Description
The Portuguese National Vaccination Program (PNV) is free, universal and accessible to everyone in the country and was implemented in 1965. The PNV requires monitoring, periodic review and update of the information related to the microorganisms involved in diseases which could raise major concerns in Public Health. The last National Serological Survey (NSS) was conducted between 2001 and 2002. Aiming to enhance the information on the prevalence of specific communicable diseases and their dissemination, we propose to conduct a NSS between 2015 and 2016 by using a representative stratified randomized sample of the population residing in Portugal to assess the prevalence of antibodies regarding vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) and other infectious diseases with a presumed impact in Public Health (HCV, HIV, Syphilis and also to assess the prevalence of Chlamydia). The project will be developed between July 2014 and November 2016 in 4 major steps which were designed as (S1) Planning, Coordination and Management, (S2) National Seroprevalence Survey, (S3) Data analysis and reporting and (S4) Dissemination, communication and evaluation. To achieve the proposed goals of the proposed project, 8 major tasks were planned to be accomplished in successive periods of time between 2014 and 2016 as already described in the chronogram: (T1) Implementation (5 months), (T2) Promotion strategy (1 month), (T3); Pilot study and adjustments (1 month); (T4) Field work (3 months); (T5) Laboratory work (5 months); (T6). Results, discussion and reporting (6 months); (T7) Dissemination and communication (1 month) and (T8) Final evaluation for intervention. The expected outcomes of the project are to improve the knowledge on the immunity profile of the Portuguese population concerning communicable diseases including vaccine preventable diseases and others infectious diseases that have a major impact in Public Health in our country.
Summary of project results
In Portugal, obtaining valid epidemiological information constitutes a major public health (PH) challenge. The main goal of this project was to improve the knowledge of the prevalence of antibodies to specific communicable diseases to guide interventions on the field of prevention and treatment, aiming to support public health decision making in alignment with the priorities of Portuguese National Health Plan. Thus, a National Serological Survey – Portugal 2015-2016 (NSS 2015-2016) was conducted to assess seroprevalence to vaccine-preventable diseases and to other infectious agents (HCV, HIV, syphilis) with a negative impact on PH and was the first NSS conducted in all Portuguese territory (mainland and autonomous regions: Azores and Madeira). The project collect data and biological products at national and regional level to 4724 participants according to the defined sampling plan and performed the analytical determination for the infectious agents defined (Bordetella pertussis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Clostridium tetani, Haemophilus influenzae type b, HAV, HBV, Poliovirus type 1, type 2, and type 3, Measles virus, Mumps virus and Rubella virus, from individuals aged older than 2 years old, and HCV, HIV, Treponema pallidum and Chlamydia trachomatis from individuals aged older than 18 years old). This project has also helped to strengthen the relations between the Promoter (INSA) and private laboratories at national and regional level, especially in terms of training and support. The main outputs from the project are one database, one random sera bank and one random urine bank and the publication of two Reports on the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and vaccine preventable diseases. The development of this project will improve the validity and availability of population-based health information through the use of robust epidemiological data including indicators on the prevalence of antibodies to vaccine-preventable diseases, which was unknown since 2001, when the second national serological survey was conducted. In addition was also determined the prevalence of sexually transmissible infections in the Portuguese population which was unknown at national level.
Summary of bilateral results