Respiratory Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David W Scheifele
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vaccine Evaluation Center, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tobias R Kollmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vaccine Evaluation Center, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Shah T, Luck S, Sharland M, Kadambari S, Heath P, Lyall H. Fifteen-minute consultation: diagnosis and management of congenital CMV. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2016; 101:232-5. [PMID: 27307463 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-309656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection can result in permanent neurological problems and is a potentially preventable cause of sensorineural hearing loss in the UK. There is an urgency to diagnose and assess cCMV as antiviral treatment and has only been shown to be effective if started in the first 4 weeks of life. A recent randomised controlled trial of 6 months of treatment using oral valganciclovir has shown modest benefit in preventing hearing deterioration and in improving some neurodevelopmental outcomes. Parents and clinicians need to make a timely and informed choice regarding antiviral treatment and ensure that relevant non-pharmaceutical interventions are considered. This paper brings together the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of cCMV, consensus from two paediatric infectious diseases centres and outlines research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejshri Shah
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, London, UK
| | - Suzanne Luck
- Department of Paediatrics, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Mike Sharland
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Seilesh Kadambari
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Hermione Lyall
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, London, UK
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Abstract
Pregnancy and early infancy are periods of relative immune suppression and increased vulnerability to infection. In these circumstances infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality. In particular, infants have high rates of invasive disease, higher than at any other stage of life with rates of 100 per 100 000 population. The concept of maternal vaccination is that maternal levels of pathogen-specific antibody are boosted and provide protection to the infant until the infant is able to mount an effective immune response to immunization. However, an important concern for women and healthcare providers is the safety of receiving vaccines during pregnancy. There are challenges associated with assessing safety in pregnant women. This review discusses the rationale for maternal vaccination, the concepts and mechanisms used. An assessment is made of the safety of vaccination during pregnancy, and the challenges associated with this are considered. In general terms, it is considered that the risk from disease far outweighs the small risk associated with vaccination during pregnancy and that they offer a new platform for preventing significant and serious infections in mothers and young infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrissie Jones
- a Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group (PIDRG); St George's, University of London; London, UK
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Cailes B, Vergnano S, Kortsalioudaki C, Heath P, Sharland M. The current and future roles of neonatal infection surveillance programmes in combating antimicrobial resistance. Early Hum Dev 2015; 91:613-8. [PMID: 26386612 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in premature or low birth weight babies. Hospital-acquired blood stream infections represent a significant and largely preventable cause of disease in this population. Neonatal units have been identified as a common site for the development and transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, a significant issue in modern medicine. Neonatal surveillance programmes collect prospective data on infection rates and may be used to optimise therapy, benchmark practice and develop quality improvement programmes. Despite this, the number of networks is relatively few and these are largely concentrated in resource-rich nations. Furthermore, surveillance definitions may vary between programmes impairing our ability to draw comparisons between them. Better harmonisation is required between networks to ensure that they achieve their potential as a valuable tool for benchmarking of hospital-acquired infection rates between units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Cailes
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, UK; Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Stefania Vergnano
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, UK.
| | - Christina Kortsalioudaki
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, UK.
| | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, UK.
| | - Mike Sharland
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, UK.
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Wells R, Le Doare K, Sharland M, Heath P, Ladhani SN. Targeted empiric antibiotic therapy for children with non-oncological comorbidities and community-onset invasive bacterial infections. J Infect 2015; 71:294-301. [PMID: 25964234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the aetiology, risk factors, treatment and outcome of children with community-onset invasive bacterial infections (IBI) and determine the appropriateness of the nationally recommended empiric antibiotic therapy in children with non-oncological comorbidities. METHOD The CABIN network prospectively collected clinical information for all positive blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures in children aged 1 month to 15 years in southwest London over three years. RESULTS During 2009-11, 119 healthy children each had a single IBI episode and 61 children with non-oncological comorbidities had 83 IBI episodes. The pathogens causing IBI in children with comorbidities and no central venous catheter (CVC) were similar to those causing IBI in healthy children. However, those with a CVC had multiple IBI episodes, often with pathogens usually associated with nosocomial infection. In particular, gastro-intestinal commensals were frequently responsible for IBI in TPN-dependent children with gastro-intestinal disease (16/43 episodes) and those with liver disease (8/43). Nationally recommended antibiotics were commenced empirically in 93%, with additional or alternate antibiotics more likely to be prescribed in children with comorbidities or those requiring intensive care. Fifteen children died (11 healthy, 4 with comorbidity), including 12 who died before arrival or in the Emergency Department. CONCLUSION Increasing care of children with comorbidities in the community has resulted in a significant proportion of community-onset IBI occurring in this group. Children with a CVC in situ - particularly those with gastro-intestinal and liver disease - were infected with a wider range of potentially more virulent pathogens. They might benefit from more broad-spectrum antimicrobial cover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosy Wells
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Kirsty Le Doare
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, UK; Centre for International Child Health, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Mike Sharland
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Paul Heath
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Shamez N Ladhani
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St. George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London, SW17 0QT, UK; Immunisation Department, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
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Abstract
A recent report by the Weekly Epidemiological Record of an outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A in the Great Lakes region shows that meningococcal epidemics are an unsolved problem in resource-poor countries, particularly in Africa [1]. During the last epidemic wave in the 1990s, about 350,000 people developed meningitis and 1000 people died [101]. An effective polysaccharide vaccine has been available since the early 1970s. Unfortunately, attempts to contain the epidemics by timely detection of cases through active surveillance and prompt mass vaccination campaigns have failed to prevent the deaths of thousands of people in several African countries in the 1980s and 1990s. This article describes the epidemiology of N. meningitidis serogroup A, the available polysaccharide vaccines, their advantages and limitations. The current vaccination policies and their economic implications are discussed, to clarify why the use of an effective vaccine has, to date, been disappointing. The recent exciting developments with respect to conjugate vaccines are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Vergnano
- International Perinatal Unit, Institute of Child Health, 30 Guildford Street, London WC1N IE4, UK.
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Howe K, Clark MD, Torroja CF, Torrance J, Berthelot C, Muffato M, Collins JE, Humphray S, McLaren K, Matthews L, McLaren S, Sealy I, Caccamo M, Churcher C, Scott C, Barrett JC, Koch R, Rauch GJ, White S, Chow W, Kilian B, Quintais LT, Guerra-Assunção JA, Zhou Y, Gu Y, Yen J, Vogel JH, Eyre T, Banerjee R, Chi J, Fu B, Langley E, Maguire SF, Laird G, Lloyd D, Kenyon E, Donaldson S, Sehra H, Almeida-King J, Loveland J, Trevanion S, Jones M, Quail M, Willey D, Hunt A, Burton J, Sims S, McLay K, Plumb B, Davis J, Clee C, Oliver K, Clark R, Riddle C, Elliott D, Threadgold G, Harden G, Ware D, Begum S, Mortimore B, Kerry G, Heath P, Phillimore B, Tracey A, Corby N, Dunn M, Johnson C, Wood J, Clark S, Pelan S, Griffiths G, Smith M, Glithero R, Howden P, Barker N, Lloyd C, Stevens C, Harley J, Holt K, Panagiotidis G, Lovell J, Beasley H, Henderson C, Gordon D, Auger K, Wright D, Collins J, Raisen C, Dyer L, Leung K, Robertson L, Ambridge K, Leongamornlert D, McGuire S, Gilderthorp R, Griffiths C, Manthravadi D, Nichol S, Barker G, Whitehead S, Kay M, Brown J, Murnane C, Gray E, Humphries M, Sycamore N, Barker D, Saunders D, Wallis J, Babbage A, Hammond S, Mashreghi-Mohammadi M, Barr L, Martin S, Wray P, Ellington A, Matthews N, Ellwood M, Woodmansey R, Clark G, Cooper JD, Tromans A, Grafham D, Skuce C, Pandian R, Andrews R, Harrison E, Kimberley A, Garnett J, Fosker N, Hall R, Garner P, Kelly D, Bird C, Palmer S, Gehring I, Berger A, Dooley C, Ersan-Ürün Z, Eser C, Geiger H, Geisler M, Karotki L, Kirn A, Konantz J, Konantz M, Oberländer M, Rudolph-Geiger S, Teucke M, Lanz C, Raddatz G, Osoegawa K, Zhu B, Rapp A, Widaa S, Langford C, Yang F, Schuster SC, Carter NP, Harrow J, Ning Z, Herrero J, Searle SMJ, Enright A, Geisler R, Plasterk RHA, Lee C, Westerfield M, de Jong PJ, Zon LI, Postlethwait JH, Volhard CN, Hubbard TJP, Crollius HR, Rogers J, Stemple DL. Erratum: Corrigendum: The zebrafish reference genome sequence and its relationship to the human genome. Nature 2013. [DOI: 10.1038/nature12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- A Murino
- Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy, St Mark's Hospital and Academic Institute, Imperial College London, Harrow, London.
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Scally A, Dutheil JY, Hillier LW, Jordan GE, Goodhead I, Herrero J, Hobolth A, Lappalainen T, Mailund T, Marques-Bonet T, McCarthy S, Montgomery SH, Schwalie PC, Tang YA, Ward MC, Xue Y, Yngvadottir B, Alkan C, Andersen LN, Ayub Q, Ball EV, Beal K, Bradley BJ, Chen Y, Clee CM, Fitzgerald S, Graves TA, Gu Y, Heath P, Heger A, Karakoc E, Kolb-Kokocinski A, Laird GK, Lunter G, Meader S, Mort M, Mullikin JC, Munch K, O'Connor TD, Phillips AD, Prado-Martinez J, Rogers AS, Sajjadian S, Schmidt D, Shaw K, Simpson JT, Stenson PD, Turner DJ, Vigilant L, Vilella AJ, Whitener W, Zhu B, Cooper DN, de Jong P, Dermitzakis ET, Eichler EE, Flicek P, Goldman N, Mundy NI, Ning Z, Odom DT, Ponting CP, Quail MA, Ryder OA, Searle SM, Warren WC, Wilson RK, Schierup MH, Rogers J, Tyler-Smith C, Durbin R. Insights into hominid evolution from the gorilla genome sequence. Nature 2012; 483:169-75. [PMID: 22398555 PMCID: PMC3303130 DOI: 10.1038/nature10842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gorillas are humans’ closest living relatives after chimpanzees, and are of comparable importance for the study of human origins and evolution. Here we present the assembly and analysis of a genome sequence for the western lowland gorilla, and compare the whole genomes of all extant great ape genera. We propose a synthesis of genetic and fossil evidence consistent with placing the human-chimpanzee and human-chimpanzee-gorilla speciation events at approximately 6 and 10 million years ago (Mya). In 30% of the genome, gorilla is closer to human or chimpanzee than the latter are to each other; this is rarer around coding genes, indicating pervasive selection throughout great ape evolution, and has functional consequences in gene expression. A comparison of protein coding genes reveals approximately 500 genes showing accelerated evolution on each of the gorilla, human and chimpanzee lineages, and evidence for parallel acceleration, particularly of genes involved in hearing. We also compare the western and eastern gorilla species, estimating an average sequence divergence time 1.75 million years ago, but with evidence for more recent genetic exchange and a population bottleneck in the eastern species. The use of the genome sequence in these and future analyses will promote a deeper understanding of great ape biology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylwyn Scally
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
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Brockington A, Ning K, Heath P, Wood E, Malik K, Fusi N, Wharton S, Ince PG, Shaw PJ. 156 Motor neurones subtypes resistant to degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis show distinct synaptic characteristics across species. J Neurol Psychiatry 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2011-301993.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Heath P, Houston-Price C, kennedy O. How infants’ visual preferences for fruits and vegetables are influenced through picture book exposure. Appetite 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2011.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Church DM, Schneider VA, Graves T, Auger K, Cunningham F, Bouk N, Chen HC, Agarwala R, McLaren WM, Ritchie GRS, Albracht D, Kremitzki M, Rock S, Kotkiewicz H, Kremitzki C, Wollam A, Trani L, Fulton L, Fulton R, Matthews L, Whitehead S, Chow W, Torrance J, Dunn M, Harden G, Threadgold G, Wood J, Collins J, Heath P, Griffiths G, Pelan S, Grafham D, Eichler EE, Weinstock G, Mardis ER, Wilson RK, Howe K, Flicek P, Hubbard T. Modernizing reference genome assemblies. PLoS Biol 2011; 9:e1001091. [PMID: 21750661 PMCID: PMC3130012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deanna M Church
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America.
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Simpson J, Ince P, Heath P, Raman R, Garwood C, Shaw P, Gelstorpe C, Baxter L, Forster G, Fiona M, Savva G, Brayne C, Wharton S. P3‐156: Microarray analysis of the astrocyte transcriptome in the aging brain: Relationship to Alzheimer's pathology and APOE genotype. Alzheimers Dement 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2011.05.1596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Simpson
- University of SheffieldNew YorkNew YorkUnited States
| | - Paul Ince
- University of SheffieldNew YorkNew YorkUnited States
| | - Paul Heath
- University of SheffieldNew YorkNew YorkUnited States
| | - Rohini Raman
- University of SheffieldNew YorkNew YorkUnited States
| | | | - Pamela Shaw
- University of SheffieldNew YorkNew YorkUnited States
| | | | - Lynne Baxter
- University of SheffieldNew YorkNew YorkUnited States
| | | | | | - George Savva
- Institute of Public HealthCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Carol Brayne
- Institute of Public HealthCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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Wood E, Heath P, Shaw P. PAW37 Microarray analysis identifies the gene signature of spared vs vulnerable motor neurone groups. J Neurol Psychiatry 2010. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2010.226340.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Heath P. The Global Impact of Bacterial Meningitis. Int J Infect Dis 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2010.02.2227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Adebowale V, Baxter C, Elliman D, Green A, Guppy MJ, Hall A, Heath P, Heagerty T, Lindley K, Miller E, Baxter D. Updates from the 19th National Immunisation Conference for Health Care Workers: Manchester Conference Center, December 2008. Human Vaccines 2010; 6:169-77. [DOI: 10.4161/hv.6.2.9871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Vergnano S, Embleton N, Collinson A, Menson E, Russell AB, Heath P. Missed opportunities for preventing group B streptococcus infection. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2010; 95:F72-3. [PMID: 19439431 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2009.160333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of early onset (EO) neonatal infection in the UK. National guidelines for its prevention were introduced in 2003. We assessed the opportunities for prevention amongst cases of EO GBS using the electronic Neonatal Infection Surveillance Network (NeonIN). METHODS Culture proven EO GBS cases occurring between 2004 and 2007 were identified prospectively in eight neonatal units participating in NeonIN. Data concerning risk factors, intrapartum antibiotic (IAP) use and infant outcome were collected retrospectively. RESULTS There were 48 cases of GBS over the 4 years (0.52/1000 live-births); 22 male, median gestation 38 weeks. The most common clinical presentation was sepsis and the GBS-attributable mortality was 6%. Risk factors were present in 67% (32) and adequate IAP was given to six of these mothers (19%). If all women with risk factors received prophylaxis, 23 cases (48%) may have been prevented. CONCLUSIONS Better GBS prevention strategies are required in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vergnano
- Division of Child Health, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK.
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Hertz-Fowler C, Figueiredo LM, Quail MA, Becker M, Jackson A, Bason N, Brooks K, Churcher C, Fahkro S, Goodhead I, Heath P, Kartvelishvili M, Mungall K, Harris D, Hauser H, Sanders M, Saunders D, Seeger K, Sharp S, Taylor JE, Walker D, White B, Young R, Cross GAM, Rudenko G, Barry JD, Louis EJ, Berriman M. Telomeric expression sites are highly conserved in Trypanosoma brucei. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3527. [PMID: 18953401 PMCID: PMC2567434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Subtelomeric regions are often under-represented in genome sequences of eukaryotes. One of the best known examples of the use of telomere proximity for adaptive purposes are the bloodstream expression sites (BESs) of the African trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei. To enhance our understanding of BES structure and function in host adaptation and immune evasion, the BES repertoire from the Lister 427 strain of T. brucei were independently tagged and sequenced. BESs are polymorphic in size and structure but reveal a surprisingly conserved architecture in the context of extensive recombination. Very small BESs do exist and many functioning BESs do not contain the full complement of expression site associated genes (ESAGs). The consequences of duplicated or missing ESAGs, including ESAG9, a newly named ESAG12, and additional variant surface glycoprotein genes (VSGs) were evaluated by functional assays after BESs were tagged with a drug-resistance gene. Phylogenetic analysis of constituent ESAG families suggests that BESs are sequence mosaics and that extensive recombination has shaped the evolution of the BES repertoire. This work opens important perspectives in understanding the molecular mechanisms of antigenic variation, a widely used strategy for immune evasion in pathogens, and telomere biology.
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Crowcroft NS, Zambon M, Harrison TG, Mok Q, Heath P, Miller E. Respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants admitted to paediatric intensive care units in London, and in their families. Eur J Pediatr 2008; 167:395-9. [PMID: 17541638 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-007-0509-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 04/24/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We carried out a study in five London paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), with the objectives of describing a cohort of infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, comparing hospital diagnosis with PCR results and investigating the spread of RSV in families. Eligible infants were under 5 months old and admitted betweem November 1998 and October 1999 with respiratory failure, apnoea and/or bradycardia or acute life threatening episodes (ALTE). We diagnosed RSV by PCR analysis of nasopharyngeal aspirate, and in contacts by PCR of pernasal swabs. Of the 137 eligible infants, 66% (91/137) were recruited; of these, 82% (75/91) had RSV, with 47% (35/75) diagnosed by hospital laboratory tests and 93% (70/75) by PCR. The median duration of ventilation was 4.4 days, the length of stay on PICU, 8.6 days, and the length of stay in hospital, 15.9 days. In most families (62%), the parents and siblings developed symptoms of RSV infection at the same time as the infant. When the index infant was a secondary case, primary cases occurred in both older siblings (16 families) and adults (11 families). Silent RSV infection occurred frequently amongst children and adults. RSV is under-diagnosed in PICUs. PCR increases the rate of diagnosis of RSV compared to routine hospital diagnostic methods. Young infants are most often infected at the same time as or before their parents and siblings, indicating that the source may be outside the household; vaccinating family members may not prevent RSV infection in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Crowcroft
- Immunisation Department, Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections , London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
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Halperin S, Kohl KS, Gidudu J, Ball L, Hammer SJ, Heath P, Hennig R, Labadie J, Rothstein E, Schuind A, Varricchio F, Walop W. Cellulitis at injection site: case definition and guidelines for collection, analysis, and presentation of immunization safety data. Vaccine 2007; 25:5803-20. [PMID: 17548135 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Kohl KS, Ball L, Gidudu J, Hammer SJ, Halperin S, Heath P, Hennig R, Labadie J, Rothstein E, Schuind A, Varricchio F, Walop W. Abscess at injection site: case definition and guidelines for collection, analysis, and presentation of immunization safety data. Vaccine 2007; 25:5821-38. [PMID: 17540485 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.04.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin S Kohl
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Kohl KS, Walop W, Gidudu J, Ball L, Halperin S, Hammer SJ, Heath P, Varricchio F, Rothstein E, Schuind A, Hennig R. Swelling at or near injection site: case definition and guidelines for collection, analysis and presentation of immunization safety data. Vaccine 2007; 25:5858-74. [PMID: 17548132 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin S Kohl
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Kohl KS, Walop W, Gidudu J, Ball L, Halperin S, Hammer SJ, Heath P, Hennig R, Rothstein E, Schuind A, Varricchio F. Induration at or near injection site: case definition and guidelines for collection, analysis, and presentation of immunization safety data. Vaccine 2007; 25:5839-57. [PMID: 17553602 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin S Kohl
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Wakeley PR, Errington J, Hannon S, Roest HIJ, Carson T, Hunt B, Sawyer J, Heath P. Development of a real time PCR for the detection of Taylorella equigenitalis directly from genital swabs and discrimination from Taylorella asinigenitalis. Vet Microbiol 2006; 118:247-54. [PMID: 16971068 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2006.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2005] [Revised: 08/02/2006] [Accepted: 08/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A discriminatory real time PCR for the detection of Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative agent of contagious equine metritis (CEM), and the related species T. asinigenitalis was developed for the direct examination of genital swabs. The 112bp amplicons produced from the two species were discriminated from each other using TaqMan probes labelled with different fluorophores. The TaqMan PCR was shown to be specific for the 16S ribosomal DNA of the two species of taylorella and did not cross-hybridise with the 16S ribosomal DNA of other bacteria tested. Direct amplification from genital swabs was shown to be equally sensitive to that of culture methods. Prevalence in a sample set from The Netherlands was shown to be equivalent to that demonstrated by culture. A companion real time PCR that amplified a fragment of the 16S rDNA gene of equine commensal bacteria was developed to ensure bacterial DNA was extracted from swab material supplied for testing. The use of a rapid and reliable real time PCR for the organism causing CEM should aid the control of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Wakeley
- Technology Transfer Unit, Biotechnology Department, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
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