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Biotech / Medical : XOMA. Bull or Bear? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Robert K. who wrote (8102)	12/21/1998 12:42:00 PM
From: aknahow	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 17367

INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN THE NEWS – 18 December 1998 1.Meningitis B vaccine in Cuba 2.EU bans use of four antibiotics as growth promoters 3.Food hygiene over the Christmas period 4.Publication of "Infectious Diseases in the News" over the holiday period Recent News Stories: Key Points 1. Meningitis B vaccine in Cuba Recent media reports have suggested that a meningitis B vaccine in Cuba has lead to the virtual eradication of the disease from the island. In the 1980s, Cuba had a large number of meningococcal B infections, and began a research programme to develop a vaccine – this vaccine was introduced into the routine immunisation schedule in 1988. We know that the incidence of meningococcal infection fluctuates. [For example, in England and Wales, there were 1535 cases in 1989/90, 1185 in 1993/94, and 2395 in 1997/98]. When the Cuban vaccine was introduced the epidemic had already passed its peak, and so it is difficult to know exactly what contribution the vaccination programme made. A number of studies have already looked at the effects of this vaccine. Further research is needed to look at how the vaccine might be adapted for use in other countries. Whilst the vaccine has undoubtedly provided some protection against meningococcal infections in Cuba, it does have some important limitations: The vaccine provides protection against the single strain of meningitis B which caused the Cuban epidemic. In the UK, we have a number of different strains, and there is no evidence that the Cuban vaccine would provide protection against the other strains. In fact, the strain which caused the epidemic in Cuba is responsible for only about 10% of meningococcal infections in England and Wales. Research suggests that the vaccine is effective in 10-16 year olds. However, a number of studies (including one by the WHO) have indicated that it may be far less effective in younger children. In the UK, most cases of meningitis B occur in children under the age of 5, and so clearly further research is needed to establish whether the vaccine can be effective in this age group. Data on meningococcal infections in England and Wales