Immunotherapy-Resistant Neuropathic Pain and Fatigue Predict Quality-of-Life in Contactin-Associated Protein-Like 2 Antibody Disease.

The long-term clinical outcomes and associated prognostic factors in contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2)-antibody diseases are unknown. A total of 75 participants with CASPR2 antibodies were longitudinally assessed for disability, quality-of-life, and chronic pain. Although most symptoms improved within 6 months of treatment, neuropathic pain and fatigue were the most immunotherapy refractory, and persisted for up to 6 years.

High dose inactivated influenza vaccine inconsistently improves heterologous antibody responses in an elderly human cohort.

Background: Older adults often mount a weak immune response to standard inactivated influenza vaccines. To induce a stronger response and better protection, a high-dose (HD) version of the inactivated Fluzone vaccine is recommended for individuals >65 years of age. While better immunogenicity and protection against the vaccine strain has been shown, it is not known if the HD vaccine also induces a robust antibody response to heterologous strains.

Plasma Microbial Cell-Free DNA Sequencing for Diagnosis of Pediatric Lyme Disease.

We conducted an exploratory study of plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing for the diagnosis of Lyme disease among pediatric patients. Low levels of Borrelia burgdorferi microbial cell-free DNA (<3-5 molecules per microliter) were observed in 6/9 serologically confirmed participants, including 4/5 with arthritis and 2/3 with multiple erythema migrans.

Estimating standard-dose and high-dose Fluzone vaccine efficacies for influenza A based on HAI titers.

Background: The high-dose (HD) Fluzone influenza vaccine is currently recommended for individuals 65 and older, since it was shown in past studies to improve antibody responses and vaccine efficacy (VE) compared to a standard-dose (SD) formulation. Since influenza vaccines are frequently reformulated, monitoring any potential changes in VE is crucial. Traditional efficacy trials can be costly and time-consuming.