MedWorm: Tuberculosis (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine: Localised skin eruption, due to mycobacterial infection, in an infant: case report

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NIH-funded HIV clinical research sites to join pediatric tuberculosis vaccine study

National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:31:00 +0100

Several U.S. government-funded HIV/AIDS clinical research sites in Africa will join other collaborators in an ongoing clinical trial testing an investigational tuberculosis (TB) vaccine in infants at risk for TB infection. "We are pleased to be able to tap into our existing HIV/AIDS clinical research infrastructure to help test promising investigational vaccines against TB," said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. The sites are funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)

NIH to join multi-center clinical trial of new tuberculosis vaccine

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Aeras) The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the United States National Institutes of Health, has joined as a partner for a Phase II proof-of-concept clinical trial of a tuberculosis vaccine candidate jointly developed by Aeras and Dutch biopharmaceutical company Crucell. This is thee first time that NIH is leveraging its HIV/AIDS clinical trial networks to advance a tuberculosis vaccine candidate. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

The influence of BCG vaccine strain on mycobacteria-specific and non-specific immune responses in a prospective cohort of infants in Uganda.

Vaccine — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Both specific and non-specific immune responses to the BCG vaccine differ by strain. Scarring after BCG vaccination is also strain-dependent and is associated with higher IFN-γ and IL-13 responses to mycobacterial antigens. The choice of BCG strain may be an important factor and should be evaluated when testing novel vaccine strategies that employ BCG in prime-boost sequences, or as a vector for other vaccine antigens. PMID: 22300718 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

A recombinant adenovirus expressing immunodominant TB antigens can significantly enhance BCG-induced human immunity.

Vaccine — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that AERAS-402 is a promising TB vaccine candidate that can significantly enhance both CD4(+) and CD8(+) TB-specific T cell responses after BCG priming. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01378312. PMID: 22296955 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

A phase IIa Trial of the new TB Vaccine, MVA85A, in HIV and/or M. Tuberculosis Infected Adults.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: MVA85A was safe and immunogenic in persons with HIV and/or M.tb infection. These results support further evaluation of safety and efficacy of this vaccine for prevention of TB in these target populations. Clinical trials registration information available at www.clinicaltrials.gov, i.d. NCT00480558. PMID: 22281831 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)

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In this issue.

European Journal of Immunology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:43:14 +0100

Authors: Abstract COVER IMAGE: The cover is based on a spinal cord histology section taken from a TNFR2(-/-) mouse adoptively transferred with TNFR2(-/-) Treg cells prior to immunization with MOG(35-55) to induce EAE. The section is stained with Luxol Fast blue to detect demyelination; Luxol Fast Red, which detects inflammatory infiltration, is the counterstain. The image is taken from the article by Tsakiri et al. (pp. 403-412) in which it is shown that TNFR2 on non-haematopoietic cells is necessary for Treg-cell suppressive activity and repression of EAE development. The colour of the image has been digitally altered for the cover. CMV: FINE TUNING THE NK-CELL RESPONSE DURING CHRONIC HEPATITIS INFECTION: Two recent studies reported on the expansion of NKG2C(+) NK cells during ch...

China signs agreement to produce new TB vaccines

SciDev.Net — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:19:54 +0100

China's largest biotechnology company and a non-profit product developer are teaming up to develop new tuberculosis vaccines. (Source: SciDev.Net)

In this issue

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:21:09 +0100

AbstractCover imageThe cover is based on a spinal cord histology section taken from a TNFR2−/− mouse adoptively transferred with TNFR2−/− Treg cells prior to immunization with MOG35–55 to induce EAE. The section is stained with Luxol Fast blue to detect demyelination; Luxol Fast Red, which detects inflammatory infiltration, is the counterstain. The image is taken from the article by Tsakiri et al. (pp. 403–412) in which it is shown that TNFR2 on non‐haematopoietic cells is necessary for Treg‐cell suppressive activity and repression of EAE development. The colour of the image has been digitally altered for the cover.CMV: Fine tuning the NK‐cell response during chronic hepatitis infectionTwo recent studies reported on the expansion of NKG2C+ NK cells during chronic hepatiti...

Migratory sub-populations of afferent lymphatic dendritic cells differ in their interactions with Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette Guerin.

Vaccine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study further extends our understanding of the biology of migrating DC, identifies potential explanations for the modest success of BCG vaccination and demonstrates that targeted delivery of antigens via adenoviruses to DC can improve antigen presentation. PMID: 22281103 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Potential of novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection phase-dependent antigens in the diagnosis of TB disease in a high burden setting

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: IFN-gamma responses to TB rpfs show promise as TB diagnostic candidates and should be evaluated further for discrimination between M.tb infection states. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

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BCG vaccine: BCG infections in paediatric patients: 10 case reports

Reactions — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:08:18 +0100

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BCG vaccine: Disseminated BCG infection in an infant: case report

Reactions — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:08:18 +0100

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Placental malaria is associated with attenuated CD4 T-cell responses to tuberculin PPD 12 months after BCG vaccination

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Placental malaria was associated with reduced immune responses 12 months after immune challenge in infants apparently healthy at birth. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Long‐term persistence of BCG Pasteur in lungs of C57BL/6 mice following intranasal infection

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:13:28 +0100

AbstractDifferent Mycobacterium bovis BCG (BCG) vaccine substrains may vary in their efficacy. Here we describe differences in disease progression and pathology in the lungs of female C57BL/6‐mice infected intranasally with,BCG Russia or BCG Pasteur and followed for 17 months. The lungs were investigated for bacillary load, histopathology, and expression of cytosolic and secreted proteins by immunohistochemistry. BCG Russia was cleared from the lungs by 8 months. BCG Pasteur reached a low level persistence at 8 months and remained at this level until the end of the experiment. BCG Pasteur induced greater pathology than BCG Russia, and there were more macrophage‐ and lymphocyte infiltrates in animals infected with BCG Pasteur (p < 0.05). Bacterial growth correlated with cellular infi...

Interferon‐gamma release assay versus tuberculin skin test across RA, PsA, and AS patients prior to treatment with golimumab, a human anti‐TNF antibody

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In the absence of a true gold‐standard test for latent TB infection, results of this large comparison of IGRA and TST in patients with rheumatic disease suggest that the IGRA provides greater specificity and possibly greater sensitivity than the TST. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)

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Drug treatment combined with BCG vaccination reduces disease reactivation in guinea pigs infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Vaccine — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to determine if reducing disease severity by BCG vaccination of guinea pigs prior to M. tuberculosis challenge enhanced the efficacy of combination drug therapy. At 20 days of infection, treatment of vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals with rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrizinamide (RHZ) was initiated for 4 or 8 weeks. On days 50, 80 and 190 of infection (10 weeks after drug were withdrawn), treatment efficacy was evaluated by quantifying clinical condition, bacterial loads, lesion severity, and dynamic changes in peripheral blood and lung leukocyte numbers by flow cytometry. In a separate, long-term survival study, treatment efficacy was evaluated by determining disease reactivation frequency post-mortem. BCG vaccination alone delayed pulmonary and extra-pulm...

Aeras and CNBG sign agreement on tuberculosis vaccine R&D

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Aeras) Aeras and the China National Biotec Group announce that they have reached final agreement to jointly develop new tuberculosis vaccines. The agreement between the leading non-profit developer of TB vaccine candidates and the largest biotechnology corporation in China signals a commitment by both to engage and strengthen the role of China in the fight against one of the world's deadliest infectious disease killers. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Aeras and China biotec group to develop new TB vaccines

Pharmaceutical Technology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

US vaccine manufacturer Aeras and the China National Biotec Group (CNBG) have reached an agreement to jointly develop new tuberculosis (TB) vaccines. (Source: Pharmaceutical Technology)

The effect of passages during Japanese BCG vaccine production on genetic stability and protective efficacy.

Vaccine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the genetic stability of Japanese BCG vaccine production using currently available PCR methods and protective efficacy using a guinea-pig model during the passages were examined. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the seed lot, the product manufactured by normal procedures, and the 20th passage product. These results indicate that the maximum number of passages as currently required by WHO for BCG vaccine production is adequate for the Japanese vaccine, and that new genetic tools may help to examine the quality control of the BCG vaccine. PMID: 22226863 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Tuberculosis, bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination, and allergic disease: Findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase Two

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

To cite this article: Flohr C, Nagel G, Weinmayr G, Kleiner A, Williams HC, Aït‐Khaled N, Strachan DP, the ISAAC Phase Two Study Group. Tuberculosis, bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination, and allergic disease: Findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase Two. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011: Doi: 10.1111/j.1399‐3038.2011.01248.x.AbstractSome have suggested a protective effect of tuberculosis (TB) infection on allergic disease risk, but few studies have examined the association between the two. We therefore investigated whether TB disease and bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination in early life protect against allergic disease. Information on allergic disease symptoms, past TB disease, and BCG vaccination as well as potential confounding ...

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Time for a change? Updated guidelines using interferon gamma release assays for detection of latent tuberculosis infection in the office setting

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:52:16 +0100

This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both the TST and the IGRA and presents a summary of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2010 guidelines for using IGRAs. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

[News Focus] Infectious Disease: Taking a New Shot At a TB Vaccine

Science: Current Issue — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:52:57 +0100

Eager to replace the current tuberculosis vaccine, scientists hope to push a slew of promising candidates through clinical trials—if the money can be found.Author: Kai Kupferschmidt (Source: Science: Current Issue)

[Podcast] Science Podcast

Science: Current Issue — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:52:57 +0100

The show includes the hardy naked mole-rat, fi nding patterns in large data sets, a new shot at a tuberculosis vaccine, and more. (Source: Science: Current Issue)

BCG vaccine: Cold thigh abscess following possible inadvertent intramuscular administration in infants: 5 case reports

Reactions — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:55:18 +0100

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Lipid Phenotypes in BCG Tokyo 172 Types I and II [Lipids]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We examined the ppsA-E gene responsible for PGL/PDIM biosynthesis and found that the existence of PGL/PDIM in types I and II is caused by a ppsA gene mutation not regulated by the RD16. PGL suppressed the host recognition of total lipids via Toll-like receptor 2, and this suggests that PGL is antigenic and involved in host responses, acting as a cell wall component. This is the first report to show the difference between lipid phenotypes of types I and II. It is important to clarify the heterogeneity of BCG vaccine substrains to discuss and evaluate the quality, safety, and efficacy of the BCG vaccine. (Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry)

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Science Podcast, 16 December 2011

Science Magazine Podcast — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:59:59 +0100

The hardy naked mole-rat, finding patterns in large datasets, a new shot at a tuberculosis vaccine, and more. (Source: Science Magazine Podcast)

BCG vaccination of neonatal calves: Potential roles for innate immune cells in the induction of protective immunity.

Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases. — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Siddiqui N, Price S, Hope J Abstract Bovine tuberculosis is a disease of increasing incidence in the UK causing major economic losses and with significant impact on bovine and, potentially human health: the causative agent Mycobacterium bovis is a zoonotic pathogen. Neonatal vaccination with the attenuated M. bovis Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine confers a significant degree of protection in cattle, and is a widely used control strategy for human TB. The adaptive immune system is relatively immature in neonates and increased numbers of innate effector cells present in young animals and human infants may compensate for this, enabling effective immune responses to vaccination. Natural killer cells and subsets of γδ TCR(+) T lymphocytes secrete high levels of interfer...

Vaccine Targeting Latent TB Enters Clinical Testing

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Statens Serum Institut and Aeras today announce the initiation of the first Phase I clinical trial of a new candidate TB vaccine designed to protect people latently infected with TB from developing active TB disease. The trial is being conducted by the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) at its field site in Worcester, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Dr. Hassan Mahomed is the principal investigator. "Two billion men, women and children live with latent TB infection," said Jim Connolly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aeras... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Rapamycin-Induced Enhancement of Vaccine Efficacy in Mice

Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 02:54:59 +0100

Th1 immunity protects against tuberculosis infection in mice and humans. The widely used BCG vaccine primes CD4 and CD8 T cells through signaling mechanisms from dendritic cells and macrophages. The latter express MHC-II and MHC-I molecules through which peptides from BCG vaccine are presented to CD4 and CD8 T cells, respectively. Since BCG sequesters within a phagosome that does not fuse with lysosomes, generation of peptides within antigen-presenting cells infected with BCG occurs with reduced efficiency. We demonstrate that activation of DCs containing BCG vaccine with rapamycin leads to an enhanced ability of DC vaccines to immunize mice against tuberculosis. Coadministration of rapamycin with BCG vaccine also enhanced Th1 immunity. We propose that rapamycin-mediated increase in Th1 re...

Vaccine targeting latent TB enters clinical testing

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Aeras) Statens Serum Institute and Aeras today announce the initiation of the first Phase I clinical trial of a new candidate TB vaccine designed to protect people latently infected with TB from developing active TB disease. The trial is being conducted by the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative at its field site in Worcester, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Dr. Hassan Mahomed is the principal investigator. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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[Tuberculosis : Diagnostics and prophylaxis].

Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

[Tuberculosis : Diagnostics and prophylaxis]. Z Rheumatol. 2011 Dec;70(10):853-61 Authors: Görl N, Diel R, Kneitz C Abstract Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes primarily formation of granulomatous tubercles in the lungs. In the absence of any clinical symptoms it is named latent tuberculosis infection which can be an origin of reactivation, especially as a consequence of an impaired response of the immune system. Complete anamnesis, radiographic methods and bacteriological analysis (microscopy, culture, PCR) are useful for diagnosis of tuberculosis. Since 2005 newer in vitro tests are available using interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). Compared to the tuberculin skin test it is possible to differentiate between infection with M. tuberculosis and individ...

Latent tuberculosis vaccine enters clinical testing

Pharmaceutical Technology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Non-profit product development partnership Aeras has announced the start of a Phase I clinical trial of a new candidate tuberculosis vaccine, designed specifically to protect against the latent form of the disease. (Source: Pharmaceutical Technology)

BCG vaccine overdose: Abscesses in infants: 3 case reports

Reactions — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:51:47 +0100

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Protective immunity afforded by attenuated, PhoP‐deficient Mycobacterium tuberculosis is associated with sustained generation of CD4+ T‐cell memory

European Journal of Immunology — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study defines a mechanism for the protective effect of the SO2 vaccine and suggests that deletion of defined virulence networks may provide vaccine strains with potent immuno‐stimulatory properties. (Source: European Journal of Immunology)

IL‐23 dependent IL‐17 drives Th1‐cell responses following Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccination

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe generation of effective type 1 T helper (Th1) cell responses is required for immunity against intracellular bacteria. However, some intracellular bacteria require interleukin (IL)‐17 to drive Th1‐cell immunity and subsequent protective host immunity. Here, in a model of Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination in mice, we demonstrate that the dependence on IL‐17 to drive Th1‐cell responses is a host mechanism to overcome bacteria‐induced IL‐10 inhibitory effects. We show that BCG‐induced prostaglandin‐E2 (PGE2) promotes the production of IL‐10 which limits Th1‐cell responses, while simultaneously inducing IL‐23 and Th17‐cell differentiation. The ability of IL‐17 to down‐regulate IL‐10 and induce IL‐12 production allows the ge...

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IL‐23‐dependent IL‐17 drives Th1‐cell responses following Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccination

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe generation of effective type 1 T helper (Th1)‐cell responses is required for immunity against intracellular bacteria. However, some intracellular bacteria require interleukin (IL)‐17 to drive Th1‐cell immunity and subsequent protective host immunity. Here, in a model of Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccination in mice, we demonstrate that the dependence on IL‐17 to drive Th1‐cell responses is a host mechanism to overcome bacteria‐induced IL‐10 inhibitory effects. We show that BCG‐induced prostaglandin‐E2 (PGE2) promotes the production of IL‐10 which limits Th1‐cell responses, while simultaneously inducing IL‐23 and Th17‐cell differentiation. The ability of IL‐17 to downregulate IL‐10 and induce IL‐12 production allows the g...

Sputum induction for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:55:55 +0100

Abstract Sputum induction (SI) has been proposed as the optimal sample collection method for patients with paucibacillary tuberculosis (TB). Studies reporting the culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from SI were reviewed. A random-effects meta-analysis of diagnostic yield (numerator M. tuberculosis SI culture-positive cases; denominator all culture-positive cases) was conducted. Diagnostic yields (95% confidence intervals, CIs) were displayed as Forest plots. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Chi-squared and I-squared tests and meta-regression analysis. Ninety publications were screened, 28 full-text papers reviewed, and 17 analyzed. Collectively, n = 627 SI culture-positive cases among n = 975 culture-confirmed TB cases were reported. The diagnostic yield of SI ran...

Biochemical characterization of recombinant guaA-encoded guanosine monophosphate synthetase (EC 6.3.5.2) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain.

Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Franco TM, Rostirolla DC, Ducati RG, Lorenzini DM, Basso LA, Santos DS Abstract Administration of the current tuberculosis (TB) vaccine to newborns is not a reliable route for preventing TB in adults. The conversion of XMP to GMP is catalyzed by guaA-encoded GMP synthetase (GMPS), and deletions in the Shiguella flexneri guaBA operon led to an attenuated auxotrophic strain. Here we present the cloning, expression, and purification of recombinant guaA-encoded GMPS from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtGMPS). Mass spectrometry data, oligomeric state determination, steady-state kinetics, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and multiple sequence alignment are also presented. The homodimeric MtGMPS catalyzes the conversion of XMP, MgATP, and glutamine into GMP, ADP, PP(i), and ...

Economic Recession And Decrease In Observed Rate Of TB

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the U.S. is reported as being on the decrease, however untreated infected people act as a reservoir for disease. Any pool of the world's population harboring this disease gives cause for concern, especially since the BCG vaccine is only 70-80% effective at best. New research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Public Health, shows that in 2009 the number of cases of TB reported across America was much lower than that recorded in previous years... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The Influence of BCG Vaccine Strain on the Immune Response against Tuberculosis: a Randomised Trial.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in the immune response induced by different BCG vaccine strains in newborn infants. Immunisation with BCG-Denmark or BCG-Japan induced higher frequencies of mycobacterial-specific polyfunctional and cytotoxic T cells and higher concentrations of Th1 cytokines. These findings have potentially important implications for global anti-tuberculosis immunisation policies and future tuberculosis vaccine trials. Clinical trials registration available at http://www.anzctr.org.au, i.d. = ACTRN12608000227392. PMID: 22071384 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)

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Co-Immunization of Plasmid DNA Encoding IL-12 and IL-18 with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccine against Progressive Tuberculosis.

Yonsei Medical Journal — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:51:55 +0100

Conclusion: Co-immunization of IL-12 DNA vaccine with the BCG vaccine induced more protective immunity and was more effective for protection against progressive infection of M. tuberculosis. PMID: 22028167 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Yonsei Medical Journal)

BCG vaccine: Suppurative lymphadenopathy in a child: case report

Reactions — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:05:17 +0100

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Mozambique: New Tuberculosis Vaccine Being Tested

AllAfrica News: Tuberculosis — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:01:49 +0100

The Manica Health Research Centre (CISM) in southern Mozambique is working on trials of a new vaccine against tuberculosis. (Source: AllAfrica News: Tuberculosis)

Search for malaria and tuberculosis vaccines put on fast track by UN partnership

UN News Centre - Health, Poverty, Food Security — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0100

One billion of the world's poorest people stand to benefit from a partnership launched today by the United Nations and top pharmaceutical companies to speed up the royalty-free development of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics to treat neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and tuberculosis. (Source: UN News Centre - Health, Poverty, Food Security)

Successful Handling of Disseminated BCG Disease in a Child with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:02:00 +0100

We report the case of a patient with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) who developed disseminated BCG disease, highlighting the specific strategies adopted. (Source: Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience)

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Vaccination of patients with auto-immune inflammatory rheumatic diseases requires careful benefit-risk assessment.

Autoimmunity Reviews — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bijl M, Agmon-Levin N, Dayer JM, Israeli E, Gatto M, Shoenfeld Y Abstract Will vaccination raise the incidence of autoimmune diseases, what is the impact of increasingly crowded vaccination schedules, the vaccination in age groups and the risk of coincidental temporal association? All these issues are still under debate. However, for the time being, to avoid confusion in the medical community and the media, we have to adhere to guidelines established consensually by experts while ensuring a strict surveillance and reporting possible side effects. Recommendation for vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) based on the currently available evidence and expert opinion were recently formulated by an EULAR task force. Major recommendations...

Construction and evaluation of a multistage Mycobacterium tuberculosis subunit vaccine candidate Mtb10.4-HspX.

Vaccine — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, MH in adjuvant DDA-TDM generated strong antigen-specific humoral and cell-mediated immunity, and had the capability to enhance BCG-primed immunity and the protective efficacy against M. tuberculosis in mice. These findings suggest that MH in DDA-TDM have the potential to be a good multistage tuberculosis vaccine candidate. PMID: 22024175 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

The Impact of Alcohol on BCG‐Induced Immunity Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Alcohol consumption blunts the development of the adaptive immune response to M. bovis BCG vaccination, which impairs the control of a secondary challenge with M. tuberculosis, but only if the alcohol exposure is begun prior to BCG vaccination. These results provide insight into mechanisms by which alcohol consumption impairs antimycobacterial immunity, including in response to vaccination and subsequent pathogenic challenge. (Source: Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research)

The Impact of Alcohol on BCG-Induced Immunity Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Alcohol consumption blunts the development of the adaptive immune response to M. bovis BCG vaccination, which impairs the control of a secondary challenge with M. tuberculosis, but only if the alcohol exposure is begun prior to BCG vaccination. These results provide insight into mechanisms by which alcohol consumption impairs antimycobacterial immunity, including in response to vaccination and subsequent pathogenic challenge. PMID: 22014229 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research)

A new tuberculosis vaccine

Thorax — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study researchers developed a new multistage tuberculosis vaccine (H56) which can be used before and after exposure, and tested it in a mouse model. To construct the H56 vaccine, the authors purified the recombinant fusion protein (Ag85B-ESAT6-Rv2660c) from Escherichia coli. They hypothesised that it is possible to selectively target Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in the persistent stage of infection by combining early protective antigens such as Ag85B and ESAT-6 (the H1 vaccine) with the latency protein Rv2660c which is involved in stress responses and characterises long-term Mtb adaptation in the immune host. The authors assessed the effectiveness of H56, H1 and BCG vaccines administrated in mice 6 weeks before Mtb exposure. They demonstrated a statistically significant re...

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In the news

Nature Reviews Microbiology — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Nature Reviews Microbiology 9, 770 (2011). doi:10.1038/nrmicro2683 Our monthly round-up of infectious diseases news, which this month includes the Lasker Award for the discovery of artemisinin, the discovery of a new tick-borne disease and the development of a new tuberculosis vaccine. (Source: Nature Reviews Microbiology)

Rv0315, a novel immunostimulatory antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, activates dendritic cells and drives Th1 immune responses

Journal of Molecular Medicine — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:32:29 +0100

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is one of the most deadly infectious diseases, with approximately two million people dying of TB annually. An effective therapeutic method for activating dendritic cells (DCs) and driving Th1 immune responses would improve host defenses and further the development of a TB vaccine. Given the importance of DC maturation in eliciting protective immunity against TB, we investigated whether Rv0315, a newly identified Mtb antigen, can prompt DC maturation. We found that Rv0315 functionally activated DCs by augmenting the expression of the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 as well as MHC class I/II molecules. Moreover, it increased DC secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Unl...

BCG vaccine: Lymphadenitis in an infant: case report

Reactions — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:03:59 +0100

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Tuberculosis vaccine promises sterilizing immunity

Nature Medicine — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Helen McShane & Ann Williams In the search for an improved vaccine to combat tuberculosis, a potent candidate has unexpectedly emerged that induces potent efficacy against mycobacterial infection in mice (pages 1261–1268). (Source: Nature Medicine)

Investigation of latent tuberculosis infection in patients with psoriasis who are candidate for receiving immunobiological drugs

Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 05:29:10 +0100

O uso dos inibidores do fator de necrose tumoral no tratamento de pacientes com psoríase vem sendo relacionado a uma maior incidência de tuberculose, particularmente, nas suas formas extrapulmonar e disseminada. Apesar de sua indiscutível eficácia, essas drogas elevam o risco da reativação de infecção tuberculosa latente (ITBL), tornando obrigatório o diagnóstico da referida condição antes da sua administração. A investigação da infecção tuberculosa latente pelo teste cutâneo da tuberculina é falha, dada sua baixa especificidade, além de apresentar resultados duvidosos em pacientes com psoríase. Ensaios baseados na detecção da produção de interferon-gama in vitro por células monoclonais periféricas, estimuladas por antígenos específicos (Esat-6 e CFP-10), pare...

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Genomic and proteomic analyses of Mycobacterium bovis BCG Mexico 1931 reveal a diverse immunogenic repertoire against tuberculosis infection

BioMed Central — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: BCG Mexico 1931 has a smaller genome than the BCG Pasteur and BCG Tokyo strains. Two specific deletions in BCG Mexico 1931 are described (RDMex02 and RDMex03). The loss of RDMex02 (fadD23) is associated with enhanced macrophage binding and RDMex03 contains genes that may be involved in regulatory pathways. We also describe new antigenic proteins for the first time. (Source: BioMed Central)

Recombinant BCG coexpressing Ag85B, CFP10, and interleukin‐12 induces multifunctional Th1 and memory T cells in mice

APMIS — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We describe the generation and immunological characterization of recombinant BCG (rBCG). This rBCG was generated by incorporating an expression plasmid encoding two mycobacterial antigens (Ag85B and CFP10) and human interleukin (IL)‐12 into a BCG strain. Immunogenicity studies in mice showed that rBCG coexpressing Ag85B, CFP10, and IL‐12 (rBCG::Ag85B–CFP10–IL‐12) induces a robust immune response in mice. The rBCG vaccine promotes a T‐cell response against MTB that is characterized by a high proportion of polyfunctional and memory T cells in spleen and lung. Our results showed strong immunogenicity and mycobacterial growth inhibition of rBCG::Ag85B–CFP10 plus IL‐12 than that of BCG vaccine. (Source: APMIS)

Assessment of vaccine testing at three laboratories using the guinea pig model of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: The guinea pig model of tuberculosis is used extensively in different locations to assess the efficacy of novel tuberculosis vaccines during pre-clinical development. Two key assays are used to measure protection against virulent challenge: a 30 day post-infection assessment of mycobacterial burden and long-term post-infection survival and pathology analysis. To determine the consistency and robustness of the guinea pig model for testing vaccines, a comparative assessment between three sites that are currently involved in testing tuberculosis vaccines from external providers was performed. Each site was asked to test two “subunit” type vaccines in their routine animal model as if testing vaccines from a provider. All sites performed a 30 day study, and one site also performed ...

How does the level of BCG vaccine protection against tuberculosis fall over time?

NeLM - News — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: BMJ Area: News This "Uncertainties" article forms one of a series of occasional articles published in the BMJ that highlight areas of practice where management lacks convincing supporting evidence. The current article focuses on the uncertainties around the duration of protection provided by BCG vaccination. The authors note that universal BCG vaccination of school children with a negative tuberculin skin test was discontinued in 2005. The authors add that this uncertainty has implications for the cost effectiveness of vaccination at later ages and for the role of a new vaccine. In discussing how best to deal with the uncertainty, the authors write, "The best estimate of duration of protection by BCG is currently about 10 years, with recent data suggesting that the vacc...

BCG VACCINE (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Substrain Tice Live Antigen) Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution [Organon Pharmaceuticals USA]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Sep 21, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Fatal case of disseminated BCG infection after vaccination of an infant with in utero exposure to infliximab

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 01:35:51 +0100

To the Editor: Cheent et al reported an alarming case of disseminated bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infection in an infant born to a mother who had received infliximab for Crohn’s disease throughout pregnancy. The infant was healthy and met all developmental milestones at 3 months of age when he received a routine BCG vaccine; he rapidly deteriorated after receiving the vaccination and died of disseminated BCG at 4.5 months. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Bacille Calmette-Guérin lymphadenitis and recurrent oral candidiasis in an infant with a new mutation leading to interleukin-12 receptor beta-1 deficiency.

Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:56:08 +0100

Authors: Aytekin C, Dogu F, Tuygun N, Tanir G, Guloglu D, Boisson-Dupuis S, Bustamante J, Feinberg J, Casanova JL, Ikinciogullari A Abstract Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases (MSMD) is a rare syndrome characterized by predisposition to infections caused by weakly virulent mycobacteria, such as those in bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine and environmental mycobacteria. Salmonellosis has been reported in almost half of affected patients. Patients are also vulnerable to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Several other infectious diseases may occur, albeit rarely. Mucocutaneous candidiasis is more common. Interleukin-12 receptor beta1 (IL-12Rbeta1) deficiency is the most frequent genetic cause of MSMD. Here, we describe an infant with a single episode of BCG lym...

Co‐administration of rectal BCG and autoclaved Leishmania major induce protection in susceptible BALB/c mice

Parasite Immunology — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:06:53 +0100

In conclusion, the results of our study indicated that co‐administration of rectal BCG and ALM induced protective type 1 immune responses against L. major infection. This safe and effective mucosal vaccine could be useful in prevention of human leishmaniasis infections. (Source: Parasite Immunology)

TB vaccine tested in mice shows promise

Health News - UPI.com — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:00:42 +0100

NEW YORK, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- A vaccine made of a genetically modified bacterium closely related to the bacterium that causes tuberculosis protected mice against TB, U.S. researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

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Subcutaneous administration of modified vaccinia virus Ankara expressing an Ag85B‐ESAT6 fusion protein, but not an adenovirus‐based vaccine, protects mice against intravenous challenge with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractRecombinant virus‐based tuberculosis vaccines that are strongly immunogenic and elicit robust cellular immunity are considered ideal vaccine candidates. Here, we engineered a poxvirus‐based vaccine, MVA85B‐E6, and an adenovirus‐based vaccine, AD85B‐E6, both of which express the fusion protein Ag85B‐ESAT6. Subcutaneous vaccination of AD85B‐E6 generated strong IFN‐γ production by both CD4 and CD8 T cells and CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity; these results indicate that strong T‐helper type1 immune responses were elicited in mice, which is in contrast to the moderate responses induced by vaccination with MVA85B‐E6. However, MVA85B‐E6 given subcutaneously led to levels of protection comparable with that induced by the BCG vaccine in the lungs and spleens, wher...

New TB vaccine approach shows promise in mice

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) An experimental vaccine composed of a genetically modified bacterium closely related to the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB) has been found to protect mice against TB infection, according to a study appearing online September 4 in the journal Nature Medicine. The research was funded in part by NIAID. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

TB vaccine in mice promising

Health News - UPI.com — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:25:13 +0100

NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say they developed a tuberculosis vaccine candidate that proved both potent and safe in animal studies. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

NHS Choices 'Behind the Headlines' assessment of press reports on a new TB vaccine

NeLM - News — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Choices Area: News The 'Behind the Headlines' service from NHS Choices has published a quality assessment of press reports that a "new vaccine offers hope of a tuberculosis breakthrough" (reported by The Independent and others, 5th September 2011). The assessment discusses the research behind the press reports, its results, and what this means in practice. The laboratory research, published in the journal 'Nature Medicine', sought to develop a vaccine that could protect mice against the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Researchers genetically engineered non-TB bacteria so they contained the ESX-3 genes, thought to be responsible for the high virulence of Mtb. These modified bacteria were found to trigger an immune response that allowed t...

New TB vaccine investigated

NHS News Feed — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:01:00 +0100

Conclusion This encouraging research shows that a new genetically modified bacterial vaccine could prompt the mouse immune system to attack the usual TB bacteria that cause disease in humans. The researchers have pointed out that further research is needed before this vaccine could be tested in humans. In particular, they say that they need to understand fully how their vaccine stimulates the mouse immune system before knowing whether IKEPLUS could be a candidate vaccine. This research is important as it might allow a new approach to the increasing problem of drug resistant strains of TB. It could also be used as a treatment for infants with HIV who, in areas with high HIV rates, cannot be offered the usual live BCG vaccine. This is promising research, and what is required now is a great d...

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Early Promise Shown By TB Vaccine Candidate

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University report in the September 4 online edition of Nature Medicine that they have developed a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate that proved both potent and safe in animal studies*. According to the World Health Organization, TB kills an estimated 1.7 million people each year and infects one out of three people around the globe. With drug-resistant strains spreading, a vaccine for preventing TB is urgently needed... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Promising New TB Vaccine Effective In Mice

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100

A new candidate vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) was shown to be effective and safe in animal studies. Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in New York report in the 4 September online issue of Nature Medicine how they developed and tested the vaccine in mice. They say while this is a significant step towards developing a TB vaccine, they don't know yet if it will work on humans, and they need to do more work to improve its effectiveness since in this study it only worked for one in five of the mice... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

TB Vaccine Candidate Shows Early Promise

Einstein News — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:04:27 +0100

... go to einstein.yu.edu for full story (Source: Einstein News)

TB vaccine candidate shows early promise

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:04:04 +0100

Researchers say that they have developed a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate that proved both potent and safe in animal studies. According to the World Health Organization, TB kills an estimated 1.7 million people each year and infects one out of three people around the globe. With drug-resistant strains spreading, a vaccine for preventing TB is urgently needed. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

BCG vaccine: Disseminated BCG infection in an infant: case report

Reactions — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 16:16:09 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

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TB vaccine candidate shows early promise

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Albert Einstein College of Medicine) Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University report in the September 4 online edition of Nature Medicine that they have developed a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate that proved both potent and safe in animal studies. According to the World Health Organization, TB kills an estimated 1.7 million people each year and infects one out of three people around the globe. With drug-resistant strains spreading, a vaccine for preventing TB is urgently needed. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Comparative evaluation of MPT83 (Rv2873) for T helper-1 cell reactivity and identification of HLA-promiscuous peptides: studies in M. bovis BCG-vaccinated healthy subjects.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study was undertaken to determine the reactivity of MPT83 in T helper 1 (Th1)-cell assays, i.e. antigen-induced proliferation and interferon-γ secretion, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated and/or M. tuberculosis-infected healthy subjects. PBMCs were tested with complex mycobacterial antigens and pools of synthetic peptides corresponding to MPT63, MPT83, MPB70, LppX, PPE68, CFP10 and ESAT-6. The results showed that MPT83 is among the strongest Th1-cell antigens of M. tuberculosis. and it was recognized equally strongly by BCG-vaccinated as well as BCG-vaccinated and M. tuberculosis-infected healthy subjects. Furthermore, HLA-heterogeneity of the responding donors suggested that MPT83 was presented to Th1-c...

Vaccine Candidate The Most Clinically Advanced Of A New Generation Of Vaccines Under Development To Combat TB And The TB/HIV Co-Epidemic

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Aeras and the Oxford-Emergent Tuberculosis Consortium (OETC) have announced the start of a Phase IIb proof-of-concept efficacy trial of a new investigational tuberculosis (TB) vaccine that involves people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The trial will be conducted at research sites in Senegal and South Africa with primary funding support from the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). TB is a leading cause of death for people infected with HIV and the second leading infectious disease killer in the world... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Usefulness of Interferon-{gamma} Release Assays in the Diagnosis of Erythema Induratum [Observation]

Archives of Dermatology — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Interferon- release assays may have value as an adjunct in the diagnosis of EI, particularly in the setting of prior BCG exposure. (Source: Archives of Dermatology)

TB Phase II Proof-Of-Concept Trial For Vaccine With Participants In Senegal And South Africa

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The start of a Phase IIb proof- of-concept efficacy trial of a new investigational tuberculosis (TB) vaccine that involves people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was announced by Aeras and the Oxford-Emergent Tuberculosis Consortium (OETC)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Delivery of a multivalent scrambled antigen vaccine induces broad spectrum immunity and protection against tuberculosis.

Vaccine — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: West NP, Thomson SA, Triccas JA, Medveczky CJ, Ramshaw IA, Britton WJ Abstract The development of effective anti-Tuberculosis (TB) vaccines is an important step towards improved control of TB in high burden countries. Subunit vaccines are advantageous in terms of safety, particularly in the context of high rates of HIV co-infection, but they must contain sufficient Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens to stimulate immunity in genetically diverse human populations. We have used a novel approach to develop a synthetic scrambled antigen vaccine (TB-SAVINE), comprised of overlapping, recombined peptides from four M. tuberculosis proteins, Ag85B, ESAT-6, PstS3 and Mpt83, each of which is immunogenic and protective against experimental TB. This polyvalent TB-SAVINE construct stim...

New TB vaccine enters proof-of-concept trial in people living with HIV

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Aeras) Aeras and the Oxford-Emergent Tuberculosis Consortium (OETC) announce today the start of a Phase IIb proof-of-concept efficacy trial of a new investigational tuberculosis (TB) vaccine that involves people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The trial will be conducted at research sites in Senegal and South Africa with primary funding support from the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing genotype: A template for success

Tuberculosis — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: The diverse clinico- and histopathological features, frequency of transmission and treatment outcome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been associated with several environmental, host and bacterial factors. Many Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes have been studied in an attempt to understand the genetic variations among the different genotypes and to clarify their contribution to phenotypic differences. Strains of the Beijing genotype have been extensively investigated due to their increased ability to spread and cause disease.Here we review the evidence of hypervirulence of the Beijing genotype as well as other Beijing-associated phenotypic characteristics such as alternate host immune modulation, clinical and pathological features, drug resistance, resistance to BCG vaccinati...

Prospects for elimination of childhood tuberculosis: the role of new vaccines

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Control of childhood tuberculosis must be considered in the context of active tuberculosis disease among adults, who form the main reservoir of transmission. The elimination target of the Stop TB Partnership is a reduction of global incidence to less than one case per million per year by 2050. There is an urgent need for a new, safe and effective tuberculosis vaccine that prevents all forms of tuberculosis, in all age groups and in HIV-infected people. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination protects against disseminated forms of childhood tuberculosis, but protection is variable against pulmonary tuberculosis and adult disease. 14 new tuberculosis vaccines have entered human clinical trials, including viral-vectored vaccines, recombinant fusion proteins, recombinant BCG va...

Evaluation of immunogenicity and protective efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection elicited by recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG expressing human Interleukin‐12p70 and Early Secretory Antigen Target‐6 fusion protein

Microbiology and Immunology — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, we constructed three recombinant BCG (rBCG) vaccines that could express proteins of human IL‐12p70 and/or ESAT‐6 and evaluated their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in mice. Our experiments illustrated that the rBCG‐IE (expressing a fusion protein of human IL‐12p70 and ESAT‐6) was capable of inducing stronger Th1 type cell‐mediated immune responses than conventional BCG, or rBCG‐I (expressing human IL‐12p70), or rBCG‐E (expressing ESAT‐6). However, the results of protective experiments showed that rBCG‐IE could only confer similar and even lower protective efficacy against M.tuberculosis H37Rv infection compared with BCG vaccine. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology)

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The development of giant lipoma on the BCG vaccine caused scar.

Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We reported this case because of its rarity and to emphasize that lipoma can present as a giant lesion in child. PMID: 21830906 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology)

Do we have to shoot the badgers?

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:12:03 +0100

The government is 'strongly minded' to cull thousands of badgers next year, but there may be a less bloody way of stopping the spread of bovine TBResigned to his fate, 007 lowers his head calmly. For the last seven nights he feasted on peanuts inside a wire cage that suddenly materialised on the Cotswold pastures close to his underground home. On the previous evening, however, when he snuffled out his nocturnal treat, the cage door came clanging down. 007 was trapped. His snout muddied from trying to dig an escape, the young badger possesses all the dignity of a wild animal facing certain death. He does not flinch when a sharp needle is plunged into his flank. And then, surprisingly, the cage door is opened and the badger runs free and back to the safety of his sett.The repr...

Low oral BCG doses fail to protect cattle against an experimental challenge with Mycobacterium bovis

Tuberculosis — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, low oral doses of BCG did not induce skin test responses, IFN-γ responses or protection against TB, however, in the BCG vaccine groups where protection was observed, there was no correlation between protection and skin test responses or IFN-γ responses. (Source: Tuberculosis)

Malaria transmission blocking immunity and sexual stage vaccines for interrupting malaria transmission in Latin America.

Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arévalo-Herrera M, Solarte Y, Marin C, Santos M, Castellanos J, Beier JC, Valencia SH Abstract Malaria is a vector-borne disease that is considered to be one of the most serious public health problems due to its high global mortality and morbidity rates. Although multiple strategies for controlling malaria have been used, many have had limited impact due to the appearance and rapid dissemination of mosquito resistance to insecticides, parasite resistance to multiple antimalarial drug, and the lack of sustainability. Individuals in endemic areas that have been permanently exposed to the parasite develop specific immune responses capable of diminishing parasite burden and the clinical manifestations of the disease, including blocking of parasite transmission to the mosquito...

Granuloma annulare‐like reaction to the bacillus Calmette‐Guerin vaccination

Australasian Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a 6‐month‐old girl with a granuloma annulare (GA)‐like reaction to the bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) vaccination. The eruption developed at the vaccination site 1 month after vaccination and the lesion gradually disseminated over the body within 2 months. A biopsy specimen of the skin lesion showed degenerated collagen bundles surrounded by imperfect palisading histiocytes, lymphocytes and epithelioid cells in the dermis, which led to a diagnosis of GA‐like reaction as a secondary reaction to BCG inoculation. The eruption at the vaccination site and the scattered GA reaction resolved after 1 month of treatment with prednisolone valerate acetate ointment, leaving only pigmentation. (Source: Australasian Journal of Dermatology)

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Inhibition of allergen-induced airway remodeling by neonatal bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination is associated with interferon-gamma-producing T cells but not regulatory T cells in mice.

Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wang P, Zhang G, Qin X, Qiu Z, Li N, Chen Z, Li W, Shen H Epidemiological assessments of patients and studies using animal models show that exposure to Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine in early life prevents asthma development. However, little is known about the potential of neonatal BCG vaccination in preventing the development of airway remodeling of asthma. PMID: 21802025 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology)

Safety and tolerability of sputum induction in adolescents and adults with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 05:46:55 +0100

The objective of this study was to describe the changes in physiological parameters and adverse events occurring during sputum induction in ambulatory adult and adolescent TB suspects recruited in community clinics. Sputum induction was performed in HIV-infected (n = 35) and HIV-uninfected (n = 67) TB suspects (n = 102). Oxygen saturation (%), blood pressure (mm Hg), heart rate (/minute), respiratory rate (/minute), and adverse events were monitored at baseline, continuously during the salbutamol pre-treatment and saline nebulization phases, and for 30 min afterwards. During nebulization, there was a statistically significant increase in oxygen saturation (1%, p < 0.0001), systolic BP (7 mm Hg, p < 0.0001), and diastolic BP (2 mm Hg, p = 0.008). ...

Memorandum Of Understanding Signed For TB Vaccine R&D Collaboration

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Aeras and the China National Biotech Group (CNBG) have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the organizations to pursue opportunities to jointly develop tuberculosis (TB) vaccines in China and potentially other parts of the world. The partnership is intended to leverage both organizations' capabilities to support the development of TB vaccines. TB is a major public health priority in China, where there are more than one million new TB cases every year... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

[Review] Fact and fiction in tuberculosis vaccine research: 10 years later

The Lancet Infectious Diseases — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:40:19 +0100

SummaryTuberculosis is one of the most deadly infectious diseases. The situation is worsening because of co-infection with HIV and increased occurrence of drug resistance. Although the BCG vaccine has been in use for 90 years, protection is insufficient; new vaccine candidates are therefore needed. 12 potential vaccines have gone into clinical trials. Ten are aimed at prevention of tuberculosis and, of these, seven are subunit vaccines either as adjuvanted or viral-vectored antigens. These vaccines would be boosters of BCG-prime vaccination. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)

Aeras and China National Biotech Group sign memorandum of understanding for TB vaccine R&D

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation) Aeras and the China National Biotech Group today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the organizations to pursue opportunities to jointly develop tuberculosis vaccines in China and potentially other parts of the world. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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BCG vaccine: BCGosis in a child with chronic granulomatous disease: case report

Reactions — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:59:43 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Co‐administration of rectal BCG and Autoclaved Leishmania major (ALM) induce protection in susceptible BALB/c mice

Parasite Immunology — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 05:49:33 +0100

In conclusion, the results of the our study indicated that co‐administration of rectal BCG and ALM induced protective type 1 immune responses against L. major infection. This safe and effective mucosal vaccine could be useful in prevention of human leishmaniasis infections. (Source: Parasite Immunology)

BCG vaccine: Injection site reactions in infants and children treated with topical steroids: 4 case reports

Reactions — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:58:58 +0100

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Spontaneous corneal perforation as the presenting feature of systemic tuberculosis

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We describe eight patients presenting with peripheral corneal perforation, in whom coexisting systemic tuberculosis was detected at presentation. Of these patients, seven were in the paediatric age group and one was a female patient aged 40 years. Three cases were bilateral (all in paediatric patients). On examination a paralimbal perforation was present in all eyes measuring 1.5–2.5 mmx3.0–3.5 mm along the orthogonal meridians (figure 1A,B). There were no signs of infectious keratitis. The corneal thickness was normal in the remaining cornea. On systemic examination, five children had enlarged cervical lymph nodes and two had matted nodes. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the enlarged nodes revealed caseating necrotising granulomatous inflammation suggestive of ...

Evaluation of cell-mediated immune responses to two BCG vaccination regimes in young children in South Korea.

Vaccine — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lee H, Cho SN, Kim HJ, Anh YM, Choi JE, Kim CH, Ock PJ, Oh SH, Kim DR, Floyd S, Dockrell HM Children in South Korea are vaccinated with either BCG Pasteur vaccine intradermally (ID), or with BCG Tokyo vaccine given by multipuncture device (MP). Data from a recent national survey indicated that in children under 6 years old, 31.1% had received the ID vaccine and 64.5% the MP vaccine. To compare the T cell responses induced by the two vaccines, children aged 3-7 were recruited and tested for tuberculin skin test reactivity and for in vitro IFN-γ responses to mycobacterial antigens. DTH responses were not significantly different in children vaccinated by either the ID or MP vaccines. PPD-induced IFN-γ was measured in supernatants of 6-day diluted whole blood cultures. IFN-γ pr...

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Diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases: use of TNF-alpha-targeting biological products

Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:37:28 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Determining the profile of candidates for TNF-α inhibitor use is important for the management of LTB treatment and for the establishment of clinical protocols for the use and monitoring of the use of these medications (Source: Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia)

Reduced TH1/TH17 CD4 T-cell numbers are associated with impaired purified protein derivative–specific cytokine responses in patients with HIV-1 infection

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Selective loss of TH1/TH17 cells may be a risk factor for the development of active tuberculosis in patients with HIV-1 infection and might be a useful biomarker in the development of tuberculosis vaccines. (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

Interferon gamma release assay in diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis: a meta‐analysis

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractAlthough interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) have been widely used for the diagnosis of latent and active tuberculosis in adults, a relative lack of validation studies in children has led to caution in their clinical interpretation. This meta‐analysis systematically evaluated two IGRAs (ELISA and ELISPOT) and the tuberculin skin test (TST). We searched databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid) between January 2000 and January 2011 using search terms of latent tuberculosis infection or tuberculosis and interferon gamma release assay, or T‐SPOT.TB test, or QuantiFERON‐TBGold, or ESAT‐6, or CFP‐10, and child, or childhood, or pediatrics. We also collected data by performing a manual search of references from relevant articles and communicating with selected authors. The meta‐a...

Patterns of in vitro cell-death, metaloproteinase-9 and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human monocytes induced by the BCG vaccine, Moreau strain.

Vaccine — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Simas CJ, Silva DP, Ponte CG, Castello-Branco LR, Antas PR Mononuclear cells have been implicated in the primary inflammatory response against mycobacteria. Yet, little is known about the interaction of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) with human monocytes. Here, we investigated the potential of BCG Moreau strain to induce in vitro specific cell-death utilizing a flow cytometry approach that revealed an increase in apoptosis events in BCG-stimulated monocytes from healthy adults. We also detected a concomitant release of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), but not metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. In addition, annexin V-propidium iodide double staining demonstrated an enhancement of monocytes necrosis, but not apoptosis, following B...

Double‐ and monofunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis DosR antigens and peptides in long‐term latently infected individuals

European Journal of Immunology — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractMore than 2 billion individuals are latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Knowledge of the key Mtb antigens and responding T‐cell subsets mediating protection against Mtb is critical for developing improved TB vaccines. We previously reported that Mtb DosR‐regulon encoded antigens are recognized well by human T‐cells in association with control of Mtb infection. The characteristics of the responding T‐cell subsets, however, remained unidentified. We have therefore studied the cytokine‐production and memory phenotypes of Mtb DosR‐regulon encoded antigen specific T‐cells from individuals who had been infected with Mtb decades ago, yet never developed TB (ltLTBI). Using multi‐parameter flow cytometry and intracellular cytokine staining for IFN‐γ, ...

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BCG vaccine: Skin reaction following accidental injection: case report

Reactions — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 18:34:01 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Interferon gamma release assay in diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis:a meta‐analysis

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

ConclusionIn the diagnosis of active TB in children, TST and IGRA tests have similar sensitivity. On the other hand, the specificity of IGRA is far greater than TST, particularly in children with previous BCG vaccination. (Source: FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology)

Global Update: Gambia: Gambia: Tuberculosis Booster Shot’s Effectiveness May Complicate Vaccination Schedules

NYT Health — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:40:05 +0100

An experimental tuberculosis shot for children works best when it is not given with other vaccines, a new study has found. (Source: NYT Health)

Global Update: Gambia: Tuberculosis Booster Shot’s Effectiveness May Complicate Vaccination Schedules

NYT Health — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:15:27 +0100

An experimental tuberculosis shot for children works best when it is not given with other vaccines, a new study has found. (Source: NYT Health)

BCG vaccine: Fatal tuberculous osteomyelitis in an infant: case report

Reactions — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:24:12 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

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Specific substance of Maruyama (SSM) suppresses immune responses in atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in DS-Nh mice by modulating dendritic cell functions

Journal of Dermatological Science — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: SSM enhanced IL-12 production, but suppressed TSLP expression, resulting in a shift from Th2 to Th1 responses. This shift suppressed AD-like skin lesions in a similar fashion as the BCG vaccine. Therefore, SSM may be a useful adjuvant for suppressing skin lesions in AD models. (Source: Journal of Dermatological Science)

Cure for Type 1 diabetes?

Health News - UPI.com — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 14:22:29 +0100

BOSTON, June 25 (UPI) -- Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston say it may be possible to reverse Type 1 diabetes with an existing and inexpensive tuberculosis vaccine. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Low-cost vaccine could reverse juvenile diabetes

CTV Health — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:39:02 +0100

A low-cost tuberculosis vaccine that's been in use for decades could get new life as a treatment for juvenile diabetes -- with preliminary research showing it could reverse the disease. (Source: CTV Health)

The Challenges Faced Introducing New TB Vaccine Into Childhood Immunization Schedule

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:00:00 +0100

A new vaccine to combat tuberculosis is less effective at stimulating an immune response when administered to Gambian infants in combination with the routine immunisation schedule, according to clinical trial results published today Science Translational Medicine. The findings may have important implications for designing the most effective immunisation schedules for children, and also for the design of future clinical trials of the new vaccine... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Trial of new TB vaccine raises questions on timing

Reuters: Health — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:02:38 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - A new vaccine designed to fight tuberculosis is less effective when given alongside shots for other diseases, a study has found, suggesting child immunization programs in developing countries may need a rethink. (Source: Reuters: Health)

[Interferon-gamma assays T-SPOT.TB for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection.]

Pneumonologia i Alergologia Polska — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:15:08 +0100

Conclusions: T-SPOT.TB offers a more accurate approach than TST for identification tuberculosis infection. The study shows that the test T-SPOT.TB is a good diagnostic tool in identifying persons with tuberculosis infection. For full confirmation of this assessment, it is necessary to examine more cases. Pneumonol. Alergol. Pol. 2011; 79, 4: 264-271. PMID: 21678276 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Pneumonologia i Alergologia Polska)

BCG vaccine: Lymphadenitis in infants: 11 case reports

Reactions — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:21:55 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

[New antituberculosis vaccines.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Locht C, Rouanet C Today, only one type of vaccine is available to protect against tuberculosis. This vaccine, called Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) was developed approximately 100years ago and has been administered at least 3billion times. Initial multicenter studies have indicated an up to 93% efficacy against childhood tuberculosis mortality. Subsequently, many studies on BCG efficacy have been carried out, with highly variable results, ranging from 0 to 90% efficacy. The reasons for this heterogeneity are not well understood. Large clinical studies have shown that booster vaccinations with BCG do not improve the BCG efficacy. Therefore, new vaccines are urgently needed. Today, there are essentially two lines of efforts being pursued in several laboratories. One of them ai...

Short-course Chemotherapy with TMC-207 and Rifapentine in a Murine Model of Latent Tuberculosis Infection.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: TMC207 has substantial sterilizing activity and may enable treatment of DR-LTBI in 3-4 months. PMID: 21659613 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)

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The Challenges Of Developing New Tuberculosis Vaccines [Fighting Critical Diseases]

Health Affairs — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The World Health Organization estimates that tuberculosis is causing nearly two million deaths annually, mostly in developing countries. Widespread administration of the current tuberculosis vaccine to newborns is not a reliable route for preventing the disease in adults, the population that drives the epidemic. Several new vaccine candidates are in development, and a few have entered clinical trials. However, the field faces formidable scientific and policy challenges. A collaborative approach to solving scientific, policy, and resource obstacles—as well as new partnerships among emerging economies and vaccine development organizations—will be critical to developing a new tuberculosis vaccine that could achieve its public health potential to save lives and reduce the burden of...

BCG vaccine: Lymphadenitis in infants: 6 case reports

Reactions — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 19:54:23 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Lack of correlation between BCG-induced tuberculin skin test sensitisation and protective immunity in cattle.

Vaccine — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Whelan AO, Coad M, Upadhyay BL, Clifford DJ, Hewinson RG, Vordermeier HM Vaccination of cattle with Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) can provide significant protection against bovine tuberculosis (TB). However, BCG vaccination sensitises animals to respond to the tuberculin skin-test. This provides a potential operational impediment to the use of BCG as a cattle vaccine since the tuberculin skin-test is the primary surveillance tool used by many countries with 'test and slaughter' control strategies. Currently, it is also unclear what BCG-induced skin-test conversion means in respects to BCG's protective immunity. In the current study we first investigated the duration of tuberculin skin-test sensitisation in calves neonatally vaccinated with BCG. BCG vaccina...

Characteristics of children with positive tuberculin skin test.

Tuberkuloz ve Toraks — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Babayiğit Hocaoğlu A, Olmez Erge D, Anal O, Makay B, Uzuner N, Karaman O The aim of the study was to define the characteristics of children with latent tuberculosis diagnosed with positive tuberculin skin test (TST) and evaluate potential risk factors in children with positive TST. Children followed with the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection were included in the study retrospectively. Demographic characteristics of patients including history of atopy, respiratory infections, family history of tuberculosis and atopy, number of BCG vaccinations, findings of physical examination and laboratory data were extracted from patient's file. Eighty-one children (51 male, 30 female) who had positive TST were retrospectively evaluated in the study. Mean age of the patients was 8...

QuantiFERON-TB Gold test for screening latent tuberculosis infection in hemodialysis patients.

Tuberkuloz ve Toraks — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sayarlıoğlu H, Gül M, Eren Dağlı C, Doğan E, Sahin M, Uçar MA, Köksal N, Sayarlıoğlu M, Tahta MK Hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) compared with the general population. QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) for LTBI detection is more promising than tuberculin skin test (TST) in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study is to determine whether the QFT-G is more sensitive than the TST in hemodialysis patients in LTBI. Eighty nine hemodialysis patients were evaluated for latent tuberculosis infection with the TST and QFT-G. Blood was obtained for QFT-G, and then TST was administered to all patients. Demographic information, laboratory tests, chest radiography results and BCG vaccination status were collected on standardized pat...

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Cost Effectiveness of Interferon Gamma Release Assays vs. Tuberculin Skin Tests in Healthcare Workers

American Journal of Infection Control — Mon, 30 May 2011 17:34:46 +0100

A cost benefit analysis project using interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) as an alternative to tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) for screening healthcare workers for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis (TB) disease showed an improved accuracy of results. In 2001, the FDA approved the use of IGRAs as an aid for screening latent and active TB. IGRAs detect the release of IFN-y from lymphocytes of sensitized persons when their blood is incubated with peptide mixtures stimulating two TB proteins called ESAT-6 and CFP-10. These proteins are secreted by all M. tuberculosis and pathogenic M. bovis strains, but are absent from all BCG vaccine strains and commonly encountered non-tuberculosis mycobacterium. In our facility, there are approximately 200 employees who are requi...

Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin as a Vaccine Vector for Global Infectious Disease Control

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Tue, 24 May 2011 14:03:46 +0100

Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the only available vaccine for tuberculosis (TB). Although this vaccine is effective in controlling infantile TB, BCG-induced protective effects against pulmonary diseases in adults have not been clearly demonstrated. Recombinant BCG (rBCG) technology has been extensively applied to obtain more potent immunogenicity of this vaccine, and several candidate TB vaccines have currently reached human clinical trials. On the other hand, recent progress in the improvement of the BCG vector, such as the codon optimization strategy and combination with viral vector boost, allows us to utilize this bacterium in HIV vaccine development. In this paper, we review recent progress in rBCG-based vaccine studies that may have implications in the deve...

Barriers to implementation of the new targeted BCG vaccination in France: A cross sectional study.

Vaccine — Fri, 20 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rossignol L, Guthmann JP, Kernéis S, Aubin-Auger I, Lasserre A, Chauvin P, Pelat C, Hanslik T, Lévy-Bruhl D, Blanchon T The aim of the study was to assess factors influencing BCG vaccination among targeted children after the end of universal and mandatory BCG vaccination in France. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009 among general practitioners (GPs) of the French Sentinel Network. With the participation of 358 physician-investigators, 920 children were included. Of the 261 children (31%) identified to be at risk of tuberculosis, only 113 (44%) were vaccinated. The median number of French criteria for BCG vaccination correctly cited by the GPs was 3 of the existing 6. Of the 10 proposed, a median number of 5 regions in the world according to their level of tubercul...

BCG vaccine: Tuberculous lymphadenitis in infants: 9 case reports

Reactions — Wed, 18 May 2011 17:09:57 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

A mycolic acid-specific CD1-restricted T cell population contributes to acute and memory immune responses in human tuberculosis infection

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Mon, 16 May 2011 18:24:11 +0100

Current tuberculosis (TB) vaccine strategies are largely aimed at activating conventional T cell responses to mycobacterial protein antigens. However, the lipid-rich cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is essential for pathogenicity and provides targets for unconventional T cell recognition. Group 1 CD1–restricted T cells recognize mycobacterial lipids, but their function in human TB is unclear and their ability to establish memory is unknown. Here, we characterized T cells specific for mycolic acid (MA), the predominant mycobacterial cell wall lipid and key virulence factor, in patients with active TB infection. MA-specific T cells were predominant in TB patients at diagnosis, but were absent in uninfected bacillus Calmette-Guérin–vaccinated (...

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Assessing BCG vaccination coverage and incidence of paediatric tuberculosis following two major changes in BCG vaccination policy in France.

Euro Surveill — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:30:03 +0100

Authors: Guthmann J, Antoine D, Fonteneau L, Che D, Levy-Bruhl D PMID: 21457685 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Assessing the effect of foreign travel and protection by BCG vaccination on the spread of tuberculosis in a low incidence country, United Kingdom, October 2008 to December 2009.

Euro Surveill — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:30:03 +0100

Authors: Abubakar I, Matthews T, Harmer D, Okereke E, Crawford K, Hall T, Collyns T, Smith G, Barrett A, Baugh S PMID: 21457684 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Serendipity Leads To Lifesaving Discovery

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:00:00 +0100

About two years ago, Dr. Philippe Gros, a McGill University professor in the Department of Biochemistry and a Principal Investigator in thd McGill Life Sciences Complex, described a mouse mutant that was immunodeficient and hypersensitive to the Bacille Calmette-GuÃ©rin (BCG) vaccine and to tuberculosis (TB). In this model, Gros's team had found that the immunodeficiency was caused by a mutation in a regulatory protein of the immune system named IRF8... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Interferon-γ release assay in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in arthritis patients treated with tumor necrosis factor antagonists in Korea

Clinical Rheumatology — Tue, 10 May 2011 06:02:28 +0100

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in arthritis patients who received tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist in Korea. The study involved 107 consecutive patients: 61 (57%) with ankylosing spondylitis and 46 (43%) with rheumatoid arthritis. Screening tests were performed including the tuberculin skin test (TST), the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-IT) test, and chest radiography. A positive QFT-IT test result, regardless of TST results, was considered an indication for LTBI treatment. If the QFT-IT results were indeterminate, a positive TST was regarded as an indication for LTBI treatment. A Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) scar was found in 63 pat...

Overexpression of Rv3097c in Mycobacterium bovis BCG abolished the efficacy of BCG vaccine to protect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice.

Vaccine — Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion this is the first experimental report to show that immunogenicity of BCG vaccine was impaired by LipY-induced hydrolysis of specific lipids leading to suppression of host immune responses. PMID: 21565242 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

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Extended safety and efficacy studies of a live attenuated double leucine and pantothenate auxotroph of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a vaccine candidate.

Vaccine — Tue, 03 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sampson SL, Mansfield KG, Carville A, Magee DM, Quitugua T, Howerth EW, Bloom BR, Hondalus MK We have previously described the development of a live, fully attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) vaccine candidate strain with two independent attenuating auxotrophic mutations in leucine and pantothenate biosynthesis. In the present work, those studies have been extended to include testing for protective efficacy in a long-term guinea pig survival model and safety testing in the highly tuberculosis susceptible Rhesus macaque. To model the safety of the ΔleuD ΔpanCD strain in HIV-infected human populations, a Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected Rhesus macaque group was included. Immunization with the non-replicating ΔleuD ΔpanCD conferred long-term protection aga...

Improved formulation and lyophilization cycle for rBCG vaccine.

Vaccine — Tue, 03 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jin TH, Nguyen L, Qu T, Tsao E To improve the conventional BCG vaccine in cake appearance and integrity, a new formulation with corresponding freeze drying cycle was developed for a recombinant BCG vaccine. The new formulation contains mannitol as a bulking agent, and trehalose, sucrose and sodium glutamate as stabilizers. The formulation and freeze drying cycle were tested with different super cooling rates and secondary drying temperatures, with or without an annealing process. Thermodynamic behavior was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Varying the secondary drying temperature and presence/absence of an annealing step caused marked differences in cake thermodynamic profiles irrespective of different cooling rates. The annealing process allowed eff...

Oxford-Emergent Tuberculosis Consortium Vaccinates Last Infant In Phase IIb Clinical Trial

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:00:00 +0100

Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that its joint venture with the University of Oxford (Oxford), the Oxford-Emergent Tuberculosis Consortium (OETC), has vaccinated the last of the 2,784 infants in its Phase IIb efficacy trial evaluating MVA85A, the world's most clinically advanced tuberculosis (TB) vaccine in development. This clinical trial in Worcester, South Africa, is being conducted by the University of Cape Town's South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), in partnership with Aeras, the clinical sponsor of the study, and the Wellcome Trust... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Disseminated BCG as a unique feature of an infant with severe combined immunodeficiency.

The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics — Sun, 01 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This report emphasizes the importance of lymphadenopathy as a sentinel sign of immunological disorders. Underlying immunodeficiency diseases such as SCID should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an infant with infections and lymphadenopathy, particularly in the regions with routine national Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. PMID: 21980818 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics)

A Brief History of Tuberculosis in Iran during the 19th and 20th Centuries.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Azizi MH, Bahadori M The history of tuberculosis as a worldwide fatal illness traces back to antiquity, a well-known disease in ancient civilizations. However, its causative agent remained unidentified until the last decades of the 19th century, when discovered by Robert Koch. In due course, preparation of the BCG vaccine, application of the Mantoux intradermal diagnostic tuberculosis test and administration of proper antituberculosis medications eventually controlled tuberculosis. However, despite these significant advancements tuberculosis remained uneradicated, particularly in developing countries after the emergence of both multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV co-infection. Presented here, is a brief review of the history of tuberculosis in the world as well as its his...

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Comparison of QuantiFERON-TB Gold and the tuberculin skin test for detecting previous tuberculosis infection evaluated by chest CT findings in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis patients

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:42:22 +0100

Abstract The aim of the study was to compare the usefulness of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-2G) with that of the tuberculin skin test (TST) for detecting previous infection of tuberculosis (TB) in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Before receiving biologic therapy, 97 RA patients were divided into two groups based on their chest computed tomography (CT) findings: the TB past infection group (n = 48), with old inflammatory changes due to prior pulmonary TB; and the non-TB infection group (n = 49), without such findings. The QFT-2G was not affected by methotrexate or prednisolone. Indeterminate results with a positive control had a low incidence (5.2%). A positive QFT-2G for the TB past infection group at cutoffs of 0.35 and 0.1 IU/ml (inter...

The PE and PPE proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: India already has earned the dubious distinction of being one of the countries with the highest incidence of tuberculosis (TB). The conventional control measures have had little impact on the relentless march of the TB epidemic. Potential solutions to this problem include the development of new drugs and an effective TB vaccine. In this perspective, identification of the mycobacterial components that have important role(s) in the establishment of the infection assumes crucial importance. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an intracellular pathogen and it resides inside the macrophage, which is considered to be the most important component of the immune system. M. tuberculosis possesses two highly polymorphic sets of genes called the PE and PPE families. These unique families of protei...

[Editorial] The worldwide epidemic of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

The Lancet Infectious Diseases — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:36:27 +0100

WHO estimates that a third of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In 2009, there were almost 9 million new cases of tuberculosis and the disease killed almost 1 million people around the world. Since the discovery of the BCG vaccine, and the development of new antibiotics in the 1950s, the incidence of tuberculosis has fallen substantially. From 1995 to 2009, about 49 million people received treatment for the disease, 41 million of whom were cured, saving up to 6 million. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)

Lactoferrin Augmentation of the BCG Vaccine Leads to Increased Pulmonary Integrity

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:56:40 +0100

The goal of vaccination to prevent tuberculosis disease (TB) is to offer long-term protection to the individual and the community. In addition, the success of any protective TB vaccine should include the ability to limit cavitary formation and disease progression. The current BCG vaccine protects against disseminated TB disease in children by promoting development of antigenic-specific responses. However, its efficacy is limited in preventing postprimary pulmonary disease in adults that is responsible for the majority of disease and transmission. This paper illustrates the use of lactoferrin as an adjuvant to boost efficacy of the BCG vaccine to control organism growth and limit severe manifestation of pulmonary disease. This resulting limitation in pathology may ultimately, limit spread o...

Correction: Modified vaccinia Ankara‐expressing Ag85A, a novel tuberculosis vaccine, is safe in adolescents and children, and induces polyfunctional CD4+ T cells

European Journal of Immunology — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:57:45 +0100

(Source: European Journal of Immunology)

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Cost-effectiveness of Novel Vaccines for Tuberculosis Control: A Decision Analysis Study

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:19:35 +0100

Can a new and improved tuberculosis vaccine help to curb the rise of the disease? BMC Public Health (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

TB screening assessed

NHS News Feed — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:42:00 +0100

Conclusion Until recently, it has been unclear of who best to screen for latent TB. This research supports recent decisions made by NICE regarding how to screen and adds to the evidence on who, from a cost-effectiveness perspective, it might be best to target. This was clearly an area that needed research, as the screening for active TB using a chest X-ray was not effective at identifying latent TB. There are several points the researchers make about their research: UK national policy from NICE since 2006 specifies that immigrants who intend to stay in the UK for more than six months need to be identified at their port of entry, and those from certain countries with normal chest X-rays need screening for latent TB. This includes children aged less than 16 years from countries with a tub...

The Clinical Utility of Tuberculin Skin Test and Interferon-gamma Release Assay in the Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis among Young Adults : a prospective observational study

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Both the TST and QFT-IT showed high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating active TB from other diseases. The diagnostic accuracy of these two tests did not differ significantly when applied to this clinical population of young, immunocompetent adults in whom neonatal BCG vaccination was common, there was no history of previous TB and in whom suspicion of TB was high.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT00982969 (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

BCG vaccine: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex bacteraemia in infants: 4 case reports

Reactions — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:06:15 +0100

(Source: Reactions)