Changes in age related seroprevalence of antibody to varicella zoster virus: impact on vaccine strategy

Kudesia, Goura; Partridge, Susan; Farrington, C.; Soltanpoor, N

doi:10.1136/jcp.55.2.154

Cited by 40 publications

(26 citation statements)

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“…The seroprevalence rate for VZV varies among different populations, and lower prevalence rates have generally been observed in tropical versus temperate climates (9,21,26,27). Over the past 25 years, there has been an evident increase in VZV seroprevalence among children 1 to 4 years of age in the United Kingdom (21). In Finland, VZV has become the agent most frequently associated with central nervous system infections, particularly encephalitis, for all age groups (18,22).…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Varicella vaccine use in Finland is currently limited to children with recognized immunosuppression due to leukemia, bone marrow transplant, et cetera. The seroprevalence rate for VZV varies among different populations, and lower prevalence rates have generally been observed in tropical versus temperate climates (9,21,26,27). Over the past 25 years, there has been an evident increase in VZV seroprevalence among children 1 to 4 years of age in the United Kingdom (21).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Genotypic Analysis of Varicella-Zoster Virus and Its Seroprevalence in Finland

Koskiniemi

Lappalainen

Schmid

et al. 2007

Clin Vaccine Immunol

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We evaluated the seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the Finnish population among various age groups and genetically characterized VZV strains from documented cases of varicella and zoster. VZV-specific immunoglobulin G was measured in 2,842 serum samples that had been submitted for virological studies to the Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, from 1995 to 1996. Specimens for VZV genotyping were obtained from vesicular lesions from two pediatric patients and 26 adult patients. Seroprevalence to VZV varied markedly by age: 45% in children aged <2 months, 12.5% in children aged 6 to 8 months, and >90% in children near 10 years of age, plateauing thereafter into advanced age. The seroprevalence rates indicate that in Finland, as in other countries with temperate climates, primary VZV infection usually occurs during the first decade of life. Twenty-eight VZV DNA-positive specimens were analyzed to identify VZV vaccine and wild-type genotypes. All analyzed specimens were wild type and the European (E) genotype.Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a common, globally distributed virus that causes chickenpox upon primary infection; it is normally associated with a generalized vesicular rash but may rarely occur without obvious dermal lesions. VZV establishes lifelong latency upon first infection and can reactivate, usually in the elderly, to cause shingles (herpes zoster) (2,12,13,15,34). Patient age is often related to disease severity, with the greatest risk occurring among the very young and very old; immunocompromised persons are also at elevated risk for severe disease (7,11,14). Varicella vaccine use in Finland is currently limited to children with recognized immunosuppression due to leukemia, bone marrow transplant, et cetera. The seroprevalence rate for VZV varies among different populations, and lower prevalence rates have generally been observed in tropical versus temperate climates (9,21,26,27). Over the past 25 years, there has been an evident increase in VZV seroprevalence among children 1 to 4 years of age in the United Kingdom (21). In Finland, VZV has become the agent most frequently associated with central nervous system infections, particularly encephalitis, for all age groups (18,22). Currently, several methods are being used to identify and genotype VZV strains. A variety of methods have been explored for genotyping VZV both to discern strain variation and to discriminate vaccine strains from wild-type isolates (3,4,6,8,10,16,18,23,24,31,36).We developed a novel strategy for VZV genotyping based on the complete sequencing of a short region in open reading frame 22 (ORF22) using material obtained directly from clinical samples (29). By sequencing a collection of 321 contemporary VZV isolates representing multiple countries and six continents, we sorted strains into three discrete geographically associated genotypes: E (European), J (Japanese), and M (mosaic). M strains were dominant in tropical latitudes, and J and E VZV isolates prevail in temperate climate latitudes (29). Genot...

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confidence: 99%

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Genotypic Analysis of Varicella-Zoster Virus and Its Seroprevalence in Finland

Koskiniemi

Lappalainen

Schmid

et al. 2007

Clin Vaccine Immunol

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“…Turkey and Italy have a slightly lower incidence in childhood, the reasons for which are not clear, but this may be related to higher ambient temperatures or differences in the pattern of child care. In some European countries, like the UK and Belgium, the incidence appears to be increasing in young children aged between 1 and 4 years [7,40,66]. This may be related to earlier commencement and higher rates of day-care attendance seen in these countries [51,66].…”

Section: Epidemiology Of Vzv In Europementioning

confidence: 98%

“…More than 90% of European children contract chickenpox in the first 10-12 years of life [1,27,37,38,40,58,66,74]. Age-specific VZV seroprevalence rates in European countries are shown in Fig.…”

Section: Epidemiology Of Vzv In Europementioning

confidence: 99%

Varicella vaccination in Europe: are we ready for a universal childhood programme?

et al. 2007

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Safe and effective vaccines against varicella zoster virus (VZV), the aetiological agent of varicella and shingles, have been available in Europe for the last 5-10 years. The USA has had a universal childhood vaccination policy since 1995 and this has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the incidence, morbidity and mortality related to varicella. The economic and medical burden of VZV has led to discussions regarding both the desirability and feasibility of a similar routine immunisation policy for all European children. This article examines the epidemiology of varicella in Europe and how the data emerging from the USA can be used to achieve adequate prevention of the disease. It looks into the current evidence of the health economic evaluation of universal varicella vaccination and explores the concerns surrounding such a policy, including the postulated impact on the incidence of zoster. In conclusion, the Society of Independent European Vaccination Experts (SIEVE) recommends that the immunisation of susceptible adolescents needs to be urgently implemented, in addition to the current recommendations targeting high-risk patients, their close contacts with a negative history of varicella and seronegative health-care workers. A universal policy, optimally incorporating a two-dose schedule, will be needed to finally reduce the burden of disease of varicella from a societal point of view. The SIEVE recommends the implementation of such a policy as soon as financially and practically possible.

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“…There are eight human herpesviruses and almost all adults are infected with at least one of these viruses [96][97][98][99][100][101][102]. Antiviral therapy is of great importance as herpesvirus infection in immunocompromised patients can evoke cancer or encephalitis and, therefore, death.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assemblins as maturational proteases in herpesviruses

Zühlsdorf

Hinrichs

2017

Journal of General Virology

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During assembly of herpesvirus capsids, a protein scaffold self-assembles to ring-like structures forming the scaffold of the spherical procapsids. Proteolytic activity of the herpesvirus maturational protease causes structural changes that result in angularization of the capsids. In those mature icosahedral capsids, the packaging of viral DNA into the capsids can take place. The strictly regulated protease is called assemblin. It is inactive in its monomeric state and activated by dimerization. The structures of the dimeric forms of several assemblins from all herpesvirus subfamilies have been elucidated in the last two decades. They revealed a unique serine-protease fold with a catalytic triad consisting of a serine and two histidines. Inhibitors that disturb dimerization by binding to the dimerization area were found recently. Additionally, the structure of the monomeric form of assemblin from pseudorabies virus and some monomer-like structures of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus assemblin were solved. These findings are the proof-of-principle for the development of new anti-herpesvirus drugs. Therefore, the most important information on this fascinating and unique class of proteases is summarized here.

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Changes in age related seroprevalence of antibody to varicella zoster virus: impact on vaccine strategy

Abstract: A universal childhood VZV vaccination strategy will need to take account of the increase in incidence of VZV infection in children under the age of 4 years; hence, the suggested target age would be between 12 and 18 months---soon after the disappearance of maternal antibody.

Cited by 40 publications

References 8 publications

Genotypic Analysis of Varicella-Zoster Virus and Its Seroprevalence in Finland

Genotypic Analysis of Varicella-Zoster Virus and Its Seroprevalence in Finland

Varicella vaccination in Europe: are we ready for a universal childhood programme?

Assemblins as maturational proteases in herpesviruses

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