Przegla̧d epidemiologiczny
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Is to present the state of knowledge from April and May 2020 about the influence of Bacillus-Calmette-Guérin vaccination against tuberculosis on incidence and mortality due to COVID-19. ⋯ At the moment, we do not have enough evidence to support or deny the hypothesis of COVID-19 reduction in incidence and mortality in countries maintaining obligatory BCG vaccination. Other factors that might affect the results should be considered in further analysis. The results of clinical trials will provide more reliable proofs than analysis of epidemiological data. WHO does not recommend BCG vaccination to prevent COVID-19 and recommends it to newborns from areas with a higher incidence of tuberculosis.
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Review
Impact of level of vitamin D in the body on the severity of COVID-19 - review of the literature.
The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge on the influence of vitamin D levels on the severity of the course of COVID-19. ⋯ Maintaining an adequate level of vitamin D has a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system. At the moment, there is insufficient evidence to establish a clear relationship between vitamin D levels and the severity of COVID-19. It is necessary to conduct further research on a larger study group. The literature does not mention the use of vitamin D as a medication for COVID-19. People at risk of vitamin D deficiency should consider vitamin D supplementation at the current time of the pandemic.
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Thiomersal is an organomercury compound known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties and used as an antibacterial agent in pharmaceutical products, including vaccines and other injectable biological products. In recent years, concerns about the possible link between immunization with thiomersal-containing vaccines and autism development have grown. ⋯ There are no contraindications to the use of vaccines with thiomersal in infants, children and non-pregnant women. The risk of serious complications associated with the development of diseases in unvaccinated individuals far outweighs the potential risk of adverse consequences associated with immunization with thiomersal-containing vaccines.
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Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a zoonosis of high virulence in humans. Current epidemic in West Africa is the largest EVD epidemic reported so far, exceeding the number of cases notified and geographical regions affected. This article discusses selected aspects of Ebola virus biology and ecology which are of significance for the processes of primary infection in humans and the spread of epidemic in population. A special attention was drawn to the issues essential for the diagnosis of infection and safety of testing.
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The measles elimination goal in European Region should be reached by the target date of 2010. Measles elimination in Europe is achievable as demonstrated by countries that have maintained high vaccination coverage against that disease and have been free of indigenous measles for several years. However, suboptimal vaccination coverage against measles mumps and rubella (MMR) in parts of European Region threatens to delay measles elimination. This report summarizes the significance of epidemiological studies for progress of measles elimination.