Profiling Adverse Immune Effects

TCDD and structurally related compounds elicit a wide range of adverse effects. Of the many adverse responses observed both in humans and experimental animals after exposure to 2,3,7,8-TCDD, the ones that appear at the lowest dose (more sensitive) are perhaps developmental/reproductive effects, alterations in the immune response, and neoplasia. An overview of the mechanism(s) involved in these effects is presented below. Detailed mechanistic explanations are beyond the scope of this profile. Some of the information has been extracted from recent reviews on these subjects (Kerkvliet 1995 Lucier et al. 1993a Peterson et al. 1993). 

The two recombinant hepatitis B vaccine products available in the United States (Recombivax HB, Merck Engerix-B, SmithKline Beecham) have comparable immune responses and safety profiles. The vaccines contain 5 to 40 meg HBsAg protein per milliliter adsorbed onto aluminum. Neither brand of hepatitis B vaccine contains thimerosal. The recent availability of a combined HAV and HBV vaccine allows for a more accelerated schedule for immunization. For a more detailed comparison of the potential vaccination schedules refer to the cited reference. These vaccines are some of the safest available. Side effects of the vaccine are soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, irritability, and fever. The number of patients experiencing adverse reactions decreases with each vaccine dose, and adverse reactions are less common in infants and children than in adults. There is no association between Guillain-Barre syndrome and the recombinant vaccine, and the vaccine does not transmit HIV. The hepatitis B vaccine is contraindicated for patients with anaphylaxis to... 

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