Policy and socio-cultural differences between cantons in Switzerland with high and low adolescent vaccination coverage for hepatitis B and HPV.

Vaccination recommendations in Switzerland are national, but vaccine coverage varies greatly from one canton to another, particularly for vaccinations recommended in adolescence. To explain these differences, we studied vaccination practices and socio-cultural views from the vantage points of policy makers, healthcare providers and community adolescents and parents in 4 cantons with low (LVC) and 4 cantons with high (HVC) vaccination coverage for hepatitis B (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. In-depth semi-structured interviews were administered to a policy maker, a private practitioner and 4 to 7 community members (adolescents and parents of adolescents) from each of the 8 cantons.

Human papillomavirus genotype distribution and socio-behavioural characteristics in women with cervical pre-cancer and cancer at the start of a human papillomavirus vaccination programme: the CIN3+ plus study.

Background: The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health has recommended vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent cervical cancer since 2008. To establish monitoring of the future public health impact of vaccination, baseline population-based data are required. The objectives of this study were to examine the distribution of oncogenic HPV genotypes in biopsies with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia stage 3 or more severe lesions (CIN3+) at the beginning of HPV vaccination programmes and to compare sociodemographic and behavioural factors of women with CIN3+ with women in the Swiss general population.

Human papillomavirus vaccine uptake in adolescence and adherence to cervical cancer screening in Switzerland: a national cross-sectional survey.

Objectives: The objectives were to measure uptake of and factors associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination initiation and to determine whether HPV vaccination reduced the uptake of cervical cancer screening.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in a random sample of Swiss women aged 18-49 years in 2014 (N = 3588).

Results: Vaccination initiation was 69.

Reduction of acute hepatitis B through vaccina-tion of adolescents with no decrease in chronic hepatitis B due to immigration in a low ende-micity country.

With a hepatitis B prevalence of 0.3%, Switzerland is a country with low endemicity. Unlike most other countries, Switzerland's recommendation for vaccination against hepatitis B has since 1998 focused on adolescents aged 11 to 15 years rather than on infants, in addition to risk groups since 1982.

[Chickenpox and shingles: one virus, two diseases and current vaccination recommendations in Switzerland].

Adults, pregnant women, premature babies and immunocompromised persons are at increased risk for varicella complications. Therefore the current Swiss vaccination recommendations against varicella include a general recommendation for 11 to 15 year old adolescents with a negative varicella history, as well as a specific recommendation for risk groups. The goal of both recommendations is to reduce varicella complications in persons most at risk.

Hepatitis B and C in Switzerland - healthcare provider initiated testing for chronic hepatitis B and C infection.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are contagious liver diseases caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively. In particular, chronic infection with HBV or HCV is a major public health problem throughout Europe. The majority of persons chronically infected (65%-75%) are not aware of their infection status until symptoms of advanced liver disease appear.

The Federal Vaccination Commission in Switzerland: an officially appointed independent commission ensuring evidence-based recommendations and transparent procedures.

The Commission Fédérale pour les Vaccinations (CFV; Federal Vaccination Commission), the Swiss National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), was established in 2004 and is comprised of 15 core members and a few ex officio members. Its role is to serve as a scientific advisor to the authorities in making vaccination recommendations, and to act as a mediator between the authorities, experts, and the public on questions concerning vaccinations. The CFV requires all members to describe in detail any potential conflicts of interest.

Hepatitis A virus infections in travelers, 1988-2004.

Background: Uncertainty exists about the current risk of hepatitis A virus infection in nonimmune travelers to destinations with high or intermediate risk of transmission. We analyzed recent epidemiological data on imported hepatitis A to determine region-specific attack rates and incidences.

Methods: Surveillance data on hepatitis A virus infections diagnosed during 1988-2004 were evaluated on the basis of notification by laboratories, additional reports of physicians, and traveler's statistics.

Peritoneal schistosomiasis: an unusual laparoscopic finding.

Laparoscopic surgery is now a common procedure for the cure of appendicitis. Unexpected other laparoscopic findings can be a diagnostic challenge. The authors present a case in which, in addition to typical appendicitis, multiple whitish nodules were found diffusely on the peritoneal surfaces suggesting a differential diagnosis including miliary tuberculosis and carcinoma metastases.

Early onset and rapidly progressive subacute sclerosing panencephalitis after congenital measles infection.

Unlabelled: We report an 18-month-old girl with rapidly progressive subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, whose non immunised mother had measles at the time of delivery. The patient presented with repetitive episodes of myoclonic jerks of the head and arms, followed by a drop of head and trunk with frequent falls. EEG, CSF studies and MRI confirmed the diagnosis.