Gatchalian
S.R.
University
of the Philippines-Colleges of Medicine, UPCM, Manille, Philippines
Among the
ubiquitous causes of infections, Varicella remains a constant source of public
health concern. It is a highly communicable disease that is usually considered
to be a mild infection in childhood.
However, severe complications may still arise with organ dissemination
mainly in adults or children <1year of age. Because of the high risk for
severe infection and substantial cost attributed to the illness, prevention
through vaccination is the best option.
The
varicella vaccine was developed in 1974 by Michiaki Takahashi and colleagues at
the Biken Institute in Japan.
Since then numerous clinical trials have been conducted. These studies
have demonstrated the high immunogenicity, safety, tolerability and efficacy of
this vaccine. Clinical experience with this vaccine spans 25 years.
Other
varicella vaccines based on the parent Oka Strain have become available.
Although the required number of doses in childhood is the same for all of them,
required number of doses in adolescents and adults is still a topic of queries.
We conducted a study to demonstrate the immunogenicity of Biken varicella
vaccine in terms of percentage of subjects reaching an anti-varicella zoster
virus antibody titer greater than 50 mIU/ml, after one dose in healthy Filipino
adolescents aged 12-18 years. Results of the study shall be presented. The
vaccine continues to demonstrate tolerability, high immunogenicity and efficacy
in both healthy and high-risk individuals. It has also been shown to provide
effective protection against severe complications. Routine use of the vaccine will significantly reduce
morbidity and cost of illness attributed to varicella.