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Kaiser Permanente Research Featured at ID Week 2018

Kaiser Permanente Division of Research scientists recently presented research on influenza vaccines, colorectal screening outcomes in HIV-infected individuals, a genetic basis for fever after measles-containing vaccines, and more at ID Week, a leading conference on infectious diseases.

At the bustling conference of leading infectious disease experts in downtown San Francisco known as ID Week 2018, Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Division of Research was well represented. Inside the Moscone Center, Division researchers participated in panels, presented cutting-edge research at late-breaking presentations, showcased their research in poster presentations, and soaked in the latest in infectious disease research. Below is a glimpse at the conference action.

Nicola Klein at an interactive case study on problems in vaccines.

Nicola Klein, MD, MPH (seated, center) director of the Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Center.

To an audience of health care workers, clinicians, scientists and more, Nicola Klein, MD, PhD, director of the Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Center, participated in a panel that presented case-based problems in vaccinations. The interactive session allowed audience members could vote in real-time using an app for the answers they thought best solved the problems. For example, Klein went over questions like whether a health care worker who works with elderly inpatients should get another dose of MMR vaccine to protect against mumps. Klein also touched on the conclusions from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Influenza Working Group, among other issues.

Later at the conference, Klein presented new research at a late-breaking session. She gave an overview of data from the Vaccine Study Center showing that cell culture-based inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) was not significantly more effective than egg-based IIV against influenza A during the 2017-2018 flu season. Her talk was covered by the medical news website MedPage Today.

Ousseny Zerbo presents poster on risk factors for fever in children after measles-containing vaccines

Staff scientist Ousseny Zerbo, PhD, (pictured at top) presented research he is leading on parental risk factors for fever in their children 7–10 days after the first dose of measles-containing vaccines. Previous research has found fever clusters among siblings in families, suggesting a genetic basis. Zerbo’s research showed specific parental immune factors are associated with fever in their child 7-10 days after a measles-containing vaccine. These results imply that risk for fever after a measles-containing vaccine may be related to genetics.

Jennifer Lam presents poster on colorectal screening outcomes

Jennifer Lam, PhD, MPH, a post-doctoral research fellow, presented research she is leading on colorectal cancer screening outcomes in HIV-infected individuals, during a poster session at the conference. As people with HIV live longer, age-appropriate colorectal cancer screening will be an increasingly important component of care. Lam’s research has found similar adenoma and colorectal cancer prevalence in individuals with and without HIV, suggesting that current screening guidelines for the general population are also suitable for the HIV population.

Michael Silverberg, PhD, MPH, who is the principal investigator on the project that Lam presented, was on hand to support her presentation. He was also there to absorb the latest in the field of HIV research, which was a major topic at ID Week.

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