Search

Recent advances in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include the use of immune modifiers and monoclonal antibodies, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors, anti-integrin agents, janus kinase inhibitors, and interleukin-12/23 inhibitors. These agents achieve higher rates of clinical remission and mucosal healing than conventional therapy. However, these therapies increase the risk of infections, including some vaccine-preventable diseases. Infections are one of the most common adverse event of immunosuppressive therapy. Thus, providers should optimize immunization strategies to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable infections in patients with IBD. There are several newly licensed vaccines recommended for adults by the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This review will focus on how gastroenterology providers can implement the adult immunization schedule approved by ACIP for patients with IBD., (© 2020 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Existing data suggest that immune function is compromised by negative psychosocial factors. We hypothesized that high psychological well being and quality relationships would be associated with vigorous cytokine responses to vaccination. Lymphocytes from 18 individuals were studied for their ability to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) with influenza or hepatitis A immunization. Psychological well being and relationship quality were measured using standardized scales. Significant positive correlations were made between psychological well being and quality relationships and IFN-gamma and IL-10 production to influenza and hepatitis A on day 28 (Pearson correlations: 0.6-0.7; P<0.05). This preliminary study represents one of the first to show positive physiological health is associated with positive psychosocial factors.

Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and liver transplant recipients are at increased risk for infections from vaccine-preventable diseases. Gastroenterologists and hepatologists should assess patient immunization history, and necessary vaccinations should be given as soon as possible. Vaccines demonstrate superior immunogenicity when given earlier in the course of liver disease and prior to transplant. This article summarizes recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for vaccinations in patients with CLD and liver transplant recipients, and includes a discussion of the influenza, herpes zoster, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, pneumococcal, human papillomavirus, and COVID-19 vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an overview of the development process of vaccines. The topics discussed include the comparison of the development process of the conventional drugs and vaccines, the license given by the government agency the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to the clinical trials, and the implications of pathogens on mortality and morbidity.

The article provides updates with regards to the progress made on vaccines for cholera, dengue, malaria and Ebola. Topics discussed include recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) to use any available oral cholera vaccines in conjunction with preventive efforts in endemic areas, the results of Sanofi Pasteur's phase 3 trial for dengue vaccine conducted in 5 Asia-Pacific countries and the RTS,S as the most advanced vaccine candidate for malaria.

The article offers information on the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) that protects their patients in the event of a vaccine-related injury not due to negligence on the part of the vaccinator. Topics discussed include creation of VICP under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 in response to vaccine shortages that threatened high vaccination rates in children and pregnant mothers; and a liability protection provided by VICP for people who administer vaccinations.

The article provides information on rotavirus vaccines, RotaTeq and Rotarix, manufactured by Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, respectively. An overview of clinical trials on the efficacy of both rotavirus vaccines is presented. The potential link between administration and development of intussusception is perhaps the biggest concern surrounding the rotavirus vaccine. Pharmacists can play a role in increasing awareness of the rotavirus vaccine and referring unvaccinated children to an immunization provider.

The article presents information on Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The characteristics of the disease are presented. Possible treatments for the disease are mentioned. Infections associated with the disease are described. The role of pharmacists in providing information about the disease to patients is emphasized.

Discusses the recent developments in immunization practices with an emphasis on vaccine supplies and availability of influenza vaccine. Reason behind the shortages of vaccines in some U.S. states; Information on vaccine supply in the U.S.; Vaccine demand in the country.

The article discusses the resurgence of mumps outbreaks in the U.S., as of September 2018. Topics include the implication of the increase in outbreaks in highly immunized populations, evidence of the possibility of waning immunity to the mumps vaccine, and safety and efficacy of mumps-containing vaccine (MMR3) administered in the midst of an outbreak.

The article provides information on research study based on impact of obesity on immunization response and estimation on the same by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Topics discussed include adequacy of antibody response in influenza and role of plasma derived vaccines, inhibition of T-cell activation, and cytokine production.

The article presents update in Advisory Committee Immunization Practices' quadrivalent human pappilomavirus vaccine (HPV4) recommendations for American males aged 11 to 12 years. The update is attributed to additional clinical information showing the efficacy of HPV4 in preventing anal intraepithelial neoplasia among men who have sex with men. ACIP also recommended HPV4 prevention of infection with HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in males.

The article presents an update on several vaccines in development for the prevention of malaria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and nicotine addiction. Ongoing clinical trials in Africa consider the potential of sporozoite candidate vaccine to prevent malaria. Sanofi Pasteur and Vaxgen are studying a canarypox with clade E and B viral antigens for the prevention of HIV in multi-country vaccine trials. Nicotine is being conjugated to recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa exoprotein A to enhance immunogenicity.

The article presents a public health update on advancement of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The potential benefits of HPV vaccine is still being investigated. The costs of HPV vaccine fits with economic analyses. The appropriate use of this vaccine is significant to the improvement of public health.

Provides information on meningococcal disease, a serious illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis, and meningococcal vaccine. Mode of transmission and incubation period; Number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease which occur in the U.S. each year; Use and limitations of meningococcal vaccine; Risk of the disease among college students residing in dormitories.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on immune-modifying therapies may have a lower vaccine response to certain vaccines. The aim of our study was to evaluate humoral immunogenicity of mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines among patients with IBD and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: We performed a prospective study to evaluate humoral immunogenicity among patients with IBD and HCs after completion of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two patients with IBD and 60 HCs were enrolled. All HCs and 97% of patients with IBD developed antibodies. Antibody concentrations were lower in patients with IBD compared with those in HCs (median 31 vs 118 μg/mL; P < 0.001). Those who received the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) COVID-19 (median 38; interquartile range [IQR] 24–75 vs μg/mL) had higher antibody concentrations compared with those who received the Pfizer-BNT vaccine series (median 22; IQR 11–42 μg/mL; P < 0.001). Patients on immune-modifying therapy (median 26; IQR 13–50 μg/mL) had lower antibody concentrations compared with those who were on no treatment, aminosalicylates, or vedolizumab (median 59; IQR 31–75 μg/mL; P = 0.003). DISCUSSION: Almost all patients with IBD in our study mounted an antibody response. Future studies are needed in evaluating sustained humoral immunity and the impact of booster dosing in patients with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]