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Immunodeficiency diseases impair the body's defenses against viruses, bacteria and fungi. Due to the weakened immune system, affected persons repeatedly have serious 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.

Vaccinations are effective measures to protect against infections. This is all the more important if the immune system is weakened by age, illness or immunological therapies. In the vaccination consultation at the UZI, we offer all vaccinations approved in Switzerland. We also advise people who want to check and refresh their vaccination protection (including routine vaccinations) or who want special advice due to a weakened immune system. We specialize in vaccination consultations for older people and people undergoing immunosuppressive therapy (e.g. bone marrow or organ transplants or spleen removal). In cooperation with the Swiss Tropical Institute, we also offer travel medicine consultations.

For people who have had a severe side effect or allergic reaction after vaccinations, we offer a clarification together with the allergology department.

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. In our research laboratories, the molecular causes of immune deficiencies or immune hyperfunction can be individually clarified 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.