MedWorm: Rubella

Bio-Rad Laboratories - Rubella IgG EIA test kit - Class 3 Recall

Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006 — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:00:07 +0100

Rubella IgG EIA test kit, containing 1 Rubella IgG Microplate, 1 Negative Control, 1 High Positive Control, 1 Low Positive Control, 1 Substrate, 1 Stop Reagent. Labeled: Distributed by: Bio-Rad Laboratories-Redmond, WA 98052 For the qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative detection of human IgG antibodies to rubella virus in human serum by enzyme immunoassay, to aid in the assessment to the patient's immunological response to rubella, and as a qualitative screening test to determine the immune status of individuals, including women of childbearing age. (Source: Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006)

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Quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: a review of safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics

Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

What is known and background: The introduction of vaccines has lead to a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality from diseases such as measles, rubella and poliomyelitis, as well as the eradication of smallpox (Ertl HC, Xiang Z (1996) The Journal of Immunology, 156, 3579[ndash]3582). A recent vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the recombinant quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Merck, Gardasil®). Concerns raised with this preventive measure include safety and efficacy issues as well as the financial implications. Furthermore, the use of the vaccine in women outside the currently approved age ranges and in adolescent boys and men has also been a source of debate.Objective: A review of two licensed HPV vaccines (Gardasil, Merck and Cervarix, ...

Calcium-dependent Association of Calmodulin with the Rubella Virus Nonstructural Protease Domain [Molecular Bases Of Disease]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:36:06 +0100

The rubella virus (RUBV) nonstructural (NS) protease domain, a Ca2+- and Zn2+-binding papain-like cysteine protease domain within the nonstructural replicase polyprotein precursor, is responsible for the self-cleavage of the precursor into two mature products, P150 and P90, that compose the replication complex that mediates viral RNA replication; the NS protease resides at the C terminus of P150. Here we report the Ca2+-dependent, stoichiometric association of calmodulin (CaM) with the RUBV NS protease. Co-immunoprecipitation and pulldown assays coupled with site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that both the P150 protein and a 110-residue minidomain within NS protease interacted directly with Ca2+/CaM. The specific interaction was mapped to a putative CaM-binding domain. A 32-mer peptide...

Libel tourism is a public health risk | Brooke Magnanti

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:35:42 +0100

British libel law is being used by corporations from around the world to suppress legitimate reporting of bad scienceLast year, I had mumps. I blame the libel laws.The recent case of Simon Singh being sued by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) is one example of the out-of-control libel laws in this country, and how they can stop people telling good information from bad. This week is Libel Reform Week and there is no shortage of cases bringing the health risks of such lawsuits to light.Public discussion – journalism included – involves freely debating topics in the public interest. It is similar to what scientists do in peer-reviewed journals. But because most people don't read those, we depend on trusted sources such as Singh to bring the facts and arguments to us.Libel laws ha...

SNP/haplotype associations in cytokine and cytokine receptor genes and immunity to rubella vaccine

Immunogenetics — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:38:24 +0100

Abstract An effective immune response to vaccination is, in part, a complex interaction of alleles of multiple genes regulating cytokine networks. We conducted a genotyping study of Th1/Th2/inflammatory cytokines/cytokine receptors in healthy children (n = 738, 11–19 years) to determine associations between individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)/haplotypes and immune outcomes after two doses of rubella vaccine. SNPs (n = 501) were selected using the ldSelect-approach and genotyped using Illumina GoldenGate™ and TaqMan assays. Rubella-IgG levels were measured by immunoassay and secreted cytokines by ELISA. Linear regression and post hoc haplotype analyses were used to determine associations between single SNPs/haplotypes and immune outcomes. Increa...

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. - Immulite 2000 Rubella Quantitative IgG, Immulite 2500 Rubella IgG - Class 2 Recall

Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:05 +0100

IMMULITE 2000 and IMMULITE 2500 IgG/IgM Sample Diluent, Cat. No. L2IGZ2, Lot Number 150 (Source: Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006)

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Validation and application of normalization factors for gene expression studies in rubella virus-infected cell lines with quantitative real-time PCR

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study does not only provide an accurate and flexible tool for the quantitative analysis of gene expression patterns in RV-infected cell lines. It also indicates, that the suitability of a reference gene as normalizer of RT-qPCR data and the host-cell response to RV-infection are strictly cell-line specific. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry)

“Paranoia Strikes Deep”*: MMR Vaccine and Autism

Psychiatric Times — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

On February 12, 2009, the US Court of Federal Claims issued a trio of long-awaited decisions in its Omnibus Autism Proceeding. The 3 were representative cases chosen from more than 5500 pending MMR/autism cases by the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee. Each presented the theory that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in combination with thimerosal, a mercury-based ingredient contained in some diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), diphtheria-tetanus–acellular pertussis (DTaP), hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccines, causes autism. In nearly 700 combined pages that reviewed the scientific and epidemiological evidence, all 3 opinions determined that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a link between these vaccines and autism. (Source: Psychiatric Times)

Diasorin Inc. - Rubella IgG ELISA Kit - Class 3 Recall

Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:00:13 +0100

DiaSorin Rubella IgG ELISA Kit, Cat. # 7545, 2 x 6 Wells, DiaSorin Inc., 1951 northwestern Avenue, Stillwater, MN 55082-0285, Lot 123127A, Exp. 2010//07/28. (Source: Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006)

Rubella

Pediatrics in Review — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:25:29 +0100

(Source: Pediatrics in Review)

ACIP immunization update.

The Journal of Family Practice — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Campos-Outcalt D The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made a number of major new recommendations last year. These new recommendations address: expanded use of hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine; preferences for combination vaccines; timing of poliovirus vaccine doses; resumption of the normal Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) schedule, as shortages have resolved; the use of a new bivalent human papilloma virus (HPV2) vaccine in women and quadrivalent (HPV4) vaccine in men; a reduced-dose schedule for rabies postexposure prophylaxis; proof of immunity against mumps, measles, and rubella for health care workers; and recommendations for meningococcal vaccine boosters. PMID: 20230733 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Journal of Family Practice)

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Intralesional immunotherapy of common warts: successful treatment with mumps, measles and rubella vaccine

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Intralesional immunotherapy by MMR vaccine is a promising effective and safe treatment modality for common warts, particularly the multiple ones. (Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Mumps Outbreak Affects More than 1,500 in New York, New Jersey

AAFP Clinical Care and Research — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:00:00 +0100

An outbreak of mumps in New York and New Jersey has expanded to more than 1,500 reported cases, and the CDC is reminding physicians that outbreaks can occur even in communities with high two-dose coverage of the measles, mumps and rubella -- or MMR -- vaccine. (Source: AAFP Clinical Care and Research)

Director's Comments: MMR Vaccine-Autism Paper Retracted

What's New on MedlinePlus — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:14:53 +0100

Listen to the NLM Director's Comments on the retracted MMR vaccine-autism paper. The transcript is also available. A 1998 paper that tied the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism and bowel problems recently was retracted by The Lancet... (Source: What's New on MedlinePlus)

My mother expected us to be born as 'monsters'

The Irish Times - Health — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:33:55 +0100

MY HEALTH EXPERIENCE:I was a victim of rubella – and it has ruined my life, writesANN KENNEDY (Source: The Irish Times - Health)

What editorial writers are saying about autism study retraction

American Medical News — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Lancet in February retracted a 1998 study that incorrectly linked the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism. (Source: American Medical News)

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What is the Seroconversion Rate of Mumps Vaccine?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:13:37 +0100

Discussion Mumps is caused by a paramyxoviridae family virus and humans are the only known host. The spread is from infected respiratory tract secretions. Mumps causes swelling of one or more salivary glands, in particular the parotid glands. Up to 1/3 of patients do not have salivary swelling that is apparent. Parotitis in children is usually not due to mumps and can be caused by several other viruses including coxsackieviruses, cytomegalovirus, enteroviruruses, human immunodeficiency virus, and parainfluenza virus. It can also be causes by Staphlococcus aureus, mycobacterium (nontuberculous), cirrhosis, diabetes, drug reactions and malnutrition. Mumps complications include central nervous system problems (including hearing problems, cerebellar ataxia, radiculitis), arthritis, myocarditi...

Update: mumps outbreak --- new york and new jersey, june 2009--january 2010.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: State and local health departments, in collaboration with CDC, continue to investigate a mumps outbreak that began in New York in June 2009. The index case occurred in a boy aged 11 years who had returned on June 17 from a trip to the United Kingdom, where approximately 7,400 reports of laboratory-confirmed mumps were received by the Health Protection Agency in 2009. He then attended a New York summer camp for tradition-observant Jewish boys, where he became symptomatic on June 28. Subsequently, other camp attendees and a staff member were reported to have mumps, and transmission continued in multiple locations when the camp attendees returned home. As of January 29, 2010, a total of 1,521 cases had been reported, with onset dates from June 28, 2009, through January 29, 2010...

Autism and diet: Many questions to digest

washingtonpost.com - Health — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Last week, the British medical journal the Lancet, which had originally published a controversial 1998 study by British researcher Andrew Wakefield that implied a link between autism and the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, formally retracted that study. In the wake of this, one of the tan... (Source: washingtonpost.com - Health)

[Do obstetric complications increase the risk of schizophrenia?]

Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Haukvik UK, Agartz I Background.Schizophrenia is a serious mental disease of unknown aetiology. Genetic liability is the most important risk factor. Several studies have demonstrated that pre and perinatal complications/traumas are associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia in adult age. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of research on obstetric complications as risk factors for schizophrenia. Material and methods. The article is based on literature identified through non-systematic searches in the databases PubMed and Embase. Results. The putative association between obstetric complications and schizophrenia has been investigated for almost 80 years. Numerous controlled studies have found that maternal infection (influenza, rubella, toxo...

Journal Retracts Controversial Study Linking MMR Vaccine, Autism

AAFP Clinical Care and Research — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:05:00 +0100

The Lancet has fully retracted the 1998 study that linked autism to the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine after an independent panel recently concluded that the study was flawed and its lead author's conduct was "dishonest, irresponsible and misleading." The Lancet's editors said it has become clear that several elements of the original paper by Andrew Wakefield, M.D., and his co-authors are "incorrect" and "contrary to the findings of an earlier investigation." (Source: AAFP Clinical Care and Research)

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Additional Evidence Refutes Vaccine-Autism Link

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

As a pivotal paper linking childhood vaccinations to autism is discredited, a new study finds no evidence that the measles vaccine-given alone or as part of a combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine-increases the risk of autism in children. The study appears in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, and pharmacy... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Additional Evidence Refutes Vaccine-Autism Link

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Autism and diet: Many questions to digest

Wash Post Health — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:04:03 +0100

Last week, the British medical journal the Lancet, which had originally published a controversial 1998 study by British researcher Andrew Wakefield that implied a link between autism and the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, formally retracted that study . In the wake of this, one of the... (Source: Wash Post Health)

Study Linking Autism And Vaccines Is Retracted By Medical Journal

Pediatrics News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Los Angeles Times: "Twelve years after Dr. Andrew Wakefield published his research in the international medical journal the Lancet purporting that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism, the journal on Tuesday formally retracted the paper. ... the U.K. General Medical Council's Fitness to Practice Panel concluded that [Dr... (Source: Pediatrics News From Medical News Today)

Study Linking Autism And Vaccines Is Retracted By Medical Journal

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Los Angeles Times: "Twelve years after Dr. Andrew Wakefield published his research in the international medical journal the Lancet purporting that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism, the journal on Tuesday formally retracted the paper. ... the U.K. General Medical Council's Fitness to Practice Panel concluded that [Dr. Andrew] Wakefield had provided false information in the report and acted with 'callous disregard' for the [12] children in the study. ... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Expert Comments On Lancet Retracting Major Autism Study

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Rae Sonnenmeier, clinical associate professor of communication sciences and disorders at the University of New Hampshire and staff member at UNH's Institute on Disability, is available to discuss the announcement yesterday (Feb. 2, 2010) by the medical journal The Lancet regarding the retraction of a paper that caused a 12-year international battle over the links between the three-in-one childhood vaccine MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and autism. "Many families have refused to have their children vaccinated because of the concern that the vaccines were not safe... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The Lancet Retracts Study Linking MMR Vaccine, Autism

Modern Medicine — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

On Feb. 2, The Lancet retracted a controversial 1998 study that linked the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism and gastrointestinal problems. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Research Retraction Breaks Link Between Autism And Mmr Vaccine, Says Neurologist

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

The Lancet, a premier British medical journal, retracted a study published in 1998 that drew a link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and increased incidence of autism. Alan Percy, M.D., professor of pediatric neurology and medical director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Civitan International Research Center, said the retracted study's findings long have been questioned by the scientific community. "Over the years, study after study had found no causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism," said Percy... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Research Retraction Breaks Link Between Autism And Mmr Vaccine, Says Neurologist

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Lancet retracts paper linking vaccine to autism

Wash Post Health — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The Lancet medical journal formally retracted a paper Tuesday that caused a 12-year international battle over links between autism and the childhood vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. (Source: Wash Post Health)

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Lancet retracts paper linking vaccine to autism

washingtonpost.com - Health — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Controversial autism study retracted

CNN.com - Health — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:33:00 +0100

The medical journal The Lancet on Tuesday retracted a controversial 1998 paper that linked the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

The Lancet Retracts Study Linking MMR Vaccine, Autism

Modern Medicine — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

On Feb. 2, The Lancet retracted a controversial 1998 study that linked the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism and gastrointestinal problems. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Vaccine-Autism Study Is Retracted

NYT > Health — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:10:37 +0100

The Lancet, a major British medical journal, on Tuesday retracted a flawed study linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism and bowel disease. (Source: NYT > Health)

Lancet retracts MMR link to autism

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:03:16 +0100

The research paper that triggered claims linking autism to the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella has been retracted by the Lancet, the medical journal that published it more than a decade ago (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

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Study linking vaccine, autism retracted

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:31:00 +0100

A major British medical journal on Tuesday retracted a flawed study linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism and bowel disease. The retraction by The Lancet comes a day after a competing medical journal, BMJ, issued an embargoed commentary... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

Lancet Retracts Autism Study

WSJ.com: Health — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:40:09 +0100

The major British medical journal formally retracted a flawed study linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism and bowel disease. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

The Lancet retracts autism/vaccine study

Health News - UPI.com — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:34:32 +0100

LONDON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- The Lancet, a British medical journal, retracted a 1998 study that linked the childhood measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Medical journal retracts controversial study

CNN.com - Health — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:57:07 +0100

The medical journal The Lancet on Tuesday retracted a controversial 1998 paper that linked the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

'Lancet' medical journal retracts study linking vaccine to autism

USATODAY.com Health — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:21:19 +0100

A major British medical journal on Tuesday retracted a flawed study linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism ... (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

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Journal Retracts Study Linking Vaccines, Autism

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:04:15 +0100

A major British medical journal on Tuesday retracted a flawed study linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism and bowel disease. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)

Report linking autism to vaccines is retracted by medical journal

L.A. Times - Health — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:34:00 +0100

The Lancet issues a retraction on the 12-year-old paper by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, which had said the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism. The report led to a sharp drop in vaccination rates. Twelve years after Dr. Andrew Wakefield published his research in the international medical journal the Lancet purporting that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism, the journal on Tuesday formally retracted the paper. (Source: L.A. Times - Health)

Report linking autism to vaccines is retracted by medical journal

Los Angeles Times - Science — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:34:00 +0100

Lancet retracts 'utterly false' MMR paper

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:29:04 +0100

After medical council ruling last week that MMR doctor Andrew Wakefield was dishonest, journal finally quashes paperThe Lancet today finally retracted the paper that sparked a crisis in MMR vaccination across the UK, following the General Medical Council's decision that its lead author, Andrew Wakefield, had been dishonest.The medical journal's editor, Richard Horton, told the Guardian today that he realised as soon as he read the GMC findings that the paper, published in February 1998, had to be retracted. "It was utterly clear, without any ambiguity at all, that the statements in the paper were utterly false," he said. "I feel I was deceived."Many in the scientific and medical community have been pressing for the paper, linking the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) jab to bowel disease an...

Lancet retracts study linking vaccine to autism

CTV Health — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:03:15 +0100

In a terse statement, The Lancet medical journal formally retracted Tuesday a 12-year-old paper that drew a link between autism and the childhood vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. (Source: CTV Health)

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Lancet Retracts Autism, MMR Vaccine Study

WDSU.com - Health — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:08:40 +0100

British medical journal the Lancet retracts a flawed 1998 study linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism and bowel disease. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

Autism-vaccine study retracted

CBC | Health — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:39:48 +0100

British medical journal The Lancet says it has retracted a flawed study linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism and bowel disease. (Source: CBC | Health)

Study linking vaccine, autism retracted

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:21:00 +0100

Report linking autism to vaccines is retracted by medical journal

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:34:00 +0100

Twelve years after Dr. Andrew Wakefield published his research in the international medical journal the Lancet purporting that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism, the journal on Tuesday formally retracted the paper. The action came less than... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

British medical journal retracts flawed 1998 study that linked measles vaccine to autism

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:57:00 +0100

LONDON (AP) — A major British medical journal on Tuesday retracted a flawed study linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism and bowel disease. The retraction by The Lancet comes a day after a competing medical journal, BMJ, issued an... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

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The Lancet medical journal retracts flawed autism study originally published in 1998

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:39:00 +0100

LONDON (AP) — British medical journal The Lancet says it has retracted a flawed study linking the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to autism and bowel disease. The Lancet published the controversial paper by Andrew Wakefield and colleagues in... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

ACIP Updates Adult Immunization Schedule

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Revised recommendations for human papillomavirus vaccination—including a permissive recommendation for young men—and for measles, mumps, rubella immunization are part of the newly issued 2010 immunization schedule from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

Adult Immunization Update Includes HPV, MMR Changes

Family Practice News — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Viewpoint: Does The Lancet's retraction make a difference?

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

An editorial that examines the link between receipt of the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the development of autism, in the wake of a recent journal retraction. (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

Epidemiological surveillance and control of rubella in singapore, 1991-2007.

Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Rubella prevention and control has been successfully implemented. However, the relatively high level of susceptibility to rubella among women in the reproductive age group continues to be of concern. More public awareness and health educational efforts are needed and every opportunity should be taken to ensure that all susceptible women are identifi ed and protected against the infection. PMID: 20237729 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore)

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Ruling on doctor in MMR scare

NHS News Feed — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:54:00 +0100

The doctor who sparked the MMR controversy was “dishonest, irresponsible and showed callous disregard for the distress and pain” of children, the General Medical Council (GMC) has ruled. The ruling has been reported by many newspapers. The GMC said Dr Andrew Wakefield “abused his position of trust” when conducting research into a proposed link between the MMR vaccine, autism and bowel disorders. He carried out clinically unnecessary and invasive tests on children without ethical approval or appropriate qualifications. Wakefield also failed to disclose conflicts of interest to The Lancet medical journal, which in 1998 published the research paper that sparked the MMR scare. The paper has since been withdrawn by The Lancet and discredited. The scare nonetheless led to a dramatic dro...

Doc Who Tied Vaccine to Autism Ruled Unethical

TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:25:00 +0100

British medical authorities rule that Andrew Wakefield, the doctor behind research that linked the triple Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine with autism, acted "dishonestly and with "callous disregard" for the children involved in his study (Source: TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories)

Society daily 29.01.10

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:36:39 +0100

Dr Wakefield is not the only guilty party in the MMR row; police harness the power of prayer to catch criminals; and the shadow secretary for universities uncovers a conspiracyToday's top Society news and commentWakefield found "irresponsible" by GMC over MMR scareBen Goldacre: MMR scare - the media are equally guiltyDatablog: Measles immunisation - how the UK comparesMichele Hanson: hands off our local A&E All today's Society Guardian storiesOther newsA christian police group which believes the power of prayer can catch criminals has been awarded a £10,000 grant by the Home Office to strengthen its links with church groups, reports the Independent.The Wakefield verdict: what the papers sayBen Goldacre, writing in the Guardian, points out that Andrew Wakefield - wrong as he was - is being...

Blair, Wakefield, climate change – beware of scapegoats | Michael White

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:10:52 +0100

I don't like witch-hunts even of people I mistrust, because minds are best kept open against the pressures of conformityThere seems to be a lot of zeal in the atmosphere this week. Not just over Tony Blair's appearance before the Chilcot inquiry today, but Scott Roeder, that righteous born-again Christian doctor-killer in Kansas and, of course, the case of Dr Andrew Wakefield, the MMR researcher.As overnight media has been reporting, Wakefield and two colleagues were condemned by the General Medical Council's disciplinary panel in ferocious terms yesterday. Wakefield was accused of "dishonesty and irresponsibility" as well as a "callous disregard" for the suffering of children whom he tested without appropriate consents or safeguards.Yet when the verdict was announced there were cries of "...

MMR/Autism Doctor Acted 'Dishonestly,' 'Irresponsibly'

WebMD Health — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The British doctor who led a study suggesting a link between the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine and autism acted "dishonestly and irresponsibly," a U.K. regulatory panel has ruled. (Source: WebMD Health)

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Predominant inflammatory cytokine secretion pattern in response to two doses of live rubella vaccine in healthy vaccinees.

Cytokine — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dhiman N, Haralambieva IH, Vierkant RA, Pankratz VS, Ryan JE, Jacobson RM, Ovsyannikova IG, Poland GA We conducted a population-based study on 738 schoolchildren who received two doses of rubella vaccine in order to determine cytokine secretion patterns and their associations with demographic and clinical variables. The results showed a robust rubella-specific inflammatory cytokine response characterized by high median [inter-quartile range (IQR)] secretion levels (in pg/mL) of IL-6 [3681.0 (3160.0, 4052.0)], GM-CSF [28.0 (23.6, 32.6)], and TNF-alpha [29.7 (-7.0, 89.2)]. We also detected modest levels of rubella-specific secretion of Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma, while IL-12p40 was undetectable. In contrast, rubella-specific Th2 responses were hardly detectable. Age at vac...

The media are equally guilty over the MMR vaccine scare

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:12:53 +0100

Andrew Wakefield was at the centre of a media storm about the MMR vaccine and is now being blamed by journalists as if he were the only one at faultIn medicine, "untoward incident inquiries" tend to look for systems failures, rather than one individual to blame. It's certainly clear that Andrew Wakefield and his co-defendants failed to meet the high standards required of doctors in research. The GMC found he was "misleading" "dishonest" and "irresponsible" in the way he described where the children in the 1998 paper came from, by implying that they were routine clinic referrals.As the GMC has also found, these children were subjected to a programme of unpleasant and invasive tests which were not performed in their own clinical interest, but rather for research purposes, and these tests wer...

MMR-scare doctor found in breach of duty

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:56:37 +0100

Andrew Wakefield, the doctor behind fiercely disputed claims that the MMR – measles, mumps and rubella – vaccine causes autism, has been found in breach of his duties by his professional body (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

MMR doctor 'failed to act in interests of children'

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:27:00 +0100

General Medical Council finds Andrew Wakefield, who linked MMR with autism, failed in duties as responsible consultant• From the Lancet to the GMC: How Andrew Wakefield fell from graceDr Andrew Wakefield, the expert at the centre of the MMR controversy, "failed in his duties as a responsible consultant" and showed a "callous disregard" for the suffering of children involved in his research, the General Medical Council (GMC) has ruled.Wakefield also acted dishonestly and was misleading and irresponsible in the way he described research that was later published in the Lancet medical journal, the GMC said. He had gone against the interests of children in his care, and his conduct brought the medical profession "into disrepute" after he took blood samples from youngsters at his son's birthda...

From the Lancet to the GMC: how Dr Andrew Wakefield fell from grace

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:37:50 +0100

Sarah Boseley charts the downfall of the consultant whose report led to a drop in MMR uptake and divided medical opinion• MMR doctor 'failed to act in interests of children'It all began with a paper published in the prestigious Lancet medical journal in February 1998.The paper caused a massive slump in the numbers of children being vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella and the repercussions are still with us now – MMR uptake has never completely recovered.The authors were Dr Andrew Wakefield, Dr Simon Murch and Professor John Walker-Smith, who were all at the time working at the Royal Free hospital in London.Wakefield was the lead author of the study and chief proponent of the theory that there was a link between the MMR jab, given to children around the age of 18 months and ag...

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MMR: it doesn't stand for mild mannered reporting

HSJ — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

At the end of this week, the General Medical Council’s case against Andrew Wakefield, the doctor whose Lancet article sparked unfounded fears over a link between the combined measles, mumps and rubella jab and autism, will make its preliminary verdicts on the “facts” of the case. (Source: HSJ)

WHO issues health priorities for Haiti

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Experts call for mass vaccination for measles, rubella and tetanusRelated items from OnMedicaG8 must tackle health inequality, says Bill Gates and WHOPalestinians face health crisisFire is major killer of young women in IndiaFinancial pledge to eradicate polio Mass vaccination only way to beat measles in Africa (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

[Health checkups for children of 3-4 years of age in the Hauts-de-Seine department (France): Results and prospects.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The complete and systematic medical exam for children in nursery school at the age of 3-4 years old, the key age for screening, give occasion to appreciate global children's health. There should be thinking on the national level about how to group the results of the departments. PMID: 20097551 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives de Pediatrie)

Antenatal diagnostic problem of congenital rubella

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:29:11 +0100

We present a preterm neonate who developed congenital rubella syndrome in a mother who had rubella at 5 months of gestation. An amniocentesis was done in the mother at that time but amniotic fluid rubella PCR was negative. Thus, inspite of prenatal screening, one cannot definitely conclude absence of perinatal transmission of rubella. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical BriefDOI 10.1007/s12098-009-0312-xAuthors Ira Shah, B. J. Wadia Hospital for Children Parel Department of Pediatric Hepatobiliary Clinic Mumbai IndiaSushmita Bhatnagar, B. J. Wadia Hospital for Children Parel Department of Pediatric Hepatobiliary Clinic Mumbai India Journal Indian Journal of PediatricsOnline ISSN 0973-7693Print ISSN 0019-5456 (Source: Indian Journal of Pediatrics)

HHV-6 IgG4 isotype response following measles infection

Journal of Medical Virology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is widespread in the human population by infecting most individuals in early childhood. After primary infection, HHV-6 establishes a latent infection by remaining in circulating mononuclear cells of healthy individuals. The HHV-6 antibody titer increases after primary infection with measles virus. The present study was undertaken to determine the specific antiviral IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 subclass response patterns to HHV-6 in HHV-6-seropositive individuals with natural measles virus infection, measles vaccination, and rubella virus infection. The purpose of this study was to examine HHV-6-specific IgG isotype response in patients with acute virus coinfection. Serum samples were obtained from individuals who were seropositive for HHV-6 after natural primary i...

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Mumps vaccine associated orchitis: Evidence supporting a potential immune-mediated mechanism.

Vaccine — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report 3 cases of orchitis following vaccination with mumps-measles-rubella (MMR) vaccine, two with an onset within 3 days following vaccination. Orchitis is a common complication of mumps infection, particularly in post-pubertal males, and is also recognized as a very rare complication of mumps vaccination. These cases, discussed together with a comprehensive review of the existing literature regarding post-vaccine orchitis, highlight uncertainty regarding the pathogenesis of post-vaccine orchitis. PMID: 20085834 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Progress Toward Eliminating Disparities in Vaccination Coverage Among U.S. Children, 2000–2008

American Journal of Preventive Medicine — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:38:00 +0100

This article aims to assess progress toward reaching the overarching goal of eliminating disparities in vaccination coverage among young children in the U.S.Methods: Coverage for the 4:3:1:3:3:1 vaccine series (at least four doses of diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis, three poliovirus, one measles–mumps–rubella, three hepatitis B, three Haemophilus influenzae type B, and one varicella vaccine) was assessed among 185,516 children in the 2000–2008 National Immunization Surveys. Observed and adjusted disparities in coverage were evaluated for various sociodemographic groups previously associated with vaccination coverage. Linear trends in disparities were assessed.Results: In 2000, disparities among population segments were significant (p (Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine)

OAS single-nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes are associated with variations in immune responses to rubella vaccine.

Human Immunology — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Haralambieva IH, Dhiman N, Ovsyannikova IG, Vierkant RA, Pankratz VS, Jacobson RM, Poland GA Interferon (IFN)-induced antiviral genes are crucial players in innate antiviral defense and potential determinants of immune response heterogeneity. We selected 114 candidate SNPs from 12 antiviral genes using an LD tagSNP selection approach and genotyped them in a cohort of 738 schoolchildren immunized with two doses of rubella vaccine. Associations between SNPs/haplotypes and rubella virus-specific immune measures were assessed using linear regression methodologies. We identified 23 significant associations (p<0.05) between polymorphisms within the 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase ( OAS) gene cluster, and rubella virus-specific IL-2, IL-10, IL-6 secretion and antibody levels. The ...

Measles mumps and rubella virus vaccine/varicella vaccine: Anaphylaxis in a child due to gelatin excipient: case report

Reactions — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:23:59 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

The increasing incidence of mumps orchitis: a comprehensive review

BJU International — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

There has been a recent increase in mumps orchitis among pubertal and postpubertal males. These outbreaks can be attributed to a reduction in the uptake of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine during the early to mid-1990s in children who have now matured. The mumps virus is commonly associated with extra-salivary complications. Unvaccinated postpubertal males diagnosed with mumps virus frequently develop complications such as mumps orchitis. Therefore, it is important that urologists are familiar with the diagnosis, treatment and complications of this condition. Here we review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment options and complications of mumps orchitis, as a complication of mumps virus, with particular emphasis on testicular atrophy, subfertility and i...

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Universal rubella vaccination programme and maternal rubella immune status: A tale of two systems.

Vaccine — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lao TT, Suen SS, Leung TY, Sahota DS, Lau TK Maternal rubella status was compared between local residents with non-residents who delivered in our hospital during 1998-2008. Among the 60,822 women, non-immunity was more common in the non-residents (19.9% versus 8.1%, P<0.001). Significant difference and positive correlation with age and parity were found for both groups, but a significant inverse correlation with year-of-birth was found only in the residents. Regression analysis confirmed that birth after 1970 was associated with reduced odds of non-immunity, which indicated that the rubella vaccination programme, introduced since 1978, has succeeded in reducing the incidence of non-immunity to <5% in the youngest generation. PMID: 20060083 [PubMed - as supplied by pu...

Another study finds no MMR-autism link

Reuters: Health — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:35:39 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study provides further evidence that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is not associated with an increased risk of autism. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Another Study Finds No MMR-Autism Link

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:35:39 +0100

A new study provides further evidence that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is not associated with an increased risk of autism. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Topics: Autism, Childhood Immunization (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Rubella seroepidemiology and catch-up immunization among pregnant women in Taiwan: comparison between women born in Taiwan and immigrants from six countries in Asia.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lin CC, Yang CY, Shih CT, Chen BH, Huang YL Rubella vaccination in Taiwan started in 1986; mass vaccination was introduced into the national immunization program in 1992. In recent years, 17-31% of all marriages in Taiwan have been between Taiwanese men and foreign women. The aim of this study was to analyze rubella seroepidemiology and the rate of catch-up immunization in women. We recruited 10,089 pregnant women, including 1,920 immigrants, who had received prenatal examinations during 1999-2006. The rates of seronegativity among global, Taiwan-born, and non-Taiwan-born pregnant women were 14.0%, 11.9%, and 23.1%, respectively. The seronegativity of rubella antibodies decreased from 28.2% for Taiwan-born women born before September 1971 to 8.0% for those born thereafter. The...

Autism has Reached Crisis Proportions

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Autism was first brought forth to the public's attention in the 1950's. Since then, it has been rising steadily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently released that today 1 in 110 children are autistic. More alarming is the fact that on December 18, 2009, it reported that autism increased by 57% in the last four years.Most experts attribute the cause of autism to be unknown, defining it as a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, there has been much controversy as to what, indeed, is responsible for our children not being able to communicate, form relationships, and/or respond to their surroundings.The most popular of these controversies is vaccines, pointing directly to the Mumps-Measles-Rubella vaccine and the mercury based preserva...

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Determination of rubella virus-specific cell-mediated immunity using IFN[gamma]-ELISpot

Journal of Medical Virology — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Immunity to rubella virus (RV) is conventionally determined by measuring specific immunoglobulin G (IgG). However, several individuals may be considered immune despite undetectable antibody levels. In the present study RV-specific interferon-gamma (IFN[gamma])-ELISpot and rubella-IgG-ELISA were compared in 75 young adults aged between 20 and 30 years. In a subgroup, not only rubella-like particles (RLP), but also HPV77 rubella vaccine derived antigen was used in IFN[gamma]-ELISpot. The results from both, ELISA and ELISpot were independent of previous encounter to RV (vaccination, exanthematous disease, or childhood infection). There was no difference between RLP and RV vaccine antigen in IFN[gamma]-ELISpot response, and there was no correlation between IFN[gamma]-ELISpot and RV-specific Ig...

Institutional outbreak of rubella in a healthcare center in Chandigarh, North India

Journal of Medical Virology — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Rubella is traditionally considered a childhood disease but it has the potential to cause outbreaks in closed communities when a susceptible population accumulates. The present study reports an outbreak of rubella among healthcare workers in the pediatric center of a tertiary care North Indian hospital. The cases of rubella were identified by clinical features and confirmed by the detection of anti-rubella IgM antibodies in blood by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 23 cases of rubella occurred over a period of one and a half month, out of which 9 (39%) were males. All the patients were in the age group of 21-35 years. None of the patients gave a history of rubella vaccination. This outbreak of rubella occurred due to the accumulation of a susceptible population in a closed hos...

Measles, mumps, and rubella: prevention

Clinical Evidence — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:00:00 +0100

New evidence; conclusion confirmed for: Monovalent measles immunisation or combined MMR immunisation versus placebo or no immunisation: Three self-controlled case series added to harms, which found increased rates of febrile convulsions, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), fever, rash, and diarrhoea after MMR immunisation. One self-controlled case series added to harms, which found no cases of aseptic meningitis after MMR immunisation containing RIT 4385 mumps immunisation strain. Categorised as Beneficial. Monovalent rubella immunisation or combined MMR immunisation versus placebo or no immunisation : One population-based study added to benefits, which found that endemic cases of rubella were rare in the USA between 2001 and 2004. One cas...

Paediatric and adult multiple sclerosis: age-related differences and time course of the neuroimmunological response in cerebrospinal fluid

Multiple Sclerosis — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:12:22 +0100

In conclusion, paediatric MS already at first clinical manifestation shows the complete, neuroimmunological data pattern in CSF, i.e. inflammatory signs are not gradually evolving. Paediatric and adult MS differ quantitatively but not qualitatively in neuroimmunological patterns which does not allow for discrimination between ‘early’ and ‘late’ onset MS. CSF analysis may help to discriminate between acute and mono-symptomatic chronic inflammatory disease already at earliest clinical manifestation. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis)

Approaching measles and rubella elimination in the European Region - need to sustain the gains

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

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An update on an ongoing measles outbreak in Bulgaria, April-November 2009

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Earlier this year, an outbreak of measles was detected in Bulgaria, following an eight-year period without indigenous measles transmission, and continues to spread in the country. By the end of 48 week of 2009 (first week of November), 957 measles cases had been recorded. Most cases are identified among the Roma community living in the north-eastern part of the country. Measles has affected infants, children and young adults. The vaccination campaign that started earlier in the year in the affected administrative regions continues, targeting all individuals from 13 months to 30 years of age who have not received the complete two-dose regimen of the combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination. (Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Rubella seroprevalence in children in Dogankent, a rural area of Adana province in Turkey, January-February 2005

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the rubella seroprevalence in 331 children aged between 0 and 59 months in Turkey who were not vaccinated for rubella and lived in the area covered by Dogankent Health Center, a rural area with a large proportion of residents of low socioeconomic status. Rubella seropositivity was found to be low, with 17.5%, increased with age and low socioeconomic level, and was particularly high in children who live in a household with one member going to school, and in children of uneducated parents (p0.05). Rubella vaccine has only been included into the national vaccination programme in the form of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine since 2006 and is performed at the age of 12 months, in the first year of primary school and at the age of about 1...

Prevention of congenital rubella and congenital varicella in Europe.

Euro Surveill — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:56:03 +0100

Authors: Martin RM PMID: 19371507 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Lack of serologic immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases in children after thoracic transplantation

Transplant International — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We investigated whether children after heart- (HTx) or heart[ndash]lung transplantation (HLTx) show protective antibody levels against recommended vaccinations, whether vaccination schedules are completed and which factors influence serologic immunity. We performed a cross sectional ELISA [ndash] quantification of specific antibodies in 46 patients after pediatric thoracic Tx. Findings were correlated to vaccination history, age at Tx, clinical course and immunosuppressive regimen. We found protective antibody levels against diphtheria in 74% of patients, against tetanus in 22%, against Haemophilus influenzae type b in 30% and against Streptococcus pneumoniae in 59%. Antibody concentrations against live attenuated vaccines were significantly lower in children transplanted in the first 2 ye...

CKS topic review: Rubella

NeLM - Disease Focused Reviews — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: CKS Area: Evidence > Disease Focused Reviews This CKS topic covers the management of suspected rubella, and the management of people who have been in contact with someone with rubella. It includes the management of pregnant women. (Source: NeLM - Disease Focused Reviews)

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CKS topic review: Rubella

NeLM - Infections — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS) Area: Evidence > Guidelines This CKS topic covers the management of suspected rubella, and the management of people who have been in contact with someone with rubella. It includes the management of pregnant women. (Source: NeLM - Infections)

Polymorphisms in the Vitamin A Receptor and Innate Immunity Genes Influence the Antibody Response to Rubella Vaccination

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:49:04 +0100

Conclusions. These findings further expand our immunogenetic understanding of mechanisms of rubella vaccine–induced immunity. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Molecular evolution of measles viruses circulated in Taiwan 1992-2008

Virology Journal — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Genetic analyses of viral samples from 74 laboratory confirmed measles cases occurring in Taiwan during 1992-2008 identified six viral genotypes D3, D5, D9, G2, H1 and H2. The most frequently detected genotype, H1, was associated with outbreaks in 1994 and 2002, and was the likely indigenous genotype in 1992. In response to the outbreaks, two catch-up campaigns were launched and a routine second dose of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine at entry to elementary school was introduced. The vaccination campaigns successfully reduced the number of measles cases in Taiwan, and many of the more recent cases can be traced to importations, primarily from other Asian countries. A number of measles genotypes which were associated with outbreaks in other Asian countries were detected among the more recen...

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection and rubella susceptibility in pregnant women

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our study is the first to demonstrate an association between chronic HBV infection with rubella susceptibility. Further studies are warranted to confirm whether chronic HBV infection, especially that acquired by vertical transmission, may impair the immune response to rubella vaccine or natural infection throughout the reproductive age. (Source: Journal of Viral Hepatitis)

Correlation Between Rubella Antibody Levels and Cytokine Measures of Cell-Mediated Immunity

Viral Immunology — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:37:32 +0100

Viral Immunology Dec 2009, Vol. 22, No. 6: 451-456. (Source: Viral Immunology)

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Prenatal diagnosis of congenital agenesis of the fetal portal venous system.

The Ultrasound Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: CAPVS can be detected prenatally. An abnormal course of the umbilical vein necessitates prompt sonographic evaluation of the umbilical-portal venous system and meticulous investigation for additional anomalies. Complete CAPVS may be associated with remote clinical consequences of which the parents should be informed. Partial CAPVS has a favorable prognosis. Copyright (c) 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 19953566 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Ultrasound Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Did acetaminophen provoke the autism epidemic?

Alternative Medicine Review — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Good P Schultz et al (2008) raised the question whether regression into autism is triggered, not by the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, but by acetaminophen (Tylenol) given for its fever and pain. Considerable evidence supports this contention, most notably the exponential rise in the incidence of autism since 1980, when acetaminophen began to replace aspirin for infants and young children. The impetus for this shift - a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warning that aspirin was associated with Reye's syndrome - has since been compellingly debunked. If aspirin is not to be feared as a cause of Reyes syndrome, and acetaminophen is to be feared as a cause of autism, can the autism epidemic be reversed by replacing acetaminophen with aspirin or other remedies? P...

[Vaccination and postexposure prophylaxis in heath-care workers.]

Revista Espanola de Quimioterapia — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gutiérrez MN, Sáenz MC Health-care workers are an important professional group exposed to biological risks during their professional activity. The legal regulation of the occupational exposure, as well as the knowledge of occupational diseases, has facilitated the development of prevention measures for this group. Nowadays, vaccination against a number of infectious diseases is considered the most effective strategy of primary prevention. The recommended vaccines include those, according to age, included on adult immunization schedule, and vaccines against infectious diseases that can constitute a major risk, both for the professional and for the patient: chicken pox, rubella, HBV, etc. On the other hand, the occupational exposure to blood or other body fluids (trans...

Acute childhood exanthems

Medicine — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:03:41 +0100

Abstract: Exanthems are skin rashes that in childhood are most commonly caused by viruses. Measles, rubella, varicella, erythema infectiosum, papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome, roseola infantum, hand, foot and mouth disease, Gianotti–Crosti syndrome, unilateral laterothoracic exanthem and pityriasis rosea are discussed. Transmission, infectivity, prodrome, clinical presentation, complications and treatment are included. Although it is often difficult to identify the specific virus, polymerase chain reaction has improved diagnostic accuracy, which is particularly important in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. Alternative diagnoses include bacterial and non-infectious causes. (Source: Medicine)

Booster Vaccinations: Can Immunologic Memory Outpace Disease Pathogenesis?

PEDIATRICS — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:01:59 +0100

Almost all current vaccines work by the induction of antibodies in serum or on the mucosa to block adherence of pathogens to epithelial cells or interfere with microbial invasion of the bloodstream. However, antibody levels usually decline after vaccination to undetectable amounts if further vaccination does not occur. Persistence of vaccine-induced antibodies usually goes well beyond the time when they should have decayed to undetectable levels because of ongoing "natural" boosting or other immunologic mechanisms. The production of memory B and T cells is of clear importance, but the likelihood that a memory response will be fast enough in the absence of a protective circulating antibody level likely depends on the pace of pathogenesis of a specific organism. This concept is discussed wit...

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Parents' views about pre-school immunization: an interview study in southern England

Child: Care, Health and Development — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Parents reported uncertainties, anxieties and time constraints, all of which may contribute to poor attendance for pre-school immunization. These findings have important implications for providing parents with timely information about boosters and the two-dose MMR programme. They indicate the potential value of playgroup or pre-school involvement and the need for improved communication with children about immunization. (Source: Child: Care, Health and Development)

In Utero Iron Status and Auditory Neural Maturation in Premature Infants as Evaluated by Auditory Brainstem Response

The Journal of Pediatrics — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Premature infants with in utero latent iron deficiency have abnormal auditory neural maturation compared with infants with normal in utero iron status. (Source: The Journal of Pediatrics)

Monovalent vaccines no longer available for measles, mumps, rubella [NEWS AND FEATURES]

AAP News — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:01:23 +0100

(Source: AAP News)

Intraocular antibody synthesis against rubella virus and other microorganisms in Fuchs' heterochromic cyclitis

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 07:09:47 +0100

Conclusions In this largest reported series of FHC patients, we detected a strong association between FHC and intraocular antibody synthesis against rubella virus. Furthermore, in 11 patients, it was possible to confirm an additional intraocular antibody synthesis, in particular HSV. PCR-positive results in the aqueous humor were exclusively obtained for RV. In contrast to other studies, the RV genome could only be identified in two patients (10%). Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Inflammatory DisordersDOI 10.1007/s00417-009-1239-7Authors Peter C. Ruokonen, Augenklinik Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin (CVK) Germany Augustenburger Platz 1 13353 Berlin GermanySylvia Metzner, Augenklinik Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin (CVK) Germany Augustenburger Platz...

Diseases and injuries associated with travel among students, employees and teachers of the Central University of Venezuela during the national summer vacations

Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of disease and injuries associated with travel, etiology, risk factors and medical management in a cross-sectional evaluation of university students, employees and teachers of the Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela, who returned from domestic travel. A questionnaire completed by 500 individuals was used to evaluate the incidence of disease and injuries associated with travel, the etiology, risk factors and medical management in university students, employees and teachers of Caracas, Venezuela. From the total who accepted and responded to the interview (460, 92%), 50.8% were females. Almost half of them had some vaccination before travel for: measles 78%, rubella 73.6%, hepatitis B 57%, Yellow fever 53.7%. After trav...

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Newborn hearing screening on infants at risk

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:12:43 +0100

Conclusion: Our selected hearing screening on infants at risk allowed 60 deaf children access to early management. However, too many children were lost to follow up; which revealed that better information regarding risk of hearing loss must be provided to parents and paramedics and universal newborn screening needs to be performed. The most important result of this study is that in a population of hearing impaired children, with an impairment incidence close to what is commonly reported, the association of several risk factors proves to be a significant additional risk factor for hearing impairment. (Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology)

CKS topic review: Measles

NeLM - Infections — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: CKS Area: Evidence > Guidelines This Topic Review from the Clinical Knowledge Service (CKS) covers the management of acute measles and post-exposure prophylaxis for measles. This topic does not cover the prevention of measles with the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. (Source: NeLM - Infections)

Congenital rubella pneumonitis complicated by Pneumocystis jiroveci infection with positive long term respiratory outcome: A case report and literature review

Pediatric Pulmonology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We report the clinical, respiratory and immunologic data of a young boy who developed rubella pneumonitis and concomitant infection with Pneumocystis jiroveci. Despite the complicated clinical course, the child survived. At follow-up he has a normal pulmonary examination, mild hyperinflation only on his chest radiograph, normal immunology and normal respiratory reactance and resistance. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Pulmonology)

Kinetics of antibody persistence following administration of a combination meningococcal serogroup C and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age in healthy UK infants primed with two doses of one of three monovalent meningococcal serogroup C vaccines.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Borrow R, Andrews N, Findlow H, Waight P, Southern J, Crowley-Luke A, Stapley L, England A, Findlow J, Miller E The kinetics of antibody persistence following the administration of a combination meningococcal serogroup C and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine (Menitorix) in the second year of life in children primed with two doses of one of three monovalent meningococcal serogroup C (MCC) vaccines was investigated. Study subjects were either administered Menitorix at 12 to 15 months of age followed by the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate (PCV7) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine 4 to 6 weeks later or all three vaccines concomitantly at 12 to 15 months of age. Blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, 12 and 24 months after boosting. Sera were an...

Rubella vaccine-induced cellular immunity: evidence of associations with polymorphisms in the Toll-like, vitamin A and D receptors, and innate immune response genes

Human Genetics — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:14:44 +0100

Abstract Toll-like, vitamin A and D receptors and other innate proteins participate in various immune functions. We determined whether innate gene-sequence variations are associated with rubella vaccine-induced cytokine immune responses. We genotyped 714 healthy children (11–19 years of age) after two doses of rubella-containing vaccine for 148 candidate SNP markers. Rubella virus-induced cytokines were measured by ELISA. Twenty-two significant associations (range of P values 0.002–0.048) were found between SNPs in the vitamin A receptor family (RARA, RARB, TOP2B and RARG), vitamin D receptor and downstream mediator of vitamin D signaling (RXRA) genes and rubella virus-specific (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, TNF-α, and GM-CSF) cytokine immune responses. A TLR3 gene promote...

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SRI LANKA: Anxiety Persists Over Safety of Rubella Vaccine

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:37:28 +0100

COLOMBO, Nov 4 (IPS) - Sudarma Senevirathana’s teenage daughter is at an age when she can already be given the ‘rubella’ vaccine, administered free of charge by government health officials at schools. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

SRI LANKA: Anxiety Persists Over Safety of Rubella Vaccine

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:55:06 +0100

Is Routine TORCH Screening Warranted in Neonates with Lenticulostriate Vasculopathy?

Neonatology — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Routinely applied efforts to diagnose congenital infections in cases presenting with LSV have a poor yield. Routine TORCH screening in neonates with LSV cases should only be regarded as mandatory once well-designed studies demonstrate a clear diagnostic benefit. PMID: 19887856 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neonatology)

The effect of HLA homozygosity on rubella vaccine-induced humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.

Human Immunology — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kennedy RB, Ovsyannikova IG, Vierkant RA, Jacobson RM, Poland GA Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes play a critical role in host immunity including vaccine responses. HLA molecules present antigenic peptides to T cells and provide inhibitory signals to NK cells, and polymorphisms within HLA genes allows for binding and presentation of a diverse array of self and foreign peptides. Heterozygosity across HLA alleles has been found to play a positive role in host defense for a variety of infections. Homozygosity within one or more HLA loci may restrict this epitope repertoire and limit T cell responses to infection or vaccination. Here we report that homozygosity within the HLA DPB1 locus is associated with increased levels of rubella-specific IgG, an effect driven by a common al...

ProQuad

What's New at CBER — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:51:00 +0100

The Approval Letter and Approved Final Draft Labeling for Merck's Efficacy Supplement for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Vaccine, Live, (ProQuad®), to include concomitant administration with hepatitis A vaccine (VAQTA®) and/or pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar®), use of ProQuad® in children 15 months to 12 years of age if a second dose of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella is needed, additional safety data after a first or second dose of ProQuad®, and to comply with the Physician’s Labeling Rule format, have been issued. (Source: What's New at CBER)

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Transverse myelitis and vaccines: a multi-analysis.

Lupus — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Agmon-Levin N, Kivity S, Szyper-Kravitz M, Shoenfeld Y Transverse myelitis is a rare clinical syndrome in which an immune-mediated process causes neural injury to the spinal cord. The pathogenesis of transverse myelitis is mostly of an autoimmune nature, triggered by various environmental factors, including vaccination. Our aim here was to search for and analyze reported cases of transverse myelitis following vaccination. A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE and DynaMed for all English-language journals published between 1970 and 2009 was preformed, utilizing the key words transverse myelitis, myelitis, vaccines, post-vaccination, vaccination and autoimmunity. We have disclosed 37 reported cases of transverse myelitis associated with different vaccines including those against...

Common infectious agents prevalence in antiphospholipid syndrome.

Lupus — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, 98 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome were screened for antibodies directed to several infectious agents. The main finding in this study is the significantly higher prevalence of IgM antibodies to toxoplasma and rubella. This novel finding suggests that these infections might be associated with antiphospholipid syndrome. As autoimmune diseases and, in particular, antiphospholipid syndrome are associated with infections, mainly the catastrophic type of the syndrome, this finding implies that a current infection with these agents, i.e. toxoplasma and rubella, might either be related to the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome or alternatively to its manifestations. PMID: 19880561 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Lupus)

Infectious antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

Lupus — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Berkun Y, Zandman-Goddard G, Barzilai O, Boaz M, Sherer Y, Larida B, Blank M, Anaya JM, Shoenfeld Y Infections can act as environmental triggers that induce or promote systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in genetically predisposed individuals. New technologies, developed recently, enable simultaneous assessment of multiple antibodies. Antibodies to specific infectious agents may shed light into the mechanisms of induction of SLE. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of seropositivity and the titers of antibodies to bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents in SLE patients compared with non-autoimmune controls. Sera from 260 individuals (120 SLE patients and 140 controls) were tested by the BioPlex 2200 Multiplexed Immunoassay method (BioRad) for the prevalence a...

Low immunity to measles and rubella among female guest workers, northern Mariana Islands.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Stambos V, Chaine JP, Kelly H, Sablan M, Riddell M PMID: 19891896 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Congenital rubella syndrome: pattern and presentation in a southern Nigerian tertiary hospital.

World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: CRS is commonly diagnosed at our center. Thus, mounting effective surveillance for CRS and considering the inclusion of rubella vaccine in Nigeria are of extreme importance. PMID: 19911144 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Pediatrics : WJP)

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Seroprevalence of rubella among Turkish women and children in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.

The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, nearly 20% of women of reproductive age are sensitive to rubella and should be vaccinated. The clear effects of adding MMR to the routine vaccination schedule will be observed in the following years in Turkey. PMID: 20196385 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics)

Reporting of MMR evidence in professional publications: 1988-2007

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:11:51 +0100

Conclusion: While a period of neutrality may reflect a professional response to uncertainty by holding back until consensus emerges, it may also represent a missed opportunity to promote evidence-based practice. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

UN-backed vaccination scheme in Tajikistan achieves almost universal success

UN News Centre - Health, Poverty, Food Security — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Nearly every Tajik child between the ages of one and 14 received vaccinations against measles and rubella during a two-week, United Nations-backed campaign this month to fight the spread of the diseases in the mountainous Central Asian country. (Source: UN News Centre - Health, Poverty, Food Security)

Schizophrenia Susceptibility Genes Directly Implicated in the Life Cycles of Pathogens: Cytomegalovirus, Influenza, Herpes simplex, Rubella, and Toxoplasma gondii

Schizophrenia Bulletin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:19:11 +0100

Many genes implicated in schizophrenia can be related to glutamatergic transmission and neuroplasticity, oligodendrocyte function, and other families clearly related to neurobiology and schizophrenia phenotypes. Others appear rather to be involved in the life cycles of the pathogens implicated in the disease. For example, aspartylglucosaminidase (AGA), PLA2, SIAT8B, GALNT7, or B3GAT1 metabolize chemical ligands to which the influenza virus, herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, or Toxoplasma gondii bind. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGR/EGFR) is used by the CMV to gain entry to cells, and a CMV gene codes for an interleukin (IL-10) mimic that binds the host cognate receptor, IL10R. The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR1) is used by herpes simplex. KPNA3 and RANBP5 ...

Antigenic Diversity, Transmission Mechanisms, and the Evolution of Pathogens

PLoS Computational Biology — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Author Summary Infectious diseases vary widely in how they affect those who get infected and how they are transmitted. As an example, the duration of a single infection can range from days to years, while transmission can occur via the respiratory route, water or sexual contact. Measles and HIV are contrasting examples—both are caused by RNA viruses, but one is a genetically diverse, lethal sexually transmitted infection (STI) while the other is a relatively mild respiratory childhood disease with low antigenic diversity. We investigate why the most transmissible respiratory diseases such as measles and rubella are antigenically static, meaning immunity is lifelong, while other diseases—such as influenza, or the sexually transmitted diseases—seem to trade transmissibility for the ab...

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Antigenic Diversity, Transmission Mechanisms, and the Evolution of Pathogens

PLoS Computational Biology — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Measles outbreak in Styria, Austria, March-May 2009.

Euro Surveill — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:32:02 +0100

Authors: Kasper S, Holzmann H, Aberle S, Wassermann-Neuhold M, Gschiel H, Feenstra O, Allerberger F, Schmid D In the last week of March 2009, five measles cases among students of an anthroposophic school were reported to the public health authorities in the Austrian province of Styria where only five cases had been reported in the whole of 2008. A descriptive epidemiological investigation of the measles outbreak was performed. Between 2 March and 10 May 2009, 37 cases of measles were identified in Styria: 33 confirmed outbreak cases and four probable outbreak cases. The measles outbreak spread from the general population (12 cases) to an anthroposophic community (25 cases). Cases outside of the anthroposophic community were mostly over 10 years of age (10/12). Thirty-five cases were un...

Interindividual variations in the efficacy and toxicity of vaccines.

Toxicology — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Thomas C, Moridani M A number of currently available vaccines have shown significant differences in the magnitude of immune responses and toxicity in individuals undergoing vaccination. A number of factors may be involved in the variations in immune responses, which include age, gender, race, amount and quality of the antigen, the dose administered and to some extent the route of administration, and genetics of immune system. Hence, it becomes imperative that researchers have tools such as genomics and proteomics at their disposal to predict which set of population is more likely to be non-responsive or develop toxicity to vaccines. In this article, we briefly review the influence of pharmacogenomics biomarkers on the efficacy and toxicity of some of the most frequently report...

Physical interventions and injection techniques for reducing injection pain during routine childhood immunizations: systematic review of randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials.

Clinical Therapeutics — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:36:03 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Pain during immunization can be decreased by: (1) injecting the least painful formulation of a vaccine; (2) having the child sit up (or holding an infant); (3) stroking the skin or applying pressure close to the injection site before and during injection; (4) injecting the least painful vaccine first when 2 vaccines are being administered sequentially during a single office visit; and (5) performing a rapid intramuscular injection without aspiration. PMID: 19781436 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Therapeutics)

Learn. Act. Give.

Red Cross Chat — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:28:47 +0100

If you’re a loyal reader of the Red Cross blog, you saw our President & CEO Gail McGovern’s post earlier this week, which mentioned our flagship global health partnership – the Measles Initiative. Her timing couldn’t have been any better. After a year’s worth of work, we re-launched the initiative’s Web site today to better showcase the work of the American Red Cross and our partners in developing nations as well as highlight the grassroots advocacy efforts across theUnited States. As we were uploading photos and placing spots on the interactive map from our headquarters in Washington, DC, community health workers and Red Cross volunteers around the world were helping to protect millions of children from measles. October’s Highlights: Tajikistan – More than 2.2 milli...

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More Than Two Million Children In Tajikistan Vaccinated Against Measles And Rubella

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0100

More than 2.2 million children in Tajikistan have been vaccinated during a national measles and rubella immunization campaign, which ends today. "More than 97 percent of children aged 1 to 14 years around the country have been vaccinated thanks to a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and its international partners," said Nusratullo Salimov, Tajikistan's Minister of Health. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Rubella virus vaccine live: Relapse of systemic type JIA in a child: case report

Reactions — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:02:30 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Ongoing rubella outbreak in Bosnia and Herzegovina, March-July 2009--preliminary report.

Euro Surveill — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100

Authors: Novo A, Huebschen JM, Muller CP, Tesanovic M, Bojanic J Between 24 March and 31 July 2009, 342 clinically diagnosed cases of rubella were notified in five municipalities in Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fourteen cases were laboratory-confirmed by positive IgG against rubella virus. Four virus isolates were obtained and identified as genotype 2B strains, with one isolate differing by a single mutation in the region of the E1 gene. This ongoing outbreak revealed gaps in the immunisation programme during the war in BiH (1992-1995) and highlights the need to revise legislation to permit immunisation of children above 14 years of age with measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and to introduce supplemental immunisation activities. PMID: 19814964 [PubMed - in process]...

No Scientific Link Between Childhood Vaccines And Autism, Review Shows

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:11:51 +0100

A new article explores vaccination history, vaccine safety monitoring systems in the US, and the two most publicized theoretical vaccine-related exposures associated with autism -- the vaccine preservative thimerosal and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. A review of published research shows that there is not convincing scientific evidence supporting a relationship between vaccines and autism. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Childhood Vaccines And Autism: No Scientific Link Found

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100

A new article recently published in the Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing explored vaccination history, vaccine safety monitoring systems in the U.S., and the two most publicized theoretical vaccine-related exposures associated with autism - the vaccine preservative thimerosal and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Historical Data Shows Vaccines are Not what Saved Us

NaturalNews.com — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) With all of the hype surrounding the H1N1 swine flu virus lately, everyone is very concerned with the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and rightly so. This is a very important question that we must all ask ourselves and find out what the truth is. As the debate rages on an even more important question has rarely been asked. Do vaccines even protect you from the viruses and illnesses that they claim to?If you only get your news and information from mainstream news and educational sources, then the question about whether vaccines are effective is never even raised. This lack of discussion give the perception that they are so effective that only a crazy or ignorant person would even think otherwise. Of course that is the perception that they are trying to get across to you,...

No scientific link between childhood vaccines and autism

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(Wiley-Blackwell) A new article recently published in the Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing explored vaccination history, vaccine safety monitoring systems in the US, and the two most publicized theoretical vaccine-related exposures associated with autism -- the vaccine preservative thimerosal and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. A review of published research shows that there is not convincing scientific evidence supporting a relationship between vaccines and autism. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Measles outbreak in Styria, Austria, March-May 2009

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In the last week of March 2009, five measles cases among students of an anthroposophic school were reported to the public health authorities in the Austrian province of Styria where only five cases had been reported in the whole of 2008. A descriptive epidemiological investigation of the measles outbreak was performed. Between 2 March and 10 May 2009, 37 cases of measles were identified in Styria: 33 confirmed outbreak cases and four probable outbreak cases. The measles outbreak spread from the general population (12 cases) to an anthroposophic community (25 cases). Cases outside of the anthroposophic community were mostly over 10 years of age (10/12). Thirty-five cases were unvaccinated, and two of the 37 had received one dose of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine. Following a measles outbre...

GSK expands presence in China through strategic cooperation

World Pharma News — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Jiangsu Walvax Biotech Company (Walvax) have announced a cooperation agreement to form a long-term Joint Venture (JV) to develop and manufacture paediatric vaccines for use in China. The JV will produce vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) (Priorix™) and potentially other paediatric vaccines. GSK will also transfer the technology to enable the JV to manufacture the vaccines locally over time. (Source: World Pharma News)

Ongoing rubella outbreak in Bosnia and Herzegovina, March-July 2009 - preliminary report

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Between 24 March and 31 July 2009, 342 clinically diagnosed cases of rubella were notified in five municipalities in Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fourteen cases were laboratory-confirmed by positive IgG against rubella virus. Four virus isolates were obtained and identified as genotype 2B strains, with one isolate differing by a single mutation in the region of the E1 gene. This ongoing outbreak revealed gaps in the immunisation programme during the war in BiH (1992-1995) and highlights the need to revise legislation to permit immunisation of children above 14 years of age with measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and to introduce supplemental immunisation activities. (Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

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Simian varicella virus in pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina): clinical, pathologic, and virologic features.

Comparative Medicine — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hukkanen RR, Gillen M, Grant R, Liggitt HD, Kiem HP, Kelley ST Simian varicella virus (SVV; Cercopithecine herpesvirus 9) is a naturally occurring herpesvirus of nonhuman primates. Here we present the clinical, pathologic, and virologic findings from 2 cases of SVV in adult female pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina). The initial case presented with hyperthermia and a diffuse inguinal rash which spread centripetally, progressing to vesiculoulcerative dermatitis of the trunk, face, and extremities. At 96 h after presentation, the animal was anorexic and lethargic and had oral and glossal ulcerations. Euthanasia was elected in light of the macaque's failure to respond to clinical treatment. Seven days after the first case was identified, a second macaque presented with a vesic...

When Does the Rash of Roseola Occur?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:01:38 +0100

Discussion Rashes, particularly ones caused by viruses, are common presenting problems. In his first edition of Pediatrics, Dr. Rotch spent 72 pages describing infectious exanthemata. The cause of the exanthemata was unknown at the time, and thankfully many of those that he wrote of have been eradicated (smallpox), have effective vaccines to prevent (measles, rubella, varicella) or effective antibiotics for treatment (streptococcus). Dr. Rotch ends his extensive treatise with a table describing “the chief points of differential diagnosis in the exanthemata.” This is what was state-of-the-art in 1896 with his spellings: Variola (Smallpox) Incubation: 12 days Prodromata: 3 days Efflorescence: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules Desquamation: large crusts Complication and seque...

Rubella vaccination and transitory false-positive test results for human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 in blood donors.

Transfusion — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Araujo PR PMID: 19788507 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Transfusion)

Boosting Vaccines: The Power of Adjuvants (preview)

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0100

The thought of birth defects caused by rubella, rows of iron lungs housing children crippled by polio, or the horrific sound of a baby struggling with whooping cough can still evoke dread among people who have seen firsthand the damage inflicted by these and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Fortunately, those scourges are virtually unknown to modern generations that have had access to vaccines all their lives.For more than 200 years vaccines have proved to be one of the most successful, lifesaving and economical methods of preventing infectious disease, second only to the sanitization of water. Vaccines have spared millions of people from early death or crippling illnesses and made the global eradication of smallpox in 1979 possible. Health experts now pledge to eliminate polio, measles...

NICE costing template on reducing the differences in uptake of immunisations in children and young people

NeLM - Immunology and vaccination — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: News The costing statement accompany the NICE public health guidance on reducing the differences in uptake of immunisations in children and young people notes that the national resources required to implement the recommendations made cannot be quantified. Many public sector organisations already have strategies, policies and procedures in place to support immunisation programmes and should be able to implement the recommendations using existing resources. The government already funds immunisation programmes and the Department of Health has made additional funding available for measles mumps and rubella (MMR) catch-up. However, variations in local practice may mean additional resources are required on a short-term basis to increase immun...

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Understanding and Determining the Etiology of Autism.

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Currenti SA Worldwide, the rate of autism has been steadily rising. There are several environmental factors in concert with genetic susceptibilities that are contributing to this rise. Impaired methylation and mutations of mecp2 have been associated with autistic spectrum disorders, and related Rett syndrome. Genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 enzymes have also been linked to autism, specifically CYP27B1 that is essential for proper vitamin D metabolism. Vitamin D is important for neuronal growth and neurodevelopment, and defects in metabolism or deficiency have been implicated in autistic individuals. Other factors that have been considered include: maternally derived antibodies, maternal infection, heavy metal exposure, folic acid supplementation, epigenetics, measles,...

What Is Rubella? What Are German Measles? What Causes Rubella Or German Measles?

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:00:00 +0100

Rubella, also known as German measles, is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. The virus passes from person-to-person via droplets in the air expelled when infected people cough or sneeze - the virus may also be present in the urine, feces and on the skin. The hallmark symptoms of rubella are an elevated body temperature and a pink rash. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

National, state, and local area vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13-17 years--United States, 2008.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes results from the 2008 NIS-Teen and, for the first time, includes estimates for each of the 50 states and selected local areas. Nationally, vaccination coverage for the three most recently recommended adolescent vaccinations and one childhood vaccination increased from 2007 to 2008: MCV4 (from 32.4% to 41.8%), Tdap (from 30.4% to 40.8%), >/=1 dose of HPV4 (from 25.1% to 37.2%), and >/=2 doses of VAR among those without disease history (from 18.8% to 34.1%). However, substantial variability in vaccination coverage was observed in 2008 among state and local areas and by race/ethnicity and poverty status. For the first time, the Healthy People 2010 target of 90% coverage among adolescents aged 13-15 years was met for MMR and HepB. Public health agencies should cont...

Replication of rubella vaccine population genetic studies: Validation of HLA genotype and humoral response associations.

Vaccine — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study provides confirmatory evidence for an association between specific class I and II HLA markers and haplotypes with rubella vaccine-induced humoral responses and lends further weight to their influence on rubella immune responses. PMID: 19761839 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)