New rotavirus vaccine
The tetravalent rotavirus vaccine currently licensed in the USA is based on rhesus rotavirus. It gives a protective efficacy against rotavirus disease in developed countries of some 50-70%, rising to 80% against severe disease. There are grounds to believe that a human virus vaccine might be more effective. Now US workers have assessed an attenuated virus vaccine using a virus originally isolated from an infant in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Two hundred and fifteen healthy infants aged 10-16 weeks were randomised in four US centres to vaccine (live, attenuated, oral human rotavirus vaccine, 89-12) or placebo. They were recruited and given their first dose between August and December 1997, and had a second dose before mid-February 1998. Ninety-four per cent of vaccinated infants showed an immune response. Rotavirus disease during the ensuing rotavirus season occurred in 2/108 in the vaccine group and 18/107 controls (vaccine efficacy 89%). Low-grade fever after the first dose occurred in 19% of vaccinated infants and 5% of controls. There were no other significant adverse effects.
The oral live, attenuated human rotavirus vaccine appeared to be safe and effective. Further studies are needed.
BERNSTEIN.Efficacy of live, attenuated, human rotavirus vaccine 89-12 in infants, a randomised placebo-controlled trial.
Email This Post
