Multiple sclerosis and vaccinations Review article
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Abstract
The associations between multiple sclerosis and vaccinations are multidirectional and still unknown Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease – in which vaccinations reduce the risk of acquired infectious diseases that may trigger MS relapses. On the other hand, vaccine stimulation of the immune system can lead to the exacerbation of symptoms.
Our analysis of the literature revealed no increase in the risk of developing MS after tuberculosis, influenza, hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and typhoid fever vaccinations. We also found that diphtheria and tetanus vaccinations are associated with a decreased risk of developing MS.
Another issue, which is also unclear, is the efficacy of vaccinations of multiple sclerosis patients during more common treatment with different immunomodulatory therapies. According to the literature, immunomodulatory therapy does not equally impact the effectiveness of vaccinations and requires further study. The studies have shown that patients with MS mount an appropriate immune response to influenza vaccinations during immunomodulatory treatment with interferon beta and teriflunomide. However, treatment with glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, and mitoxantrone seems to reduce protection after influenza vaccination, which requires new large-scale population studies. Other vaccinations also require such studies.
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References
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