Immune system: development and acquisition of immunological competence

Abstract Objectives: To describe the ontogeny of the immune system and the adaptive mechanisms of the immune system in the neonatal period, with an emphasis on transplacental antibody transport and breastfeeding. Source of data: Non-systematic literature review in the PubMed database. Summary of the findings: The last two decades have witnessed a great advance in the knowledge of the immune system since conception. Several investigation tools have provided insight on phenomena that were previously inadequately understood. Still expanding, the functional and molecular investigation of various aspects of the immune system will make it possible to understand how intra-uterus maternal-fetal exchanges, the maternal microbiota interacting with the fetus and newborn, and the acquisition of immunological competence occur in healthy and disease scenarios. Conclusions: In-depth knowledge of the development of the immune system and of the adaptive mechanisms that allow a safer transition to the extrauterine environment are fundamental components of optimizing maternal and young infant vaccination, as well as the strategies associated with full postnatal development, and the early diagnosis and treatment of innate errors of immunity.

Adequate tetanus but poor diphtheria and pertussis response to a Tdap booster in adolescents with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Reports on vaccine responses in immunocompromised patients, such as juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE), have shown highly variable results. OBJECTIVE: To compare the immune response and safety after a Tdap booster in 26 jSLE patients and 26 matched healthy adolescents.Methodology: Adverse events and disease activity were evaluated. Lymphocyte immunophenotyping was performed by flow cytometry. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis toxin antibodies were assessed by ELISA; whole blood was stimulated with whole cell pertussis and supernatants were assessed for cytokines by xMAP. RESULTS: Both groups showed a similar frequency of adverse events. There was no evidence of disease reactivation after Tdap booster in the jSLE cohort. Both groups showed a significant increase in antibody titers for all three antigens on D14 and D28 (p < 0.001). jSLE patients had a significantly lower increase in diphtheria titers than the control group (p = 0.007). jSLE patients had a distinct titer increase of tetanus and pertussis antibodies when compared to controls (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was a lower frequency of pertussis seroconversion in the jSLE group on D14 (p = 0.009), D28 (p = 0.023), D12m (p = 0.015) and D24m (p = 0.004). Cellular immune response to Bordetella pertussis showed significantly lower levels of IFNγ (p < 0.001) and higher levels of IL10, IL12, IL21 and TNFα in jSLE patients than controls. CONCLUSIONS: jSLE patients had good response to Tdap booster dose for the tetanus antigen, but not for diphtheria and pertussis. This vaccine was safe in relation to adverse events and absence of disease reactivation.

Immune system: development and acquisition of immunological competence.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the ontogeny of the immune system and the adaptive mechanisms of the immune system in the neonatal period, with an emphasis on transplacental antibody transport and breastfeeding. SOURCE OF DATA: Non-systematic literature review in the PubMed database. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The last two decades have witnessed a great advance in the knowledge of the immune system since conception. Several investigation tools have provided insight on phenomena that were previously inadequately understood. Still expanding, the functional and molecular investigation of various aspects of the immune system will make it possible to understand how intra-uterus maternal-fetal exchanges, the maternal microbiota interacting with the fetus and newborn, and the acquisition of immunological competence occur in healthy and disease scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: In-depth knowledge of the development of the immune system and of the adaptive mechanisms that allow a safer transition to the extrauterine environment are fundamental components of optimizing maternal and young infant vaccination, as well as the strategies associated with full postnatal development, and the early diagnosis and treatment of innate errors of immunity.

Invasive pneumococcal disease in children with cancer: Incidence density, risk factors and isolated serotypes

ABSTRACT Background: Pediatric oncology patients (POP) have a high risk of infections due to impaired immunity. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is an important cause of severe infection in these patients and it is associated with high mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors associated with IPD at a Pediatric Oncology Center in Brazil. Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study. All IPD cases in children with cancer from 2005 through 2016 were reviewed. Each case of IPD was matched with two controls from a cohort of patients matched for year of IPD, age and disease in order to assess risk factors. The incidence density was calculated as the number of IPD per 100,000 patients-year. Results: A total of 51 episodes of IPD in 49 patients was identified. All pneumococci were isolated from blood cultures. The median age was five years and 67% were male; mortality rate was 7.8%. The IPD incidence density rate in POP was 311.21 per 100,000 patients-year, significantly higher than the rate in the general pediatric population. Severe neutropenia was the only risk factor associated with IPD, after multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Although pneumococcal disease decreased after the introduction of 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine in the Brazilian national immunization schedule in 2010, there was no decrease in the IPD incidence rate in our cohort. A higher coverage rate of pneumococcal vaccination in children in the general population might be necessary to reduce the incidence rate in this high-risk population.

Opportunistic infections in pediatrics: when to suspect and how to approach / Infecções oportunistas em pediatria: quando suspeitar e como abordar

Abstract Objectives To describe the characteristics of opportunistic infections in pediatrics regarding their clinical aspects, as well as the diagnostic strategy and treatment. Source of data Non-systematic review of literature studies in the PubMed database. Synthesis of data Opportunistic infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, fungi, Herpesvirae, and infections affecting individuals using immunobiological agents are analyzed. Because these are severe diseases with a rapid evolution, diagnostic suspicion should be early, associated with the patient's clinical assessment and history pointing to opportunistic infections. Whenever possible, samples of secretions, blood, and other fluids and tissues should be collected, with early therapy implementation. Conclusions Despite the improved diagnosis of opportunistic infections in recent years, they remain a challenge for pediatricians who are not used to these infections. They should raise the suspicion and start treating the case, but should also resort to specialists in the management of these infections to provide a better outcome for these patients, who still have high mortality.

Resumo Objetivos Descrever as características das infecções oportunistas em pediatria em seus aspectos clínicos, bem como a estratégia diagnóstica e o tratamento. Fonte dos dados Revisão de trabalhos de literatura de forma não sistemática na base de dados Pubmed. Síntese dos dados São apresentadas as infecções oportunistas causadas por micobactérias não tuberculosas, fungos, herpervírus e as infecções que acometem indivíduos em uso de imunobiológicos. Por se tratar de doenças graves e de evolução rápida, a suspeita diagnóstica deve ser precoce, associada à clínica do paciente e aos dados de história que apontam para infecções oportunistas. Sempre que possível, amostras de secreções, sangue e outros fluidos e de tecidos devem ser coletadas, com instituição precoce de terapia. Conclusões Apesar da melhoria do diagnóstico de infecções oportunistas nos últimos anos, elas ainda são um desafio para o pediatra pouco habituado a essas infecções. Ele deve fazer a suspeita e iniciar a condução do caso, mas recorrer a especialistas com prática no manejo dessas infecções de modo a propiciar um melhor desfecho para esses pacientes que ainda apresentam alta mortalidade.

Padronização de teste para quantificar anticorpos anti-poliovírus utilizando vírus vacinal / Standardization of a test for quantifying the antibodies against poliovirus using the vaccine virus

A poliomielite é uma doença endêmica no Afeganistão e no Paquistão, apesar dos esforços para ser erradicada, representando uma ameaça para outros países principalmente devido às viagens internacionais. A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) tem como objetivo erradicar a poliomielite causada pelo poliovírus selvagem no mundo. O requisito essencial para a erradicação da poliomielite é a eliminação da cepa do poliovírus selvagem, que é empregada no teste padrão-ouro. Com o intuito de auxiliar na erradicação do poliovírus selvagem, o objetivo deste estudo foi modificar o teste padrão-ouro usando o poliovírus derivado da vacina oral atenuada. Foram testados 63 soros pelo ensaio de neutralização utilizando-se antígenos vacinais. A concordância do sorotipo 1 (k=0,74) foi considerada substancial, enquanto o sorotipo 2 (k=1,00) e sorotipo 3 (k= 0,95) foram consideradas quase perfeitas. A sensibilidade dos testes de soroneutralização utilizando os sorotipos 1, 2 e 3 foi de 94,83%, 100,00% e 100,00%, respectivamente. Em conclusão, o ensaio com antígenos vacinais pode ser usado como procedimento laboratorial seguro, especialmente em estudos de vigilância em larga escala.

Poliomyelitis is an endemic disease in Afghanistan and Pakistan in despite of the efforts to eradicate it, and it represents a threat to other countries mainly due to the international trips. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims at eradicating the polio disease worldwide. An essential requirement for eradicating the poliomyelitis is the elimination of the wild poliovirus strain, which is employed in the gold standard test. As a support for the eradication of wild poliovirus, the present study aimed at modifying the gold standard test by using poliovirus derived from the oral attenuated vaccine. Sixty-three sera samples were tested by neutralization assay using vaccine antigens. The degree of agreement of the serotype 1 (k=0.74) was considered substantial, while the serotype 2 (k=1.00) and 3 (k= 0.95) showed almost perfect agreement. The sensitivity of serotypes 1, 2 and 3 was 94.83%, 100.00% and 100.00%, respectively. In conclusion, the assay with the vaccine antigens can be used as a safe application, especially for large-scale surveillance studies.

Padronização de teste para quantificar anticorpos anti-poliovírus utilizando vírus vacinal / Standardization of a test for quantifying the antibodies against poliovirus using the vaccine virus

A poliomielite é uma doença endêmica no Afeganistão e no Paquistão, apesar dos esforços para ser erradicada, representando uma ameaça para outros países principalmente devido às viagens internacionais. A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) tem como objetivo erradicar a poliomielite causada pelo poliovírus selvagem no mundo. O requisito essencial para a erradicação da poliomielite é a eliminação da cepa do poliovírus selvagem, que é empregada no teste padrão-ouro. Com o intuito de auxiliar na erradicação do poliovírus selvagem, o objetivo deste estudo foi modificar o teste padrão-ouro usando o poliovírus derivado da vacina oral atenuada. Foram testados 63 soros pelo ensaio de neutralização utilizando-se antígenos vacinais. A concordância do sorotipo 1 (k=0,74) foi considerada substancial, enquanto o sorotipo 2 (k=1,00) e sorotipo 3 (k= 0,95) foram consideradas quase perfeitas. A sensibilidade dos testes de soroneutralização utilizando os sorotipos 1, 2 e 3 foi de 94,83%, 100,00% e 100,00%, respectivamente. Em conclusão, o ensaio com antígenos vacinais pode ser usado como procedimento laboratorial seguro, especialmente em estudos de vigilância em larga escala. (AU)

Poliomyelitis is an endemic disease in Afghanistan and Pakistan in despite of the efforts to eradicate it, and it represents a threat to other countries mainly due to the international trips. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims at eradicating the polio disease worldwide. An essential requirement for eradicating the poliomyelitis is the elimination of the wild poliovirus strain, which is employed in the gold standard test. As a support for the eradication of wild poliovirus, the present study aimed at modifying the gold standard test by using poliovirus derived from the oral attenuated vaccine. Sixty-three sera samples were tested by neutralization assay using vaccine antigens. The degree of agreement of the serotype 1 (k=0.74) was considered substantial, while the serotype 2 (k=1.00) and 3 (k= 0.95) showed almost perfect agreement. The sensitivity of serotypes 1, 2 and 3 was 94.83%, 100.00% and 100.00%, respectively. In conclusion, the assay with the vaccine antigens can be used as a safe application, especially for large-scale surveillance studies. (AU)

Humoral immune response to measles and varicella vaccination in former very low birth weight preterm infants.

INTRODUCTION: Immune response to vaccination in infants born prematurely may be lower than in infants born at full-term. Some clinical factors might be associated with humoral immune response. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to compare the immune response to measles and varicella vaccination in infants born prematurely with those born at full-term and to analyze factors associated with measles and varicella antibody levels. METHODS: Prospective study including two groups of infants aged 12 months. One group of infants born prematurely with birth-weight <1500g and who were in follow-up at the outpatient clinic for preterm infants at the institution and other group of infants born at full-term. Infants with malformations, primary immunodeficiency diseases, born to HIV-positive mothers or who had received plasma or immunoglobulin transfusions five months before or three weeks after vaccination were excluded. Plasma antibodies were measured by ELISA and factors associated with antibody levels were assessed by linear regression. RESULTS: Sixty-five premature and 56 full-term infants were included. The percentage of immune individuals after vaccination against measles (100% vs. 100%) and varicella (92.5% vs. 93.2%) were similar in both groups, as well as the antibody levels against measles (2.393 vs. 2.412UI/mL; p=0.970) and varicella (0.551 vs. 0.399UI/mL; p=0.114). Use of antenatal corticosteroids decreased measles antibody levels whereas breastfeeding for more than six months increased varicella antibody levels. CONCLUSIONS: Humoral responses to measles and varicella were similar between infants born prematurely and full-term infants. Measles antibody levels were negatively associated with antenatal corticosteroid use; varicella antibodies were positively associated with prolonged breastfeeding.

Humoral immune response to measles and varicella vaccination in former very low birth weight preterm infants

ABSTRACT Introduction: Immune response to vaccination in infants born prematurely may be lower than in infants born at full-term. Some clinical factors might be associated with humoral immune response. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare the immune response to measles and varicella vaccination in infants born prematurely with those born at full-term and to analyze factors associated with measles and varicella antibody levels. Methods: Prospective study including two groups of infants aged 12 months. One group of infants born prematurely with birth-weight <1500 g and who were in follow-up at the outpatient clinic for preterm infants at the institution and other group of infants born at full-term. Infants with malformations, primary immunodeficiency diseases, born to HIV-positive mothers or who had received plasma or immunoglobulin transfusions five months before or three weeks after vaccination were excluded. Plasma antibodies were measured by ELISA and factors associated with antibody levels were assessed by linear regression. Results: Sixty-five premature and 56 full-term infants were included. The percentage of immune individuals after vaccination against measles (100% vs. 100%) and varicella (92.5% vs. 93.2%) were similar in both groups, as well as the antibody levels against measles (2.393 vs. 2.412 UI/mL; p = 0.970) and varicella (0.551 vs. 0.399 UI/mL; p = 0.114). Use of antenatal corticosteroids decreased measles antibody levels whereas breastfeeding for more than six months increased varicella antibody levels. Conclusions: Humoral responses to measles and varicella were similar between infants born prematurely and full-term infants. Measles antibody levels were negatively associated with antenatal corticosteroid use; varicella antibodies were positively associated with prolonged breastfeeding.

Immune response to a Tdap booster in vertically HIV-infected adolescents

Background Pertussis cases have increased worldwide and knowledge on immune response and cytokine profile after Tdap vaccine in immunodeficient adolescents is scarce. Objective To evaluate the immune response after Tdap in HIV-infected (HIV) and in healthy adolescents (CONTROL). Methodology Thirty HIV adolescents with CD4 cell counts?>200 and 30 CONTROLs were immunized with Tdap, after a prior whole-cell DTP vaccine primary scheme. Blood samples were collected immediately before and after vaccine. Lymphocyte immunophenotyping was performed by flow cytometry; tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis toxin antibodies were assessed by ELISA; whole blood was stimulated with tetanus toxoid and Bordetella pertussis and supernatants were assessed for cytokines by xMAP. Results Mean age of HIV and CONTROL groups were 17.9 e 17.1?years, respectively. Pain at injection site was more intense in CONTROL group. HIV group had similar increase in tetanus antibodies at 28?days (geometric mean concentration, GMC, 15.6; 95% CI, 7.52–32.4) than CONTROL group (GMC, 23.1; 95% CI, 15.0–35.5), but lower diphtheria antibodies at 28?days (GMC, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.88–6.19) than CONTROL group (GMC, 16.4; 95% CI, 10.3–26.2); for pertussis, the percentage of individuals who seroconverted was lower in HIV than CONTROL group (HIV, 62.1% versus CONTROL, 100%; p?=?.002). Both groups built a cellular immune response to tetanus, with a Th2 (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) and Th1 (IFN-?) response, with lower cytokine levels in HIV than in CONTROL group. Especially for pertussis, cellular and humoral responses were less intense in HIV adolescents, with a lower Th1 and Th17 profile and higher IL-10 levels. HIV-infected adolescents on viral suppression showed an enhanced immune response to all the three vaccine antigens, although still at lower levels if compared to CONTROL group. Conclusions Both groups tolerated well and built an immune response after Tdap. However, HIV-infected adolescents would probably benefit from more frequent booster doses.

Immune response to a Tdap booster in vertically HIV-infected adolescents

Background Pertussis cases have increased worldwide and knowledge on immune response and cytokine profile after Tdap vaccine in immunodeficient adolescents is scarce. Objective To evaluate the immune response after Tdap in HIV-infected (HIV) and in healthy adolescents (CONTROL). Methodology Thirty HIV adolescents with CD4 cell counts?>200 and 30 CONTROLs were immunized with Tdap, after a prior whole-cell DTP vaccine primary scheme. Blood samples were collected immediately before and after vaccine. Lymphocyte immunophenotyping was performed by flow cytometry; tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis toxin antibodies were assessed by ELISA; whole blood was stimulated with tetanus toxoid and Bordetella pertussis and supernatants were assessed for cytokines by xMAP. Results Mean age of HIV and CONTROL groups were 17.9 e 17.1?years, respectively. Pain at injection site was more intense in CONTROL group. HIV group had similar increase in tetanus antibodies at 28?days (geometric mean concentration, GMC, 15.6; 95% CI, 7.52–32.4) than CONTROL group (GMC, 23.1; 95% CI, 15.0–35.5), but lower diphtheria antibodies at 28?days (GMC, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.88–6.19) than CONTROL group (GMC, 16.4; 95% CI, 10.3–26.2); for pertussis, the percentage of individuals who seroconverted was lower in HIV than CONTROL group (HIV, 62.1% versus CONTROL, 100%; p?=?.002). Both groups built a cellular immune response to tetanus, with a Th2 (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) and Th1 (IFN-?) response, with lower cytokine levels in HIV than in CONTROL group. Especially for pertussis, cellular and humoral responses were less intense in HIV adolescents, with a lower Th1 and Th17 profile and higher IL-10 levels. HIV-infected adolescents on viral suppression showed an enhanced immune response to all the three vaccine antigens, although still at lower levels if compared to CONTROL group. Conclusions Both groups tolerated well and built an immune response after Tdap. However, HIV-infected adolescents would probably benefit from more frequent booster doses.

Immune development in HIV-exposed uninfected children born to HIV-infected women.

Immunological and clinical findings suggestive of some immune dysfunction have been reported among HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children and adolescents. Whether these defects are persistent or transitory is still unknown. HEU pediatric population at birth, 12 months, 6-12 years were evaluated in comparison to healthy age-matched HIV-unexposed controls. Plasma levels of LPS, sCD14, cytokines, lymphocyte immunophenotyping and T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC) were assessed. HEU and controls had similar LPS levels, which remained low from birth to 6-12 years; for plasma sCD14, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, G-CSF, GM-CSF and MCP-1, which increased from birth to 12 months and then decreased at 6-12 years; and for TREC/106 PBMC at birth in HEU and controls. By contrast, plasma MIP-1ß levels were lower in HEU than in controls (p=0.009) at 12 months, and IL-4 levels were higher in HEU than controls (p=0.04) at 6-12 years. Immune activation was higher in HEU at 12 months and at 6-12 years than controls based on frequencies of CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+T cells (p=0.05) and of CD38+HLA-DR+CD4+T cells (p=0.006). Resting memory and activated mature B cells increased from birth to 6-12 years in both groups. The development of the immune system in vertically HEU individuals is comparable to the general population in most parameters, but subtle or transient differences exist. Their role in influencing clinical incidences in HEU is unknown.

Immune development in HIV-exposed uninfected children born to HIV-infected women

ABSTRACT Immunological and clinical findings suggestive of some immune dysfunction have been reported among HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children and adolescents. Whether these defects are persistent or transitory is still unknown. HEU pediatric population at birth, 12 months, 6-12 years were evaluated in comparison to healthy age-matched HIV-unexposed controls. Plasma levels of LPS, sCD14, cytokines, lymphocyte immunophenotyping and T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC) were assessed. HEU and controls had similar LPS levels, which remained low from birth to 6-12 years; for plasma sCD14, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, G-CSF, GM-CSF and MCP-1, which increased from birth to 12 months and then decreased at 6-12 years; and for TREC/106 PBMC at birth in HEU and controls. By contrast, plasma MIP-1β levels were lower in HEU than in controls (p=0.009) at 12 months, and IL-4 levels were higher in HEU than controls (p=0.04) at 6-12 years. Immune activation was higher in HEU at 12 months and at 6-12 years than controls based on frequencies of CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+T cells (p=0.05) and of CD38+HLA-DR+CD4+T cells (p=0.006). Resting memory and activated mature B cells increased from birth to 6-12 years in both groups. The development of the immune system in vertically HEU individuals is comparable to the general population in most parameters, but subtle or transient differences exist. Their role in influencing clinical incidences in HEU is unknown.

ADHERENCE TO INFLUENZA VACCINATION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS DURING AND AFTER INFLUENZA A (H1N1) PANDEMIC.

This study evaluated the adherence to influenza vaccination among medical students in 2010 and 2011. From August to December 2011, a questionnaire was used to record the influenza vaccination in 2010 and 2011, reasons for acceptance of the influenza vaccine and knowledge of healthcare workers about the influenza vaccine recommendation. One hundred and forty-four students from the 2ndto the 6th years of the medical school were interviewed. A great adherence to pandemic influenza vaccine was noted in 2010, (91% of the students), with "self-protection" being the most common reason cited for vaccination. Other determinants for the vaccination during pandemic were "convenient access to vaccine" and "encouragement by peers and teachers in workplaces and at the university". However, there was a great decay in the acceptance to vaccine in the next influenza season (2011). Only 42% of the students received the vaccine. They claimed "lack of time" and "have forgotten to take the vaccine" as the main reasons. The "knowledge on the recommendation of influenza vaccine to healthcare workers" increased when the students come to attend the last year of the medical school, but that was an insufficient motivator for vaccination. Strategies to increase vaccination should be based on the abovementioned aspects for the adoption of effective measures in both, pandemic and seasonal periods.

CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF LOCALIZED BCG ADVERSE EVENTS IN CHILDREN.

BCG adverse events (BCG-AE) are rare conditions with no well-established treatment. This study aims to describe clinical characteristics and outcome of localized BCG-AE. Children with BCG-AEs who were treated at the Reference Center for Special Immunobiologicals of the Federal University of São Paulo from 2009 to 2011 were included. Patients were followed monthly until 3 months after healing. One hundred and twenty-seven patients with localized BCG-AE were followed: 67 (52.7%) had suppurative lymphadenitis; 30 (23.6%) injection-site abscess; five (3.9%) had enlarged lymph node > 3 cm; four (3.1%) had ulcer > 1 cm; and one (0.8%) had a local bacterial infection. Five patients (3.9%) had more than one BCG-AE simultaneously. Fifteen patients (11.8%) had atypical manifestations: seven wart-like lesions; five BCG reactivations; two other dermatologic lesions and one with vasomotor phenomenon. Isoniazid was used in 96 patients with typical BCG-AE (85.7%) until lesion resolution which took place 3.1 months later (in median); the healing rate was 90.6%. Patients with atypical manifestations had an individual approach. Regarding the outcome, 105/112 patients with typical AE and 13/15 patients with atypical AE had resolution of BCG-AE. Localized BCG-AE caused by BCG Moreau RJ had positive outcome when treated with a short course of isoniazid. Atypical BCG-AE are not infrequent.

Response to immunization in children born to renal transplant recipients using immunosuppressive drugs during gestation.

The use of immunosuppressive drugs can impair vaccination responses. When used during pregnancy, they may interfere with the development of the fetus's immune system. However, little is known regarding their influence on infant's response to vaccinations. Twenty-seven children born to renal transplant mothers (Tx) taking immunosuppressive drugs and 31 healthy children had the humoral immune response and reactogenicity to tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and 7 pneumococcal serotypes evaluated. The evolution of BCG vaccine scar was also registered. Antibodies were measured by ELISA. Lymphocyte immunophenotyping was performed on cord blood and at 7-8 months of age. Among Tx neonates, 82.4% had low B lymphocyte numbers at birth, and 29.4% had also low numbers of other lymphocyte subpopulations. Nevertheless, all children developed protective antibodies with similar antibody concentrations to the control group. Vaccine reactogenicity was similar in both groups and BCG healing was uneventful.

Incidence of active mycobacterial infections in Brazilian patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis and negative evaluation for latent tuberculosis infection at baseline--a longitudinal analysis after using TNFa blockers.

Several studies point to the increased risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIAs) after using tumour necrosis factor (TNF)a blockers. To study the incidence of active mycobacterial infections (aMI) in patients starting TNFa blockers, 262 patients were included in this study: 109 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 93 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 44 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and 16 with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). All patients had indication for anti-TNFa therapy. Epidemiologic and clinical data were evaluated and a simple X-ray and tuberculin skin test (TST) were performed. The control group included 215 healthy individuals. The follow-up was 48 months to identify cases of aMI. TST positivity was higher in patients with AS (37.6%) than in RA (12.8%), PsA (18.8%) and JIA (6.8%) (p < 0.001). In the control group, TST positivity was 32.7%. Nine (3.43%) patients were diagnosed with aMI. The overall incidence rate of aMI was 86.93/100,000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 23.6-217.9] for patients and 35.79/100,000 person-years (95% CI 12.4-69.6) for control group (p < 0.001). All patients who developed aMI had no evidence of LTBI at the baseline evaluation. Patients with CIA starting TNFa blockers and no evidence of LTBI at baseline, particularly with nonreactive TST, may have higher risk of aMI.

Incidence of active mycobacterial infections in Brazilian patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis and negative evaluation for latent tuberculosis infection at baseline - A longitudinal analysis after using TNFa blockers

Several studies point to the increased risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIAs) after using tumour necrosis factor (TNF)a blockers. To study the incidence of active mycobacterial infections (aMI) in patients starting TNFa blockers, 262 patients were included in this study: 109 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 93 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 44 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and 16 with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). All patients had indication for anti-TNFatherapy. Epidemiologic and clinical data were evaluated and a simple X-ray and tuberculin skin test (TST) were performed. The control group included 215 healthy individuals. The follow-up was 48 months to identify cases of aMI. TST positivity was higher in patients with AS (37.6%) than in RA (12.8%), PsA (18.8%) and JIA (6.8%) (p < 0.001). In the control group, TST positivity was 32.7%. Nine (3.43%) patients were diagnosed with aMI. The overall incidence rate of aMI was 86.93/100,000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 23.6-217.9] for patients and 35.79/100,000 person-years (95% CI 12.4-69.6) for control group (p < 0.001). All patients who developed aMI had no evidence of LTBI at the baseline evaluation. Patients with CIA starting TNFa blockers and no evidence of LTBI at baseline, particularly with nonreactive TST, may have higher risk of aMI.

PROTECTIVE LEVELS OF VARICELLA-ZOSTER ANTIBODY DID NOT EFFECTIVELY PREVENT CHICKENPOX IN AN X-LINKED AGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA PATIENT / Nível sérico adequado de anticorpo contra o vírus da varicela-zoster não foi suficiente para prevenir a infecção em criança com agamaglobulinemia ligada ao X

SUMMARY We describe the case of an eight-year-old boy with X-linked agammaglobulinemia who developed mild varicella despite regular intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. He maintained protective antibody levels against varicella and the previous batches of IVIG that he received had adequate varicella-specific IgG levels. The case illustrates that IVIG may not prevent VZV infection.

RESUMO Relatamos o caso de uma criança com agamaglobulinemia ligada ao X, sexo masculino, oito anos de idade, que desenvolveu quadro de varicela leve, apesar do tratamento regular com imunoglobulina intravenosa (IVIG). O paciente mantinha níveis adequados de imunoglobulina (IgG) contra varicela, assim como, os últimos lotes de IVIG por ele recebido também apresentavam níveis adequados do anticorpo específico. O caso ilustra que o tratamento regular com IVIG não é suficiente para prevenir a infecção pelo vírus da varicela-zoster.

Maternally acquired IgG immunity in neonates born to renal transplanted women.

Neonates born to renal transplanted women are exposed in utero to immunosuppressors and to antenatal conditions that may predispose the neonate to a high risk of prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation. These factors might interfere with the transfer of maternal IgG immunity. Total IgG levels and specific antibodies to measles, varicella, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (serotypes 4,6B,9V,14,18C,19F and 23F) were evaluated on maternal and cord blood samples of 23 sets of renal transplanted women and their newborns and 32 sets of healthy women-newborns at term. Total IgG levels were measured by nephelometry and specific antibodies, by ELISA. Renal transplanted mothers had lower median tetanus antibodies (0.67IU/mL) than controls (1.53IU/mL; p=0.017). Neonates from renal transplanted mothers had lower median tetanus antibodies (0.95IU/mL) than controls (1.97IU/mL, p=0.008). Antibodies to measles, varicella, Hib and the 7 serotypes of S. pneumoniae were similar between groups. Maternal antibodies were associated with an increase in neonatal antibodies for all antigens; gestational age was associated with an increase in Hib neonatal antibodies. Preeclampsia was associated with a decrease in neonatal total IgG and serotype 4 S. pneumoniae antibodies; chronic hypertension was associated with a decrease in neonatal serotype 6B S. pneumoniae antibodies. As neonates from transplanted women may be born with lower tetanus antibodies than controls, efforts should be made to keep maternal vaccines up-to-date. Clinical antenatal care with control of preeclampsia, chronic hypertension and prevention of premature delivery might also contribute to neonatal antibody levels to specific antigens at birth.