Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Introduction in Madagascar (TyMA): Evaluation of the Real-World Effectiveness of the Vi-CRM197 Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine in Madagascar (TyMA)

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, remains a major public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in settings with limited access to safe water and sanitation. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance further complicates treatment and underscores the importance of preventive strategies such as vaccination. Typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs) have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, but data on their real-world effectiveness and broader population impact in African settings remain limited.

The TyMA study evaluates the impact of a mass vaccination campaign using a WHO-prequalified Vi-CRM197 TCV in selected districts of Madagascar. The study employs a population-based design integrating a baseline census, vaccination activities, and longitudinal surveillance.

Eligible individuals aged 9 months to 45 years will receive a single intramuscular dose of Vi-CRM197 during a community vaccination campaign.

Vaccine effectiveness will be assessed through both active and enhanced facility-based surveillance for typhoid fever over approximately three years Blood culture testing will be performed for suspected cases to identify laboratory-confirmed S. Typhi infection. Effectiveness estimates will be derived by comparing incidence rates between vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated controls within the censused population.

Subgroups of participants will be enrolled in additional cohorts to evaluate specific outcomes:

• Safety cohort: Active monitoring for adverse events following vaccination
• Immunogenicity cohort: Measurement of anti-Vi IgG antibody responses over time
• Active follow-up subpopulation: Regular household visits to identify febrile illness and healthcare utilization
• AMR cohort: Assessment of antimicrobial use, consumption, and carriage of antimicrobial resistance markers

Passive surveillance in selected healthcare facilities will complement active follow-up to capture cases presenting for care. Data on antibiotic prescribing, hospitalization, and clinical outcomes will also be collected.

The study will assess direct, indirect, and overall vaccine protection at the population level and explore the impact of vaccination on antimicrobial use and resistance patterns. Findings are expected to provide critical evidence to support national and regional policy decisions regarding typhoid vaccine introduction and strategies to mitigate antimicrobial resistance.