Absence of YF-neutralizing antibodies in vulnerable populations of Brazil: A warning for epidemiological surveillance and the potential risks for future outbreaks. Issue 42 (29th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stoffella-Dutra, Ana Gabriella; Silva de Oliveira, Jaqueline; Barbosa Costa, Galileu; Geessien Kroon, Erna; Santos Abrahão, Jônatas; Desiree LaBeaud, Angelle; Paiva Drumond, Betânia; Bretas de Oliveira, Danilo; de Souza Trindade, Giliane
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 38:Issue 42(2020)
• Page Start: 6592
• Page End: 6599
• Publication Date: 2020-09-29
• Subjects: Yellow fever virus -- YF-neutralizing antibodies -- Epidemiological surveillance -- Serological survey -- Public health; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.07.077
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Yellow fever susceptible individuals in Brazil. Serological survey in endemic area for Yellow Fever, public health warning in Brazil. Vaccinated individuals may not be protected during a large epidemic of Yellow fever. Importance of surveillance and immunization programs in Yellow fever risk areas. Abstract: Yellow Fever (YF) is an acute febrile illness caused by yellow fever virus (YFV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus transmitted to humans and non-human primates. In Brazil, YF is a public health threat and may cause recurrent epidemics, even with the availability of a vaccine. We evaluated the sero-status for YFV in 581 individuals living in a risk area for YF in Brazil. The area presents history of cases and is located in the southeast region of country where outbreaks of YF have been reported since 2016. Through, a PRNT assay, we found 25.8% of individuals lacking YF-neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, neutralizing antibodies were not detected in 10 individuals with proven vaccination. Our findings reinforce the importance of surveillance systems and the need of an urgent intensification of immunization programs in regions with YFV circulation. Monitoring susceptible individuals that could act as potential disseminators for YFV in risk areas should also be considered.