Vaccination and screening for infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a survey of Australian gastroenterologists

Abstract

AIMS: To survey the practice among gastroenterologists in Australia relating to screening for latent infections and vaccination of patients with inflammatory bowel disease prior to treatment with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors. METHODS: A structured 15 question electronic survey was advertised to gastroenterologists in Australia through an email mailing list and through a hardcopy newsletter. RESULTS: Forty-four clinicians responded to the survey. Screening practice relating to latent tuberculosis infection and hepatitis B virus (HBV) was performed variably, with significant differences in screening methodology. Vaccination for HBV, influenza and pneumococcus was performed i..