Evaluation of the potency and safety of inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine in US inhabitants

Article Abstract:

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease which exists throughout southeast Asia, and recently large epidemics have been appearing in the northern parts of southeast Asia. Americans travelling in regions of high prevalence should be immunized against this potentially fatal disease. The BIKEN JE vaccine, produced in Japan, was not approved for use in the United States. However, an exemption has been obtained so that the BIKEN JE vaccine can be evaluated as an investigational new drug. The results of this evaluation have shown that immunization according to the manufacturer's instructions does not produce satisfactory immunity against Japanese encephalitis. After two inoculations given one to two weeks apart (the recommended procedure), only 77 percent of the recipients developed antibody titers over eight, a relatively low titer. However, when three doses were given one to two weeks apart, 99 percent of the recipients developed the same titers. Furthermore, when subjects received their third inoculation 6 to 12 months after the first two, all the recipients attained antibody titers greater than 16. The adverse reactions were similar to those common among many vaccines: tenderness at the injection site, redness or swelling, headache, dizziness, fatigue, chills, and fever. The results indicate that the BIKEN JE vaccine is effective, and should be recommended to Americans travelling to regions of high risk, but that three injections are required to assure adequate immunity. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Travel, Brain, Inflammation, Asia, Southeastern

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Potential for insect transmission of HIV: experimental exposure of Cimex hemipterus and Toxorhynchites amboinensis to human immunodeficiency virus

Article Abstract:

The principal modes of transmission currently accepted for the HIV viruses are prenatal exposure, sexual contact and contact with virus-contaminated blood products. The potential for virus transmission via blood-feeding insects exists, provided virus replication can occur within the insect tissues, particularly the salivary glands. No reports have been published that suggest the biologic transmission of human retroviruses. Successful transfer of virus infection usually is associated with a high titer (concentration) of virus particles in donor blood. The titers of HIV virus particles in infected humans are usually lower than the amounts required for mechanical transmission via insect bites. Bedbugs (Cimex hemipterus), because of their size and the volume of their blood meal, and mosquitoes (Toxorhynchites amboinensis), because of their known ability to support other mosquito-transmitted viruses, were selected for this study. HIV was detected, but no replication was detected in bedbugs fed blood meals. Some virus persistence was noted on bedbug mouthparts, but neither insect, infected mechanically by injection, possessed the ability to support virus replication. Based on these studies, the transmission of HIV via insect bites does not appear to be a health concern. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

HIV (Viruses), HIV, Disease transmission, Insects, Diseases and pests, Insects as carriers of disease

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Adjuvant effect of human growth hormone with an inactivated Flavivirus vaccine

Article Abstract:

Vaccines that are made of inactivated virus have been effective in controlling viral infections. However, inoculation with inactivated viral vaccines must be repeated to ensure sufficient protection. In developing countries, persons at risk of developing viral disease often do not have easy access to health care facilities for repetitive vaccination. A preparation that requires only one dose of vaccine may be more appropriate for these populations. Human growth hormone (HGH) was combined with an inactivated vaccine preparation against tick-borne encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. The combined formulation consists of HGH and viral antigens, elements of the virus that are capable of triggering an immune response. The antigens are bound to a matrix, or support structure, containing aluminum hydroxide. Exposure to viral antigens results in the proliferation, or rapid growth, of immune T cells. HGH may act by enhancing T cell proliferation, which occurs as part of the immune response to the viral antigens. A single dose of vaccine containing the combined formulation was shown to be effective in a mouse model. HGH can now be produced in large amounts, and may be useful in increasing the effectiveness of various vaccines. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Vaccines, Somatotropin

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