Immunogenicity of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine in frequent platelet donors.

Frequent plateletpheresis is associated with severe lymphopenia of uncertain clinical significance. We assessed the functional impact of frequent platelet donations and associated lymphopenia on the response to neoantigens. We conducted a prospective study of 102 platelet donors (HIV uninfected) who were naive to meningococcal vaccination recruited at Brigham and Women's Hospital. One dose of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine was administered. Seroresponse was defined as a fourfold increase of serum bactericidal antibody titers and seroprotection was defined as postvaccination titers of ≥1:8, for each of the 4 vaccine antigens (A, C, W, and Y). Mean age of participants was 61 years, 69% were male, and medial number of platelet donations in prior year was 14 (interquartile range, 4-20). Frequent platelet donors had a low CD4 count (14% with ≤200/µL and 34% with ≤350/µL). Seroresponse rates varied from 68% for serogroup Y to 86% for serogroup A and were higher for participants with baseline titers of <1:8. Postvaccination seroprotection rates varied from 76% for serogroup Y to 96% for serogroup A. After adjustments for age, sex, and frequent donations, lower total lymphocyte or lower CD4 counts were not associated with lower responses. These data suggest no impairment by plateletpheresis-associated lymphopenia on response to these neoantigens. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT04224311.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Messenger RNA Vaccines in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 messenger RNA vaccine-induced humoral response and reactogenicity profile are described in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Findings showed that 75.0% (by Simoa assay) or 80.0% (by Roche assay) of the HSCT cohort had a positive antibody response on series completion, compared with 100% in the healthy cohort.

Plateletpheresis-associated lymphopenia in frequent platelet donors.

More than 1 million apheresis platelet collections are performed annually in the United States. After 2 healthy plateletpheresis donors were incidentally found to have low CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, we investigated whether plateletpheresis causes lymphopenia. We conducted a cross-sectional single-center study of platelet donors undergoing plateletpheresis with the Trima Accel, which removes leukocytes continuously with its leukoreduction system chamber. We recruited 3 groups of platelet donors based on the total number of plateletpheresis sessions in the prior 365 days: 1 or 2, 3 to 19, or 20 to 24. CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts were <200 cells per microliter in 0/20, 2/20, and 6/20 donors, respectively (P = .019), and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts were low in 0/20, 4/20, and 11/20 donors, respectively (P < .001). The leukoreduction system chamber's lymphocyte-extraction efficiency was ∼15% to 20% for all groups. Immunophenotyping showed decreases in naive CD4+ T-lymphocyte and T helper 17 (Th17) cell percentages, increases in CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory, Th1, and regulatory T cell percentages, and stable naive CD8+ and Th2 percentages across groups. T-cell receptor repertoire analyses showed similar clonal diversity in all groups. Donor screening questionnaires supported the good health of the donors, who tested negative at each donation for multiple pathogens, including HIV. Frequent plateletpheresis utilizing a leukoreduction system chamber is associated with CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell lymphopenia in healthy platelet donors. The mechanism may be repeated extraction of these cells during plateletpheresis. The cytopenias do not appear to be harmful.

Poxvirus Vectored Cytomegalovirus Vaccine to Prevent Cytomegalovirus Viremia in Transplant Recipients: A Phase 2, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Triplex vaccine was developed to enhance cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T cells and prevent CMV reactivation early after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT). Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of Triplex. Design: First-in-patient, phase 2 trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02506933). Setting: 3 U.S. HCT centers. Participants: 102 CMV-seropositive HCT recipients at high risk for CMV reactivation. Intervention: Intramuscular injections of Triplex or placebo were given on days 28 and 56 after HCT. Triplex is a recombinant attenuated poxvirus (modified vaccinia Ankara) expressing immunodominant CMV antigens. Measurements: The primary outcomes were CMV events (CMV DNA level ≥1250 IU/mL, CMV viremia requiring antiviral treatment, or end-organ disease), nonrelapse mortality, and severe (grade 3 or 4) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), all evaluated through 100 days after HCT, and grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) within 2 weeks after vaccination that were probably or definitely attributable to injection. Results: A total of 102 patients (51 per group) received the first vaccination, and 91 (89.2%) received both vaccinations (46 Triplex and 45 placebo). Reactivation of CMV occurred in 5 Triplex (9.8%) and 10 placebo (19.6%) recipients (hazard ratio, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.16 to 1.4]; P = 0.075). No Triplex recipient died of nonrelapse causes during the first 100 days or had serious AEs, and no grade 3 or 4 AEs related to vaccination were observed within 2 weeks after vaccination. Incidence of severe acute GVHD after injection was similar between groups (hazard ratio, 1.1 [CI, 0.53 to 2.4]; P = 0.23). Levels of long-lasting, pp65-specific T cells with effector memory phenotype were significantly higher in Triplex than placebo recipients. Limitation: The lower-than-expected incidence of CMV events in the placebo group reduced the power of the trial. Conclusion: No vaccine-associated safety concerns were identified. Triplex elicited and amplified CMV-specific immune responses, and fewer Triplex-vaccinated patients had CMV viremia. Primary Funding Source: National Cancer Institute and Helocyte.

Risk constellations, viral infections, and prophylaxis in uterine transplantation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Uterine transplantation (UTx) is a burgeoning new category of solid organ transplantation (SOT) that is practiced at several centers worldwide (first transplantation in 2013). Although there are still relatively low numbers of transplants (<75 published in literature), they are increasing in frequency and thus we attempt to discuss the current documented infections in this population as well as theoretical infectious risks and summarize prophylaxis and treatment strategies of centers current performing these procedures. RECENT FINDINGS: The most reported posttransplantation infection is not surprisingly urinary tract infections, with other documented infections including bacterial infections at site of graft (Enterococcus), herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), human papillomavirus, Candida, and reportedly posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. The net state of immunosuppression and host factors (host colonization and serologic status of viral exposures) plays a significant role in infectious risk and with low numbers of infections documented, much of our guidance surrounding prophylaxis is inferred from SOT literature. SUMMARY: In this review, we give an overview of described infections in UTx and theoretical infectious risks, detailing how to tailor prophylaxis base on host risk, with specific focus that the goal of transplantation is completion of a successful pregnancy as the desired outcome. Special considerations should be given to pregnant recipients when managing infectious complications and further data collection and reporting regarding infectious complications is crucial to advance this field as numbers of transplantation continue to increase.

Severe Herpes Zoster Requiring Intravenous Antiviral Treatment in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients on Standard Acyclovir Prophylaxis.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients are at increased risk for varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation and associated complications. The incidence, timing, and risk factors for severe herpes zoster (HZ) are not well described in the era of acyclovir (ACV) prophylaxis. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent first allogeneic HCT between October 2006 and December 2015 at our institution. Patients were followed until December 2017 for the development of severe HZ, defined as necessitating administration of i.v. antiviral medication. Out of 2163 patients who underwent allogeneic HCT, 22 (1.0%) developed severe HZ at a rate of 1 per 228 person-years, including dermatomal/multidermatomal disease (n = 5), disseminated skin disease (n = 5), HZ ophthalmicus (n = 4), meningitis/encephalitis (n = 4), pneumonia (n = 2), viremia (n = 1), and erythema multiforme (n = 1). Severe HZ infection occurred in a bimodal distribution during the early peri-HCT period and at 12 to 24 months post-HCT (median, 12.7 months). Twelve patients (54.5%) were compliant with ACV prophylaxis at the time of HZ diagnosis. Eleven patients (50%) died during the study period, only 2 of whom (9.1%) with active VZV infection. Mortality was higher in patients on immunosuppressive therapy (62.5% versus 16.7%; P = .045) and with concurrent graft-versus-host disease (75.0% versus 35.7%; P= .044). These data suggest that severe HZ remains an important consideration despite ACV prophylaxis.

CD4+ T-cell lymphopenia in frequent platelet donors who have ceased platelet donation for at least 1 year.

BACKGROUND: We recently discovered that 30% of current frequent apheresis platelet donors in a study at our donor center had CD4+ counts below 200 cells/µL. How long CD4+ lymphopenia persists after ceasing plateletpheresis is unknown. Whether there are infectious or other complications in former frequent donors that could relate to CD4+ lymphopenia is also unknown. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We mailed a letter to former frequent apheresis platelet donors who had not donated platelets for at least 12 months. Frequent donation was defined as 20 to 24 plateletpheresis sessions in at least one 365-day period starting in 2011. Donors who expressed interest in the study were contacted to schedule a study visit. Participants in the study provided a blood sample and completed a health questionnaire that included questions about opportunistic infections and malignancies. RESULTS: Of 50 potential study candidates who were mailed a letter, 15 participated in the study. There were 2 participants with CD4+ counts below 200 cells/µL, one of whom had prior counts that documented a small improvement with cessation of plateletpheresis. Three participants had counts between 200 and 300 cells/µL. No study participant had a history of an opportunistic infection or a malignancy associated with immune dysregulation. CONCLUSION: We detected CD4+ lymphopenia in former frequent apheresis platelet donors who had ceased platelet donation for more than 1 year. There was no evidence that the CD4+ lymphopenia predisposes to opportunistic infections or to malignancies associated with immune dysregulation.

Effect of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine on Incidence of Herpes Zoster After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Herpes zoster, a frequent complication following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), is associated with significant morbidity. A nonlive adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine has been developed to prevent posttransplantation zoster. Objective: To assess the efficacy and adverse event profile of the recombinant zoster vaccine in immunocompromised autologous HSCT recipients. Design, Setting, and Participants: Phase 3, randomized, observer-blinded study conducted in 167 centers in 28 countries between July 13, 2012, and February 1, 2017, among 1846 patients aged 18 years or older who had undergone recent autologous HSCT. Interventions: Participants were randomized to receive 2 doses of either recombinant zoster vaccine (n = 922) or placebo (n = 924) administered into the deltoid muscle; the first dose was given 50 to 70 days after transplantation and the second dose 1 to 2 months thereafter. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was occurrence of confirmed herpes zoster cases. Results: Among 1846 autologous HSCT recipients (mean age, 55 years; 688 [37%] women) who received 1 vaccine or placebo dose, 1735 (94%) received a second dose and 1366 (74%) completed the study. During the 21-month median follow-up, at least 1 herpes zoster episode was confirmed in 49 vaccine and 135 placebo recipients (incidence, 30 and 94 per 1000 person-years, respectively), an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.32 (95% CI, 0.22-0.44; P < .001), equivalent to 68.2% vaccine efficacy. Of 8 secondary end points, 3 showed significant reductions in incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (vaccine, n=1; placebo, n=9; IRR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.00-0.78; P = .02) and of other prespecified herpes zoster-related complications (vaccine, n=3; placebo, n=13; IRR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.04-0.81; P = .02) and in duration of severe worst herpes zoster-associated pain (vaccine, 892.0 days; placebo, 6275.0 days; hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42-0.89; P = .01). Five secondary objectives were descriptive. Injection site reactions were recorded in 86% of vaccine and 10% of placebo recipients, of which pain was the most common, occurring in 84% of vaccine recipients (grade 3: 11%). Unsolicited and serious adverse events, potentially immune-mediated diseases, and underlying disease relapses were similar between groups at all time points. Conclusions and Relevance: Among adults who had undergone autologous HSCT, a 2-dose course of recombinant zoster vaccine compared with placebo significantly reduced the incidence of herpes zoster over a median follow-up of 21 months. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01610414.

Dasatinib Use and Risk of Cytomegalovirus Reactivation After Allogeneic Hematopoietic-Cell Transplantation.

Viral infections have been reported with dasatinib use, but its cytomegalovirus risk after hematopoietic-cell transplantation (HCT) is not known. We found that post-HCT dasatinib use increased the risk of cytomegalovirus reactivation (adjusted hazard ratio, 7.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.84-31.7), controlling for acute graft-versus-host disease, in 109 patients with Philadelphia-chromosome-positive malignancies.

Live attenuated varicella-zoster vaccine in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are at risk for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. Vaccination may help restore VZV immunity; however, the available live attenuated VZV vaccine (Zostavax) is contraindicated in immunocompromised hosts. We report our experience with using a single dose of VZV vaccine in 110 adult autologous and allogeneic HSCT recipients who were about 2 years after transplantation, free of graft-versus-host disease, and not receiving immunosuppression. One hundred eight vaccine recipients (98.2%) had no clinically apparent adverse events with a median follow-up period of 9.5 months (interquartile range, 6 to 16; range, 2 to 28). Two vaccine recipients (1.8%) developed a skin rash (one zoster-like rash with associated pain, one varicella-like) within 42 days post-vaccination that resolved with antiviral therapy. We could not confirm if these rashes were due to vaccine (Oka) or wild-type VZV. No other possible cases of VZV reactivation have occurred with about 1178 months of follow-up. Live attenuated zoster vaccine appears generally safe in this population when vaccinated as noted; the overall vaccination risk needs to be weighed against the risk of wild-type VZV disease in this high-risk population.

Pneumonia in the immunocompromised host.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Novel treatment modalities for previously fatal diseases, including newer chemotherapeutic and biologic agents and the expansion of the indications for solid organ and stem cell transplantation, have resulted in prolonged patient survival and a significant increase in the population of immunocompromised hosts (ICHs). RECENT FINDINGS: This review discusses the increasing spectrum of opportunistic infections in the ICH, the general approach for early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary infections in this population, and the current and novel diagnostic modalities available to establish a rapid and specific microbiologic diagnosis, focusing on recent controversies and advances. SUMMARY: Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of effective therapy for infection help reduce morbidity in ICHs. Advances in diagnostic assays using nonculture-based methods, such as nucleic acid amplification, may allow for earlier targeted therapy. Invasive procedures including bronchoscopy and biopsy remain essential and should be vigorously pursued in ICHs given the broad differential diagnosis of possible pulmonary pathogens in this population, and the need to establish a specific diagnosis to allow accurate targeted therapy.

Opportunistic Infections in Patients Receiving Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide: Impact of Haploidentical versus Unrelated Donor Allograft.

Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is an effective strategy for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis and is the standard of care for haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). It is increasingly used for matched and mismatched unrelated donor (MUD/MMUD) HCT, but infections remain a concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and risk factors for infections in haploidentical and unrelated donor HCT recipients treated with PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis. This single-center retrospective study examined 354 consecutive adults undergoing HCT with PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis (161 MUD/MMUD; 193 haploidentical) between 2015 and 2022. Opportunistic infections (OIs), including cytomegalovirus (CMV), adenovirus (AdV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and invasive fungal disease (IFD), were assessed from day 0 through day +365. The 1-year cumulative incidence functions of OIs and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) were calculated using dates of relapse and repeat HCT as competing risks. Secondary analysis evaluated risk factors for OIs and NRM using univariate and multivariable Cox regression models. Haploidentical HCT recipients had an increased risk of OIs compared to unrelated donor allograft recipients (39% for haploidentical versus 25% for MUD/MMUD; hazard ratio [HR], 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 2.49; P = .006). On multivariable analysis, haploidentical donor (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.23; P = .046), prior HCT (HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.09; P = .002), and diagnosis of aGVHD (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.14; P = .041) were associated with increased risk of OIs. NRM within the first year was not significantly different between the 2 cohorts (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, .64 to 1.93; P = .70). Overall, haploidentical donor was a significant risk factor for OIs in patients receiving PTCy, although 1-year NRM was not different between haploidentical HCT and MUD/MMUD HCT recipients. CMV and AdV infections were significantly increased among haploidentical HCT recipients, whereas the incidences of EBV infection and IFD were similar in the 2 cohorts. Our findings may have implications for infection monitoring and prophylaxis in the setting of PTCy, particularly in haploidentical HCT recipients.

Heterologous SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccine for individuals with hematological malignancies after a primary SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine series.

Heterologous COVID-19 vaccine boosters have not been evaluated for patients with hematological malignancies. A Novavax booster was administered for 56 individuals with hematological malignancies who had received a primary COVID-19 series and prior boosters with mRNA vaccines only. Blood specimens were obtained at baseline (pre-vaccine), 28 days, and 168 days after vaccination with the Novavax booster. The median fold change of anti-Spike IgG was 1.02 (IQR 0.79, 1.3) between baseline and Day 28. Circulating Spike protein-specific B cells increased 1.4-fold at Day 28 (p < 0.05). Increases in antibody and T cell responses were modest without significance, with a waning of humoral and cellular responses at 168 days after vaccination.

Neuroinvasive Bacillus cereus Infection in Immunocompromised Hosts: Epidemiologic Investigation of 5 Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Background: Bacillus cereus is a ubiquitous gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium that can cause sepsis and neuroinvasive disease in patients with acute leukemia or neutropenia. Methods: A single-center retrospective review was conducted to evaluate patients with acute leukemia, positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid test results for B cereus, and abnormal neuroradiographic findings between January 2018 and October 2022. Infection control practices were observed, environmental samples obtained, a dietary case-control study completed, and whole genome sequencing performed on environmental and clinical Bacillus isolates. Results: Five patients with B cereus neuroinvasive disease were identified. All patients had acute myeloid leukemia (AML), were receiving induction chemotherapy, and were neutropenic. Neurologic involvement included subarachnoid or intraparenchymal hemorrhage or brain abscess. All patients were treated with ciprofloxacin and survived with limited or no neurologic sequelae. B cereus was identified in 7 of 61 environmental samples and 1 of 19 dietary protein samples-these were unrelated to clinical isolates via sequencing. No point source was identified. Ciprofloxacin was added to the empiric antimicrobial regimen for patients with AML and prolonged or recurrent neutropenic fevers; no new cases were identified in the ensuing year. Conclusions: B cereus is ubiquitous in the hospital environment, at times leading to clusters with unrelated isolates. Fastidious infection control practices addressing a range of possible exposures are warranted, but their efficacy is unknown and they may not be sufficient to prevent all infections. Thus, including B cereus coverage in empiric regimens for patients with AML and persistent neutropenic fever may limit the morbidity of this pathogen.

Impact of Donor and Recipient SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination or Infection on Immunity after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

The role of donor and recipient Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) immunologic status pre-transplantation has not been fully investigated in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Given the poor immunogenicity to vaccines in this population and the serious outcomes of COVID-19, adoptive transfer of immunity may offer important insight into improving protection for this vulnerable population. In this study, we evaluated the role of adoptive transfer of immunity at 1 month post-transplantation and 6 months post-transplantation after vaccination of recipients, based on pre-transplantation severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination and infection exposures of both recipient and donor. Using banked specimens from related donor allogeneic HSCT recipients and clinical data from both donors and recipients, anti-Spike (S) IgG titers were analyzed at 1, 3, and 6 months post-transplantation according to prior SARS-CoV-2 immunologic exposures. Recipients were excluded if they had received SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies or had infection in the first 6 months post-transplantation. Of the 53 recipient-donor pairs, 29 donors and 24 recipients had prior SARS-CoV-2 immunologic exposure. Recipient-donor pairs with no prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure (D0R0) had significantly lower anti-S IgG titers at 1 month compared to those with prior exposures (D1R1) (D0R0: median, 2.43 [interquartile range (IQR), .41 to 3.77]; D1R1: median, 8.42; IQR, 5.58 to 12.20]; P = .008). At 6 months, anti-S IgG titers were higher in recipients who were vaccinated at 3 months post-transplantation in the D1R1 cohort (median IgG, 148.34; IQR, 92.36 to 204.33) compared with the D0R0 cohort (median IgG, 38.74; IQR, 8.93 to 119.71). Current strategies should be optimized to enhance SARS-CoV-2 protection for HSCT recipients, including augmentation of the immune response for both donors and recipients prior to transplantation.

Babesia microti Variant With Multiple Resistance Mutations Detected in an Immunocompromised Patient Receiving Atovaquone Prophylaxis.

We report Babesia microti genomic sequences with multiple mutations in the atovaquone-target region of cytochrome b, including a newly identified Y272S mutation, plus 1 mutation of undetermined significance in the azithromycin-associated ribosomal protein L4. The parasite was sequenced from an immunocompromised patient on prophylactic atovaquone for Pneumocystis pneumonia before diagnosis of babesiosis.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccine Immunogenicity among Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy Recipients.

Patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy may have impaired humoral responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccinations owing to their underlying hematologic malignancy, prior lines of therapy, and CAR-T-associated hypogammaglobulinemia. Comprehensive data on vaccine immunogenicity in this patient population are limited. A single-center retrospective study of adults receiving CD19 or BCMA-directed CAR-T therapy for B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma or multiple myeloma was conducted. Patients received at least 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 or 1 dose of Ad26.COV2.S and had SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike antibody (anti-S IgG) levels measured at least 1 month after the last vaccine dose. Patients were excluded if they received SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody therapy or immunoglobulin within 3 months of the index anti-S titer. The seropositivity rate (assessed by an anti-S assay cutoff of ≥.8 U/mL in the Roche assay) and median anti-S IgG titers were analyzed. Fifty patients were included in the study. The median age was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR], 58 to 70 years), and the majority were male (68%). Thirty-two participants (64%) had a positive antibody response, with a median titer of 138.5 U/mL (IQR, 11.61 to 2541 U/mL). Receipt of ≥3 vaccines was associated with a significantly higher anti-S IgG level. Our study supports current guidelines for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among recipients of CAR-T therapy and demonstrates that a 3-dose primary series followed by a fourth booster increases antibody levels. However, the relatively low magnitude of titers and low percentage of nonresponders demonstrates that further studies are needed to optimize vaccination timing and determine predictors of vaccine response in this population.

Serum galactomannan and (1->3)-ß-D-glucan assays for patients with multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

We assessed the performance of galactomannan and (1→3)-ß-d-glucan in 29 serum samples from patients with multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia without invasive fungal disease to address issues of false positivity and uninterpretable results previously reported among patients with these conditions. Galactomannan and (1→3)-ß-d-glucan assays were not falsely elevated in any patient. (1→3)-ß-d-glucan assay results were uninterpretable in 24% of patients. Patients with IgG levels of >2,000 mg/dl had higher odds of uninterpretable (1→3)-ß-d-glucan results.