Randomized study of intradermal compared to intramuscular hepatitis B vaccination in HIV-infected children without severe immunosuppression. Vaccine. 2011;29:2962-2967. [PMID: 21329776 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.01.114]

Fractional dose of intradermal compared to intramuscular and subcutaneous vaccination - A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vaccine supply shortages are of global concern. We hypothesise that intradermal (ID) immunisation as an alternative to standard routes might augment vaccine supply utilisation without loss of vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis searching Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases. Studies were included if: licensed, currently available vaccines were used; fractional dose of ID was compared to IM or SC immunisation; primary immunisation schedules were evaluated; immunogenicity, safety data and/or cost were reported. We calculated risk differences (RD). Studies were included in meta-analysis if: a pre-defined immune correlate of protection was assessed; WHO-recommend schedules and antigen doses were used in the control group; the same schedule was applied to both ID and control groups (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020151725).

RESULTS

The primary search yielded 5,873 articles, of which 156 articles were included; covering 12 vaccines. Non-inferiority of immunogenicity with 20-60% of antigen used with ID vaccines was demonstrated for influenza (H1N1: RD -0·01; 95% CI -0·02, 0·01; I² = 55%, H2N3: RD 0·00; 95% CI -0·01, 0·01; I² = 0%, B: RD -0·00; 95% CI -0·02, 0·01; I² = 72%), rabies (RD 0·00; 95% CI -0·02, 0·02; I² = 0%), and hepatitis B vaccines (RD -0·01; 95% CI -0·04, 0·02; I² = 20%). Clinical trials on the remaining vaccines yielded promising results, but are scarce.

CONCLUSIONS

There is potential for inoculum/antigen dose-reduction by using ID immunisation as compared to standard routes of administration for some vaccines (e.g. influenza, rabies). When suitable, vaccine trials should include an ID arm.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of immune response of double dose of hepatitis B vaccination in HIV-infected patients

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of co-infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is high and increases risk of hepatitis B chronicity and mortality. Despite guidelines for HIV-infected patients to be immunized against HBV, the immunogenicity of the HBV vaccination in HIV-infected patients is lower than that in the HIV-seronegative population.

METHOD

In this study, we performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to investigate the response rate to an increased dose of HBV vaccination in HIV-infected patients. A fixed-effects model, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses, was used. We identified nine studies involving 970 HIV-positive vaccine recipients.

RESULTS

The study results were divided into two groups, depending on the time when antibody against hepatitis surface antigen was measured. Results showed a significant increase in response rates among patients who received a double dose of the vaccine versus the standard dose in both subgroups; the pooled odds ratio (OR) was 1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-2.29) and 2.28 (95% CI: 1.73-3.01) for the rate that was measured 4-6 weeks and >12 months after completion of vaccination, respectively. The total OR was 1.99 (95% CI: 1.64-2.41). No heterogeneity was found.

DISCUSSION

Our meta-analysis shows that a double dose of the HBV vaccine may significantly improve the immune response in HIV-infected patients. Higher immunogenicity was observed, when it was measured 4-6 weeks and >12 months after completion of the vaccination.

Hepatitis B Vaccination and Waning Hepatitis B Immunity in Persons Living with HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Persons with HIV are at a higher risk for acquiring HBV (hepatitis B virus) than the general population due to shared modes of transmission and are significantly more likely to develop and die from sequelae of chronic HBV infection. Early vaccination is key to achieving HBV protective immunity, but response rates are still much lower than in the general population, ranging from 35 to 70%. Individuals with HIV also experience more rapidly waning immunity than those without HIV. Strategies to augment initial response and improve long-term immunity in individuals with HIV include alterations in dose, frequency, and the use of immune adjuvants.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have focused on the use of different vaccine formulations, the use of vaccine adjuvants, increased number and strength of vaccine dosages, increased dose frequency, alternative routes of administration, dual vaccinations, and the use of booster vaccines. Although no consensus has been reached on the use of certain vaccination regimens, three and four double-dose vaccine schedules via the intramuscular route have demonstrated higher initial response rates. Early vaccination when CD4 cell counts are greater than 350/mm³ with low viral loads has been shown to improve initial response, along with completion of immunization series. Adjuvants such as TLR4 and TLR9 agonists appear to improve response to HBV vaccination, but further research is needed in individuals with HIV. Persons with HIV have significant lower initial and long-term seroresponse rates after HBV vaccination than immunocompetent individuals. Recent and ongoing studies continue to evaluate multiple strategies to improve these rates within a uniquely susceptible population.

A grading system for local skin reactions developed for clinical trials of an intradermal and transcutaneous ETEC vaccine

BACKGROUND

Trials assessing the safety of novel vaccine candidates are essential in the evaluation and development of candidate vaccines. Immunogenicity and dose-sparing features of vaccination approaches which target skin and associated tissues have garnered increased interest; for enteric vaccines, cutaneous vaccination has been of particular interest. Cutaneous vaccine site reactions are among the most common and visible vaccine related adverse events (AEs) when skin routes are used. Regulatory guidelines governing classification of severity focus on functional impact but are insufficient to characterize a spectrum of skin reaction and allow for comparisons of routes, doses and products with similar local cutaneous AEs.

OBJECTIVES

Our group developed a grading scale to evaluate and compare cutaneous vaccine site reactions ahead of early-phase clinical trials of intradermal (ID) and transcutaneous immunization (TCI) with enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC) vaccine candidates (adhesin-based vaccine co-administered with LTR192G). We reviewed existing methods for characterizing the appearance and severity of local vaccine site reactions following TCI and ID vaccination and devised a standardized vaccine site appearance grading scale (VSAGS) for use in the clinical development of novel ETEC vaccine candidates which focused on pathophysiologic manifestation of skin findings.

RESULTS

Available data from published reports revealed erythematous papules and pruritus were the most common local AEs associated with TCI. Frequency of reactions varied notably across studies as did TCI vaccination methodologies and products. ID vaccination commonly results in erythema and induration at the vaccine site as well as pigmentation changes. There was no published methodology to characterize the spectrum of dermatologic findings.

CONCLUSION

ID and TCI vaccination are associated with a largely predictable range of cutaneous AEs. A grading scale focused on the appearance of cutaneous changes was useful in comparing cutaneous AEs. A standardized grading scale will facilitate documentation and comparison of cutaneous AEs.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Among HIV-infected Children and Adolescents Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in the TREAT Asia Pediatric HIV Observational Database

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B (HBV)-HIV coinfection is associated with liver inflammation, which can progress to liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We determined HBV seroprevalence in children and adolescents participating in the TREAT Asia Pediatric HIV Observational Database.

METHODS

A multisite cross-sectional study was conducted in HIV-infected patients currently <25 years old receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) who had HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), or HBV surface antibody (anti-HBs) or HBV core antibody (anti-HBc) tested during 2012-2013. HBV coinfection was defined as having either a positive HBsAg test or being anti-HBc positive and anti-HBs negative, reflective of past HBV infection. HBV seroprotection was defined as having a positive anti-HBs test.

RESULTS

A total of 3380 patients from 6 countries (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and India) were included. The current median (interquartile range) age was 11.2 (7.8-15.1) years. Of the 2755 patients (81.5%) with HBsAg testing, 130 (4.7%) were positive. Of 1558 (46%) with anti-HBc testing, 77 (4.9%) were positive. Thirteen of 1037 patients with all 3 tests were anti-HBc positive and HBsAg and anti-HBs negative. One child was positive for anti-HBc and negative for anti-HBs but did not have HBsAg tested. The prevalence of HBV coinfection was 144/2759 (5.2%) (95% confidence interval: 4.4-6.1). Of 1093 patients (32%) with anti-HBs testing, 257 (23.5%; confidence interval: 21.0-26.0) had positive tests representing HBV seroprotection.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated prevalence of HBV coinfection in this cohort of Asian HIV-infected children and adolescents on ART was 5.2%. The majority of children and adolescents tested in this cohort (76.5%) did not have protective HBV antibody. The finding supports HBV screening of HIV-infected children and adolescents to guide revaccination, the use of ART with anti-HBV activity and future monitoring.

Persistence of Hepatitis B Immunity Following 3-dose Infant Primary Series in HIV-infected Thai Adolescents and Immunologic Response to Revaccination

BACKGROUND

HIV infection may alter immunologic response and the establishment of immune memory to infant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination. This study aimed to determine the need to revaccinate perinatally HIV-infected Thai adolescents.

METHODS

Cross-sectional serologic tests for HBV, including hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) and anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), were performed in perinatally HIV-infected adolescents. Adolescents having anti-HBs <100 mIU/mL with negative anti-HBc and immune reconstitution from highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were revaccinated using regular (10 μg) 3-dose schedule given intramuscularly at 0-, 2- and 6-month intervals.

RESULTS

Of 193 adolescents who received 3-dose infant HBV vaccination, 6 were receiving HAART during vaccination, median (interquartile range) current age 14.5 (11.7-16.2) years, 7 (3.6%) had positive anti-HBc (indicating breakthrough infection), of which 4 (2%) had positive hepatitis B surface antigen (indicating chronic infection). Twenty-two (11.4%) adolescents had protective anti-HBs concentration >10 mIU/mL. Of 164 revaccinated adolescents, 142 (86.6%) had HIV viral load <40 copies/mL. Anti-HBs seroconversion rates >10 mIU/mL were 58.0% (94/162) after the first dose and 97.5% (158/162) after the third dose of revaccination. Forty-five (28%) subjects responded to the first dose with anti-HBs antibody ≥100 mIU/mL had a shorter median duration with CD4 count <15% than their counterparts (6.2 vs. 11.1 months; P = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

Only half of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents were able to elicit anti-HBs response with a single-dose HBV vaccine. Revaccination with 3-dose schedule is required in perinatally HIV-infected adolescents who did not initiate HAART at the time of infant vaccination.

Hepatitis B virus vaccination in HIV-infected people: A review

HBV immunization is highly recommended in people infected with HIV. However, the classical schedule used in the general population has been shown to be insufficient in people living with HIV. This review summarizes the main studies dealing with HBV vaccination in people living with HIV, depending on their baseline status (in particular, never vaccinated, already vaccinated, or with an isolated anti-HBc serological profile). It shows that reinforced 40µg intramuscular HBV vaccination schedules are now frequently recommended, either initially in people never vaccinated, or in the lack of an anamnestic response in other situations. Adjuvants cannot be currently recommended. Anti-HBs titers have to be checked 1 to 2 months following the last vaccine dose, and annually thereafter a booster is necessary if antiHBs titers decrease below 10 mIU/mL. In patients with a CD4 cell count <200/µL, guidelines recommend starting the vaccination regimen as soon as possible after HAART has been started.

Intradermal vaccination for infants and children

Intradermal (ID) vaccination induces a more potent immune response and requires lower vaccine doses as compared with standard vaccination routes. To deliver ID vaccines effectively and consistently, an ID delivery device has been developed and is commercially available for adults. The clinical application of ID vaccines for infants and children is much anticipated because children receive several vaccines, on multiple occasions, during infancy and childhood. However, experience with ID vaccines is limited and present evidence is sparse and inconsistent. ID delivery devices are not currently available for infants and children, but recent studies have examined skin thickness in this population and reported that it did not differ in proportion to body size in infants, children, and adults. These results are helpful in developing new ID devices and for preparing new vaccines in infants and children.

Hepatitis B Virus Revaccination With Standard Versus Pre-S Vaccine in Previously Immunized Patients With Celiac Disease

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have suggested that hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines may be less immunogenic in individuals with celiac disease (CD). A pre-S vaccine (Sci-B-Vac) has demonstrated superior immunogenicity compared with standard HBV vaccines in several diseases. We compared the short-term immunogenicity of a pre-S vaccine with a HBV vaccine (Engerix B) for repeat vaccination of seronegative, previously immunized patients with CD.

METHODS

Participants were 1 to 18-year-old children with CD who despite standard HBV vaccines in infancy had nonprotective hepatitis B surface antibody (HBs-Ab) concentrations (≤10 mIU/mL). Patients were randomized to receive either Engerix B or pre-S vaccine. HBs-Ab concentrations were measured 1 month after the first dose. For those who had not responded after 1 dose, measurement was repeated after the third dose.

RESULTS

Children (n = 82) were analyzed (42 pre-S vaccine and 40 Engerix B). Baseline characteristics were similar for both groups, including gluten-free diet status. Both arms showed high response rates following the first injection: 41 (98%) versus 35 (87%) for pre-S vaccine and Engerix B recipients, respectively (P = 0.08). All other patients responded when measured after dose 3. HBs-Ab concentrations (mIU/mL) were higher in the pre-S vaccine group (median 925, interquartile range [IQR] 424-1000) than the Engerix B group (median 363, IQR 106-996, P = 0.005). Twenty (48%) of the pre-S vaccine recipients were "high responders" (>1000 mIU/mL) versus 10 (25%) in Engerix B recipients (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Both vaccines elicited adequate booster responses in most previously vaccinated patients with CD with nonprotective HBs-Ab concentrations. Pre-S vaccine administration resulted in higher Hbs-Ab concentrations. Our data suggest that a single dose of either vaccine is sufficient to raise titers to protective levels in most patients with CD.

New approaches in hepatitis B vaccination for celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD) is a gluten-induced immune-mediated disorder that has been associated with a defective response to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination. This unresponsiveness could lead to a world health problem, because non-responder patients could represent a reservoir of HBV-susceptible people that will persist as healthy carriers, leading to the diffusion of the disease. This article presents a literature review of both intramuscular (IM) and intradermal (ID) routes for boosters in celiac patients. We used PubMed database and generated the odds ratio (OR) of the response on the basis of electronic searches of clinical trials. Although our results confirm the positive response of celiac patients to IM vaccination, the ID route seems to be better than the conventional one, since it could provide a saving in cost and a greater immunogenicity.

Hepatitis B vaccination for reducing morbidity and mortality in persons with HIV infection

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B vaccine has been recommended for use in people living with HIV (PLHIV) mostly because of the similarities in routes of infection and their prevalence in the same geographic areas. PLHIV may not develop sero-protection after receiving standard hepatitis B vaccine due to their compromised immune status.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of hepatitis B virus vaccine in PLHIV compared to placebo or no vaccine.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched 6 English language databases in July 2012, and updated the search in June 2013 and August 2014. We searched the grey literature, conference proceedings, specialised web sites, and contacted experts in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of hepatitis B vaccine compared to placebo or no vaccine, evaluating relevant outcomes of efficacy and safety.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently sought and extracted data on study design, participants, hepatitis B infection, hepatitis B related morbidity and mortality, anti-HBs immunogenicity and adverse effects related to vaccines from published articles or through correspondence with authors. Data were analysed qualitatively.

MAIN RESULTS

One double-blind randomised controlled trial with 26 participants who were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), comparing hepatitis B vaccine to placebo conducted in Spain met our eligibility criteria and was included in this review. The study ran for three years and participants were followed up on a monthly basis. The study reported adequate humoral response to vaccine at 12 months and no local or systematic side effects in both intervention and control groups. This humoral response was lost when the participants stopped taking ART. The sample size of the study was small and the study was conducted in a high income setting unlike the areas of highest burden of hepatitis B and HIV co-infections.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence from this study is insufficient to support any recommendations regarding the use of hepatitis B vaccine in PLHIV. Neither does this evidence demonstrate that hepatitis B vaccine is unsafe in PLHIV. Further randomised controlled trials in high prevalence areas are required to generate evidence on the long term efficacy and safety of hepatitis B vaccine in PLHIV with and without ART. Different regimens and routes of administration should also be explored.

Hepatitis B vaccine by intradermal route in non responder patients: An update

Vaccination is the main prophylactic measure to reduce the mortality caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in healthy subjects since the immune response to hepatitis B recombinant vaccination occurs in over 90% of general population. Individuals who develop an anti-HBs titer less than 10 mIU/mL after primary vaccination cycle are defined “no responders”. Many factors could cause a non response to the HBV vaccination, such as administration of the vaccine in buttocks, impaired vaccine storage conditions, drug abuse, smoking, infections and obesity. Moreover there are some diseases, like chronic kidney disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection, chronic liver disease, celiac disease, thalassaemia, type I diabetes mellitus, down’s syndrome and other forms of mental retardation that are characterized by a poorer response to HBV vaccination than healthy subjects. To date it is still unclear how to treat this group of patients at high risk of hepatitis B infection. Recent studies seem to indicate that the administration of HBV recombinant vaccine by the intradermal route is very effective and could represent a more useful strategy than intramuscular route. This review focuses on the use of anti hepatitis B vaccine by intradermal route as alternative to conventional intramuscular vaccine in all non responder patients. A comprehensive review of the literature using PubMed database, with appropriate terms, was undertaken for articles in English published since 1983. The literature search was undertaken in September 2013.

Serological response to one intradermal or intramuscular hepatitis B virus vaccine booster dose in human immunodeficiency virus-infected nonresponders to standard vaccination

Purpose:

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination is recommended for all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients without HBV immunity. However, serological response to standard HBV vaccination is frequently suboptimal in this population and the appropriate strategy for revaccination of HIV-infected nonresponders remained controversial. We aimed to determine the serological response to one booster dose of HBV vaccine given by intradermal (ID) or intramuscular (IM) route in HIV-positive nonresponders to standard HBV vaccination.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 42 HIV-infected nonresponders were enrolled. We randomized them to receive either 10 μg (0.5 mL) for ID (20 cases) or 20 μg (1 mL) for IM (22 cases) administration of HBV vaccine as a one booster dose. After 1 month, anti-HBs titer was checked in all cases. A protective antibody response (seroconversion) defined as an anti-HBs titer ≥10 IU/L.

Results:

Seroconversion was observed in 47.6% of subjects after 1 ID dose. A total of 30% showed antibody titers above 100 IU/L. Except one case, all responders had CD4⁺ >200 cells/mm³. Mean anti-HBs titer was 146.5 ± 246 IU/L. After the one IM booster dose, seroconversion was observed in 50% of cases. A total of 36.3% of subjects had anti-HBs ≥100 IU/L. All responders had CD4⁺ >200 cells/mm³, except one case. Mean anti-HBs titer was 416.4 ± 765.6 IU/L. Responders showed significantly higher CD4⁺ cell counts, in comparison to nonresponders (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

One booster dose administered IM or ID to HIV-infected nonresponders resulted in similar rates of seroconversion, overall response rate 50%. However, higher anti-HBs titers observed more frequently in IM group.

Intramuscular vs intradermal route for hepatitis B booster vaccine in celiac children

AIM: To compare intradermal (ID) and intramuscular (IM) booster doses, which have been used in healthy and high risk subjects, such as healthcare workers, haemodialysis patients, human immunodeficiency virus patients, and renal transplant recipients unresponsive to initial hepatitis B vaccination, in celiac individuals.

METHODS: We conducted our study on 58 celiac patients, vaccinated in the first year of life, whose blood analysis had showed the absence of protective hepatitis B virus (HBV) antibodies. All patients had received the last vaccine injection at least one year before study enrolment and they had been on a gluten free diet for at least 1 year. In all patients we randomly performed an HBV vaccine booster dose by ID or IM route. Thirty celiac patients were revaccinated with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix B) 2 μg by the ID route, while 28 celiac patients were revaccinated with Engerix B 10 μg by the IM route. Four weeks after every booster dose, the anti-hepatitis B surface (HBs) antibody titer was measured by an enzyme-linked immune-adsorbent assay. We performed a maximum of three booster doses in patients with no anti-HBs antibodies after the first or the second vaccine dose. The cut off value for a negative anti-HBs antibody titer was 10 IU/L. Patients with values between 10 and 100 IU/L were considered "low responders" while patients with an antibody titer higher than 1000 IU/L were considered "high responders".

RESULTS: No significant difference in age, gender, duration of illness, and years of gluten intake was found between the two groups. We found a high percentage of "responders" after the first booster dose (ID = 76.7%, IM = 78.6%) and a greater increase after the third dose (ID = 90%, IM = 96.4%) of vaccine in both groups. Moreover we found a significantly higher number of high responders (with an anti-HBs antibody titer > 1000 IU/L) in the ID (40%) than in the IM (7.1%) group, and this difference was evident after the first booster dose of vaccination (P < 0.01). No side effects were recorded in performing delivery of the vaccine by either the ID or IM route.

CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that both ID and IM routes are effective and safe options to administer a booster dose of HBV vaccine in celiac patients. However the ID route seems to achieve a greater number of high responders and to have a better cost/benefit ratio.

Future prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection

Vaccination for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and treatment for chronic hepatitis B, while effective for primary prevention and control of the disease, still have their limitations. Global coverage of HBV immunization needs improvement. Several patient populations are noted to have suboptimal seroprotective rates after HBV vaccination. There are currently several potential new vaccines undergoing animal and human studies, most notably vaccines containing immunostimulatory DNA sequences. Long-term nucleoside analogue therapy is necessary in achieving permanent virologic suppression. Potential new treatments explore new mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of hepatitis B surface antigen release, targeting antifibrotic mechanism, and immunomodulation through novel interferons and therapeutic vaccines. The clinical application of potential new vaccines and therapies would enhance the prevention of HBV infection and treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

Vaccination in HIV-infected individuals

Vaccinations are key to limiting the increased risk of severe infectious diseases in HIV-infected patients for whom the risk–benefit ratio has been re-evaluated. Vaccine safety and immunogenicity depend on both vaccine type and immune deficiency, while vaccine-induced immune activation promotes a transient increase in viral load. Vaccine immunogenicity is reduced and wanes more rapidly, strengthening the need for revaccination. While inactivated vaccines are safe, attenuated vaccines are theoretically contraindicated, but the risk of infectious diseases outweighs the risks of severe adverse events in endemic areas, where the majority of HIV-infected individuals live, thus allowing their use when immune deficiency is moderate. Immune reconstitution with HAART has improved vaccine immune response, highlighting the importance of global access to and early initiation of therapy.