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SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Epidemiology, Burden of Disease, and Preventive Measures

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A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 12351

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marco Del Riccio

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Guest Editor

Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Interests: SARS-CoV-2; human influenza; respiratory syncytial virus; respiratory infections; epidemiology; public health; vaccines; vaccination strategies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. William John Paget

*

Guest Editor

Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), 3513 Utrecht, The Netherlands
Interests: SARS-CoV-2; human influenza; respiratory syncytial virus; epidemiology
* We dedicate the memory of the editor, William John Paget, who passed away during this special issue period.
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Saverio Caini

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Guest Editor

Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), 3513 Utrecht, The Netherlands
Interests: epidemiology; SARS-CoV-2; human influenza; respiratory syncytial virus; respiratory infections; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Respiratory viruses are among the most frequent causative agents of disease in humans, with substantial impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, little is known about the real burden of disease of many infections caused by respiratory viruses. Moreover, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have reported historically low circulation, and whether viruses such as influenza and RSV will have a usual circulation in the future is still uncertain. Finally, the current pandemic has greatly accelerated advances in preventive measure research, especially vaccines, vaccine production, and vaccination strategies.

This Special Issue of Vaccines on “SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, and Other Respiratory Viruses: Epidemiology, Burden of Disease, and Preventive Measures” aims to achieve a more extensive understanding of recent scientific knowledge and current trends around the epidemiology, the burden of disease, and the preventive measures of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other respiratory viruses. Research and review papers, as well as viewpoints, are welcome.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Diseases.

Dr. Marco Del Riccio
Dr. William John Paget
Dr. Saverio Caini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

respiratory
viruses
SARS-CoV-2
human influenza
respiratory syncytial virus
vaccines
vaccination strategies
epidemiology
burden of disease

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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15 pages, 1161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunogenicity and Safety of SARS-CoV-2 Protein Subunit Recombinant Vaccine (IndoVac^®) as a Heterologous Booster Dose against COVID-19 in Indonesian Adolescents

by Eddy Fadlyana, Kusnandi Rusmil, Muhammad Gilang Dwi Putra, Frizka Primadewi Fulendry, Nitta Kurniati Somantri, Alvira Dwilestarie Putri, Rini Mulia Sari, Mita Puspita and Gianita Puspita Dewi

Vaccines 2024, 12(8), 938; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12080938 - 22 Aug 2024

Viewed by 554

Abstract

Adolescents are vulnerable to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections; thus, their antibodies should be maintained above the protective value. This study aimed to evaluate the immune response and safety to the SARS-CoV-2 protein subunit recombinant vaccine (IndoVac^®) as a heterologous booster dose against COVID-19 in Indonesian adolescents. This open-label prospective intervention study enrolled 150 clinically healthy adolescents aged 12–17 years who had received complete primary doses of the CoronaVac^® vaccine from Garuda Primary Care Centres in Bandung City. The result of immunogenicity was presented with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and analyzed with t-tests from 14 days and 3, 6, and 12 months. The neutralizing antibody geometric mean titers (GMTs) (IU/mL) at baseline and 14 days after booster dose were 303.26 and 2661.2, respectively. The geometric mean fold rises (GMFR) at 3, 6, and 12 months after booster dose were 6.67 (5.217–8.536), 3.87 (3.068–4.886), and 2.87 (2.232–3.685), respectively. Both the neutralizing antibody and IgG antibody were markedly higher in the adolescents than in the adults at every timepoint. The incidence rate of adverse effects (AEs) until 28 days after booster dose was 82.7%, with a higher number of local events reported. Most reported solicited AEs were local pain followed by myalgia with mild intensity. Unsolicited AEs varied with each of the incidence rates < 10%, mostly with mild intensity. Adverse events of special interest (AESI) were not observed. At the 12-month follow-up after the booster dose, four serious adverse events (SAEs) not related to investigational products and research procedures were noted. This study showed that IndoVac^® has a favorable immunogenicity and safety profile as a booster in adolescents and that the antibody titer decreases over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Epidemiology, Burden of Disease, and Preventive Measures)

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14 pages, 247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Factors That Influence Influenza Vaccination Uptake among Pregnant People in a Medically Underserved Area in Washington State

by Kimberly McKeirnan, Damianne Brand, Megan Giruzzi, Kavya Vaitla, Nick Giruzzi, Rose Krebill-Prather and Juliet Dang

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070768 - 13 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Introduction: Despite substantial evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of influenza vaccines, only 38.6% of the adult United States population received an influenza vaccine during the 2023–2024 flu season. Vaccination rates are typically lower among U.S. minority groups, and in 2022, pregnant persons from U.S. minority racial and ethnic groups showed a decrease in influenza vaccine coverage. Methods: A survey was conducted with residents of Yakima County, Washington, which is home to one of the state’s largest percentages of people who identify as Hispanic or Latino/a. The objective was to evaluate the uptake of influenza vaccine among pregnant persons. Surveys were sent to a random sample of 3000 residential mailing addresses. Of the 500 respondents, 244 (52.1%) reported that they had been pregnant, with those identifying as Hispanic or Latino/a constituting 23.8% of this total. Only 62 (26.2%) reported being immunized against influenza during pregnancy. Respondents who were immunized against influenza chose to be vaccinated to protect themselves from the flu (85.5%, n = 53); because a healthcare provider recommended getting vaccinated (85.5%, n = 53); to protect the baby from the flu (82.3%, n = 51); because it was available for free or low cost (62.9%, n = 39); and because vaccination was convenient (54.8%, n = 34). Qualitative evaluation identified that participants who were not vaccinated against influenza during pregnancy believed the vaccination was not needed, was not recommended by a healthcare provider, was difficult to access, they were against vaccination in general, or they were concerned about the safety and ingredients of the vaccine. Conclusion: Barriers to vaccination identified in this study included vaccine distrust, lack of awareness, and concerns about vaccine efficacy and safety. Healthcare providers can help address these concerns by providing education and recommendations about the importance of influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Epidemiology, Burden of Disease, and Preventive Measures)

11 pages, 879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety and Efficacy of Nirsevimab in a Universal Prevention Program of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis in Newborns and Infants in the First Year of Life in the Valle d’Aosta Region, Italy, in the 2023–2024 Epidemic Season

by Alessandra Consolati, Mariapaola Farinelli, Paolo Serravalle, Christine Rollandin, Laura Apprato, Susanna Esposito and Salvatore Bongiorno

Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050549 - 17 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3184

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis remains a significant global health burden, particularly in newborns and infants during their first year of life. The quest for an effective preventive strategy against RSV has long been sought, and recent developments have shown promise in the form of nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody specifically designed for RSV prophylaxis. Valle d’Aosta was the first Italian region to propose universal prophylaxis with nirsevimab for newborns and infants in their first epidemic season as early as 2023–2024. This study describes the effectiveness and safety of the universal prevention program of RSV bronchiolitis using the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab in children resident in Valle d’Aosta born during the 2023–2024 epidemic season. There were 556 neonates born from 1 May 2023 to 15 February 2024. The risk of hospitalization for RSV bronchiolitis in 2023–2024 was 3.2%, compared to 7% in the 2022–2023 epidemic season (p < 0.001). After the start of the prophylaxis campaign with nirsevimab, the risk of hospitalization was 8.3% in the sample of infants who did not adhere to the prophylaxis, while no child in the sample of those treated (p < 0.001) was hospitalized for bronchiolitis. Few mild transient side effects were reported. This study shows the efficacy and safety of universal prophylaxis with nirsevimab in neonates, making Valle d’Aosta the first Italian region to offer universal prophylaxis to newborns without risk factors for RSV complications. Future research could further explore its long-term impact and cost-effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Epidemiology, Burden of Disease, and Preventive Measures)

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12 pages, 1131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in the Paediatric Population in the Second COVID-19 Pandemic Year

by Conchita Izquierdo, Pilar Ciruela, Núria Soldevila, Juan-Jose Garcia-Garcia, Sebastia Gonzalez-Peris, Alvaro Díaz-Conradi, Belen Viñado, Mariona F de Sevilla, Fernando Moraga-Llop, Carmen Muñoz-Almagro, Angela Domínguez and Barcino Working Group

Vaccines 2023, 11(10), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11101548 - 29 Sep 2023

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Abstract

Incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) decreased worldwide in 2020, coinciding with the implementation of measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare demand and IPD in children in 2021 compared to the pre-pandemic period (2018–2019) and the early pandemic period (2020) in a study carried out during 2018–2021 in Catalonia. Incidence rates were compared by calculating the incidence rate ratio (IRR), and expressing percentage changes in IRR as (1-IRR)x100. Compared to 2018–2019, emergency room (ER) visits declined by 21% in 2021 (p < 0.001), mainly in the first quarter (−39%), and compared to 2020, ER visits increased by 22% in 2021 (p < 0.001), except in the first quarter. IPD incidence overall was 11.0 in 2018–2019 and 4.6 in 2021 (−58%, p < 0.001); the reduction in incidence was similar in the 0–4 age group and was higher in the first quarters. Compared to 2020, in 2021, IPD incidence decreased during the first quarter (−86%, p < 0.001), but increased from 0.0 to 1.2 in the second quarter (p = 0.02) and from 0.6 to 2.1 (p=0.03) in the fourth quarter. The decreased IPD incidence observed in 2021 compared to 2018–2019 (most especially in the first quarter) was greater than the decrease in healthcare demand and PCR test requests. Compared to 2020, IPD incidence decreased in the first quarter when a second state of alarm was in force. In 2021, compared to 2018–2019, there was a greater reduction in PCV13 serotypes than in non-PCV13 serotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Epidemiology, Burden of Disease, and Preventive Measures)

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12 pages, 494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influenza Vaccination during Pregnancy: A Descriptive Study of the Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices of Mexican Gynecologists and Family Physicians

by Erika Zoe Lopatynsky-Reyes, Enrique Chacon-Cruz, Michael Greenberg, Ralf Clemens and Sue Ann Costa Clemens

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081383 - 19 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2007

Abstract

Background: Influenza in pregnancy is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Influenza vaccines are safe and effective in pregnancy. There are no Mexican surveys of physicians on knowledge, beliefs, and practices towards influenza and influenza immunization during pregnancy. Methods: A 32-question descriptive survey was conducted, addressing the general knowledge of influenza as well as beliefs and practices regarding influenza vaccination during pregnancy among Mexican physicians responsible for prenatal care, traditionally Obstetricians (OBGYNs) and Family Physicians (FPs). Results: A total of 206 surveys were available, 98 (47.6%) from OBGYNs and 108 (52.4%) from FPs, representing an estimated 2472 daily pregnancy consultations. In total, 54 of the 206 respondents (26.2%) were not aware that influenza is more severe during pregnancy, 106 of the 206 respondents (51.5%) ignored the potential side effects of influenza infection on the fetus, and 56.8% did not know when to vaccinate pregnant women. Pregnancy as a risk factor for developing influenza complications was only known by 99 of the 206 respondents (48.1%), and 6.1% believed that vaccination does not confer protection to the fetus. Conclusions: The current beliefs of Mexican OBGYNs and FPs for both influenza morbidity and mortality, and the importance of influenza vaccination during pregnancy are suboptimal. The drivers of these beliefs should be assessed to improve influenza vaccination recommendations, as knowledge alone is not sufficient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Epidemiology, Burden of Disease, and Preventive Measures)

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11 pages, 932 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Epidemiological Burden in Pediatric Outpatients in Italy: A Systematic Review

by Sara Boccalini, Benedetta Bonito, Cristina Salvati, Marco Del Riccio, Enrica Stancanelli, Mario Bruschi, Giulia Ionita, Johanna Iamarino, Davide Bentivegna, Primo Buscemi, Giulia Ciardi, Claudia Cosma, Lorenzo Stacchini, Cristiana Conticello, Manjola Bega, Annamaria Schirripa, Sonia Paoli, Lorenzo Bertizzolo, Salvatore Parisi, Francesca Trippi, Paolo Bonanni and Angela Bechini Show full author list Hide full author list

Vaccines 2023, 11(9), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11091484 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1888

Abstract

Background: Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a key contributor to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), affecting children aged 0–5 years and often leading to outpatient visits, emergency department utilization, and hospitalization. With the development of hRSV vaccines for mitigation, understanding the epidemiological impact of hRSV infections among 0–5-year-old pediatric outpatients in Italy is crucial. Methods: This systematic review conducted searches on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the International HTA Database, yielding 20,845 English and Italian records from January 2000 to July 2022. Results: Six eligible articles were identified following inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies demonstrated hRSV-positivity proportions ranging from 18% to 41% in pediatric outpatients with respiratory infections. However, data comparability was hindered by diverse diagnostic approaches, data sources, sample populations, and study designs. Notably, hRSV-positivity showed temporal variability, rising from 23.8% (2001–2002) to 40.6% (2019–2020). This trend could stem from evolving epidemiological factors, heightened clinician awareness in hRSV diagnosis, or more sensitive molecular techniques. Conclusion: As the first review of its kind, this study underscores the need for more comprehensive data to inform effective preventive strategies against hRSV-related burdens in pediatric outpatients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Epidemiology, Burden of Disease, and Preventive Measures)

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5 pages, 232 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

SARS-CoV-2 in Namibian Dogs

by Umberto Molini, Lauren M. Coetzee, Tanya Engelbrecht, Lourens de Villiers, Mari de Villiers, Iolanda Mangone, Valentina Curini, Siegfried Khaiseb, Massimo Ancora, Cesare Cammà, Alessio Lorusso and Giovanni Franzo

Vaccines 2022, 10(12), 2134; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10122134 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1611

Abstract

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has focused the attention of researchers, and especially public opinion, on the role of the human-animal-environment interface in disease emergence. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, media reports regarding the role of pets in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused significant concern and social anxiety. Although nowadays proven negligible in developed countries, essentially no studies have been performed in low-income African areas where companion animals are often raised differently from high income countries, and the contact patterns occurring in these scenarios could affect the epidemiological scenario. An extensive molecular biology survey was performed from March 2022 to September 2022 on Namibian dogs residing in urban and rural areas, showing a low but not negligible SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (1%; 95CI: 0.33–2.32%) of 5 out of 500. In only one instance (i.e., a 4-year-old female Labrador) was there a clear association that could be established between the infections of the owner and animal. In all other cases, no evidence of human infection could be obtained and no episodes of COVID-19 were reported by the owners. Although no consistent evidence of pet-to-pet transmission was proven in the present study, a cautionary principle suggests intensive and dedicated investigation into companion animal populations, especially when animal contact is frequent and a particularly susceptible population is present. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Epidemiology, Burden of Disease, and Preventive Measures)

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