Preimmunization anti-pneumococcal antibody levels are protective in a majority of patients with cystic fibrosis

Citation
T. Lahiri et Da. Waltz, Preimmunization anti-pneumococcal antibody levels are protective in a majority of patients with cystic fibrosis, PEDIATRICS, 108(4), 2001, pp. NIL_28-NIL_32
Citations number
36
Categorie Soggetti
Pediatrics,"Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
PEDIATRICS
ISSN journal
00314005 → ACNP
Volume
108
Issue
4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
NIL_28 - NIL_32
Database
ISI
SICI code
0031-4005(200110)108:4<NIL_28:PAALAP>2.0.ZU;2-N
Abstract
Objective. Although invasive pneumococcal disease is infrequent in cystic f ibrosis (CF), it is recommended that all patients with CF receive pneumococ cal immunization. As part of a comprehensive program to immunize our clinic population, we obtained preimmunization anti-pneumococcal antibody levels. We hypothesized that the percentage of CF patients without protective leve ls of anti-pneumococcal antibody levels would be high, as they are exposed to frequent antibiotic therapy that may eradicate organisms before generati on of an antibody response. Methods. An observational study of 100 patients with CF, aged 1 to 39 years , was conducted in a regional CF center. Preimmunization anti-pneumococcal antibody levels against 6 serotypes were measured by enzyme-linked immunoso rbent assay. Protective antibody levels were defined as >200 ng/mL. Results. A majority of CF patients-61% to 100%, depending on age and seroty pe-had protective levels of pneumococcal antibody. There was a significant positive correlation between antibody level and age for 5 of the 6 serotype s tested. Conclusions. In contradistinction to our hypothesis, the majority of CF pat ients have protective preimmunization anti-pneumococcal antibody levels. Ho wever, a significant proportion-between 17% and 39%, depending on the serot ype-did not exhibit adequate levels. Therefore, we concur with current reco mmendations for pneumococcal immunization in CF.