Objective: To assess the burden of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and analyze the distribution of serotypes in relation to their source. The review highlights data gaps in transmission dynamics and regional food consumption practices, which are essential for designing effective public health strategies and advancing vaccine development.
Methods: Searches were conducted in Web of Science, MEDLINE, Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus databases to find studies related to GBS during 1990-2025. Eligible studies were those that described prevalence, serotype distribution or sequence type (ST) of GBS in Southeast Asian countries. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool data.
Results: A total of 26 studies met the inclusion criteria from eight countries. The pooled estimate of maternal GBS colonization was 15.1%, with serotypes III, V, II, VI, and I a accounting for the majority of cases (91.24%) in the Southeast Asia studies. Data on ST was limited; however, ST1 was found to be predominant in Malaysia and Thailand, while ST283 was notably linked to the consumption of raw fish.
Conclusions: The pooled estimate of the maternal colonization with GBS was 15.1% which is equivalent to many other primary and review reports worldwide. Distribution of serotype and ST is needed to be studied in Southeast Asian countries to devise effective preventive measures. These findings underscore the importance of surveillance and tailored prevention strategies to combat GBS infections in Southeast Asia.
Objective: To investigate the safety and immunogenicity of the RAZI Cov Pars (RCP) vaccine in children and adolescents aged 5-17 years.
Methods: In this open-label, single arm trial, 26 of the 68 registered volunteers met the inclusion criteria. The participants received RCP vaccine twice intramuscularly (on days 0 and 21) and intranasally on day 51. Safety was assessed up to 6 months after the second dose. Immunogenicity was assessed on days 35, 90, and 180 by measuring neutralizing antibody levels as well as anti-RBD and anti-S1 IgG antibodies.
Results: Among the 26 volunteers, 22 were in the age group of 5-11 years, and 4 were in the age group of 12-17 years. No grade 3 or higher local or systemic adverse reactions were reported one week after vaccination. Six abnormal laboratory findings were observed after both vaccine doses, none of which were classified as grade 3 or higher. During a total follow-up period of 3 875 person- years, 31 adverse events were recorded (incidence rate: 0.008). The seroconversion rates for VNT, anti-RBD and anti-S1 IgG antibodies two weeks after receiving the second dose were 72.7%, 76.2% and 80.9%, respectively. In the 5-11 year age group, the seroconversion rates for VNT, anti-RBD and anti-S1 were 78.9%, 83.3% and 88.9%, respectively.
Conclusions: Intramuscular and intranasal administration of the RCP vaccine did not lead to serious adverse events in any of the children or adolescents. The vaccine elicited a robust response in the 5-11 year age group two weeks after the second dose. Considering that this group received half of the adult vaccine dose, these results support the suitability of this dose for the study group.
Objective: To estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) of Ho Chi Minh City residents for the hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) vaccine and its associated factors using the contingent valuation method.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024, involved face-to-face interviews with 423 participants in Ho Chi Minh City. The participants were divided into two groups: parents of children under six and individuals without young children. WTP for the HFMD vaccine was assessed using the Krinsky and Robb procedure and the double-bound dichotomous choice technique. A probit regression model was used to analyze factors influencing WTP.
Results: The participants had a mean age of (34.0±10.3) years, and the majority of them were female, resided in urban areas, and held a university degree. 54.6% had children under six years of age, and 63.8% had never heard of the EV71 vaccine. The mean WTP for two doses of the HFMD vaccine was VND 1 240 000 (USD 51.66). Parents of children under six years old had a mean WTP of USD 49.16, while individuals without young children had a mean WTP of USD 56.25. Significant factors that were positively associated with WTP included vaccine price, younger age, higher income, and greater knowledge about vaccines.
Conclusions: The study indicates a relatively high willingness to pay for HFMD vaccination in Ho Chi Minh City, suggesting strong potential for vaccine implementation. It is recommended that the government disseminate vaccine-related information to enhance public awareness and understanding.
Objective: To determine the surgical site infection (SSI) rate and related factors in patients undergoing colectomy at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 298 patients, aged 18 years or older, who underwent colectomy at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City from January to October 2023. Demographic, general characteristics, and surgical characteristics data were collected from medical records using a structured questionnaire. SSIs were diagnosed within 30 days after surgery based on CDC criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing infection rates, with significance set at P<0.05.
Results: A total of 298 patients underwent colectomy, with a median age of 64 years, 54.4% of them were male, and 47.3% had a normal BML The SSI rate was 12.1% and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequent pathogen. Key characteristics of SSI included abscess formation (83.3%) and the presence of pus or exudate (100%). The risk factors for SSI included preoperative hospital stay (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.22; P=0.008), surgical approach (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.76; P=0.01), and surgical incision classified as infected (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.22-8.45; P=0.018).
Conclusions: SSI after colectomy is relatively common. Patient health status and surgery-related factors, which independently influence the 30-day risk of SSI, should be carefully considered before surgery.