Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy (SMR) is a form of schistosomiasis that is not linked with a high worm burden but rather is found in patients who have been sporadically exposed to Schistosoma mansoni. This paper aims to determine the occurrence of SMR in a low-endemic area with urban transmission in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. A retrospective study was performed, identifying confirmed cases in the two largest public hospitals on the region. Patients were diagnosed with SMR using standardised criteria, common clinical parameters, evidence of schistosomal infection and exclusion of other causes of myelopathy. A total of 27 patients were identified; 19 (85.2%) were men and four (14.8%) were women, ranging from 13-57 years of age (mean = 31.2; standard deviation = 12.8). Patients were classified as autochthonous (n = 14; 51.9%) or allochthonous (n = 11; 40.7%) and epidemiological data could not be obtained for two patients (7.4%). The clinical parameters of these patients were not different from previous studies. The sensitivity of serum immune reactions, cerebrospinal fluid immune reactions and parasitological stool examinations in identifying infected individuals was 87.5%, 93.8% and 40%, respectively. The epidemiological importance of these findings and their relationship with the control policies of schistosomiasis are discussed.

OBJETIVOS: As vacinas contra o estreptococo B, o herpes-zóster, o HIV, a malária e a dengue, selecionadas por critérios de comercialização iminente ou devido a problemas específicos para sua obtenção, foram objeto de uma revisão sobre o estado atual do seu desenvolvimento. FONTE DOS DADOS:Foi realizada revisão da literatura através da MEDLINE no período de 1996 a 2006, sobre a epidemiologia e imunologia das doenças, analisando tanto os maiores problemas para a obtenção de uma vacina como o estado atual dos estudos, com ênfase para os que estavam em fase mais adiantada. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Cada uma das cinco doenças escolhidas apresenta problemas específicos para o desenvolvimento de uma vacina. No entanto, a maioria deles já foi ou está em vias de ser resolvido, permitindo prever que uma vacina - ou vacinas - eficaz e segura estará disponível em futuro próximo. CONCLUSÕES:Apesar dos problemas enfrentados para o desenvolvimento dessas vacinas, os avanços da biologia molecular e da imunologia permitiram superar a maioria deles, abrindo a perspectiva para a obtenção de novas vacinas.

OBJECTIVES: To review the current state of development of streptococcus B, herpes-zoster, HIV, malaria and dengue vaccines. These vaccines were selected both because of imminent commercial release and because of specific problems with their development. SOURCES OF DATA: A review of the literature was performed by means of a MEDLINE search, on the period 1996 to 2006, for the epidemiology and immunology of these diseases, analyzing both the greatest obstacles to creating a vaccine and the current state of research, with emphasis on studies in the most advanced stages. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Each of the five diseases chosen presents specific problems for vaccine development. Nevertheless, in the majority of cases these have been or are in sight of being resolved, allowing for the prediction that a safe and effective vaccine - or vaccines - will be available in the near future. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the problems faced in developing these vaccines, advances in molecular biology and immunology have made it possible to overcome most obstacles, opening up the prospects for new vaccines.