Muragendraswami Astagimath, Suman Doddamani, Vishwanath Patil, Raviraja Aryapu,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (11-2022)
Abstract
Background: Pandemics have serious adverse impacts on public health, economy, social structure, and overall growth and development of a nation. Such impacts can be mitigated by timely introduction of effective vaccination programs. This was successfully achieved in India. This study was performed to compare the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses after first and second dose of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 people who were vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, India. The subjects were divided into two groups. Group I included 30 people who had received a single dose of the vaccine, and group II included 30 people who had received two doses of the vaccine. Exclusion criteria included having a history of influenza like illness/severe acute respiratory infection/proven COVID-19 infection in past 6 months. The antibody response was measured by the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG test using the VITROS Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Reagent Pack.
Results: We observed that 97% of the subjects had reactive IgG antibodies after receiving two doses of the vaccine, whereas only 83% of the subjects developed antibodies after a single dose of the vaccine. A positive correlation was observed between the development of reactive antibodies and the duration between the first dose and the second dose (r=0.24).
Conclusion: Based on the results, the two-dose vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine is beneficial over the single-dose vaccination for protection against COVID-19. Moreover, increasing the duration between doses might improve the antibody response.
Fatemeh Maghsood Ahmadi , Arash Mahboubi , Farzaneh Hosseini , Davoud Esmaeili , Bahareh Hajikhani ,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are promising platforms for mucosal vaccine development. Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB), a potent superantigen, is associated with food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. Similarly, cholera toxin is the primary to widespread virulence factor in Vibrio cholerae infections, with its B subunit (CTB) serving as a well-established immune adjuvant that enhances antigen-specific responses in recombinant vaccines. This study aimed to engineer recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum as a dual-purpose vaccine candidate targeting V. cholerae and S. aureus by expressing CTB and SEB antigens.
Methods: A modified gene sequence encoding SEB (Lacking superantigenic activity) and CTB was successfully designed, synthesized, and cloned for secretory expression in L. plantarum. The resulting recombinant protein, tagged with His, was purified using Ni-NTA agarose ion-exchange chromatography and confirmed with Western blot analysis.
Results: Enzyme digestion and PCR analysis confirmed successful cloning of the SEB-CTB fusion gene into the pBlueScript II SK (+) and pNZ7021 expression vectors, as evidenced by the expected band on agarose gel. SDS-PAGE revealed a ~49 kDa protein band, indicating expression of the recombinant rSEB-CTB protein, which was further validated by Western blot using an anti-His tag antibody.
Conclusion: The construct LP-pNZ7021–SP-seb-ctxB may be a promising candidate for recombinant vaccine development targeting V. cholerae (Cholera toxin-producing) and S. aureus (SEB-producing), providing dual protection against both pathogens.
Babak Tamizifar , Nazila Kassaian , Marzieh Rahimkhorasani, Hazhir Moradi , Somaieh Sabzali , Kiana Shahzamani , Peyman Adibi ,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccination in immunocompromised patients, including those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the Sinopharm anti-COVID-19 vaccine on fecal calprotectin (fCP) levels and clinical symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).
Methods: A total of 28 patients with UC (8 females and 20 males), with a mean age of 40.8 ± 9.7 years, were enrolled in the study. Most patients were receiving 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agents. All patients received the Sinopharm anti-COVID-19 vaccine. Fecal calprotectin levels and clinical symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 2 and 12 weeks after vaccination. The Lichtiger score and Mayo score were used to evaluate clinical symptoms.
Results: No IBD-related adverse events were reported following vaccination. There was no significant difference in fCP levels between baseline and 2 weeks after vaccination. However, a significant decrease in fCP levels was observed at 12 weeks after vaccination compared to baseline and 2 weeks post-vaccination. Similarly, a significant improvement in clinical symptoms was noted at 2 and 12 weeks after vaccination compared to baseline, as evidenced by a reduction in the Lichtiger score. There was no association between vaccination and the clinical bleeding score (Mayo score). None of the other parameters, including location of injury, type of medication, or sex, were associated with fCP levels, Lichtiger score, or Mayo score.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the Sinopharm anti-COVID-19 vaccine is safe for patients with IBD and does not lead to exacerbation of UC symptoms.
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