Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to N Guerin.
The 15 countries of the European Union have ratified the fifth objective of Health for all in the year 2000 programme of WHO Europe, which states: By the year 2000, there should be no indigenous cases of poliomyelitis, diphtheria, neonatal tetanus, measl
BCG vaccination is one of the tuberculosis control means. Since 1921, more than 3 thousand millions doses of BCG vaccine have been administered in 172 countries in the world. Vaccine, technical and side effects are today well known but we do not know nearly anything about the ideal age for initial vaccination and about the need, or not, of repeated vaccinations. Especially, its effectiveness is debated. Recent meta-analysises conclude to the protecting effectiveness of BCG in countries with a high annual risk of infection. The main rates of protection, from 60 to 90%, are obtained against tuberculous meningitis and miliary tuberculosis. So, the BCG vaccine is indicated in developing countries where the prevalence rate of tuberculosis is high. Administered in the first days of life, with a strict observance of the rules of preparation, of administration and of the conservation of the vaccine, this vaccination is the best prophylaxis of severe and disabled forms of tuberculosis. In these countries, the monitoring of the vaccine effectiveness by tuberculin skin tests and repeated BCG vaccinations do not seem to be useful. Spared money could be allowed to the screening and the treatment of cases.
The WHO Regional Office for Europe organises meetings on immunisation programmes for national experts from all countries of the European Union (EU)and data on the incidence of diseases and immunisation coverage are regularly submitted to WHO. We have anal
Between 1966 and 1982, a triple DPT vaccine was studied in France in 1,871 infants between the ages of 3 and 5 months. The study covered tolerance and serological efficacy of two immunization schedules using 2 or 3 initial injections. Computerized analysis of the 877 complete files showed satisfactory tolerance of this association and the serological efficacy of 2 initial doses of tetanus and diphtheria vaccines. Pertussis immunization is only effective after 3 injections. The presence of maternal antibodies when the first injection is given only decreases the immune response of diphtheria vaccine.
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Although a depressed cellular immunity may be present in proteino-energetic malnutrition, humoral immunity is usually normal. Except for vaccines acting through a stimulation of cellular immunity like BCG, infants and children with malnutrition show a normal immune response to immunisations without a majoration of the side-effects. Consequently there is no contra-indication to immunisations in malnourished infants and children. Early immunisation before the age of one should be encouraged in countries where malnutrition in children is frequent.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A controlled field trial of a live oral typhoid vaccine was carried out in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1978-79. A total of 32 388 children were included in the study. They were divided in two comparable groups, one given 3 doses of the vaccine and the other 3 doses of the placebo. Each active dose contained 1 x 10(9)-8 x 10(9) live Ty21a bacteria. From March 1978 to March 1979, the population studied was followed up and suspected typhoid cases were investigated bacteriologically and serologically. The effectiveness of the vaccine was assessed by analysis of the incidence of typhoid fever in the two groups. The results of the follow-up indicate that, in the dosage schedule used, the Ty21a mutant strain, found previously to be stable and safe, is protective against typhoid fever for at least one year.
The influence of atypical mycobacteria infections on BCG responses was studied in 1,038 schoolchildren. A comparaison of the sizes of the scars and a study of control tuberculin tests 10 weeks later confirm the experimental results and suggest that there is a protective effect against tuberculosis induced by atypical mycobacteria.
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Two BCG vaccines prepared from the same strain were studied clinically in Indonesia and in France. The concentration in culturable particles was comparable. Observed differences in the Mantoux results are discussed. The French results, based on use in a temperate climate by a specialized team, on well nourished children, appear better than the Indonesian findings. Further steps should be undertaken to improve results in Indonesia.