Vaccines for preventing herpes zoster in older adults
Abstract Background Herpes zoster, also known as ‘shingles’, is a neurocutaneous disease characterised by the reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus (VZV), the virus that causes chickenpox when immunity to VZV declines. It is an extremely painful condition that can last many weeks or months and it can significantly compromise the quality of life […]
Vitamin C for preventing and treating tetanus.
Abstract Background Tetanus is a severe disease that can be prevented by vaccination. In developing countries vaccination coverage is not always high. Cases still occur also in developed countries, particularly in elderly people owing to their reduced immuno protection. There are about 1 million tetanus cases per year globally. In animal studies, vitamin C has […]
Antibiotics for preventing meningococcal infections
Abstract Background Meningococcal disease is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis). Household contacts have the highest risk of contracting the disease during the first week of a case being detected. Prophylaxis is considered for close contacts of people with a meningococcal infection and populations with known high carriage rates. Objectives To […]
Vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella in children
Abstract Background Mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) are serious diseases that can lead to potentially fatal illness, disability and death. However, public debate over the safety of the trivalent MMR vaccine and the resultant drop in vaccination coverage in several countries persists, despite its almost universal use and accepted effectiveness. Objectives To assess the effectiveness […]
Vaccines for preventing tick-borne encephalitis
Abstract Background Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease of the central nervous system caused by a tick-borne viral infection. TBE can lead to severe neurological syndromes such as meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and meningoencephalomyelitis, which can result in death. There is no treatment, and prevention with the vaccine is the only intervention currently available. Objectives To evaluate […]
Antifungal interventions for the primary prevention of cryptococcal disease in adults with HIV
Abstract Background Cryptococcal disease is an opportunistic infection that causes significant morbidity and mortality in adults with HIV. Primary prophylaxis with antifungal interventions may decrease cryptococcal disease incidence and associated mortality. Objectives To assess the efficacy of antifungal interventions for the primary prevention of cryptococcal disease in adults with HIV. Search methods We searched the […]
Polysaccharide vaccines for preventing serogroup A miningococcal meningitis
Abstract Background Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the 1970s and early 1980s showed the polysaccharide serogroup A vaccine (SgAV) prevented serogroup A meningococcal meningitis (SGAMM). Subsequent non-RCTs suggested significant variations in the age-specific duration of protection among children. Objectives To determine the protective effect, duration of protection, age-specific effects and the effect of booster doses […]