Immunization with the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine raises controversies on immunogenicity and possible antibody interference. We performed an experimental, double-blind, parallel group controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the Tdap vaccine in 204 pregnant women and their children and to determine its interference in antibody production. Pregnant women 18 to 38 y of age with 12 to 24 weeks gestation, a low obstetric risk, and without serious disease were randomly selected. The experimental group received 0.5 mL IM of Tdap and the control group normal saline. Six blood samples were drawn before and after solution application, and from the umbilical cord of the infants and at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Pertactin and Pertussis toxin antibodies and possible interference of maternal antibodies with the vaccine were determined. In the experimental group, antibodies against Bordetella pertussis pertactin (anti-PRN) (112 E/mL 95% CI 89.9–139.9) and antibodies against pertussis toxin (anti-PT) (24.0 E/mL, 95% CI 18.3–31.4) were elevated in the mother before vaccination. These were higher in the umbilical cord and descended in the infant at 2 months (71.4 (95% CI 56.8–89.7 and 10.9; 95% CI 8.7–13.7, respectively). Anti-PT showed a delay in production. Tdap safety was confirmed with only mild local pain at 24 and 48 hours. Anti-PRN and anti-PT antibodies in the infant descend at 2 months of age. There is a delay in anti-PT in children of immunized mothers. Further studies are needed to elucidate its clinical significance.
We determined the molecular epidemiology ofBordetella pertussisisolates to evaluate its potential impact on pertussis reemergence in a population of Mexico. Symptomatic and asymptomatic cases were included. Pertussis infection was confirmed by culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). SelectedB. pertussisisolates were further analysed; i.e. clonality was analysed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) andptxP-ptxA, prn,fim2 andfim3 typing was performed by PCR and sequencing. Out of 11 864 analysed samples, 687 (5.8%) were positive for pertussis, with 244 (36%) confirmed by both culture and PCR whereas 115 (17%) were positive only by culture and 328 (48%) were positive only by PCR. One predominant clone (clone A,n= 62/113; 55%) and three major subtypes (A1, A2 and A3) were identified by PFGE. All 113 selected isolates had the allelic combinationptxP3-ptxA1.The predominant clone A and the three major subtypes (A1, A2 and A3) corresponded to the emerging genotypesptxP3-ptxA1-prn2-fim2-1-fim3-2 andptxP3-ptxA1-prn2-fim2-1-fim3-1. In conclusion, the presence of an endemic clone and three predominant subtypes belonging to the genotypesptxP3-ptxA1-prn2-fim2-1-fim3-2andptxP3-ptxA1-prn2-fim2-1-fim3-1were detected. This finding supports the global spread/expansion reported for these outbreaks associated genotypes.
To demonstrate that problem-solving therapy is effective in reducing the burden on caregivers of children with cerebral palsy. Randomized clinical trial. Check primary care within a private nonprofit association. 140caregivers divided into control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). We performed in both groups a psychosocial intervention with a frequency of one session per week for three weeks to complete 120minutes. In the EG performed a shortened form of problem-solving therapy with a focus on caregiver burden and the CG performed an educational intervention focusing on respiratory diseases. The response variable corresponds to the score obtained by Zarit questionnaire. The independent variable accounted for psychosocial intervention. In the EG according to Zarit questionnaire score was obtained by averaging 45.0 points pre intervention against 45.3 points in the CP after intervention Zarit was obtained by averaging 29.8 points in the EG and 44.3 points in the CG (P<.0001). The catalog groups according to their score Zarit in charge: none, mild, moderate and severe impact differences were found in the different intervention categories (Wilcoxon test Z=6.281, P<.00001). Problem solving therapy is effective in reducing the burden on caregivers of children with cerebral palsy.
Aims: To assess placental transfer of antibodies to the child at birth and at 2 months of age. Materials and methods: For the quantification of anti-PT IgG antibodies, we used an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay standardized by The National Institute of Epidemiologic Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE). Samples were considered negative from 0 to 48 IU/mL, indeterminate from 49 to 93 IU/mL and positive at ≥94 IU/mL. We performed a cross-sectional assessment of anti-PT IgG antibody levels in the mother, umbilical cord, and child. Results: There was a higher concentration of IgG anti-TP in the umbilical cord (4.3%) and in the mother (1.4%), but a total absence was observed in the child (0%). Conclusion: The vulnerability of children to Bordetella pertussis shows the need to implement effective immunization strategies, whether actively, in the child, or passively through the mother, adolescents, and adults who are in contact with the child.
There are analyzed some of the main aspects related to the causality of preeclampsia, privileging two types of models: the clinic model and the epidemiologic model, first one represented by the hypothesis of the reduced placental perfusion and the second one considering the epidemiologic findings related to the high levels of psychosocial stress and its association with preeclampsia. It is reasoned out the relevance of raising the causality of the disease from an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating the valuable information generated from both types, clinical and epidemiologic, and finally a tentative explanatory model of preeclampsia is proposed, the subclinical and sociocultural aspects that predispose and trigger the disease are emphasized making aspects to stand out: the importance of reduced placental perfusion as an indicator of individual risk, and the high levels of physiological stress, as a result of the unfavorable conditions of the psychosocial surroundings (indicator of population risk) of the pregnant women.