Current recommendations for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus infection prevalent in Asia and the western Pacific.
• Infection with the JE virus (JEV) can range from asymptomatic to severe encephalitis, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
• JE is a vaccine-preventable disease, with vaccination programs crucial for reducing its burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of Japanese encephalitis (JE) and its prevention through vaccination.
• To discuss the different types of JE vaccines and their historical and current usage.
• To highlight the impact of immunization programs on JE incidence.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on Japanese encephalitis (JE) and JE vaccines.
• Analysis of vaccine types, including live attenuated SA14-14-2, inactivated mouse brain-derived (JE-MB), inactivated Vero cell culture (JE-VC), and live attenuated chimeric (IMOJEV).
• Examination of the role of national immunization programs in controlling JE.

Main Results:

• Four types of JE vaccines have been developed and are in use globally.
• JE vaccination programs, particularly in Asian countries, have led to a considerable decline in JE incidence.
• Cell culture-based vaccines are increasingly replacing older inactivated mouse brain-derived vaccines.

Conclusions:

• Japanese encephalitis (JE) remains a significant public health concern, but it is preventable through vaccination.
• The availability and widespread use of JE vaccines have been instrumental in controlling the disease.
• Continued immunization efforts and the adoption of advanced vaccine technologies are essential for further reducing the global burden of JE.