Emily A. Blumberg, MD

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Abstract: Recent changes in the CDC website have resurrected the debunked link of vaccines to autism. In response, professional societies have created new resources to provide updated and accurate information about vaccines. This blog provides links to these new resources and serves as a reminder of the need to educate our patients and community regarding the importance of spreading verified information about vaccines.

Zachary Yetmar, MD

Abstract: Chagas Disease has important implications for organ transplantation due to the risk of donor-derived infection and post-transplant reactivation. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative organism of Chagas Disease, has traditionally been considered endemic to only Central and South America. A recent publication has questioned this assertion, specifically that there is likely transmission within the Southern United States. This has important considerations for transplant centers within the United States, particularly the affected Southern states. Transplant centers should be aware of these recent data and how this may affect screening and monitoring protocols for their transplant candidates and donors.

Emily A. Blumberg, MD

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Abstract: Measles cases are being reported throughout the United States. A highly contagious virus, transplant recipients and other immunosuppressed hosts are especially vulnerable to more severe manifestations of infection if they are not immune, especially now as vaccine rates are dropping below those required to maintain herd immunity. Unvaccinated individuals who have never had measles are at the highest risk.