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

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-alpha) 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 infrequently, and the timing of when vaccination should be offered varied considerably. Conclusions: Despite published guidelines advocating screening for latent infections and vaccination of patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors, compliance with recommendations was poor. Recommendations for screening and vaccination of these patients are provided based on these findings.