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Updated: Oct 28, 2025
An Automated Microscopic Scoring Method for the γ-H2AX Foci Assay in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes
Published on: December 25, 2021
Prevention and management of infections after exposure to ionising radiation
Keri R Maher1,2, Ian M Bouligny1, Andrew M Yeager3,4
1Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States of America.
Abstract:
Ionising radiation impacts many organ systems, each of which comprises a level of immunity to infectious disease. Bone marrow toxicity after radiation results in a predisposition to leukopenia and subsequent susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Radiation-induced damage to mucosal, integumentary, and solid organ structures disrupts additional lines of innate defense. Over the past three decades, much progress has been made in effective antimicrobial prophylaxis, resulting in decreased infectious complications and improved survival. Vaccination schedules following myeloablative radiation have become highly regimented and treatment of overt infectious complications is largely standardised. In this article, we discuss consequences, prevention, and management of infections following exposure to ionising radiation.
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