2023-09-18 10:37:01
Internist-nephrologist Marcia Kho to Defend Dissertation on Immunogenic Effects of Vaccination in Kidney Patients
Rotterdam – Internist-nephrologist Marcia Kho is set to defend her dissertation on Wednesday, October 4 at Erasmus University in Rotterdam. Her research focused on the immunogenic effects of vaccination against varicella zoster virus and SARS-CoV-2 in patients with different stages of kidney damage.
Patients who are undergoing dialysis or have undergone a kidney transplant face an increased risk of serious morbidity and mortality due to viral infections. Therefore, vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting their health. However, because these patients are immunocompromised, their ability to mount an adequate immune response to vaccines is often compromised.
During her PhD research, Kho investigated the immunogenic effects of vaccination against two viruses, varicella zoster virus and SARS-CoV-2, in patients with chronic kidney damage, dialysis patients, and those who have undergone a kidney transplant. Collaborating with colleagues from the RECOVAC consortium, Kho made several findings.
One significant discovery was that booster vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 proved to be beneficial for kidney transplant patients. Even among patients who did not exhibit an immune response after the first two or three injections, 60% developed an immune response after a booster vaccination.
Kho’s thesis, titled ‘Prevention of Varicella Zoster and SARS-CoV-2 Disease in Kidney Transplant Recipients,’ was conducted under the guidance of supervisors Prof. Dr. R. Zietse and Prof. Dr. MEJ Reinders, as well as co-supervisors Dr. NM van Besouw and Dr. DA Hesselink.
This research provides valuable insights into the immunogenic effects of vaccination in patients with kidney damage, dialysis patients, and kidney transplant recipients. It highlights the importance of booster vaccinations to enhance protection against viral infections in these vulnerable patient populations.
Source:
Erasmus MC]
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