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Published on: February 23, 2014
[Recurrent Pneumococcal Infections in an Immunosuppressed Patient With Fatal Outcome]
Jonathan M Steinke1, Sophie Schneitler2, Sibylle C Mellinghoff3
1Uniklinik Köln Klinik I fur Innere Medizin, Hämatologie, Onkologie und Klinische Infektiologie, Nordrhein-Westfalen, GERMANY, Köln.
Background:
Neoplasms greatly increase the risk of infection-the main causes of death are pneumonia and influenza infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common pathogen causing community-acquired pneumonia, is of great significance in patients suffering from hematological neoplasms, which have a 30 times higher incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease than the general population. Vaccination plays a key role in prevention. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends vaccination for adults over 60 and immunosuppressed adults. Only about 20% of these individuals are vaccinated.
Objectives:
Relevance of pneumococcal vaccination in cancer patients and challenges in practical implementation.
Materials And Methods:
Case study of the clinical course of a hematologic patient with recurrent pneumococcal infections.
Results:
Invasive pneumococcal diseases are associated with high morbidity and mortality in cancer patients and are potentially preventable by vaccination. There are adapted recommendations for this group.
Conclusion:
Increased awareness of the risk of pneumococcal disease in cancer patients can help to increase vaccination rates. Coordination between health care sectors is essential in order to implement the recommendations.
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