The recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen vaccine in persons with HIV: is seroconversion sufficient for long-term protection?

Evolution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic markers among antiretroviral-naïve, young people living with HIV who had undergone neonatal HBV vaccination and initiated antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

With initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing nucleos(t)ide reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) with anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity, the evolution of HBV serologic markers among people living with HIV (PLWH) who were born in the era of nationwide neonatal HBV vaccination is rarely investigated.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the changes of HBV serologic markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc) of PLWH who had undergone neonatal HBV vaccination. Clinical characteristics were analyzed and the incidences of evolution of HBV serologic markers were estimated.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2020, 608 PLWH (mean age, 24 years) were included and 62.0% initiated tenofovir-containing ART: 13 (2.1%) were HBsAg-positive; 312 (51.3%) tested triple-negative; 209 (34.4%) had vaccine-induced seroprotection against HBV; and 74 (12.2%) tested positive for anti-HBc with or without anti-HBs. Among 492 PLWH who received a median follow-up of 2.8 years, 4 cases of incident HBV infection occurred (0.59 per 100 PYFU) in PLWH testing triple-negative at baseline despite ART containing NRTIs with anti-HBV activity. Of PLWH with seroprotection against HBV at baseline, 38 subsequently lost anti-HBs (4.46 per 100 PYFU) and 4 cases of incident HBV infection occurred (0.47 per 100 PYFU). PLWH with an anti-HBs antibody titer ≥100 mIU/ml at baseline (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.10; 95%CI, 0.02-0.42) and CD4 ≥500 cells/mm 3 during follow-up (aHR, 0.51; 95%CI, 0.30-1.00) were less likely to lose HBV seroprotection.

CONCLUSIONS

Among young PLWH who had undergone neonatal HBV vaccination, evolution of HBV serologic markers and incident infections occurred despite ART containing NRTIs with anti-HBV activity.

Early Seroreversion After 2 Doses of Hepatitis A Vaccination in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patients: Incidence and Associated Factors

Serological responses (Seroresponse) and durability of hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccination are reduced among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. Incidence of and associated factors with early seroreversion (loss of seroresponse) among HIV-positive patients who have achieved seroresponses after two doses of HAV vaccination remain unclear. In this multicenter study, we followed HIV-positive adults who had mounted seroresponses after completing two doses of HAV vaccination during a recent outbreak of acute hepatitis A between 2015 and 2017, a 1:4 case-control study was conducted to identify factors associated with seroreversion. Case patients were those with seroreversion, and controls were those with similar follow-up durations who were able to maintain seroresponses. During the study period, 49 of the 1,256 patients (3.9%) seroreverted after a median follow-up of 611 days. In a case-control study, seroreversion was more likely to occur in patients with a higher weight (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.703; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.292-2.323, per 10-kg increment) and HIV viremia at the time of vaccination (aOR, 2.922; 95% CI, 1.067-7.924), whereas positive seroresponse at 6 months of HAV vaccination and higher CD4 lymphocyte counts at vaccination were inversely associated with early seroreversion with an aOR of 0.059 (95% CI, 0.020-0.154) and 0.837 (95% CI, 0.704-0.979, per 100-cell/mm³ increment), respectively, in multivariable analyses. Conclusion: During an outbreak setting, early seroreversion following two-dose HAV vaccination occurred in 3.9% of HIV-positive patients. Lower and delayed seroresponses to HAV vaccination, a higher weight, and HIV viremia and lower CD4 lymphocyte counts at the time of HAV vaccination were associated with early seroreversion. Regular monitoring of seroresponse and booster vaccination might be warranted, especially in HIV-positive adults with predictors of early seroreversion.

Vaccinations for the HIV-Infected Adult: A Review of the Current Recommendations, Part I

Vaccination is a critical component for ensuring the health of those living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. Since HIV-infected persons may have reduced immune responses and shorter durations of protection post-vaccination, HIV-specific guidelines have been published by global and national advisory organizations to address these potential concerns. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current guidelines and evidence-based data for vaccinating HIV-infected adults, including guidance on modified vaccine dosing and testing strategies, as well as safety considerations, to enhance protection among this vulnerable population. In the current article, part I of the two-part series, inactivated vaccines with broad indications as well as vaccines for specific risk and age groups will be discussed.

Long-term protection after hepatitis B vaccination in people living with HIV

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B vaccine is important in people living with HIV (PLHIV) since both viruses have the same transmission routes and co-infection has greater morbidity. PLHIV usually have poor response to hepatitis B vaccine. The duration of immunity in PLHIV is unknown. The objective of this study is to evaluate the duration of serological response and clinical protection provided by hepatitis B vaccination in PLHIV.

METHODS

Retrospective study of a PLHIV cohort primarily vaccinated for hepatitis B virus (HBV) from 2001 to 2002. Markers of infection and protection from HBV were investigated in those individuals who were still attending the outpatient clinic, in São Paulo, Brazil from 2012 to 2014. Three groups were analyzed. Group 1: adults who responded to primary vaccine series. Group 2: non-responders to primary vaccine series. Group 3: subjects from both Groups 1 and 2 who did not receive any booster doses after seroconversion.

RESULTS

A cohort of 121 PLHIV was analyzed for seroconversion and persistence of anti-HBs. The majority were female (54.5%) and mean age was 50.1years. After 11years, none of the patients had serologic evidence of HBV infection. Overall, 41/58 (70.7%) of the initial responders (Group 1) had maintained anti-HBs≥10mIU/mL. Greater CD4+ values and anti-HBs>100mIU/mL at the time of first vaccine series were associated with persistence of anti-HBs. During the time of evaluation, 35/63 (55.6%) of the initial non-responders (Group 2) successfully seroconverted (anti-HBs≥10mIU/mL) in response to one or more booster doses. From the time of their seroconversion, 70 of the patients did not receive any further booster doses (Group 3). After 10years, 54/70 (77.1%) of these individuals has maintained anti-HBs≥10mIU/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of long-term immunity for hepatitis B in PLHIV following vaccination showed a strong persistence of anti-HBs and no serologic evidence of HBV infection. Boosters may be effective in PLHIV non-responders to primary vaccination.

Hepatitis B and A vaccination in HIV-infected adults: A review

Hepatitis B and A account for considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Immunization is the most effective means of preventing hepatitis B and A. However, the immune response to both hepatitis vaccines seems to be reduced in HIV-infected subjects. The aim of this review was to analyze the immunogenicity, safety, long-term protection and current recommendations of hepatitis B and A vaccination among HIV-infected adults. The factors most frequently associated with a deficient level of anti-HBs or IgG anti-HAV after vaccination are those related to immunosuppression (CD4 level and HIV RNA viral load) and to the frequency of administration and/or the amount of antigenic load per dose. The duration of the response to both HBV and HAV vaccines is associated with suppression of the viral load at vaccination and, in the case of HBV vaccination, with a higher level of antibodies after vaccination. In terms of safety, there is no evidence of more, or different, adverse effects compared with HIV-free individuals. Despite literature-based advice on the administration of alternative schedules, revaccination after the failure of primary vaccination, and the need for periodic re-evaluation of antibody levels, few firm recommendations are found in the leading guidelines.

Immunogenicity and safety of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in HIV-infected individuals naive to pneumococcal vaccination

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text

Objective:

Immunocompromised individuals are at an increased risk of pneumococcal disease. Vaccination is recommended as an important strategy to reduce risk of pneumococcal disease in HIV-infected individuals. This study evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of three 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) doses followed by one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) at 1-month intervals in pneumococcal vaccine-naive, HIV-infected individuals.

Design:

This was a phase 3, open-label, single-arm study.

Methods:

Pneumococcal vaccine-naive, HIV-infected individuals at least 6 years of age with CD4⁺ T-cell count at least 200 cells/μl and viral load less than 50 000 copies/ml received three doses of PCV13 followed by one dose of PPSV23 at 1-month intervals. Serotype-specific antipneumococcal immune responses were assessed by IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) assay geometric mean titres (GMTs) after each dose. Local reactions at the PCV13 injection site, systemic and other adverse events were collected.

Results:

Three hundred and one individuals were enrolled and vaccinated; 279 completed the study. Statistically significant increases in IgG GMCs and OPA GMTs were observed for all serotypes after dose 1 of PCV13 compared with prevaccine levels. GMCs and GMTs were comparable or only modestly increased for all serotypes after PCV13 doses 2 and 3 and after PPSV23. The majority of local reactions and systemic events were mild to moderate in severity.

Conclusion:

A three-dose regimen of PCV13 was well tolerated in pneumococcal vaccine-naive, HIV-infected individuals. Significant immune responses to all serotypes were observed following the first dose of PCV13, with only modest increases in antibody titres following subsequent PCV13 or PPSV23 administration.

HIV viraemia during hepatitis B vaccination shortens the duration of protective antibody levels

OBJECTIVES

Individuals with HIV infection often have early waning of protective antibody following hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination. HIV viraemia at the time of vaccination may limit the durability of serum anti-HBV surface antibody (HBsAb) levels. We investigated the relationship of HIV plasma viral load (VL) and duration of HBsAb among vaccinees enrolled in the US Military HIV Natural History Study.

METHODS

We included in the study participants who had no history of prior HBV infection, who had received all HBV vaccine doses after HIV diagnosis, and who had demonstrated an initial vaccine response, defined as HBsAb ≥ 10 IU/L. Responders were retrospectively followed with serial HBV serology from the time of the last vaccine dose until the development of waning (HBsAb < 10 IU/L) or the last HBsAb measurement. Time to and risk for waning were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier survival methods and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 186 initial vaccine responders were identified. During 570 person-years of observation, HBsAb waned in 52 of 186 participants (28%). The cumulative proportion maintaining HBsAb ≥ 10 IU/L was 83% at 2 years and 56% at 5 years. Participants with an undetectable VL [hazard ratio (HR) 0.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.76] or with detectable VL of ≤ 10 000 copies/mL (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.21-1.00) had reduced risk of waning. Other factors including age, number of vaccine doses, CD4 count, and receipt of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were not significantly associated with risk of waning HBsAb.

CONCLUSIONS

Undetectable or low HIV VL at the time of HBV vaccination is associated with greater durability of vaccine response in patients with HIV infection.

Need for improvements in the surveillance and management of chronic viral hepatitis in HIV patients followed in a Danish outpatient clinic

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) surveillance and management in HIV patients currently followed in an outpatient clinic at a Danish University Hospital.

METHODS

Patient data, including demographic characteristics, clinical findings, and hepatitis serology, were reviewed at baseline. Patients with incomplete or non-updated serology within the last 2 y were retested in the next 6 months, and the results were reviewed again at follow-up.

RESULTS

At baseline, 84% and 74% of the 574 HIV patients were found to have incomplete and/or non-updated HBV and HCV serology, respectively. At follow-up, updated HBV serology was achieved in 535 (93%) patients; 15 (3%) patients were found to have a chronic active infection and 156 (27%) had a resolved infection, whereas 65 (11%) were vaccinated against HBV and 299 (52%) were non-immune. No patients were found to have developed chronic HBV infection following HIV diagnosis (equal to 3649 patient-y). Updated HCV serology revealed that 25 (4%) had a chronic active HCV infection and 15 (3%) had a resolved HCV infection. The anti-HCV incidence rate was 0.27/100 patient-y. A liver pathology assessment had not been performed within the last 2 y in 80% of the HBV and 32% of the HCV co-infected patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatitis screening and assessment had been inadequately performed. New cases of chronic hepatitis seem to occur infrequently. However, a more proactive hepatitis surveillance and management strategy integrated into the overall HIV health care program is warranted.

Long-term immune responses to vaccination in HIV-infected patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Vaccine-induced antibodies may wane more quickly in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than in healthy individuals. We reviewed the literature on vaccines routinely recommended in HIV-infected patients to estimate how seroprotection decreases over time in those who initially responded to immunization. For each study retrieved from the literature, the decrease of seroprotection was modeled with a log binomial generalized linear model, and data were pooled in a meta-analysis to provide estimates of seroprotection 2 and 5 years after the last vaccine administration. Our analyses confirmed that the duration of seroprotection was shorter in HIV-infected patients and that with current guidelines, a substantial proportion of patients would have lost protective antibodies before a booster was proposed. We therefore discuss the implications for the monitoring of antibody levels and timing of revaccination in these patients.

Australian sexually transmissible infection and HIV testing guidelines for asymptomatic men who have sex with men 2014: a review of the evidence

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia and overseas are disproportionately affected by sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV. Many STIs are asymptomatic, so regular testing and management of asymptomatic MSM remains an important component of effective control. We reviewed articles from January 2009–May 2013 to inform the 2014 update of the 2010 Australian testing guidelines for asymptomatic MSM. Key changes include: a recommendation for pharyngeal chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) testing, use of nucleic acid amplification tests alone for gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) testing (without gonococcal culture), more frequent (up to four times a year) gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing in sexually active HIV-positive MSM, time required since last void for chlamydia first-void urine collection specified at 20 min, urethral meatal swab as an alternative to first-void urine for urethral chlamydia testing, and the use of electronic reminders to increase STI and HIV retesting rates among MSM.