Offer

Immunodeficiency diseases impair the body's defenses against viruses, bacteria and fungi. Due to the weakened immune system, affected persons repeatedly suffer severe infections, which can lead to permanent organ damage. The investigations in the immunodeficiency consultation will show whether you have an immunodeficiency. If this is the case, we will investigate whether the cause is due to a genetic disorder of the immune system (primary immunodeficiency) or an external factor (e.g. medication) (secondary immunodeficiency). The clarification of complex immunodeficiencies including genetics and the initiation of appropriate therapies are carried out in this special consultation.

In the vasculitis consultation at the UZI, we see patients with suspected or already diagnosed inflammation of small, medium-sized or large vessels. These diseases are summarized under the umbrella term vasculitis. Diagnosis and treatment are interdisciplinary and involve various specialties. If necessary, we also clarify the symptoms during a short hospital stay. Vasculitis is treated with medication that suppresses the immune system and thus slows down the inflammation.

Vaccination is a simple and very effective measure to protect against infections. This is particularly important if the immune system is weakened by age, illness or immunological therapies. In addition to the so-called basic immunization (against mumps, measles, rubella, tetanus, influenza, monkeypox), special vaccinations are necessary when travelling to certain regions. The vaccination consultation at the University Hospital Basel is accredited and all vaccinations approved in Switzerland can be administered.

In the vaccination consultation, we are happy to advise anyone who

1. want to check and refresh their vaccination protection (this also includes all routine vaccinations)
2. Would like special advice and vaccination due to a weak immune system (including old age, patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, bone marrow or organ transplants, spleen removal, etc...)
3. Are planning a trip and would like advice on prophylaxis
4. are caring for patients as healthcare professionals and therefore require special vaccinations
5. have had a serious side effect or allergic reaction after vaccinations (clarification in the immunology consultation)

Appointments

Appointments can be made online or by telephone.

Opening hours: Tuesday 8.30-12.00 and 13.30-16.30.

For group vaccinations of more than 5 people (e.g. for employees or specific groups), it is best to contact Dr. Christoph Berger(christoph.berger@usb.ch) directly to find a tailor-made solution.

In addition to the vaccination consultation, we organize a regular training event for interested professionals on the subject of travel medicine and vaccination together with the Swiss Tropical Institute.

Registration by telephone: +41 61 265 50 05

If several doctors are involved in the care, the cases are discussed at a weekly case meeting - the Immunology Board. The board is made up of specialists from a wide range of disciplines, which allows for a holistic assessment of the disease. Your referring doctor can also take part.

Modern methods can be used to measure many elements of the immune system and test their functions. In our routine immunology laboratory, we have a wide range of diagnostic options with a high level of expertise, particularly in the field of autoantibody diagnostics, allergy diagnostics and cellular immunodiagnostics. Taking the patient's medical history into account, such analyses help to detect a disorder of the immune system. With the Department of Medical Genetics, we also offer investigations into genetic diseases of the immune system.

In the case of immunological diseases, modern imaging procedures (such as PET-CT) and/or the removal of tissue samples (biopsies) from organs or the skin are often required to make a diagnosis. The results are discussed and evaluated together with the pathologists in regular case discussions.

Further analyses can be carried out on a research basis. The molecular causes of immune deficiencies or immune hyperfunction can be individually clarified in our research laboratories to enable personalized diagnostics and therapy.

In recent years, the therapeutic options for immunological diseases have developed rapidly. We now have therapies at our disposal that only target individual cell messengers (e.g. TNF blockers, interleukin-1 blockers), remove individual cell types (e.g. B-cell depletion with rituximab) or specifically switch off misdirected inflammatory pathways (e.g. JAK inhibitors).

Certain immunodeficiency states (so-called antibody deficiency syndromes) can be treated with antibody substitution therapies.

All these therapies require in-depth knowledge of efficacy, side-effect profile, dosages, etc. in order to ensure the best possible, individually tailored therapy. Many of the modern immunotherapies are administered as infusions or injections. We offer all approved immunotherapies in our day clinic, carry out the injections or instruct patients or relatives on how to administer them themselves. You will be supported by experienced nursing staff.