International Congress on Vaccines & Immunology December 06-07, 2018
Hotel Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport, Netherlands

Biography:

Luis Mario Rodriguez-Martinez has his expertise in Virology and Bioprocess Development. He is working with recombinants and their applications against viral diseases as Influenza, Ebola and Members of the Polyomaviride family like the newly discovered MCPyV. He is a Scientist and Innovation Manager with expertise in Prototype Technology projects those results in commercial technology (i.e. High fidelity DNA polymerase under commercialization, vaccines and Monoclonal antibodies, licensed). He is an Advisor of technological companies in USA and Mexico. He is part in Mexico from SNI (National Researchers System) from CONACYT.

Abstract:

Currently, production of vaccines and diagnostic systems for infectious diseases has failed to provide a systematic vision that merges state-of-the-art technologies with industry to provide an effective commercial solution. Infectious and rapidly transmitted diseases, such as cancer, Ebola and influenza, should be a focus of interest for these prospects. While technological advances of recent years have been revolutionizing the life sciences industry, specifically in the biopharma field, these advances have been disproportional in terms of their applications towards infectious diseases. Working on the development, recombinant technology is needed for the production of chimeric proteins using mammalian, yeast, and bacterial cells modified for those purposes. Proteins developed through a process of molecular engineering, which begins with in silico bioinformatic processes, using validations and algorithms, subsequently through synthetic biology, molecular biology, genetic engineering, and Bioprocess development. The aim being, the scaling efforts towards pilot plant levels. The primary goal of these proteins is the development of integrated solutions that can be used as antigens or antibodies in diagnostic systems, as well treatments and vaccines. The main challenge is in the final application that results in the free exposure of epitopes for recognition between the antibody and the antigen of interest, which implies their effectiveness in terms of use. A secondary challenge is productivity rates in bio-production systems, which vary greatly depending on the platform used and the quality of the bioprocess developed. The recombinant proteins HA-RBD, tAg, scFv-13F6, scFv-13C6 and Fab-KZ52 were designed, developed, expressed and characterized by the integral use of molecular engineering and bioprocess engineering. The expressed proteins showed biological antibodies (HA-RBD and tAg) and antigen (scFv-13F6 and scFv-13C6) recognition, recognizing specific epitopes. Significantly tAg production occurred with a yield of 50 mg L-1 and HA-RBD protein was produced in 120 mg L-1.

Biography:

Eram Ali Haider has completed her BA in Biology in 2017 from Bryn Mawr College, where Immunology and Virology quickly became her favorite biological subjects. She received her MPH from University of Edinburgh’s School of Medicine and Veterinary Sciences this year. She aspires to improve immunization programmes around the world and has received her PhD in Vaccinology.

Abstract:

To protect children and other vulnerable groups from vaccine-preventable diseases, population-level immunity must be attained and individuals must have timely vaccinations to minimize their risk of infection. This project assesses the relationship between deprivation, vaccination uptake, and timeliness in NHS Lothian, the second-largest health board in Scotland, to understand inequities in immunization and to see how the relationship has changed over the past decade. This retrospective cohort study uses immunization data from the Scottish immunization recall system (SIRS) for four routine childhood vaccines: the third dose of the primary vaccine (TPV), both doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and the preschool booster (PSB). The data include ten years of immunizations administered between 2008 and 2017. This study finds strong evidence for an association between deprivation and uptake and timeliness. Though uptake is high (>96%), immunization rates differ by deprivation decile with reduced risks of non-vaccination in the most deprived groups and increased risk in the least deprived deciles. Vaccines were not administered in a timely manner with more than half of the population experiencing delay. This was especially pronounced for the 40% most deprived populations and for immunizations scheduled at later ages (PSB and MMR 2). The deprivation gradient of uptake over the last decade has been decreasing from 2006 onwards. Timeliness has improved since 2008 but stratifying by deprivation shows a downward trend across all deciles. There is definitive evidence for an association between deprivation, uptake, and timeliness and time-trends show that uptake has been worsening since 2006.

Biography:

Dr. Ahmad Hussen Tareq has expertise in developing peptide based antibacterial agents to overcome antibiotic resistance. He focused on synthesis and modification of potent glycopeptide antibiotics like vancomycin and teixobactin to overcome bacterial drug resistance. He worked on antibiotic drug development with focus to address antimicrobial drug resistance, from lead discovery, drug development, chemical modification, invivo/invitro testing, pharmacological analysis to pre-clinical trials. In the above mentioned projects, he utilized carboxamide bond formation to develop simple and highly efficient methodology for vancomycin analog synthesis. As extension of his work, he developed method for synthesis of Teixobactin analogs. These next generation antibiotics can significantly help in our fight against bacterial drug resistance.

Abstract:

Glycopeptide antibiotics were once considered as drug of choice of serious gram positive infections. These antibiotics interrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis to exert their antibacterial effects. They pose higher barrier for drug resistance development, as they target non-protein components of bacterial cell wall. However, these antibiotics are increasingly becoming less effective due to emergence of resistant strains. To address this issue, modification of glycopeptide antibiotics to enhance their activity is therefore a useful strategy to develop new compounds against drug-resistant strains. We explored an underutilized reactive site on the glycopeptide antibiotics and developed a simple yet highly efficient scheme to synthesize various analogs. Using this scheme, the C-terminal carboxyl group of vancomycin was reacted with amine compounds to yield carboxamide analogs some of which with improved antibacterial activity upto 100 times. Usually multiple chemical reactions are needed to prepare antibiotic analogs. Our single-step scheme provides a simple yet efficient methodology to develop potent analogs of vancomycin. Different analogs are synthesized by reacting series of diamines with vancomycin.

Biography:

Lopes Cardoso I is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Genetics at the Faculty of Health Sciences from University Fernando Pessoa. She has completed her PhD in Biotechnology by the Superior School of Biotechnology from the Portuguese Catholic University and degree in Biochemistry from the Faculty of Sciences, the University of Porto. She is an Integrated Member of CEBIMED (Centre for Studies in Biomedicine) of the FP-ENAS (Research Unit in Energy, Environment and Health of the Fernando Pessoa University). She has published several books with national publishers and papers in international scientific journals in the area of Biochemistry, Genetics and Health Sciences.

Abstract:

Periodontitis is one of the most common diseases in dentistry. Black-pigmented, gram negative oral anaerobes such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia are thought to be pathogens in adult periodontitis. Antibiotherapy is usually needed in the treatment of periodontitis, but treatment is often inappropriate leading to bacterial resistances, a serious problem in dental practice. Consequently, identification of resistance genes in these microorganisms is crucial, to allow prescription of specific antibiotics. This study identified bacterial species by PCR as well as their antibiotic resistances. Identification of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia was performed according with Ashimoto, et al. (1996). Identification of TetM, TetQ and TEM genes was done according with Koukos, et al. (2014) and the CfxA gene according with Handal, et al. (2005). Prevotella intermedia represented 44% and Porphyromonas gingivalis 20% of total isolates. Remaining 36% strains belonged to other black-pigmented species. Concerning the antibiotic resistance genes, it was seen that 8% of isolates had one of the tetracycline resistance genes (TetQ or TetM). CfxA gene was detected in 2% and TEM gene in 30% of strains. Strains with tetracycline (TetQ or TetM) resistance genes also harboured the TEM gene. Prevotella sp. was the most prevalent bacterial species found in periodontic infections, as expected. Most strains (64%) with the TEM gene were identified as P. intermedia and only 7% of identified P. gingivalis had one of the analyzed resistance genes. No tetracycline resistance gene was observed in P. gingivalis strains.

Biography:

Joyce Sima Muttassa has completed his Nurses Midwife at Kondoa Nursing School, in 2018 and currently, working at the Government of Tanzania as a Nurse Midiwifely. She has published more than 16 papers in Wazo Dispensary.

Abstract:

The antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these medicines. Bacteria, not humans or animals became antibiotic resistance. And the resistance occurs when bacteria in the same way that reduce or eliminates the effectiveness of drug, chemicals or other agents designed to cure or continue to multiply causing more harm. Bacteria can do this through several mechanisms are example of antibiotic resistance include methicilline resistance, staphylococcus aureus [ARSA]. Penicillin resistance enterococcus and multdrug resistance mycobacterium tuberculosis [MDRTB] which is resistance to two tuberculosis drug isonized and rifampicilin. while antimiclobial resistance happens when microorganism (such as bacteria, fungi, virus and parasite) change when they are exposed to antimiclobial drugs such as antibiotics, antfungals and anthlmintics. The microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as 'superbugs'. As a result the medicines become inffective and infections persist in the body increasing the risk of spread to others.

Biography:

Awoyomi Olajoju J is a senior Lecturer and a Reseasrcher in  the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Reproduction, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria. She is interested in veterinary extension services. Her research activities covers various aspects of veterinary epidemiology with focus on zoonotic disease prevention (especially emerging and reemerging zoonosis) and veterinary drug usage.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Rabies is currently without cure, leaving prevention as the only strategy for its elimination from both developed and developing countries. In the provision of effective epidemic prevention policies by the government, certain theoretical frame works are often employed based on their ability to predict behaviour. In this study, the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was applied in analyzing dog owners’ behaviours.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Abeokuta, Nigeria, using a structured questionnaire, based on the model of planned behaviour. The basic demographic data were obtained from respondents. Attitude (ba), perceived behavioural control (pbc), behavioural intention (bi), subjective norm (sn), and knowledge were assessed. The knowledge effect was distinguished as objective knowledge (ok) and subjective knowledge (sk). A total of 225 dog owners (purposively sampled) completed the questionnaire. Pearson coefficient correlation, Chi-square, T-test, and logistic regression analysis were used to review the relationships among these variables and find determinants to explain the dog owners’ intention to vaccinate their dogs and actual vaccination (av).

Findings: Three main results were established; first our model was fit, and each path was significant except pbc ̶ ok path. People with better attitudes, stronger subjective norms, and better perceptive behavioural control had stronger behavioural intention. Secondly, attitude not perceived behavioural control was the best predictive index in this model and perceived   behavioural control was more influenced by objective knowledge than subjective knowledge.

Conclusion & Significance: To increase dog vaccination coverage against rabies, the government should not only address dog owners’ attitudes, but also their subjective norms and objective knowledge that in turn affect perceptive behavioural control and intention. This study successfully extended TPB to explain the behavioural intention of dog owners and presented recommendations that are more adapted to the study location.

Biography:

Tiffany K Roberts is an Assistant Professor of Pathology at the University of Louisville and Director of the Histocompatibility Laboratory at Jewish Hospital Trager Transplant Center. After completing her doctorate in Biochemistry at Emory University, she remained there to complete two fellowships; she is double boarded in Clinical Chemistry as well as Histocompatibility. Her subsequent experience includes serving as the Associate Histocompatibility Laboratory Director at the University Health Network in Toronto, ON, President of g6 GENOMICS+, where she was responsible for building molecular diagnostic laboratories in three states, and Laboratory Director of Immucor Dx, where she worked to develop and implement innovative molecular diagnostics to shape the future of transfusion and transplant medicine. Among her accomplishments she has been awarded the Paul E Strandjord Young Investigator award by the Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists as well as the Junior Faculty Case Presentation Award by the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation. She serves as a Reviewer for a number of journals and has written multiple abstracts and peer-reviewed scientific publications. She is a Member of the American Society of Transplantation (AST), American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI), and is actively involved with the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) as a member of the Education Core Committee. She brings a wide range of knowledge and skills to the practice of laboratory medicine. Her passion lies in directly impacting patient care and her interests focus on patient safety, multi-disciplinary care teams, and laboratory quality assurance.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) remain a common and major problem in healthcare. Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs), such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) with mortality rate ranges from 10% to more than 30%, can be life threatening. ADRs induced by several drugs have been shown to have significant associations with specific alleles of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Drugs or reactive metabolites are considered as foreign antigens that bind to T cell receptors (TCR) and further activate immune response. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain how the immune system is activated in a HLA molecule-dependent manner.

Findings: Hypersensitivity to abacavir, a drug used for treating of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, has been proposed to be associated with allele 57:01 of HLA-B gene (terms HLA-B∗57:01). The incidences of abacavir hypersensitivity are much higher in Caucasians compared to other populations due to various allele frequencies in different ethnic populations. The antithyroid drug- (ATDs-) induced agranulocytosis are strongly associated with two alleles: HLA-B∗38:02 and HLA-DRB1∗08:03. In addition, HLA-B∗15:02 allele was reported to be related to carbamazepine-induced SJS/TEN, and HLA-B∗57:01 in abacavir hypersensitivity and flucloxacillin induced drug-induced liver injury (DILI).

Conclusion & Significance: This talk will summarize the alleles of HLA genes which have been proposed to have association with ADRs caused by different drugs.

Biography:

Pierre A Morgon is the CEO of MRGN Advisors and Regional Partner for Switzerland at Merieux Developpement. He is also Chairman of the Board of Virometix, as well as Non-Executive Director to the Boards of Theradiag, of Eurocine Vaccines and of Vaccitech. He has over 30 years of experience in the global Life Science industry, especially with vaccines and immunotherapy, at the HELM of international operations, in C-level positions at global level and as CEO of start-ups. He is a Lecturer in several MBA programs in world-class business schools and in Life Science conferences, as well as to the MassChallenge biotechnology incubator in Switzerland. He holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy, Master of Business Law and an MBA. He is also an Alumnus of INSEAD and IMD.

Abstract:

The vaccine segment is anticipated to be one of the fastest growing one of the healthcare industry and several leading firms have stepped up vaccine investments in recent years. Unlike therapeutic agents, vaccines are administered to healthy individuals only once or very infrequently during a life time. Vaccines generate well-documented positive externalities, yet their poor awareness and acceptability among vaccine end-users may contribute to resurgence of transmissible diseases and consequently trigger governmental interventions such as mandating vaccination. In addition to technical and clinical development per the highest quality standards, bringing new vaccines to market requires carefully orchestrated programs targeting the multiple types of stakeholders along the entire value chain and addressing their respective purchasing behavioral drivers. Against a backdrop of anti-vaccination buzz and vaccine fatigue, successful global launch and sustainable usage of a vaccine requires the development of a multi-pronged strategy addressing all aspects in relation to acceptability (e.g. the motivation to immunize despite the quasi-disappearance of the disease), accessibility (e.g. supply chain services), availability (e.g. mechanisms ensuring reliability of supply) and affordability (e.g. tiered pricing policy taking country differences in per capita income into account). Leveraging novel technological advances can positively influence the ability to activate these levers successfully.

Biography:

He is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics and is the Head of Pharmacy Department, Al-Razi University, Yemen.

Abstract:

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is clinically significant and opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in hospitalized patients. Antibiotic resistance is a major concern in clinical practice. The ongoing emergence of resistant strains that cause nosocomial infections contributes substantially to the morbidity and mortality of hospitalized patients.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the antimicrobial resistance patterns of P. aeruginosa isolates from hospitalised patients in Sana'a, Yemen.

Methods: The study was performed at microbiology department of a local hospital in Sana’a, Yemen. All the patients' samples of hospital departments from January, 2017 to December, 2017 were included. A total of 2079 samples were collected during the study period. Among them, 193 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated.

Results:  One hundred ninty three of P. aeruginosa were isolated from different clinical specimens and fully characterized by standard bacteriological procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of each isolates was carried out by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. Majority of P. aeruginosa were isolated from sputum, followed by urine specimens. The isolate pathogen shows the highest sensitive to meropenem (85.5%), followed by amikacin (80.5%), imipenem (80.0%), and piperacillin/tazobactam (77.2). The highest frequency of resistance (96.2%) was observed with amoxicillin /clavulinic Acid, followed by cefuroxime 94.6%, ampicillin/ sulbactam 94.5%, Co-Trimoxzole 80.5%, and norfloxacin 54%.

Conclusion: The result confirmed the occurrence of drug resistance strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Meropenem, imipenem, and amikacin, were found to be the most effective antimicrobial drugs. It therefore calls for a very judicious, appropriate treatment regimens selection by the physicians to limit the further spread of antimicrobial resistance P. aeruginosa.