Back to Search Start Over

Long-term immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Authors :
Viera Hammarström
Gösta Gahrton
Per Ljungman
Johan Aschan
Per Bolme
Olle Ringdén
Ilona Lewensohn-Fuchs
Lena Brandt
Nina Johansson
Berit Lönnqvist
Source :
Blood. 84:657-663
Publication Year :
1994
Publisher :
American Society of Hematology, 1994.

Abstract

A total of 124 patients who had survived at least 2 years after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) were studied. Serum was collected at least once yearly. IgG antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for measles and mumps. Rubella antibodies were analyzed by radial hemolysis. Antibody levels were interpreted as representing immunity, seronegativity, or seropositivity, but with uncertain immunity. The median follow-up of the patients was 6.5 years (range, 2 to 13.5 years). The calculated probabilities of being immune to measles at 3, 5, and 7 years from BMT were 47%, 27%, and 20%, respectively. The corresponding probabilities for mumps were 37%, 12%, and 6%, respectively; and for rubella, 47%, 33%, and 28%, respectively. The probabilities for being seronegative for measles, mumps, and rubella at 5 years after BMT were 60%, 73%, and 52%, respectively. When compared with those patients who had experienced previous natural measles disease (P < .05), the only factor that was important for immunity to measles after BMT was whether the patient had been immunized before BMT. There was no influence of donor seropositivity on the probability of becoming seronegative to mumps during follow-up. We conclude that most allogeneic patients will become seronegative to measles, mumps, and rubella during follow-up. Therefore, long-term B-cell memory function is not maintained, regardless of the immune status of the donor.

Details

ISSN :
15280020 and 00064971
Volume :
84
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Blood
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....0d57c0ef75b4277688174715d4f1c7c8
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.v84.2.657.bloodjournal842657