L Schuerman

Universitäts-Kinderspital beider Basel (UKBB), Basel, BS, Switzerland

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Publications (14)34.44 Total impact

  • Article: Prediction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine effectiveness against invasive pneumococcal disease using opsonophagocytic activity and antibody concentrations determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with 22F adsorption.
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    ABSTRACT: We compared the abilities of two serological readouts, antipolysaccharide IgG antibody concentrations and opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) titers, to predict the clinical effectiveness of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (7vCRM) against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We also assessed the accuracy of the previously established thresholds for GlaxoSmithKline's enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with 22F adsorption (22F-ELISA) (≥0.2 μg/ml) and OPA assay (titer, ≥8) in predicting effectiveness. We showed that following a 3-dose 7vCRM primary vaccination, the serological response rates as determined using thresholds of ≥0.2 μg/ml IgG and an OPA titer of ≥8 corresponded well with overall effectiveness against IPD. In addition, the OPA assay seemed to better predict serotype-specific effectiveness than enzyme-linked immunoassay. Finally, when applied to post-dose-2 immune responses, both thresholds also corresponded well with the overall IPD effectiveness following a 2-dose 7vCRM primary vaccination. These results support the importance of the OPA assay in evaluating immune responses to pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.
    Clinical and vaccine immunology: CVI 12/2011; 18(12):2161-7. · 2.37 Impact Factor
  • Article: Estimating the direct impact of new conjugate vaccines against invasive pneumococcal disease.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: New pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are now becoming available. These formulations differ from the heptavalent diphtheria toxin variant conjugate vaccine (7vCRM, Prevenar/Prevnar) both in the number of serotypes and in serotype-specific immunogenicity. This review proposes an algorithm that attempts to predict the overall impact of these differences in vaccine formulation and immunogenicity on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) effectiveness. It builds on the principles underlying WHO licensure criteria for new PCVs, that serotype-specific anti-polysaccharide immunogenicity is potentially predictive of effectiveness. The algorithm used three sources of information: serotype-specific effectiveness data for 7vCRM, serotype-specific head-to-head immunogenicity data with 7vCRM and a recently licensed 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable H. influenzae protein D-conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV, Synflorix), and epidemiological information regarding the serotypes causing IPD in young children. Based on this algorithm, PHiD-CV and 7vCRM are predicted to prevent approximately 60-80% and 45-80%, respectively of IPD in young children worldwide, with significant variability by country and region.
    Vaccine 10/2009; 27(52):7257-69. · 3.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: The development of a new heptavalent diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis-hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenzae type b-Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A and C vaccine: a randomized dose-ranging trial of the conjugate vaccine components.
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    ABSTRACT: To assess immunogenicity, antibody persistence, immune memory, and reactogenicity of a novel heptavalent DTPw-HBV/Hib-MenAC (diphtheria, tetanus, whole cell pertussis-hepatitis B virus/Haemophilus influenzae type b-Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A and C) vaccine. This was an open, randomized study in the Philippines, with DTPw-HBV/Hib-MenAC administered at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. Three different polysaccharide contents of the conjugate vaccine components were assessed with conjugated PRP (polyribosylribitol phosphate), MenA, and MenC polysaccharides at the following doses: 2.5 microg of each, 5 microg of each, or 2.5 microg of PRP and 5 microg each of MenA and MenC. Controls received licensed DTPw-HBV and Hib or DTPw-HBV/Hib and MenC conjugate vaccines separately. Immune memory was evaluated via plain polysaccharide challenge administered to half of the subjects at 10 months of age. After primary vaccination, at least 97.7% of DTPw-HBV/Hib-MenAC recipients had serum bactericidal antibody (SBA)-MenA and SBA-MenC titers > or =1:8, and at least 99% had anti-PRP antibody concentrations > or =0.15 microg/ml. Immune responses to DTPw-HBV components were not impaired by the lowest dose of Hib-MenAC vaccine. Plain polysaccharide challenge induced marked increases in Hib, MenA, and MenC antibodies in primed subjects, indicative of immune memory. All of the experimental vaccines were well tolerated. The lowest dose of DTPw-HBV/Hib-MenAC polysaccharide conjugate vaccine was well tolerated, immunogenic, had good persistence of antibodies, and demonstrated immune memory, and consequently was selected for further development.
    International Journal of Infectious Diseases 05/2008; 12(3):278-88. · 1.94 Impact Factor
  • Article: Booster immunization with a hexavalent diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, hepatitis B, inactivated poliovirus vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate combination vaccine in the second year of life: safety, immunogenicity and persistence of antibody responses.
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    ABSTRACT: The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of booster vaccination with GSK Biologicals' hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine was assessed in toddlers aged 12-18 months previously primed with the same combination (N=341), or with DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV administered separately (N=102; Trials 217744/059 and 217744/096). Antibody persistence at age 4-6 years was also assessed in children who had received a 4th consecutive dose of DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine or separate DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines in this study and in another study conducted under similar conditions in Germany. Prior to booster vaccination in the second year of life, antibody concentrations and seroprotection rates were similar irrespective of the primary vaccine used. One month after boosting with DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib, substantial antibody increases were observed against all vaccine antigens indicative of previous immune priming. Seropositivity and booster response rates against all antigens were 97.4-100%. Reactogenicity following booster vaccination with DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib was similar regardless of the primary regimen used. Three to four years after administration of the 4th DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib dose, >90% vaccinees had persistent protective antibody concentrations against diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib and the three poliovirus types. Anti-tetanus antibody concentrations were > or = 0.1 IU/ml in 76.4% subjects and seropositivity for pertussis antibodies ranged from 34.5% for PT to 98.9% for FHA. In conclusion, the combined hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine is immunogenic and safe when used for boosting in the second year of life, regardless of the primary vaccine used, and offers sustained protection during early childhood and beyond.
    Vaccine 02/2007; 25(6):1055-63. · 3.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: A comparison of booster immunisation with a combination DTPa-IPV vaccine or DTPa plus IPV in separate injections when co-administered with MMR, at age 4-6 years.
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    ABSTRACT: This study evaluated GSK's combined DTPa-IPV vaccine (Infanrix-IPV) given as a fifth consecutive acellular pertussis booster dose in conjunction with the second dose of MMR vaccine (Priorix) in children aged 4-6 years. The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of this vaccine regimen was compared with separate injections of DTPa and IPV when given concomitantly with MMR. A cohort of 362 children previously primed with four doses of DTPa and OPV, and a single dose of MMR were randomized to receive either DTPa-IPV+MMR (N=181) or DTPa+IPV+MMR (N=181). Antibody concentrations were measured prior to and 1 month after the booster dose. After immunisation all subjects from both groups had seroprotective antibody levels against diphtheria, tetanus and the three poliovirus serotypes, > or = 96% showed vaccine response to PT, FHA and PRN, all were seropositive to mumps and rubella, and all but one subject were seropositive to measles. Immunogenicity results for each component antigen were similar for DTPa-IPV and separately co-administered DTPa and IPV. Local reactions were common with 24.0% and 31.1% of children experiencing swelling >50mm at the DTPa-IPV and DTPa injection sites, respectively. The DTPa-IPV combination did not increase the incidence or intensity of adverse events compared with separately administered DTPa+IPV. The response to the concomitantly administered MMR vaccine was similar in the two groups and similar to previously reported responses for a second dose of MMR. This combined DTPa-IPV vaccine has a similar reactogenicity profile to DTPa, is immunogenic when given as a booster dose at 4-6 years of age, and has no impact on the immunogenicity of a co-administered second dose of MMR vaccine.
    Vaccine 09/2006; 24(35-36):6120-8. · 3.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: Safety and immunogenicity of a combined DTPa-IPV vaccine administered as a booster from 4 years of age: a review.
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    ABSTRACT: A combined DTPa-IPV booster vaccine was administered as a 4th or 5th dose after DTPa or DTPw priming. Over 99% vaccines developed antibody levels considered to be protective to diphtheria, tetanus and poliovirus, and >95% mounted a response to acellular pertussis antigens. Rectal temperature >39.5 degrees C was observed in at most 3.2% of vaccinees. Swelling >50 mm occurred in 24% of DTPa-primed compared to 5.5% of DTPw-primed children. Large swelling involving the entire upper arm (extending to involve the elbow joint) was reported for up to 1.2% of DTPa-primed subjects, which is consistent with literature reports for other DTPa vaccines.
    Vaccine 03/2006; 24(13):2440-8. · 3.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of lowering the aluminium content of a dTpa vaccine on its immunogenicity and reactogenicity when given as a booster to adolescents.
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    ABSTRACT: As aluminium in vaccines has been associated with the incidence of local side effects occurring after vaccination, this observer-blind randomised clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effect of lowering the aluminium content of a combined reduced-antigen-content dTpa vaccine on immunogenicity and safety when administered to healthy adolescents aged 10-18 years. A total of 647 subjects were enrolled, 224 (35%) received a dTpa formulation with 0.5 mg aluminium, 209 (32%) a formulation with 0.3 mg aluminium and 214 (33%) a formulation with 0.133 mg aluminium. One month after boostering, all subjects were seroprotected against diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. All subjects were seropositive for anti-FHA and anti-PRN but 4% of the initially seronegatives in both reduced aluminium groups did not seroconvert for anti-PT. Booster responses did not differ significantly between groups for any antibody, but post booster vaccination anti-PT GMC's differed significantly between groups and decreased when vaccine aluminium content decreased. No clear difference between study groups in local or general side effects was demonstrated. The most frequently reported symptoms after vaccination were injection site pain (89.5-90.7%), fatigue (42.1-47.4%) and headache (41.1-45.1%). This study showed that the aluminium content has a specific influence on the immunogenicity of this dTpa vaccine.
    Vaccine 03/2005; 23(12):1515-21. · 3.77 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Booster vaccination with hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine in the second year of life is as safe as concomitant DTPa-IPV/Hib + HBV administered separately.
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    ABSTRACT: The safety and reactogenicity of a booster dose of GSK Biologicals' hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine (N=4725) was compared with the separate administration of GSK Biologicals' DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines (N=4474) in two open, randomized multicenter studies (A and B). Solicited symptoms occurring within 4 days of vaccination were recorded on diary cards and serious adverse events (SAEs) were collected throughout the study period. In Study A (N=1149), incidences of solicited symptoms were similar in both groups; there were no SAEs either reported within 4 days of vaccination or considered to be causally related to vaccination. In study B (N=8050), where fever was the only solicited symptom, rectal temperature > or =39.5 degrees C was observed in 2.5% and 2.8% of the subjects, respectively. Fever > or =40.0 degrees C was rare (0.6%), and only two cases of febrile convulsions were recorded during the 4 days following vaccination both in the control group. Large swelling reactions (defined as local injection site swelling with diameter >50 mm, noticeable diffuse injection site swelling or noticeable increased circumference of the injected limb) were reported following 2.3% of the booster vaccine doses, regardless of the vaccine used. Extensive swelling reactions involving an adjacent joint were reported in 0.1% of the subjects. Two SAEs, both reported after booster doses of DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines administered separately, were considered by the investigators to be related to vaccination. Both resolved completely without sequelae. The hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine and the DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines administered separately have similar good reactogenicity and safety profiles when given as booster doses in the second year of life.
    Vaccine 02/2005; 23(9):1135-43. · 3.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: Antibody persistence, PRP-specific immune memory, and booster responses in infants immunised with a combination DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine.
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    ABSTRACT: A new single-injection combination vaccine against six diseases has been developed to accommodate the growing number of recommended paediatric vaccines. A pentavalent liquid diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (3-component), hepatitis B, and inactivated polio (types 1-3) combined vaccine (DTPa-HBV-IPV) is extemporaneously mixed with a lyophilized Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) conjugate vaccine (polyribosyl-ribitol phosphate (PRP)-T) and given as a single-injection. A cohort of 368 healthy infants was initially studied to evaluate the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of this hexavalent combination given as a primary course at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. At 15 months of age, from this cohort, 219 children received a booster dose of a licensed DTPa/Hib (PRP-T) vaccine to assess the booster response, while 70 received a challenge dose of unconjugated PRP (PRP) vaccine (to evaluate Hib-specific memory) plus a separate DTPa vaccine. Seven to 10 days following plain PRP challenge, anti-PRP geometric mean antibody concentrations (GMCs) had increased 13-fold to 5.67 microg/ml, and thirty days after conjugated PRP booster vaccination, anti-PRP antibody GMCs increased 102-fold. Both responses are indicative of immune memory. Vaccination was well tolerated following all primary and booster doses, although 10.5% of booster recipients experienced >50-mm local swelling at the site of DTPa vaccination. We conclude that DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib is safe and immunogenic for primary vaccination, and that Hib-specific memory is induced by primary vaccination.
    Vaccine 12/2004; 23(1):14-20. · 3.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: Safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a combined hexavalent tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, hepatitis B, inactivated poliovirus vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine, for primary immunization of infants.
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    ABSTRACT: Safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of GSK Biologicals' hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine (Infanrix)hexa) was assessed when used for primary vaccination at 3, 4 and 5 months of age (N = 2163), compared to the separate administration of DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines (N = 720). A similar safety and reactogenicity profile was demonstrated for both vaccine regimens, as well as a good immune response for all antigen components. By offering protection against six diseases in a series of single injections, the hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine was shown to be a safe, well tolerated and immunogenic alternative to primary immunization with licensed separately administered vaccines.
    Vaccine 07/2004; 22(17-18):2226-33. · 3.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: A comparison of booster immunisation with a combination DTPa-IPV vaccine or DTPa plus IPV in separate injections when co-administered with MMR, at age 4–6 years
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: This study evaluated GSK's combined DTPa-IPV vaccine (Infanrix™-IPV) given as a fifth consecutive acellular pertussis booster dose in conjunction with the second dose of MMR vaccine (Priorix™) in children aged 4–6 years. The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of this vaccine regimen was compared with separate injections of DTPa and IPV when given concomitantly with MMR. A cohort of 362 children previously primed with four doses of DTPa and OPV, and a single dose of MMR were randomized to receive either DTPa-IPV + MMR (N = 181) or DTPa + IPV + MMR (N = 181). Antibody concentrations were measured prior to and 1 month after the booster dose. After immunisation all subjects from both groups had seroprotective antibody levels against diphtheria, tetanus and the three poliovirus serotypes, ≥96% showed vaccine response to PT, FHA and PRN, all were seropositive to mumps and rubella, and all but one subject were seropositive to measles. Immunogenicity results for each component antigen were similar for DTPa-IPV and separately co-administered DTPa and IPV. Local reactions were common with 24.0% and 31.1% of children experiencing swelling >50 mm at the DTPa-IPV and DTPa injection sites, respectively. The DTPa-IPV combination did not increase the incidence or intensity of adverse events compared with separately administered DTPa + IPV. The response to the concomitantly administered MMR vaccine was similar in the two groups and similar to previously reported responses for a second dose of MMR. This combined DTPa-IPV vaccine has a similar reactogenicity profile to DTPa, is immunogenic when given as a booster dose at 4–6 years of age, and has no impact on the immunogenicity of a co-administered second dose of MMR vaccine.
  • Article: A comparison of booster immunisation with a combination DTPa-IPV vaccine or DTPa plus IPV in separate injections when co-administered with MMR, at age 4–6 years
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: This study evaluated GSK's combined DTPa-IPV vaccine (Infanrix™-IPV) given as a fifth consecutive acellular pertussis booster dose in conjunction with the second dose of MMR vaccine (Priorix™) in children aged 4–6 years. The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of this vaccine regimen was compared with separate injections of DTPa and IPV when given concomitantly with MMR. A cohort of 362 children previously primed with four doses of DTPa and OPV, and a single dose of MMR were randomized to receive either DTPa-IPV + MMR (N = 181) or DTPa + IPV + MMR (N = 181). Antibody concentrations were measured prior to and 1 month after the booster dose. After immunisation all subjects from both groups had seroprotective antibody levels against diphtheria, tetanus and the three poliovirus serotypes, ≥96% showed vaccine response to PT, FHA and PRN, all were seropositive to mumps and rubella, and all but one subject were seropositive to measles. Immunogenicity results for each component antigen were similar for DTPa-IPV and separately co-administered DTPa and IPV. Local reactions were common with 24.0% and 31.1% of children experiencing swelling >50 mm at the DTPa-IPV and DTPa injection sites, respectively. The DTPa-IPV combination did not increase the incidence or intensity of adverse events compared with separately administered DTPa + IPV. The response to the concomitantly administered MMR vaccine was similar in the two groups and similar to previously reported responses for a second dose of MMR. This combined DTPa-IPV vaccine has a similar reactogenicity profile to DTPa, is immunogenic when given as a booster dose at 4–6 years of age, and has no impact on the immunogenicity of a co-administered second dose of MMR vaccine.
    Vaccine.
  • Article: Estimating the direct impact of new conjugate vaccines against invasive pneumococcal disease
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: New pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are now becoming available. These formulations differ from the heptavalent diphtheria toxin variant conjugate vaccine (7vCRM, Prevenar™/Prevnar™) both in the number of serotypes and in serotype-specific immunogenicity. This review proposes an algorithm that attempts to predict the overall impact of these differences in vaccine formulation and immunogenicity on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) effectiveness. It builds on the principles underlying WHO licensure criteria for new PCVs, that serotype-specific anti-polysaccharide immunogenicity is potentially predictive of effectiveness. The algorithm used three sources of information: serotype-specific effectiveness data for 7vCRM, serotype-specific head-to-head immunogenicity data with 7vCRM and a recently licensed 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable H. influenzae protein D-conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV, Synflorix™), and epidemiological information regarding the serotypes causing IPD in young children. Based on this algorithm, PHiD-CV and 7vCRM are predicted to prevent approximately 60–80% and 45–80%, respectively of IPD in young children worldwide, with significant variability by country and region.
    Vaccine.
  • Article: Safety and immunogenicity of a combined DTPa–IPV vaccine administered as a booster from 4 years of age: A review
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: A combined DTPa–IPV booster vaccine was administered as a 4th or 5th dose after DTPa or DTPw priming. Over 99% vaccines developed antibody levels considered to be protective to diphtheria, tetanus and poliovirus, and >95% mounted a response to acellular pertussis antigens. Rectal temperature >39.5 °C was observed in at most 3.2% of vaccinees. Swelling >50 mm occurred in 24% of DTPa-primed compared to 5.5% of DTPw-primed children. Large swelling involving the entire upper arm (extending to involve the elbow joint) was reported for up to 1.2% of DTPa-primed subjects, which is consistent with literature reports for other DTPa vaccines.
    Vaccine.

Institutions

  • 2007
    • Universitäts-Kinderspital beider Basel (UKBB)
      Basel, BS, Switzerland
  • 2006
    • University of Adelaide
      • Discipline of Paediatrics
      Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  • 2005
    • University of Antwerp
      Antwerpen, VLG, Belgium
    • GlaxoSmithKline plc.
      London, ENG, United Kingdom
  • 2004
    • University of Melbourne
      Melbourne, Victoria, Australia