TBE (Tick-borne Encephalitis) Vaccination in Allergic Patients

Allergic patients generally have an altered immunologic profile (Th2 bias), and allergic individuals undergoing de-sensitization treatment display an increased production of immune suppressive cytokines. The investigators measure humoral and cellular immune responses to routine vaccination (Tick-borne Encephalitis [TBE] booster) in allergic patients with and without de-sensitization treatment to determine whether allergy negatively influences vaccine induced immune responses and protection.

Inclusion criteria

• completed primary TBE immunization + at least one booster immunization
• adults of both sexes between 18 and 60 years of age
• willingness to sign written informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

• age < 18 and > 60 years
• prior TBE infection
• Hepatitis A vaccination
• pregnancy and breast feeding
• acute infection on day of inclusion (day 0), body temperature >37,9°C
• concomitant medications: systemic cortisone therapy, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy 4 weeks prior to or during study
• administration of other vaccines 4 weeks before/after TBE vaccination
• planned surgery within 2 weeks before/after TBE vaccination
• Start of de-sensitization and the first 4 weeks of allergen dose escalation
• any contraindication to administration of FSME-Immun® vaccine according to manufacturer's instructions
• history of malignant disease within the last 5 years
• autoimmune diseases
• drug addictions
• plasma donors
• receipt of blood transfusions or immuno globulins within 3 month before study entry