Objective To develop a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC) method for the determination of residual phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride(PMSF) content in recombinant virus-like particle(VLP) vaccine stock solution,and to verify the method for the determination of PMSF residues in recombinant VLP vaccine stock solution.Methods A RP-HPLC method for the determination of PMSF residues was developed by screening detection wavelength,flow rate,injection amount and chromatographic column.The specificity,linearity and range,limit of quantitation(LOQ),limit of detection(LOD),accuracy,precision and durability of the method were verified.The developed method was used to detect PMSF residues in three batches of recombinant hepatitis E vaccine stock solution.Results The RP-HPLC method was developed,with ChromCore 300 C18(4.6 mm × 250 mm,5 μm) as the chromatographic column at the column temperature of 25 ℃,the detection wavelength of 210 nm,the injection amount of 100 μL,0.1% trifluoroacetic acid(TFA)/water and0.1% TFA/acetonitrile as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min,and the detection time of 18 min.The absorption peaks of PMSF control and vaccine stock solution containing PMSF appeared around 5.0 min,while the vaccine stock solution and stock solution buffer showed no absorption peak.There was a good linear relationship between the concentration of PMSF control and peak area in the range of 0-5.0 μg/mL,with R~2 of 0.999.The LOQ and LOD of this method was 0.250 μg/mL and 0.125 μg/mL,respectively.The recovery rates of PMSF control with high,medium and low concentrations were all between 90% and 110%.The relative standard deviations(RSDs) of retention time,peak height and peak area for the determination of instrument repeatability,sample repeatability and intermediate precision were all less than 5%.The RSDs of retention time,peak height and peak area were all less than 5% under the TFA concentration of 0.09%,0.1% and 0.11% at column temperature of 20,25 and 30 ℃.PMSF was not detected in the three batches of recombinant hepatitis E vaccine stock solution.Conclusion The developed RP-HPLC method has good specificity,linearity and durability,high accuracy and precision,and can be used to detect residual PMSF content in recombinant VLP vaccine stock solution.
Phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride(PMSF) ; Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC) ; Virus-like particle(VLP) vaccine

BACKGROUND

Pneumococcal vaccination has been widely used for the prevention of pneumococcal disease, with two types of vaccines available since 2009. With the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of incorporating pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in National Immunization Programs (NIPs) worldwide, a ten-valent PCV (PHiD-CV) was initially introduced in the Philippines in 2012. This, however, transitioned to the use of the 13-valent PCV (Prevnar) subsequent to the recommendation of the Formulary Executive Council in 2014.

This review aimed to present evidence on pneumococcal disease and vaccine inclusion in the Philippine NIP from 2005 - 2021.

This narrative review compiled articles on Pneumococcus from January 2005 to October 2021, sourcing literature from databases such as BIOSIS Preview, CAB Direct, Embase, Google Scholar, and others.

In the Philippines, there was a shift in prevalent serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children under five following the introduction of PCV13 in the National Immunization Program in 2014, with serotype 14 becoming the most common by 2018, and a significant reduction in isolates reported in 2020, where only serotypes 5, 19A, and 23F were identified among invasive strains. The immunogenicity results of a potential vaccine candidate should be factored into the overall evidence when conducting a reassessment of PCV.

As part of the decision making about the inclusion of the PCVs in the NIP of the Philippines, various factors such as local epidemiology, vaccine supply, cost, and programmatic characteristics must be careful weighed. Enhancing laboratory and surveillance capacity are essential to provide evidencebased decision-making in terms of existing serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile in the country. With the introduction of a new affordable formulation of a 10-valent PCV offering a comparable serotype coverage, the reassessment of choice of PCV with the consideration of all three formulations, namely PCV13, PHiD-CV, and SIIPL-PCV, may be warranted.

: Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is an inflammatory papulosquamous condition that exists in a continuous spectrum that consists mainly of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta and pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC). The condition has been reported to erupt in response to infections, radiocontrast media, medications and vaccines. Most case reports on vaccine-related eruption involve the acute PL, hence, this report aimed to present a case presenting with lesions of the chronic variant. : A 21-year-old female presented with multiple erythematous to hyperpigmented ill defined plaques, some ulceronecrotic, topped with fine scales and excoriations on the upper and lower extremities, periumbilical area and back of 4 months duration, following rabies vaccinations. : Histopathologic findings, including interface dermatitis, parakeratosis, spongiosis, and mixed inflammatory infiltrates, confirmed the diagnosis of PLC. The patient responded well to oral corticosteroids and heliotherapy. PL is rare and requires additional research. The potential role of vaccination as an etiologic agent represented a crucial area of this investigation. Additionally, heliotherapy should be considered as a viable therapeutic alternative when phototherapy is not feasible.. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of PL and establish evidence-based treatment protocols.
Pityriasis lichenoides chronica ; Pityriasis lichenoides ; heliotherapy ; vaccine

Objective: The vaccine rollout in the Asian region was slower than in other countries. Factors such as lack of knowledge and skepticism towards the vaccine were noted. On the other hand, the influence of religious leaders on the congregation was enormous, including their intention to vaccinate. Guided by the Health Belief Model theory, this study aimed to explore the knowledge, belief and perceived susceptibility and severity of COVID, the perceived benefits and barriers of the vaccines, and the intention to vaccinate among the Seventh Day Adventists in Asia. Methods: This was a descriptive study with respondents chosen through a multi-stage sampling method within the Asian region. A validated self-survey questionnaire, piloted among 40 respondents, was used using the Google online form. Data gathering was conducted for one month, from May until June 2021. Results: Out of 400 questionnaires distributed, 396 responded with a return rate of 0.99%. The majority were aged 18–29 years (43.2%), men (61.4%), married (50.2%), completed a bachelors' degree (49.5%), currently working (65.4%), and have been a member of the church for 20 years (30.8%). The majority had excellent knowledge regarding the vaccine (mean 4.72, ± 1.33); despite having low belief in the vaccine (mean 2.18, ± 0.43), low perception of their susceptibility to acquiring COVID (mean 2.43, ± 0.34), low perception on the seriousness of COVID (mean 2.30, ±0.40), low perception on vaccine benefits (mean 2.27, ± 0.45), and perceived low barrier on being vaccinated (mean 2.27, ±.45). Most of them intend to vaccinate (67.3%). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that the majority of Adventists intend to vaccinate. However, there is a need for health education to enhance their belief in the vaccine and change their negative perception about their susceptibility and severity of COVID.
COVID vaccine ; religion ; health belief model ; belief

Background: Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) and Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) started COVID-19 vaccination among its employees in March 2021. Although there was an observed substantial increase in vaccine acceptance, a better understanding on the factors associated with hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccine is necessary to further strengthen efforts and focus on the caveats regarding vaccine acceptance. Objective: The study aimed to determine the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCW) in two general hospitals in Benguet. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCW in BGHMC and BeGH for 1 month. Total enumeration sampling was used which included 222 participants but only 85 responded. A modified questionnaire was used to describe the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s Chisquare test was used to observe the association between clinicodemographic factors and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the HCW in BGHMC and BeGH. Results: The results showed that young, female, non-clinical workers with direct contact with COVID-19 patients, previous COVID-19 infection, and without comorbidities were more likely to be hesitant. The study identified various internal, external, and vaccination-specific factors that influenced vaccine hesitancy, such as concerns about adverse effects, their impending risk in contracting COVID-19 at workplace, and thoughts about yearly booster dose. These findings suggest that vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in the Philippines is complex and influenced by a range of factors. Conclusion The study can be used to develop targeted interventions to address concerns about vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine uptake among healthcare workers. The development of an equitable approach such as an effective and inclusive vaccine policy that does not feel mandatory for this population will foster trust in the healthcare system.
COVID-19 vaccine ; Vaccine hesitancy ; Healthcare workers ; General Hospital

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019, otherwise known as COVID-19 is caused by the novel coronavirus. The WHO stated that as of April 24, 2020, no study has evaluated if the antibodies against COVID-19 confer immunity. The aim therefore of this research is to determine the presence of neutralizing antibodies among fully vaccinated Health Care workers and staff of Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital. Methods: This study is a single-center, cross-sectional study conducted at Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital in Baguio City. This study was designed to determine the presence of neutralizing antibodies 6 months after the 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine, either with Sinovac (CoronaVac®), an inactivated virus, or Oxford AstraZeneca, a non-replicating viral vector. The study was approved by the Ethics Review Board of the Baguio General Hospital Medical Center. A total of 206 participants enrolled voluntarily in the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were used to determine the baseline characteristics of the research participants. The mean amounts of antibodies after vaccination against COVID-19 were determined. Independent-sample t-test was utilized to determine if there was a significant difference in antibody production when comparing the two brands of vaccine, according to sex, employee status, presence of at least one comorbidity, and history of COVID-19 vaccination. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the variable age. All statistical tests were conducted at p<0.05 level of significance. Computations were done using SPSS version 22.0. Results: A total of 236 healthcare workers and staff of Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital were included in the study. Among the study participants given either Sinovac or AstraZeneca, 52.97% belong to the 20-30 years old age group. Most of them were females (69.92%). For employment status, healthcare workers comprised the majority of the study population at 71.61% while the rest (28.36%) were hospital staff. Most did not have any comorbidities, while 26.27% reported having comorbidities, with hypertension and asthma identified as the predominant diseases at 9.75% and 9.32%, respectively; followed by allergic rhinitis (5.32%) and diabetes mellitus (2.97%). Among the participants, 74.6% were never diagnosed with COVID-19, while 25.4% reported to have been infected, with 16.5% having only mild symptoms. Most of the study participants (67.4%) were inoculated with Sinovac® while the rest (32.6%) received AstraZeneca. Conclusion There was no significant difference in the mean amount of antibodies when grouped according to each of the following variables: age, sex, employee status, and comorbidities. These results apply to both SINOVAC and AstraZeneca groups. There was a significantly higher mean amount of antibodies in those who had previously contracted COVID-19 than in those who never had a previous infection. On the other hand, comparing the mean amount of antibodies between the two brands of vaccines, SinovacTM and AstraZenecaTM, those who were vaccinated with AstraZenecaTM developed higher amounts of antibodies than those who were vaccinated with SinovacTM.
Neutralizing antibodies ; COVID-19 vaccine ; healthcare workers

Autoimmunity associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been well-described as the mechanism of development of thyroid dysfunction following Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) infection and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. However, the occurrence of thyroid eye disease (TED) after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is scarcely described. The postulated mechanisms include immune reactivation, molecular mimicry and the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). We report a case of new-onset TED after receiving the SARSCoV- 2 vaccine.
Thyroid eye disease ; SARS-CoV-2 vaccine ; Molecular Mimicry

To discuss the effect of varicella vaccination on the clinical characteristics of herpes zoster (shingles) cases aged 20 years and under, and analyze its clinical features. Based on the Yichang Health Big Data Platform, a descriptive study was conducted to collect the information of cases aged 20 years and under in three medical institutions of Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang First People's Hospital and Yichang Second People's Hospital from March 2019 to September 2020. According to the history of varicella vaccine, cases were divided into vaccination group and non-vaccination group, and their clinical features and outcomes were compared. The results showed that 46 shingles cases, aged from 7 to 20 years old, were included in this study. 26 males (56.5%), 20 females (43.5%), 15 cases in vaccination group (32.6%) and 31 cases in non-vaccination group (67.4%). 28 cases had thoracic involvement, followed by lumbar (n=8), cranial (n=7) involvements and extremities (n=7). The spread of herpes skin area: 2 cases involved too large area, 21 cases of 10 cm×10 cm, 14 cases of 5 cm×5 cm, 9 cases of 1 cm×1 cm. Herpes number: 26 cases had 10-49 herpes, followed by <10 herpes (n=9), uncountable herpes (n=7) and 50-99 herpes (n=4). The clinical course[M(Q₁,Q₃)] lasted 20.5 (13.5,24.8) d averagely, 5 cases had postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and 1 case had respiratory complications. Shingles decrustation time was significantly shorter in vaccination group (Z=-2.01, P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in other characteristics by vaccination. In conclusion, the number and spread of shingles in most children and adolescents are less, and the complications such as PHN are less. Varicella vaccination can reduce the decrustation time and relieve shingles cases with some clinical symptoms.
Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Chickenpox/prevention & control* ; Herpes Zoster/prevention & control* ; Herpes Zoster Vaccine/therapeutic use* ; Herpesvirus 3, Human ; Neuralgia, Postherpetic/prevention & control*

Objective: To analyze the differences between adults and children in the epidemic characteristics and clinical manifestations of chickenpox and provide a reference for the prevention strategy adjustment of chickenpox. Methods: The incidence data of chickenpox surveillance in Shandong Province from January 2019 to December 2021 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the distribution of cases, and the chi-square test was used to compare the differences in epidemiological characteristics and clinical manifestations of varicella cases between adults and children. Results: A total of 66 182 cases of chickenpox were reported from 2019 to 2021, including 24 085 cases of adults chickenpox, the male to female sex ratio was 1∶1 (12 032∶12 053), basically the same for men and women, and 42 097 cases of children chickenpox, with a gender ratio of 1.4∶1, the male to female ratio was 1.4∶1 (24 699∶17 398). Fever in chickenpox cases was mainly low and moderate, but the proportion of moderate fever with temperature between 38.1 and 39.0 ℃ in children cases (35.0%,14 744/42 097) was significantly higher than that in adults (32.0%,7 696/24 085). The number of herpes in chickenpox cases was mainly less than 50, but the proportion of severe cases with 100-200 herpes in children was higher than that in adults. The incidence rate of complications was 1.4% (333/24 085) in adults chickenpox, the incidence rate of complications was 1.7% (731/42 097) in children chickenpox. The incidence of encephalitis and pneumonia in children was higher than in adults, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The proportion of chickenpox cases was mainly outpatient, but the hospitalization rate of children cases was 14.4% (6 049/42 097), higher than that of adults, which was 10.7% (2 585/24 085). Conclusions: There were differences between adult chickenpox and child chickenpox in terms of epidemic and clinical manifestations; the symptoms of child chickenpox were more serious than adult chickenpox. However, the adult chickenpox population is generally susceptible and lacks immune strategy protection, which calls for more attention.
Child ; Humans ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Infant ; Chickenpox/prevention & control* ; Hospitalization ; Incidence ; Pneumonia/epidemiology* ; Epidemics ; Fever/epidemiology* ; Chickenpox Vaccine

With the expansion of mpox virus infection from endemic to a global epidemic in 2022, the WHO declared that the mpox event constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Due to the high degree of gene sequence similarity among orthopox viruses and cross-reactive antibodies induced by orthoviruses, smallpox vaccination may affect the immune response induced by mpox virus infection. The analysis of the protective effects of smallpox vaccination against mpox virus infection will help define the focus of prevention and control. In this review, we clarify the protection of the smallpox vaccine against mpox virus infection by analyzing the correlation between smallpox vaccination, immune response status, and clinical data and providing evidence for the prevention, control, and strategies of mpox epidemics.
Humans ; Smallpox/epidemiology* ; Monkeypox/drug therapy* ; Smallpox Vaccine/therapeutic use* ; Vaccination ; Immunity