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An Introduction to the Immune System and Vaccines
Published in Patricia G. Melloy, Viruses and Society, 2023
There are several ways to become immune to a particular pathogen. In the process of passive immunization, antibodies themselves can be passed from mother to child in breast milk, for example, or through direct introduction of antibodies to an ill patient. Passive immunization usually offers temporary protection against a pathogen. In active immunization, getting the disease itself or a vaccination can create a long-lasting immunity (Marshall et al. 2018; Coico and Sunshine 2015). Vaccination can also reduce the number of susceptible individuals in the population, reducing the ability of the pathogen to spread (four factors governing spread of a pathogen from Chapter 1). Therefore, vaccination can protect others in the population who cannot be vaccinated (Piot et al. 2019).
Immunization
Published in Julius P. Kreier, Infection, Resistance, and Immunity, 2022
Michael F. Para, Susan L. Koletar, Carter L. Diggs
Any disease to which a human or other animal may develop an immunity which protects against subsequent infection is a candidate for control by vaccination. Attainment of the immune state can be by active or passive means. Active immunization is based on the premise that administration of an appropriate immunogen will stimulate the afferent arm of the immune system to provide immune effector agents (cells or molecules capable of immune attack) which will protect the recipient against disease if exposure to the virulent agent occurs. Useful vaccines will do this without themselves causing significant disease. Passive immunization involves the administration of specific neutralizing or opsonizing antibodies or other immune effector molecules to protect against known or probable exposure. (Passive immunization with cells is not currently practical because of transplantation immunity against cells derived from a donor of a different histocompatibility haplotype [see chapter 11].) For the most part, this process depends on the availability of protective antibodies which must have initially been generated by an active immune response, but recent studies have demonstrated the protective effect of passively administered recombinant cytokines.
Vaccinations
Published in Vincenzo Berghella, Maternal-Fetal Evidence Based Guidelines, 2022
Joshua H. Barash, Edward M. Buchanan
Pregnancy is an important part of the life cycle when certain infections can play a particularly destructive role. Pregnancy creates a relative immune suppression, which places a woman at greater risk of complications from illnesses such as influenza and varicella. Likewise, maternal infections with such viruses as varicella and rubella can cause a spectrum of fetal effects including congenital anomalies, fetal morbidities, and even fetal death. Finally, neonates are highly susceptible to complications from vaccine preventable diseases at a time when they do not receive full protection from vaccination themselves. Vaccination of an individual induces immunity, a process known as active immunization.Maternal vaccination also provides protection of the neonate through passive immunization, in which maternal antibodies (IgG) are transmitted transplacentally, particularly in the last 4–6 weeks of gestation [3]. An additional benefit may occur with the passage of antibodies (IgA) via breast milk. In addition, by immunizing close contacts of a newborn, the risk of exposure to disease is reduced, a strategy known as cocooning.
Targeted therapies for autoimmune/idiopathic nonmalignant diseases: risk and management of opportunistic infections
Published in Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 2020
Davide Fiore Bavaro, Deborah Fiordelisi, Gioacchino Angarano, Laura Monno, Annalisa Saracino
Therefore, as discussed in this review, we suggest having a careful workup for infectious diseases prior to therapy initiation and scheduled routine of follow-up after the start of immune-suppressive treatment, both to prevent and eventually treat promptly the TT-related infectious complications; this is particularly important for vaccinations since they should be prescribed before immune-suppression to achieve maximum result and minimum risk of adverse events. Consequently, patient candidate to start TT should be investigated about their prior clinical history and screened for viral immune serostatus as well as a possible active or latent tuberculosis. Likewise, their vaccination history should be examined and active immunization should be proposed and performed whenever possible. Finally, possible anti-infective prophylaxis regimens are also highly debated, in particular for those TT treatments at low risk of infectious complications, where such preventive measures could be judged as disproportionate compared to the reported rates of infections.
Surgical management of severe facial trauma after dog bite: A case report
Published in Acta Oto-Laryngologica Case Reports, 2020
Bernhard Prem, David Tianxiang Liu, Bernhard Parschalk, Boban M. Erovic, Christian A. Mueller
In our presently reported case, direct closure of the subtotally amputated nose was possible. To avoid post-operative nasal obstruction, we aimed to reconstruct the nasal airway without applying tension. At half a year after the attack, we and the patient deemed the aesthetic outcome to be satisfactory. Furthermore, the woman reported proper nasal ventilation. Regarding anti-infective therapy against bacteria, our patient received intravenous amoxicillin–clavulanate twice daily for 10 days, with no need to adapt this therapy. Due to the patient’s unknown vaccination status, we implemented active immunization against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and pertussis. Due to the decreasing attendance to vaccinations and the problems that arise when only tetanus is boosted, it should be considered that emergency departments administer tetravalent vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, polio and pertussis). Since the dog in this case had received all recommended vaccinations against rabies and showed no signs of the disease, there was no reason to vaccinate the patient against rabies.
Emerging drugs for progressive supranuclear palsy
Published in Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs, 2019
Nikolaos Giagkou, Maria Stamelou
An important aspect to be considered is that all biologics, monoclonal antibodies included, have the ability to induce an undesired immune reaction against them. Immune reactions can be severe and life-threatening as it has been seen in animal models of tauopathies, or, more commonly, they can alter the pharmacokinetics or counter the efficacy of a compound (anti-drug antibodies) [78,79]. Passive immunization approaches are considered safer than active immunization but are not free from the theoretical potential of severe immunogenicity [78]. Anti-amyloid beta immunization in the past has been associated, in a subset of patients, with the development of symptoms of meningoencephalitis, white matter lesions, vasogenic edema, and microhemorrhages, together termed Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities [78]. Regarding the two monoclonal antibodies in Phase 2 trials in PSP, so far, there are no reports of central nervous system toxicity or of the development of anti-drug antibodies or other immune reactions.