Health officials urge additional measles vaccinations May 14, 2008
Those at high risk include infants between the ages of 6 months and 1 year, children between the ages of 1 and 5 years who have not had two doses of the vaccine, those with a known exposure to a suspect case of measles, healthcare workers, child care and school staff, anyone having close contact with infants under 1 year old, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised. Over 3,000 people went to the sustained measles shot clinic between May 7 and May 10 to get the vaccine. (FOX 11, AZ)
Anti-virulence Factor In Salmonella Discovered May 12, 2008
20, 2007) Infection with the fungus Candida parapsilosis is a major problem for individuals in intensive care units, as well as for premature infants and immunocompromised adults. Innovative research using a. (Science Daily)
Chickenpox reported in area May 2, 2008
Anyone who has been exposed to the varicella causing virus and is pregnant or immunocompromised should consult their health care provider. A vaccine that can prevent chickenpox, or lessen the severity of the disease, is now available for eligible persons older than 12 months, said Kincaid. (California Democrat, MO)
Mechanism Underlying Multidrug Resistance In Fungi Discovered Apr 7, 2008
"Fungal infections have a serious impact on immunocompromised patients, and the development of resistance is particularly worrisome, since targets for antifungal drugs are limited," says Mylonakis, an assistant professor of Medicine at HMS. "Given these concerns, having the opportunity to use our model system for the in vivo investigation of this resistance mechanism has been a particularly fulfilling endeavor." ... 3, 2007) Interferon, the "superhero" cure for viral infections, may be a strong... (Science Daily)
Deadly bug early detection hope Apr 5, 2008
Professor Paul Groundwater, who led the research, said: "This superbug has a massive impact on people who are immunocompromised, for example patients with severe burns, cancer and AIDS. "It is calculated that 28% of people who have undergone transplant surgery are infected by pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cystic fibrosis patients are vulnerable to infection. (BBC News -- Health)
Magazine ranks ECU among top primary care medical schools Mar 31, 2008
Janice Neil, chairwoman of ECU's undergraduate nursing science in the College of Nursing, won the clinical category of the 2007 Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses Journal Writers contest for her article "Perioperative Care of the Immunocompromised Patient.". Neil received an award Saturday from Covidien, sponsor of the contest. (The Daily Reflector)
Complexities Of Genetic Susceptibility To Tuberculosis Revealed Mar 30, 2008
Some will develop a latent infection, with symptoms only showing if they become sick or immunocompromised, for example through HIV infection. A small number will develop an active TB infection, usually in their lungs, occasionally progressing to "disseminated TB" -- a condition in which failure of the immune system to control the infection allows its spread to other parts of the body. (Science Daily)
Autism and vaccines: What's the link? Mar 22, 2008
And if a child is immunocompromised, they are not going to fare well when they encounter any type of pathogen. And those are just the things that stood out on first glance. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
PFC Pollutant Harming Loggerhead Turtles, Could Also Signal Danger For Humans Feb 23, 2008
If our immune systems have a similar sensitivity to PFOS, Keller explained, humans could be immunocompromised from current environmental exposure to PFOS.. J. M. Keller, K. Kannan, S. Taniyasu, N. Yamashita, R.D. Day, M.D. Arendt, A.L. Segars and J. R. Kucklick. (Science Daily)
Chemicals In Our Waters Are Affecting Humans And Aquatic Life In Unanticipated Ways Feb 21, 2008
Keller's team found that turtles with high concentrations of PFCs showed signs of liver damage and were immunocompromised. Keller says, "Endangered sea turtles run a gauntlet of stresses in the oceans, and chronic exposure to contaminants may impair their defenses against disease or their ability to reproduce." Because reptiles and humans have similar immune systems, Keller says that we also may be at risk for the same health problems as the loggerheads from exposure to PFCs. (Science Daily)
Turtle studies suggest health risks from environmental contaminants Feb 20, 2008
If our immune systems have a similar sensitivity to PFOS, Keller explained, humans could be immunocompromised from current environmental exposure to PFOS.. . (EurekAlert!)
New findings on emerging contaminants Feb 17, 2008
Kellers team found that turtles with high concentrations of PFCs showed signs of liver damage and were immunocompromised. Keller says, Endangered sea turtles run a gauntlet of stresses in the oceans, and chronic exposure to contaminants may impair their defenses against disease or their ability to reproduce. (EurekAlert!)
Children's Hospital scientists identify possible target for prevention and treatment of pneumonia Feb 12, 2008
Dr. Kolls' laboratory investigates mechanisms of lung host defenses in normal and immunocompromised hosts as well as lung immunology in disease such as cystic fibrosis and asthma. Additional research interests of Dr. Kolls include gene therapy, lung immunology, lung host defenses, tumor necrosis factor, pneumocytis carinii pneumonia, ethanol, gene expression, polymerase chain reaction and molecular biology. (EurekAlert!)
Risk Factors For Severe RSV Infection In Immunocompromised Children Identified Feb 8, 2008
Such infections are especially dangerous because they can be fatal in some immunocompromised children, and there is no standard effective treatment for these infections, the researchers said ... Another significant finding was that--unlike some previous reports in immunocompromised adults with RSV--neutropenia is not a risk factor for lower respiratory track infection, Gaur said ... However, while some studies report that lower respiratory track infection, due to RSV is fatal in 50 to 100... (Science Daily)
Stomach Flu? Six Simple Steps To Protect Against Noroviruses Feb 6, 2008
Norovirus can be life-threatening for the elderly and immunocompromised. APIC's six simple steps to protect against norovirus include. (Science Daily)
St. Jude finds risk factors for severe RSV infection in immunocompromised children Feb 5, 2008
Such infections are especially dangerous because they can be fatal in some immunocompromised children, and there is no standard effective treatment for these infections, the researchers said ... Another significant finding was thatunlike some previous reports in immunocompromised adults with RSVneutropenia is not a risk factor for lower respiratory track infection, Gaur said ... However, while some studies report that lower respiratory track infection, due to RSV is fatal in 50 to 100 percent... (EurekAlert!)
Millennium Biotechnologies Group Reports 40% Sales Increase for Resurgex Product Line in Greek Market Jan 29, 2008
These athletes often experience similar symptoms post-workout to those battling immunocompromised conditions, such as fatigue, loss of lean muscle, oxidative stress, and reduced immune function. Statements in this news release regarding future financial and operating results, future growth in Rrams, potential applications of the Company's technology, opportunities for the Company, and any other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed constitute... (PR Newswire)
Molecule That Facilitates Cancer Spread In Both Cells And Their Surroundings Found Jan 22, 2008
Human pancreatic cells deprived of their own GPC1 had reduced growth in culture, as well as when they were transplanted into immunocompromised mice (known as athymic for the lack of a thymus gland) that don't reject human cancer cells, the researchers demonstrated. "Tumors grow more slowly and are smaller. Interestingly, they also have less angiogenesis (blood vessel growth) and less metastasis," said Korc, also a professor pharmacology and toxicology and member of the Norris Cotton Cancer... (Science Daily)
A new view of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis Jan 21, 2008
The work was funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, through its Autoimmunity Center of Excellence and the Center for Biodefense of Immunocompromised Populations at the University of Rochester. The work was also funded by the Lupus Foundation of America, the Lupus Research Institute, and the Alliance for Lupus Research. (EurekAlert!)
ViraCor Laboratories Is First National Reference Laboratory To ... Jan 7, 2008
ViraCor Laboratories is a leading molecular diagnostic and research laboratory dedicated to providing innovative diagnostic testing to the critical care and immunocompromised patient population, with expertise in infectious diseases including viruses, protozoa and fungi. The company set the standard for the diagnostic industry by turning all patient results around in 24 hours, unlike traditional lab results which can take three days to several weeks. (FOX News)
Basu: XDR Tuberculosis Jan 7, 2008
And in this context, an existing TB problem has dramatically amplified, given the number of immunocompromised, HIV-infected persons in the population. In the area where XDR TB was first reported, about 1 out of every 5 pregnant women is HIV-positive, and most still do not get antiretroviral therapy [21. (Zmag.org)
Antiviral Therapy Cuts Deaths from Severe Flu Dec 27, 2007
It's possible that co-occurring illnesses rendered some of the patients immunocompromised, which could have delayed clearance of the influenza virus, the investigators suggest. Tests showed that all treated patients were shedding influenza virus immediately prior to treatment, "so that specific antiviral therapy might have been expected to be of benefit," they point out. (MEDLINEplus)
Local clinics didn't use recalled vaccine Dec 15, 2007
Immunocompromised children may be at the greater risk for these infections. These infections are most likely to occur within one week after vaccination. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
ViroPharma nets U.S., European orphan status for CMV drug Dec 3, 2007
In immunocompromised individuals -- including cancer patients, HIV patients and transplant patients -- CMV can lead to serious disease or death. The EMEA's orphan product designation, similar to the Food and Drug Administration orphan drug program, is designed to promote the development of drugs for patients suffering from rare diseases identified as "life-threatening or very serious conditions.". (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Smoking Before, After Pregnancy Harms Daughters' Fertility Nov 22, 2007
The researchers then demonstrated similar effects in human ovarian tissue transplanted into immunocompromised mice. Jurisicova described the process: "Toxic compounds were injected under the skin of mice and were picked up by the bloodstream and carried throughout the body until they reached the ovaries. Once at the ovaries, they passed through the cell membrane and bound to the receptor. When this happens, it activates the receptor, which then enters the cell nucleus. The receptor then finds a... (Health-Finder)
Recently discovered virus associated with pediatric respiratory tract infection in Germany Nov 21, 2007
Although they are most commonly associated with self-limited upper respiratory tract disease, lower respiratory tract infections related to HRV are being increasingly reported in infants, elderly persons, and immunocompromised patients. HRVs are also implicated in exacerbations of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and acute bronchiolitis. (EurekAlert!)
Chicken Pox Vaccination Should Be Introduced For Children In The UK, Researchers Urge Nov 19, 2007
"This benign view persists despite evidence that certain groups, including neonates, adults, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised have higher risks of severe disease," it continues. The authors point out that new cases of chickenpox have been rising among pre-school children, and for every 1000 cases, between two and five children will have to be admitted to hospital. (Science Daily)
Antivirals Reduce Deaths From Flu In Hospitalized Patients Nov 13, 2007
The authors note that some of their patients may have been immunocompromised for non-flu related reasons and might therefore retain the virus longer than healthy patients. Another possibility is that patients who require hospital admission for influenza are a small subgroup of the people who get infected. (Science Daily)
UK Children Should Be Vaccinated Against Chickenpox Nov 9, 2007
"Chickenpox has traditionally been viewed as an irritating but inevitable infection to be endured during childhood, a rite of passage during the preschool years. This benign view persists despite evidence that certain groups, including neonates, adults, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised have higher risks of severe disease," an Accompanying Editorial comments. Incidence of chickenpox in the UK and Ireland among pre-school children has been rising, explain the authors. (Medical News Today)
Chickenpox jab should be added to MMR, scientists say Nov 8, 2007
Professor Adam Finn, a co-author of both the editorial and the report, said: "Chickenpox has traditionally been viewed as an irritating but inevitable infection to be endured during childhood, a rite of passage during the preschool years."This benign view persists despite evidence that certain groups, including neonates, adults, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised have higher risks of severe disease. "The study, Severe Complications of Chickenpox in Hospitalised Children in the UK and... (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
Gamma Interferon Could Aid Fight Against Fungal Infections Nov 4, 2007
3, 2007) Interferon, the superhero cure for viral infections, may be a strong weapon in the battle against fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, according to an article in the November issue of Microbiology Today ... Although rarely life-threatening in healthy patients, fungal infections are a major problem for the immunocompromised, including HIV patients and people receiving chemotherapy for cancer. (Science Daily)
Ways To Teach Approved Drugs New Tricks: How To Combat Cancer Oct 30, 2007
"Conventional xenograft studies, growing human tumor cells in an immunocompromised mouse fail to account for many of the tumor and host factors that influence tumor growth in humans, such as the absence of immune surveillance and an imperfect host environment for tumors," she said. "The idea is to use a window of opportunity not traditionally explored to examine therapeutic biomarkers, and to identify subpopulations of patients who will derive a predictable higher likelihood of response from a... (Science Daily)
Pneumonia Information Oct 14, 2007
Unlike opportunistic fungi, endemic fungal pathogens are able to cause infection in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals. The most frequently encountered endemic fungi are Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Blastomyces. (Suite101.com)
Fungal Pneumonia: Opportunistic Oct 14, 2007
Dissemination through the circulatory system can occur, especially in the immunocompromised. Diagnosis & Treatment. (Suite101.com)
FDA Approves Expanded Label for FluMist(R) to Include Children Two to Five Years of Age First and Only Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccine for Young Childre Sep 22, 2007
If Guillain-Barre syndrome has occurred with prior influenza vaccination or if an individual is immunocompromised, the decision to give FluMist should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. FluMist should not be administered to individuals with underlying medical conditions predisposing them to wild-type influenza infection complications unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
First case of West Nile in Shelby County Sep 4, 2007
Persons over age 50 and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe disease. Citizens are urged to minimize the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes by following precautions to protect themselves from possible exposure to infected mosquitoes, including. (WREG.com, TN)
Salmonella-Spinach Specter Haunts US Once Again Sep 2, 2007
Be particularly careful with foods prepared for infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised ... Avoid direct or even indirect contact between reptiles (turtles, iguanas, other lizards, snakes) and infants or immunocompromised persons. (News Locale)
Pathogens prevalent in unpasteurized milk Aug 21, 2007
"Both bacteria continue to pose a public health threat," she told Reuters Health, and recommended that physicians warn their immunocompromised patients about the risks of consuming raw milk. The greater risk for raw milk drinkers is L. monocytogenes, she told Reuters, but added that the occupational risk of Coxiella infection, especially through possible aerosolization during milking, should be noted. (Scientific American)
Antibacterial Soap No Better And May Be Worse Than Plain Soap Aug 17, 2007
For instance, data are needed to assess whether products containing triclosan provide an added level of protection among high-risk groups, such as immunocompromised individuals living in a household setting, the researchers concluded. No potential conflicts of interest were reported. (MedPage Today)
Is West Nile Virus a Threat in Your Area This Year? Aug 4, 2007
In addition, the risk of illness severity is greater for persons over age 50 and for those who are immunocompromised. Preventing Mosquito Bites is Key. (Infection Control Today)
Make sure your child's shot records are up to date Jul 17, 2007
Kindergartners should have had these, or started the vaccine series, by age 5, unless they are immunocompromised. (Religious exemptions vary; check with your school district). (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Questions and Answers about West Nile virus Jul 4, 2007
It is unknown if immunocompromised persons are at increased risk for WNV disease ... Serious illness can occur in people of any age, however people over age 50 and some immunocompromised persons (for example, transplant patients) are at the highest risk for getting severely ill when infected with WNV.. (Food Consumer)
Tamiflu(R) 30 mg and 45 mg Capsules Approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration Jul 3, 2007
Efficacy of Tamiflu has not been established in immunocompromised patients. Safety and efficacy of repeated treatment or prophylaxis courses have not been studied. (PR Newswire)
FDA Extends GRAS Approval LISTEX(TM) to all Food Products Jul 3, 2007
Risk groups include the Young, Old, Immunocompromised and Pregnant. About EBI Food Safety EBI Food Safety (www. (Canada Newswire)
Salmonella infections: What you need to know? Jul 1, 2007
Young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are the most likely to have severe infections ... Be particularly careful with foods prepared for infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised ... Avoid direct or even indirect contact between reptiles (turtles, iguanas, other lizards, snakes) and infants or immunocompromised persons. (Food Consumer)
Veggie Booty Snacks Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination Jul 1, 2007
In infants, patients in poor health, or those who are immunocompromised, Salmonella can cause septic infections. Veggie Booty snacks are marketed by Robert's American Gourmet of Sea Cliff, N.Y. The product is sold in flexible plastic foil bags in four-ounce, one-ounce, and half-ounce packages. (MedPage Today)
Hospitals urged to exercise greater vigilance over their water systems in summer months Jun 28, 2007
Effective protection for high-risk immunocompromised patients (cancer and transplant patients) requires delivery of water that meets a higher standard than normal tap water ... Boiling water for drinking has been recommended for immunocompromised patients. (EurekAlert!)
Parasitic Worm Unleashed in Woman After Heavy Drinking Jun 16, 2007
We wish to emphasize that, when patients have lived in areas where S stercoralis is endemic," the authors concluded, "S stercoralis colitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of intestinal inflammation particularly when the patient is immunocompromised. This article was reviewed by Dr. Manny Alvarez. (Fox News -- Politics)
Eating Your Veggies May Provide Additional Health Benefits Jun 15, 2007
McGraw and Ardia describe their findings in "Do carotenoids buffer testosterone-induced immunosupression" An experimental test in a colorful songbird," in the current issue (June 6, 2007) of Biology Letters, a journal of the Royal Society, London. The researchers experimentally examined the relationship between testosterone, carotenoids and immune state in 35 male and female zebra finches. They surprisingly found that when they administered testosterone implants to zebra finches that it acted as... (Science Daily)
Scientists discover new, deadly bacteria Jun 9, 2007
"The bacteria were eating away a bone in the arm of an AIDS patient - for months,'' Prof Koehler said. "They can cause extremely painful lesions and tumours of blood vessels on the skin of immunocompromised patients. . (NEWS.com.au)
Into the Woods Jun 7, 2007
To the Editor: The Clinical Problem-Solving article by Safdar et al. (March 1 issue)1 concerns an immunocompromised woman who received the diagnosis of pulmonary nocardiosis ... In two case series, TMP-SMX prophylaxis did not show a benefit in immunocompromised patients with nocardia infection. (New England Journal of Medicine)
New bacterium discovered -- related to cause of trench fever Jun 7, 2007
They can cause extremely painful lesions and tumors of blood vessels on the skin of immunocompromised patients. But when I saw this patient, this type of infection had never been seen at UCSF, and the bacterium causing the infection was unknown. (EurekAlert!)
New Vaccine Technology Should Protect Children From Common Respiratory Virus May 10, 2007
Those most at risk from RSV are children aged two and under, especially those with weak respiratory symptoms, elderly people and the immunocompromised, such as people with HIV or those who have weakened immune systems due to treatments such as chemotherapy. "Benefits of the vaccine will include a huge saving in health care costs," Professor Tindle said. (Science Daily)
Officials watch West Nile virus as Yavapai County reports Arizonas first case of 2007 May 8, 2007
While serious illness can occur in people of any age, those over 50 and some immunocompromised persons are at the highest risk for getting severely ill when infected. In severe cases, the person often requires hospitalization and the neurologic effects can be permanent. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
ViroPharma spawning European unit May 2, 2007
In immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients, HIV patients, and transplant patients, CMV can lead to serious disease or death. "Our management team has vast experience in European commercialization and development," said Michel de Rosen, the CEO of ViroPharma (NASDAQ:VPHM). (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Girls Born With HIV Infection At Higher Risk For Cervical Problems Apr 30, 2007
Brogly says that researchers will be investigating the use of the HPV vaccine in immunocompromised girls in the near future. Brogly SE, et al. Reproductive health of adolescent girls perinatally infected with HIV. Am J Public Health 97(6), 2007. (Science Daily)
Gene That Governs Toxin Production In Deadly Mold Found Apr 14, 2007
"Once an immunocompromised individual gets any fungal disease, it's pretty hard to treat, and the treatments themselves are often toxic. There is a 60-90 percent mortality rate with invasive aspergillosis.". Thus, knowing how the fungus makes its chemical arsenal is important and opens an avenue to devising novel treatments that can disarm the pathogen before it does its dirty work. (Science Daily)
Athletic Trainers See Rise in MRSA Infections: Survey Apr 14, 2007
MRSA infections were once seen almost exclusively in ill and immunocompromised hospital patients, but they have become increasingly common in otherwise healthy people over the past decade, according to background information in a news release about the survey. While MRSA infections typically aren't fatal, they can cause skin abscesses that require surgical draining, and the infections are likely to be resistant to first-line antibiotics. (Health-Finder)
New Evidence for Person-to-Person Spread of Bovine TB Apr 14, 2007
In addition, they said, once transmitted, M bovis might be more likely to establish disease in people who are immunocompromised. Referring to the successful public-health measures used in this investigation, the researchers emphasized the need to use all testing and surveillance systems, DNA fingerprinting, and inter-agency collaboration, rather than viewing each case as an individual zoonotic infection. (MedPage Today)
Three outbreaks of salmonellosis linked with baby poultry Apr 2, 2007
Many persons who purchase baby poultry remain unaware that contact with these birds puts them and others who are exposed to the birds, especially children and immunocompromised persons, at risk for salmonellosis. This report describes the three outbreaks and provides recommendations for preventing transmission of Salmonella infection from birds to humans. (Food Consumer)
Molecular Differences Between Early And Advanced Melanomas Could Provide New Drug Targets Mar 14, 2007
When melanoma cells overexpressing Akt were introduced into immunocompromised (nude) mice, the mice developed aggressive tumors that expressed high levels of VEGF, whereas a control group of mice developed no tumors. Another result of Akt overexpression was the increased production of reactive oxygen (ROS). (Science Daily)
To Be Benign Or Malignant: mTOR Makes The Decision Feb 25, 2007
Furthermore, inhibiting mTOR restored PDGFR expression levels and AKT activity in mouse cell lines expressing decreased levels of TSC1 or TSC2, and overexpression of active AKT or PDGFR in such cells rendered them able to induce malignant tumors when transplanted into immunocompromised mice. This study therefore demonstrates that increased mTOR activity decreases PDGFR expression and AKT activity in mouse cells expressing decreased levels of TSC1 or TSC2. (Science Daily)
New Hope For Regenerative Medicine: Hematopoietic Reconstitution With Uniparental Stem Cells Feb 21, 2007
This study shows for the first time that parthenogenetic blood cells can replace those of an immunocompromised adult mouse. McLaughlin and colleagues also show that this is also possible using embryonic stem cells where both genomes are solely derived from sperm of one male (androgenetic), adding fertile males to the potential patient pool. (Science Daily)
Yellow fever vaccine Feb 19, 2007
Immunocompromised individuals where immune system has been altered by diseases (e. g. leukemia, lymphoma), infections (e. (Suite101.com)
More of this story Feb 8, 2007
Varicella vaccine was recommended previously for people 13 years of age and older without evidence of immunity who 1) have close contact with people at high risk for severe disease (health care providers and family contacts of immunocompromised people) or 2) are at high risk for exposure or transmission. The ACIP now recommends that all other people 13 years of age and older without evidence of immunity be vaccinated with two doses of varicella vaccine at an interval of 4-8 weeks. (Cut Bank Pioneer Press - Golden Triangle, MT)
