Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 3, 2025
In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of T, B and Myeloid Cells Suppressive Activity and Humoral Responses from Transplant Recipients
Published on: August 12, 2017
Response to Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine in Transfusion-Dependent Patients
Maddalena Casale1, Nicoletta Di Maio1, Valentina Verde1
1Department of Women, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) still determine significant morbidity and mortality, although a highly effective vaccine is available. Postponing the MMR vaccination until 6 months after the last red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is recommended, but this delay is incompatible with chronic transfusions. The present study aimed at investigating the impact of blood transfusions on the immunogenicity of the MMR vaccine. In this observational study, a group of 45 transfusion- dependent (TD) patients was compared to 24 non-transfusion-dependent (NTD) patients. Immunity to measles was achieved in 35 (78%) TD and 21 (88%) NTD subjects (p = 0.7), to mumps in 36 (80%) TD and 21 (88%) NTD subjects (p = 0.99), and to rubella in 40 (89%) TD and 23 (96%) NTD subjects (p = 0.99). No significant difference was observed in the number of non-immune individuals or those with doubtful protection between the two groups (p > 0.05). The mean IgG value, assayed in 50 pre-storage leukoreduced RBC units, was 0.075 ± 0.064 mg/mL, ten times lower than the level assumed in blood units and considered detrimental to the immune response in TD patients. This work shows a favorable response to MMR vaccination in TD and NTDT patients and paves the way for further larger studies assessing the impact of chronic transfusions on vaccine response.
Insights
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination is effective in transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent patients. Blood transfusions did not significantly impact MMR vaccine immunogenicity in this study.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Hematology
Background:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) pose significant health risks despite vaccine availability.
- Current recommendations delay MMR vaccination post-red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, posing challenges for chronically transfused patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of blood transfusions on the immunogenicity of the MMR vaccine.
- To compare MMR vaccine response in transfusion-dependent (TD) versus non-transfusion-dependent (NTD) patients.
Main Methods:
- Observational study comparing 45 TD patients and 24 NTD patients.
- Assessed immune response to measles, mumps, and rubella following vaccination.
- Measured IgG levels in pre-storage leukoreduced RBC units.
Main Results:
- Similar MMR vaccine immunogenicity observed between TD (78-89%) and NTD (88-96%) groups for measles, mumps, and rubella.
- No significant differences in non-immune or doubtfully protected individuals between groups (p > 0.05).
- Mean IgG in RBC units (0.075 ± 0.064 mg/mL) was significantly lower than detrimental levels.
Conclusions:
- Transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent patients exhibit favorable responses to MMR vaccination.
- Chronic blood transfusions do not appear to significantly impair MMR vaccine immunogenicity.
- Findings support further research into vaccine response in chronically transfused populations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Rh Blood Group
01:15Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
02:45Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
01:51Vaccinations
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy...
00:42Cross-reactivity