Impfen bei Immundefizienz

[Primary ciliary dyskinesia]

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder with a variable clinical phenotype that is accompanied by reduced motility of the cilia in the respiratory tract and numerous other organs. This leads to various characteristic symptoms and disease manifestations, primarily affecting the lungs (chronic persistent productive cough, bronchiectasis), the nose and paranasal sinuses (chronic persistent rhinitis or rhinosinusitis) as well as the middle ear (chronic otitis media, middle ear effusion). Moreover, PCD is associated with impaired fertility or lateralization defects (situs anomalies, congenital heart defects). The diagnostics of PCD are complex and require a combination of several sophisticated instrument-based diagnostic procedures. Through thorough history taking and evaluation, suspected cases can be comparatively well identified based on typical clinical features and referred to further diagnostics. In recent years, molecular genetic analysis through panel diagnostics or whole exome and whole genome sequencing, has gained in importance as this enables affected individuals to participate in disease-specific and genotype-specific clinical trials. Although the current treatment is purely symptomatic, the earliest possible diagnosis is crucial for connecting patients to specialized PCD centers, which can have a significant impact on the clinical course of the affected individuals.

Live-attenuated vaccination for measles, mumps, and rubella in pediatric liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Infections are a serious short- and long-term problem after pediatric organ transplantation. In immunocompromised patients, they can lead to transplant rejection or a severe course with a sometimes fatal outcome. Vaccination is an appropriate means of reducing morbidity and mortality caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. Unfortunately, due to the disease or its course, it is not always possible to establish adequate vaccine protection against live-attenuated viral vaccines (LAVVs) prior to transplantation. LAVVs such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are still contraindicated in solid organ transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy (IST), thus creating a dilemma.

AIM

This review discusses whether, when, and how live-attenuated MMR vaccines can be administered effectively and safely to pediatric liver transplant recipients based on the available data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We searched PubMed for literature on live-attenuated MMR vaccination in pediatric liver transplantation (LT).

RESULTS

Nine prospective observational studies and three retrospective case series were identified in which at least 833 doses of measles vaccine were administered to 716 liver transplant children receiving IST. In these selected patients, MMR vaccination was well tolerated and no serious adverse reactions to the vaccine were observed. In addition, an immune response to the vaccine was demonstrated in patients receiving IST.

CONCLUSION

Due to inadequate vaccine protection in this high-risk group, maximum efforts must be made to ensure full immunization. MMR vaccination could also be considered for unprotected patients after LT receiving IST following an individual risk assessment, as severe harm from live vaccines after liver transplantation has been reported only very rarely. To this end, it is important to establish standardized and simple criteria for the selection of suitable patients and the administration of the MMR vaccine to ensure safe use.

[Vaccination of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)]

During immune reconstitution following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), (re)vaccination of allo-HSCT recipients is recommended. Herein, we propose an update of practical recommendations regarding vaccination of allo-HSCT recipients. These recommendations, based on data from the literature, national and international guidelines and the consensus of the participants when no formally proven data are available, were elaborated during the workshop of practice harmonization organized by the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC) in Lille in September 2022.

Efficacy of a novel patient-focused intervention aimed at increasing adherence to guideline-based preventive measures in asplenic patients: the PrePSS trial

PURPOSE

To determine whether a novel intervention improves the adherence to guideline-based preventive measures in asplenic patients at risk of post-splenectomy sepsis (PSS).

METHODS

We used a prospective controlled, two-armed historical control group design to compare a novel, health action process approach (HAPA)-based telephonic intervention involving both patients and their general practitioners to usual care. Eligible patients were identified in cooperation with the insurance provider AOK Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Patients with anatomic asplenia (n = 106) were prospectively enrolled and compared to a historical control group (n = 113). Comparisons were done using a propensity-score-based overlap-weighting model. Adherence to preventive measures was quantified by the study-specific 'Preventing PSS score' (PrePSS score) which includes pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccination status, the availability of a stand-by antibiotic and a medical alert card.

RESULTS

At six months after the intervention, we estimated an effect of 3.96 (95% CI 3.68-4.24) points on the PrePSS score scale (range 0-10) with mean PrePSS scores of 3.73 and 7.70 in control and intervention group, respectively. Substantial improvement was seen in all subcategories of the PrePSS score with the highest absolute gains in the availability of stand-by antibiotics. We graded the degree of participation by the general practitioner (no contact, short contact, full intervention) and noted that the observed effect was only marginally influenced by the degree of physician participation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who had received the intervention exhibited a significantly higher adherence to guideline-based preventive measures compared to the control group. These data suggest that widespread adoption of this pragmatic intervention may improve management of asplenic patients. Health insurance provider-initiated identification of at-risk patients combined with a patient-focused intervention may serve as a blueprint for a wide range of other preventive efforts leading to patient empowerment and ultimately to better adherence to standards of care.

Antibody responses after sequential vaccination with PCV13 and PPSV23 in kidney transplant recipients

PURPOSE

Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae is recommended in transplant recipients to reduce the morbidity and mortality from invasive pneumococcal disease. Previous studies indicate that transplant recipients can produce specific antibodies after vaccination with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Prevenar 13 (PCV13) or the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23). National guidelines recommend sequential vaccination with PCV13 followed by PPSV23 in kidney transplant patients. However, there are currently no data on the serological response in kidney transplant recipients, who received a sequential vaccination with PCV13 and PPSV23.

METHODS

In the current study, we sequentially vaccinated 46 kidney transplant recipients with PCV13 and PPSV23 and determined global and serotype-specific anti-pneumococcal antibody responses in the year following vaccination.

RESULTS

Serotype-specific and global anti-pneumococcal antibody concentrations were significantly higher compared to baseline. We observed that serotype-specific antibody responses varied by serotype (between 2.2- and 2.9-fold increase after 12 months). The strongest responses after 12 months were detected against the serotypes 9N (2.9-fold increase) and 14 (2.8-fold increase). Global antibody responses also varied with respect to immunoglobulin class. IgG2 revealed the highest increase (2.7-fold), IgM the lowest (1.7-fold). Sequential vaccination with both vaccines achieved higher antibody levels in comparison with a historical cohort studied at our institute, that was vaccinated with PCV13 alone. During the 12-months follow-up period, none of the patients developed pneumococcal-associated pneumonia or vaccination-related allograft rejection.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we strongly recommend sequential vaccination over single immunization in kidney transplant recipients.

[Splenic surgery in hematological diseases : Indications and surgical technique]

BACKGROUND

Splenic surgery in hematological disorders requires a well-weighted decision on the indications because the medical treatment has rapidly changed in recent years due to new pharmaceutical approaches.

OBJECTIVE

Summary of the indications, surgical procedures and perioperative management regarding operative interventions on the spleen in hematological disorders.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Selective literature search and summary of reviews and guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

In hematological disorders surgical procedures of the spleen (splenectomy and partial splenectomy) are an important part of the repertoire in the treatment. In recent years the indications for surgery have become narrower because of new forms of medicinal treatment. Especially in hereditary spherocytosis, immune thrombocytopenia and symptomatic splenomegaly and hypersplenism it is still of importance. The minimally invasive splenectomy is regarded as the gold standard. The spleen has an important immune and sequestration function, therefore preoperative and postoperative infectious and thromboembolic events have to be anticipated and prevented. A close interdisciplinary cooperation with hematologists is essential for an optimal outcome of patients.

CONCLUSION

The minimally invasive splenectomy and partial splenectomy are part of the surgical repertoire in the diagnostics and treatment of hematological disorders. Because of novel medicinal approaches the therapeutic protocols are continuously changing. A close cooperation with hematologists is important for the optimal evaluation of the indications and the perioperative management.

Tiza-Titre increase and enhanced immunity through an adjuvanted, recombinant herpes zoster subunit vaccine in patients with liver cirrhosis and post-liver transplantation: a study protocol for a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Shingrix, an effective adjuvanted, recombinant herpes zoster vaccine (RZV), has been available since 2018. Immunocompromised patients are known to be predisposed to vaccine failure. In-vitro testing of immunological surrogates of vaccine protection could be instrumental for monitoring vaccination success. So far, no test procedure is available for vaccine responses to RZV that could be used on a routine basis.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a single-centre, three-arm, parallel, longitudinal cohort study aspiring to recruit a total of 308 patients (103 with a liver cirrhosis Child A/B, 103 after liver transplantation (both ≥50 years), 102 immunocompetent patients (60-70 years)). Blood samples will be taken at seven data collection points to determine varicella zoster virus (VZV) and glycoprotein E (gE)-specific IgG and T cell responses. The primary study outcome is to measure and compare responses after vaccination with RZV depending on the type and degree of immunosuppression using gE-specific antibody detection assays. As a secondary outcome, first, the gE-specific CD4+ T cell response of the three cohorts will be compared and, second, the gE-VZV antibody levels will be compared with the severity of possible vaccination reactions. The tertiary outcome is a potential association between VZV immune responses and clinical protection against shingles.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was issued on 07/11/2022 by the Ethics Committee Essen, Germany (number 22-10805-BO). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed open-access journals and presented at local, national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

German Clinical Trials Registry (number DRKS00030683).

[Invasive meningococcal disease: increased risk and vaccination prevention for immunocompromised patients]

BACKGROUND

The development of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of infectious diseases through vaccination requires an understanding of populations that most likely may obtain an infection, severe illness or disease. Targeted vaccination recommendations are made possible by identifying risk groups, as is the case with meningococcal infections. Despite falling case numbers, meningococcal sepsis and meningococcal meningitis remain a major health problem.

METHOD

A systematic literature search was carried out on the research platform Ovid.

RESULTS

Vulnerable groups of people whose immune system is limited by primary and secondary immunodeficiency, such as asplenia, renal failure, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, diabetes, complement deficiency, organ and stem cell transplants, or immunomodulatory therapy (e.g., in rheumatic, hematological or oncological diseases), are exposed to an increased risk of infection and more severe courses of disease. Despite adequate medical care, the mortality rate is high and patients that survived the infection are often suffering from severe long-term sequelae. In such cases, the vaccination recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) for indication vaccinations and the application instructions for vaccination in the case of immune deficiency should be consistently implemented in Germany.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased responsibility for comprehensive protection must be assumed for persons with underlying diseases. Reducing invasive meningococcal infections can be achieved through widespread education of patients and contacts, as well as practicing physicians on available vaccinations.

Temporal evolution and differential patterns of cellular reconstitution after therapy for childhood cancers

The cellular reconstitution after childhood cancer therapy is associated with the risk of infection and efficacy of revaccination. Many studies have described the reconstitution after stem cell transplantation (SCT). The recovery after cancer treatment in children who have not undergone SCT has mainly been investigated in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), less for solid tumors. Here, we have examined the temporal evolution of total leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts as surrogate parameters for the post-therapeutic immune recovery in a cohort of n = 52 patients with ALL in comparison to n = 58 patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) and n = 22 patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES). Patients with ALL showed an efficient increase in blood counts reaching the age-adjusted lower limits of normal between 4 and 5 months after the end of maintenance therapy. The two groups of patients with HD and ES exhibited a comparably delayed recovery of total leukocytes due to a protracted post-therapeutic lymphopenia which was most pronounced in patients with HD after irradiation. Overall, we observed a clearly more efficient resurgence of total lymphocyte counts in patients aged below 12 years compared to patients aged 12 to 18 years. Our results underline that the kinetics of cellular reconstitution after therapy for HD and ES differ significantly from ALL and depend on treatment regimens and modalities as well as on patient age. This suggests a need for disease, treatment, and age specific recommendations concerning the duration of infection prophylaxis and the timing of revaccination.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant tumour of the bone. Osteosarcoma incidence is bimodal, peaking at 18 and 60 years of age, and is slightly more common in males. The key pathophysiological mechanism involves several possible genetic drivers of disease linked to bone formation, causing malignant progression and metastasis. While there have been significant improvements in the outcome of patients with localized disease, with event-free survival outcomes exceeding 60%, in patients with metastatic disease, event-free survival outcomes remain poor at less than 30%. The suspicion of osteosarcoma based on radiographs still requires pathological evaluation of a bone biopsy specimen for definitive diagnosis and CT imaging of the chest should be performed to identify lung nodules. So far, population-based screening and surveillance strategies have not been implemented due to the rarity of osteosarcoma and the lack of reliable markers. Current screening focuses only on groups at high risk such as patients with genetic cancer predisposition syndromes. Management of osteosarcoma requires a multidisciplinary team of paediatric and medical oncologists, orthopaedic and general surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and specialist nurses. Survivors of osteosarcoma require specialized medical follow-up, as curative treatment consisting of chemotherapy and surgery has long-term adverse effects, which also affect the quality of life of patients. The development of osteosarcoma model systems and related research as well as the evaluation of new treatment approaches are ongoing to improve disease outcomes, especially for patients with metastases.

[When are antibody determinations in serum before or after vaccination indicated and when not?]

Questions about the usefulness of determining antibody values or titers to demonstrate protection often arise before or after vaccinations in immunization clinics. Such measurements may be useful in exceptional situations, e.g., in immunocompromised patients or those with suspected immunodeficiency, in patients with unknown vaccination status, and in certain defined risk situations (e.g., hepatitis B serology after needlestick injuries or after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with certain forms of immunodeficiency). In contrast, individual serological antibody measurements are neither recommended nor useful after generally recommended vaccinations. This is because either it is known from licensure studies or long-term use that there is a sufficiently high individual probability of protection (e.g., > 99% for tetanus) when the recommended vaccination schedules are adhered to or because the vaccination strategy is primarily aimed at indirect protection of the population and not at protection of each individual person. The few individuals who are not sufficiently protected after vaccination (vaccination failures) will still benefit indirectly from the reduced risk of exposure. This has been demonstrated with oral poliomyelitis vaccination in the 1960s, MMR vaccination since the 1970s, and Hib vaccination since the 1990s. This statement of our committee shows the evidence for a sensible approach, when and which antibody determinations are helpful and meaningful after or before vaccination and which are not. The statement is based on Germany's Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommendations and their administration instructions. We advise not to comply with the wish of some parents for titer determinations in their child that are not medically justified.

Controlled non-randomised before-after study evaluating the impact of a focused recommendation card on vaccination rates of oncological patients-The Easy Vaccination in Oncology (EVO) strategy

OBJECTIVE

By implementing a focused must-have vaccination strategy (Easy Vaccination in Oncology [EVO]), we aimed to increase rates for high-impact vaccinations (Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza, herpes zoster and hepatitis B) in the at-risk population of oncological patients.

METHODS

In this German multicentre interventional non-randomised controlled two-arm open trial with repeated cross-sectional data collection, we evaluated the EVO strategy as an easy to implement approach. Vaccination rates were assessed in the outpatient setting and re-assessed after 3 months. A generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to assess the primary endpoint (Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccination rates according to recommendations), taking clustering within clinics into account.

RESULTS

Vaccination rates substantially increased in the intervention group; Streptococcus pneumoniae +21.5% (+16.7% according to recommendations), influenza +12.2%, herpes zoster +13.3% (+13.6% age group 50+), and hepatitis B +11%. Vaccination rates in the control group tended to decrease or increase only moderately (-5.8% [-3.8%], +7.4%, +2.1% [1.4%], and -1.7%, respectively). GLMM showed significant effect of the intervention (OR 7.50, 95% CI 2.18-25.80, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This easy-to-implement and resource-saving approach has the potential to increase vaccination rates in oncological patients and to have a considerable impact protecting oncological patients from preventable infectious diseases.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered at the German Resister for Clinical Studies (DRKS) under DRKS00020118.

Infection prevention requirements for the medical care of immunosuppressed patients: recommendations of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) at the Robert Koch Institute

In Germany, guidelines for hygiene in hospitals are given in form of recommendations by the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention, "KRINKO"). The KRINKO and its voluntary work are legitimized by the mandate according to § 23 of the Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz, "IfSG"). The original German version of this document was published in February 2021 and has now been made available to the international professional public in English. The guideline provides recommendations on infection prevention and control for immunocompromised individuals in health care facilities. This recommendation addresses not only measures related to direct medical care of immunocompromised patients, but also management aspects such as surveillance, screening, antibiotic stewardship, and technical/structural aspects such as patient rooms, air quality, and special measures during renovations.

Current Insights into the Management of Late Chemotherapy Toxicities in Pediatric Osteosarcoma Patients

With ever increasing long-term, disease free survival rates, long-term toxicities of otherwise successful therapy have gained increasing importance. They can be grouped into potentially life-threatening, especially secondary malignancies and anthracycline cardiomyopathies, potentially disabling, particularly severe hearing loss and renal insufficiency, other, and rare events. Pathophysiology, frequency, and medical treatment approaches are discussed. Finally, fertility issues and quality of life issues are discussed, together with an outlook into the future. The challenge to cure as many patients as possible from osteosarcoma while enabling a life free of late effects will remain.

[Vaccinations]

Vaccination is considered one of the most important achievements of modern medicine and has saved millions of lives. As a result, the age-old fear of severe or fatal infectious diseases has largely been forgotten in society; however, the pandemic triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) shows how quickly this fear can return. Also, many people have reservations about medical measures, especially if they are directed against vague dangers. Paradoxically, the success of vaccinations jeopardizes the acceptance. To counteract this development, this article provides information on basic vaccination principles, legal frameworks and components of vaccines. It explains the most important categories, goals, core elements of vaccination programs and the most important recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination at the Robert Koch Institute (STIKO). It explains the current state of knowledge with respect to required resources, assessment of vaccine reactions, complication management and possible vaccine damage.

[14 years of HPV vaccination: what has been achieved?]

Professor Harald zur Hausen, „Vater der HPV(humane Papillomviren)-Impfung“, wurde in diesem Jahr 85 Jahre alt. Aus diesem Anlass wird in einem Rückblick auf die Einführung der HPV-Impfung vor 14 Jahren geschaut, und es werden die Widerstände aufgezeigt, welche die ersten Jahre dieser segensreichen Impfung begleiteten. Schon früh wurde 2007 die Impfung für die Mädchen in das Standardimpfprogramm der Ständigen Impfkommission am Robert Koch-Institut (STIKO) aufgenommen, erst 11 Jahre später kam es zur Empfehlung auch für Jungen. Die Impfquoten in beiden Gruppen sind mit ca. 50 % in Deutschland weiterhin im Vergleich zu anderen Ländern mit Schulimpfprogrammen zu niedrig. Dabei gibt es keine wissenschaftlichen Bedenken mehr gegenüber der HPV-Impfung, die sich in weltweiten Studien als sicher und wirksam erwiesen hat. Nicht nur die Verminderung der Krebsvorstufen, sondern auch von Zervixkarzinomen konnte neben der starken Reduktion von Fällen an Condylomata acuminata bei den Geimpften inzwischen in Real-Life-Studien gezeigt werden, weshalb die WHO (World Health Organization) als Impfziel die Eliminierung des Zervixkrebses durch Aufbau einer Bevölkerungsimmunität erklärt hat. Dazu sollten weitere Anstrengungen unternommen werden, die Impfquoten in Deutschland zu erhöhen, was auch in einem entsprechenden Appell der Gesundheitsministerkonferenz im Juni 2021 eingeflossen ist.

Prävention durch Impfung pneumologisch vorerkrankter Erwachsener

Prioritär bei Patienten mit chronischer Lungenerkrankung ist derzeit die Impfung gegen SARS-CoV‑2 („severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2“), alle hierfür zugelassenen Impfstoffe hatten eine gute Wirksamkeit gegen schwere Infektionen. Für Patienten mit chronischen Lungenerkrankungen werden neben den Standardimpfungen im Erwachsenenalter auch die sog. Indikationsimpfungen durch die STIKO (Ständige Impfkommission am Robert Koch-Institut) empfohlen. Hierzu gehören die Impfungen gegen Pneumokokken und Influenza. Als Neuerungen werden demnächst Pneumokokkenkonjugatimpfstoffe mit mehr inkludierten Serotypen erwartet; gegen Influenza wird ein effektiverer Hochdosisimpfstoff für Personen ab 60 Jahren empfohlen. Zur nächsten fälligen Auffrischimpfung gegen Tetanus und Diphtherie sollte ein Kombinationsimpfstoff mit Pertussis verwendet werden. Als Indikationsimpfung ist die Herpes-Zoster-Impfung bereits ab dem 50. Lebensjahr empfohlen.

[STIKO vaccination recommendations : Vaccination of immunodeficient patients and vaccination against COVID-19]

BACKGROUND

The working methods of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) and its recommendations are only partially known by medical professionals and the public.

OBJECTIVES

Methodology of the standard operating procedure of the STIKO, annual vaccination recommendations, normal vaccination reaction versus vaccination side effects, instructions for vaccination in case of immunodeficiency, and recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination are presented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Presentation of the path to a vaccination recommendation, differences between recommendations and instructions for action, key statements on vaccination in immunodeficiency, and summary of the data situation on COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.

RESULTS

The STIKO works purely on an evidence-based basis by systematically evaluating the existing preclinical and clinical studies results for a vaccine using the GRADE method. Only vaccination complications and vaccination injuries are notifiable. Immunodeficient patients can receive inactivated vaccines at any time, but generally not live vaccines. Based on current knowledge, the COVID-19 mRNA vaccination can be described as safe and effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The STIKO vaccination recommendations are considered as the medical standard. The published current instructions for vaccination of immunodeficient patients and the recently published recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination, together with their scientific backgrounds and reasons, represent a valuable basis for medical action in the field of vaccination against infectious diseases.

Current Challenges in the Post-Transplant Care of Liver Transplant Recipients in Germany

Improving long-term patient and graft survival after liver transplantation (LT) remains a major challenge. Compared to the early phase after LT, long-term morbidity and mortality of the recipients not only depends on complications immediately related to the graft function, infections, or rejection, but also on medical factors such as de novo malignancies, metabolic disorders (e.g., new-onset diabetes, osteoporosis), psychiatric conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression), renal failure, and cardiovascular diseases. While a comprehensive post-transplant care at the LT center and the connected regional networks may improve outcome, there is currently no generally accepted standard to the post-transplant management of LT recipients in Germany. We therefore described the structure and standards of post-LT care by conducting a survey at 12 German LT centers including transplant hepatologists and surgeons. Aftercare structures and form of cost reimbursement considerably varied between LT centers across Germany. Further discussions and studies are required to define optimal structure and content of post-LT care systems, aiming at improving the long-term outcomes of LT recipients.

Prophylaxis, diagnosis and therapy of infections in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. 2020 update of the recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO)

To ensure the safety of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC/ASCT), evidence-based recommendations on infectious complications after HDC/ASCT are given. This guideline not only focuses on patients with haematological malignancies but also addresses the specifics of HDC/ASCT patients with solid tumours or autoimmune disorders. In addition to HBV and HCV, HEV screening is nowadays mandatory prior to ASCT. For patients with HBs antigen and/or anti-HBc antibody positivity, HBV nucleic acid testing is strongly recommended for 6 months after HDC/ASCT or for the duration of a respective maintenance therapy. Prevention of VZV reactivation by vaccination is strongly recommended. Cotrimoxazole for the prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii is supported. Invasive fungal diseases are less frequent after HDC/ASCT, therefore, primary systemic antifungal prophylaxis is not recommended. Data do not support a benefit of protective room ventilation e.g. HEPA filtration. Thus, AGIHO only supports this technique with marginal strength. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis is recommended to prevent bacterial infections, although a survival advantage has not been demonstrated.

[General principles of vaccination under immunosuppression]

The number of patients suffering from immunodeficiency is increasing; however, the vaccination rate of these patients is below average. Administration of inactivated vaccines is harmless but does not reliably trigger a persistent immune response. Live vaccines provide a reliable protection but can cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients. Live vaccines can be administered under defined levels of immunosuppression, e.g. against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV). In addition, the immunization of the domestic environment plays an important role in preventing infectious diseases.

Immunizations in immunocompromised patients: a guide for dermatologists

The increasingly frequent use of immunomodulatory agents in dermatology requires the observance of specific recommendations for immunization. These recommendations are developed and regularly updated by the German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), an independent advisory group at the Robert Koch Institute. Dermatological patients on immunosuppressive treatment should ideally receive all vaccinations included in the standard immunization schedule. Additionally, it is recommended that they also undergo vaccination against the seasonal flu, pneumococci, and herpes zoster (inactivated herpes zoster subunit vaccine for patients ≥ 50 years). Additional immunizations against Haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B and meningococci may be indicated depending on individual comorbidities and exposure risk. Limitations of use, specific contraindications and intervals to be observed between vaccination and immunosuppression depend on the immunosuppressive agent used and its dosing. Only under certain conditions may live-attenuated vaccines be administered in patients on immunosuppressive therapy. Given its strong suppressive effect on the humoral immune response, no vaccines - except for flu shots - should be given within six months after rituximab therapy. This CME article presents current recommendations on immunization in immunocompromised individuals, with a special focus on dermatological patients. Its goal is to enable readers to provide competent counseling and to initiate necessary immunizations in this vulnerable patient group.

Humoral immune response to tick-borne encephalitis vaccination in allogeneic blood and marrow graft recipients

The aim of this prospective study was to characterize the humoral immune response to TBE vaccination after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Nineteen adult patients 11–13 months after HSCT and 15 age-matched immunocompetent adults received up to three TBE vaccinations. Antibodies against TBE virus were measured by neutralization test (NT). As primary endpoint, the antibody response (NT titer of ≥10 and at least a twofold increase from baseline 4 weeks after second vaccination) was compared between patients and controls using Fisher exact test. Prior vaccination, 15 (79%) HSCT patients still had detectable neutralizing antibodies. At primary endpoint, the antibody response was significantly lower in patients than in controls (35% versus 93%; p < 0.001). The CD4+ cell count was a predictor for an antibody response in patients (p = 0.019). Interestingly, the majority of HSCT patients still had detectable antibodies prior vaccination. Following vaccination, antibody response in HSCT patients was associated with the CD4+ cell count.