Influenza vaccination in liver transplant recipients

Background. The immunogenicity of the trivalent inactivated influenza split virus vaccine (Infusplit SSW 97/98) containing A/Bayern/07/95 (H1N1)-like (A/ Johannesburg/82/90 [NIB-39]), A/Wuhan/359/95 (H3N2)-like (A/Nanchang/93 3/95 [Resvir-0]), and B/Beijing/184/ 93-like (B/Harbin/7/94) hemagglutinin antigens was tested in liver transplant recipients (TXL-R)(1,2,3,4,5). Subjects and Methods. Serum antibody titers were determined 21+/-2 days aft er a single vaccination in 62 adult TXL-R and 59 adult volunteers, Results. Protective postimmunization antibody titers for the three antigens were similar in TXL-R (protection rates 92%, 92%, and 95%) and the compari son group (97%, 100%, and 100%). Adverse reactions were mild and less frequ ent in TXL-R, A significant decrease of CD8(+)CD38(+) lymphocytes after vac cination was found in TXL-R, No association between antibody response and a ge, gender, time interval since transplantation, anti-hepatitis B surface a ntigen immunoprophylaxis, or immunosuppressive medication was detected, Conclusion. Our results show that the vaccine is safe and effective and sho uld be recommended to TXL-R.