Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis globally, with greater tha... more Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis globally, with greater than 86% of deaths occurring in low-income and middle-income countries. There are two rotavirus vaccines currently licensed in the United States and prequalified by the World Health Organization. RV1 is a monovalent attenuated human rotavirus strain, given orally in two doses. RV5 is a pentavalent human-bovine reassortant rotavirus vaccine, given orally in three doses. A third rotavirus vaccine, LLV, is a lamb rotavirus strain given orally as a single dose, which is currently available only in China. RV1 and RV5 have been shown to be highly efficacious in developed countries, and initial results from trials in Africa and Asia are promising as well. At least three other vaccines are in development, which are being developed by manufacturers of developing countries. Further studies are needed to clarify issues including administration of oral rotavirus vaccines with breastfeeding and other or...
We report the phase III trial efficacy of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against clinica... more We report the phase III trial efficacy of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against clinical and culture proven otitis media (OM) among Navajo and White Mountain Apache infants. Efficacy was -0.4% (95% CI: -19.4 to 15.6) for clinically-diagnosed OM, 5.1% (95% CI: -51.5 to 40.6) for severe OM, and 64% (95% CI: -34% to 90%) for vaccine serotype pneumococcal OM suggesting that this vaccine is efficacious for pneumococcal OM in this high risk population.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is one of the leading bacterial causes of invasive disease in... more Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is one of the leading bacterial causes of invasive disease in populations without access to Hib conjugate vaccines (Hib-CV). India has recently decided to introduce Hib-CV into the routine immunization programme in selected States. Longitudinal data quantifying the burden of bacterial meningitis and the proportion of disease caused by various bacteria are needed to track the impact of Hib-CV once introduced. A hospital-based sentinel surveillance network was established at four places in the country and this study reports the results of this ongoing surveillance. Children aged 1 to 23 months with suspected bacterial meningitis were enrolled in Chennai, Lucknow, New Delhi, and Vellore between July 2008 and June 2010. All cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were tested using cytological, biochemical, and culture methods. Samples with abnormal CSF (≥10 WBC per μl) were tested by latex agglutination test for common paediatric bacterial meningitis pathog...
In settings with low seatbelt use prevalence, self-reported seatbelt use estimates often lack val... more In settings with low seatbelt use prevalence, self-reported seatbelt use estimates often lack validity, and routine observational studies are scarce. In this paper, we aim to describe the prevalence of seatbelt use and associated factors in drivers and front-seat passengers across eight sites in four countries (Egypt, Mexico, Russia, Turkey) using observational studies as well as to produce estimates of country-level and site-level variance. As part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Road Safety Program, data on driver and passenger seatbelt use across four middle-income countries was collected between October 2010 and May 2011 (n=122,931 vehicles). Logistic regression and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient analyses for sites- and country-level clustering were performed. We found high variability of seatbelt wearing rates ranging from 4 to 72% in drivers and 3-50% in front-seat passengers. Overall, average seatbelt wearing rates were low (under 60% in most sites). At the individual level, older and female drivers were more likely to wear seatbelts, as well as drivers of vehicles transiting at times of increased vehicle flow. We also found that 26-32% and 37-41% of the variance in seatbelt use among drivers and front-seat passengers respectively was explained by differences across sites and countries. Our results demonstrate that there is room for improvement on seatbelt use in middle-income countries and that standardized cross-country studies on road safety risk factors are feasible, providing valuable information for prevention and monitoring activities.
To describe the clinico-bacteriological profile, and early outcomes of infants diagnosed with Gro... more To describe the clinico-bacteriological profile, and early outcomes of infants diagnosed with Group B streptococcus (GBS) meningitis. This was a retrospective review of infants (aged 1 mo to 2 y) diagnosed with GBS meningitis in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi from October 2010 through January 2012. The clinico-bacteriological data and early outcomes of infants with suspected bacterial meningitis and a positive CSF latex agglutination test for GBS were studied. The CSF samples were subjected to PCR for broad spectrum 16s ribosomal DNA and the GBS species specific gene, the scpB. Twenty seven patients (13 boys, and 14 girls) were diagnosed with GBS meningitis during the study period. Broad spectrum 16s ribosomal DNA PCR was performed on 18 of the 27 CSF samples. Sixteen were positive. All these 16 were also positive for the species specific scpB gene. The median duration of hospital stay was 7 d (range 1-72 d). Nine patients died. One patient each developed ventriculitis, optic atrophy and hydrocephalus. Overall, 12 patients had a complete recovery at discharge. GBS must be considered in the etiology of bacterial meningitis in Indian infants.
For over a half of a century, Native American populations have participated in numerous studies r... more For over a half of a century, Native American populations have participated in numerous studies regarding the epidemiology, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. These studies have resulted in measures to prevent morbidity and mortality from many infectious diseases. The lessons learned from these studies and their resultant prevention or treatment interventions have been applied around the world, and have had a major impact in the reduction of global childhood morbidity and mortality.
Numerous sequelae have been noted in survivors of bacterial meningitis; however, few studies docu... more Numerous sequelae have been noted in survivors of bacterial meningitis; however, few studies document sequelae for several years following a childhood episode of bacterial meningitis. In addition, studies generally focus on the more commonly found sequelae. To review the known information and highlight this gap, this article presents a comprehensive literature review of the long-term (≥ 5 years of follow-up) sequelae of childhood bacterial meningitis. A systematic literature search was conducted between December 2009 and February 2010. English-language articles published between January 1970 and January 2010 were selected for screening. Articles were included if the subjects were between the ages of 1 month and <18 years at the time of diagnoses of meningitis. A total of 1433 children who were survivors of childhood bacterial meningitis were evaluated for sequelae after the time of discharge. Of these children, 705 (49.2%) were reported to have 1 or more long-term sequelae. A majority of reported sequelae were behavioral and/or intellectual disorders (n 455, 45.0%). Hearing changes accounted for 6.7% (n 68) of sequelae and gross neurologic deficits accounted for 14.3% (n 145). A majority of childhood bacterial meningitis survivors with long-term sequelae that are documented in the literature have academic and behavioral limitations. While neurologic deficits may resolve over time, subtle behavioral deficits may not be appreciated initially and may continue to affect survivors for many years. Further studies are needed to quantify the true societal and economic burden of long-term sequelae as well as fully understand the breadth of types of sequelae that survivors experience.
Violence against children has been the least reported, studied, and understood area of child inju... more Violence against children has been the least reported, studied, and understood area of child injuries. Initial awareness emerged from international conferences and resolutions, followed by national policies and statements. More effective responses around the world will require action. Although previous calls for action have pointed to important activities (gathering of baseline data, passing of legal reforms, and providing services to those who experience violence), the agenda is limited. Data collection needs to be continuous, systematic, and sustainable, and should enable ongoing evaluation of intervention programs. An inter-sectoral approach to violence against children incorporating public health, criminal justice, social services, education, non-governmental organizations, media, and businesses is imperative if the growing burden is to be mitigated. Thus we offer a framework, building on earlier recommendations, to focus on four domains: national surveillance, intervention research, legislation and policy, and partnerships and collaboration.
Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis globally, with greater tha... more Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis globally, with greater than 86% of deaths occurring in low-income and middle-income countries. There are two rotavirus vaccines currently licensed in the United States and prequalified by the World Health Organization. RV1 is a monovalent attenuated human rotavirus strain, given orally in two doses. RV5 is a pentavalent human-bovine reassortant rotavirus vaccine, given orally in three doses. A third rotavirus vaccine, LLV, is a lamb rotavirus strain given orally as a single dose, which is currently available only in China. RV1 and RV5 have been shown to be highly efficacious in developed countries, and initial results from trials in Africa and Asia are promising as well. At least three other vaccines are in development, which are being developed by manufacturers of developing countries. Further studies are needed to clarify issues including administration of oral rotavirus vaccines with breastfeeding and other or...
We report the phase III trial efficacy of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against clinica... more We report the phase III trial efficacy of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against clinical and culture proven otitis media (OM) among Navajo and White Mountain Apache infants. Efficacy was -0.4% (95% CI: -19.4 to 15.6) for clinically-diagnosed OM, 5.1% (95% CI: -51.5 to 40.6) for severe OM, and 64% (95% CI: -34% to 90%) for vaccine serotype pneumococcal OM suggesting that this vaccine is efficacious for pneumococcal OM in this high risk population.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is one of the leading bacterial causes of invasive disease in... more Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is one of the leading bacterial causes of invasive disease in populations without access to Hib conjugate vaccines (Hib-CV). India has recently decided to introduce Hib-CV into the routine immunization programme in selected States. Longitudinal data quantifying the burden of bacterial meningitis and the proportion of disease caused by various bacteria are needed to track the impact of Hib-CV once introduced. A hospital-based sentinel surveillance network was established at four places in the country and this study reports the results of this ongoing surveillance. Children aged 1 to 23 months with suspected bacterial meningitis were enrolled in Chennai, Lucknow, New Delhi, and Vellore between July 2008 and June 2010. All cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were tested using cytological, biochemical, and culture methods. Samples with abnormal CSF (≥10 WBC per μl) were tested by latex agglutination test for common paediatric bacterial meningitis pathog...
In settings with low seatbelt use prevalence, self-reported seatbelt use estimates often lack val... more In settings with low seatbelt use prevalence, self-reported seatbelt use estimates often lack validity, and routine observational studies are scarce. In this paper, we aim to describe the prevalence of seatbelt use and associated factors in drivers and front-seat passengers across eight sites in four countries (Egypt, Mexico, Russia, Turkey) using observational studies as well as to produce estimates of country-level and site-level variance. As part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Road Safety Program, data on driver and passenger seatbelt use across four middle-income countries was collected between October 2010 and May 2011 (n=122,931 vehicles). Logistic regression and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient analyses for sites- and country-level clustering were performed. We found high variability of seatbelt wearing rates ranging from 4 to 72% in drivers and 3-50% in front-seat passengers. Overall, average seatbelt wearing rates were low (under 60% in most sites). At the individual level, older and female drivers were more likely to wear seatbelts, as well as drivers of vehicles transiting at times of increased vehicle flow. We also found that 26-32% and 37-41% of the variance in seatbelt use among drivers and front-seat passengers respectively was explained by differences across sites and countries. Our results demonstrate that there is room for improvement on seatbelt use in middle-income countries and that standardized cross-country studies on road safety risk factors are feasible, providing valuable information for prevention and monitoring activities.
To describe the clinico-bacteriological profile, and early outcomes of infants diagnosed with Gro... more To describe the clinico-bacteriological profile, and early outcomes of infants diagnosed with Group B streptococcus (GBS) meningitis. This was a retrospective review of infants (aged 1 mo to 2 y) diagnosed with GBS meningitis in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi from October 2010 through January 2012. The clinico-bacteriological data and early outcomes of infants with suspected bacterial meningitis and a positive CSF latex agglutination test for GBS were studied. The CSF samples were subjected to PCR for broad spectrum 16s ribosomal DNA and the GBS species specific gene, the scpB. Twenty seven patients (13 boys, and 14 girls) were diagnosed with GBS meningitis during the study period. Broad spectrum 16s ribosomal DNA PCR was performed on 18 of the 27 CSF samples. Sixteen were positive. All these 16 were also positive for the species specific scpB gene. The median duration of hospital stay was 7 d (range 1-72 d). Nine patients died. One patient each developed ventriculitis, optic atrophy and hydrocephalus. Overall, 12 patients had a complete recovery at discharge. GBS must be considered in the etiology of bacterial meningitis in Indian infants.
For over a half of a century, Native American populations have participated in numerous studies r... more For over a half of a century, Native American populations have participated in numerous studies regarding the epidemiology, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. These studies have resulted in measures to prevent morbidity and mortality from many infectious diseases. The lessons learned from these studies and their resultant prevention or treatment interventions have been applied around the world, and have had a major impact in the reduction of global childhood morbidity and mortality.
Numerous sequelae have been noted in survivors of bacterial meningitis; however, few studies docu... more Numerous sequelae have been noted in survivors of bacterial meningitis; however, few studies document sequelae for several years following a childhood episode of bacterial meningitis. In addition, studies generally focus on the more commonly found sequelae. To review the known information and highlight this gap, this article presents a comprehensive literature review of the long-term (≥ 5 years of follow-up) sequelae of childhood bacterial meningitis. A systematic literature search was conducted between December 2009 and February 2010. English-language articles published between January 1970 and January 2010 were selected for screening. Articles were included if the subjects were between the ages of 1 month and <18 years at the time of diagnoses of meningitis. A total of 1433 children who were survivors of childhood bacterial meningitis were evaluated for sequelae after the time of discharge. Of these children, 705 (49.2%) were reported to have 1 or more long-term sequelae. A majority of reported sequelae were behavioral and/or intellectual disorders (n 455, 45.0%). Hearing changes accounted for 6.7% (n 68) of sequelae and gross neurologic deficits accounted for 14.3% (n 145). A majority of childhood bacterial meningitis survivors with long-term sequelae that are documented in the literature have academic and behavioral limitations. While neurologic deficits may resolve over time, subtle behavioral deficits may not be appreciated initially and may continue to affect survivors for many years. Further studies are needed to quantify the true societal and economic burden of long-term sequelae as well as fully understand the breadth of types of sequelae that survivors experience.
Violence against children has been the least reported, studied, and understood area of child inju... more Violence against children has been the least reported, studied, and understood area of child injuries. Initial awareness emerged from international conferences and resolutions, followed by national policies and statements. More effective responses around the world will require action. Although previous calls for action have pointed to important activities (gathering of baseline data, passing of legal reforms, and providing services to those who experience violence), the agenda is limited. Data collection needs to be continuous, systematic, and sustainable, and should enable ongoing evaluation of intervention programs. An inter-sectoral approach to violence against children incorporating public health, criminal justice, social services, education, non-governmental organizations, media, and businesses is imperative if the growing burden is to be mitigated. Thus we offer a framework, building on earlier recommendations, to focus on four domains: national surveillance, intervention research, legislation and policy, and partnerships and collaboration.
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Papers by Aruna Chandran