Reduced neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine booster dose in people living with HIV with severe immunosuppression

OBJECTIVE

To assess the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among PLWH with severe immunosuppression, after a booster dose.

METHODS

Case-control study nested in a prospective cohort of PLWH. All patients with CD4 cell count <200 cells/mm³ who had received additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, after a standard immunization scheme were included.

CONTROL GROUP

patients age- and sex-matched, with CD4 ≥200 cells/mm3, in the ratio of 2:1. Antibody response to a booster dose (anti-S levels 33.8 ≥BAU/mL) and neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 B.1, B.1.617.2, and Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 strains were assessed after the booster shot.

RESULTS

54 PLWH were included, 18 with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm³ . 51 (94%) showed response to a booster dose. Response was less frequent in PLWH with CD4 <200 cells/mm³ than in those with CD4 counts ≥200 cells/mm³ [15 (83%) vs. 36 (100%), p=0.033]. In the multivariate analysis, CD4 counts ≥200 cells/mm³ [IRR=18.1 (CI 95% 16.8-19.5), p<0.001] was associated with a higher probability of showing antibody response. Neutralization activity against SARS-CoV-2 B.1, B.1.617, BA.1 and BA.2 strains was significantly inferior among individuals with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm³ .

CONCLUSIONS

Among PLWH with CD4 counts<200 cells/mm³ , the immune response elicited by mRNA additional vaccine dose is reduced. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Treatment of COVID-19 with convalescent plasma in patients with humoral immunodeficiency - Three consecutive cases and review of the literature

Patients lacking humoral response have been suggested to develop a less severe COVID-19, but there are some reports with a prolonged, relapsing or deadly course. From April 2020, there is growing evidence on the benefits of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for patients with humoral immunodeficiency. Most of them had a congenital primary immunodeficiency or were on treatment with anti CD20 antibodies. We report on three patients treated in our hospital and review thirty-one more cases described in the literature. All patients but three resolved clinical picture with CCP. A dose from 200 to 800ml was enough in most cases. Antibody levels after transfusion were negative or low, suggesting consumption of them in SARS-CoV-2 neutralization. These patients have a protracted clinical course shortened after CCP. CCP could be helpful for patients with humoral immunodeficiency. It avoid relapses and chronification. CCP should be transfused as early as possible in patients with COVID-19 and humoral immunodeficiency.

Treatment of COVID-19 with convalescent plasma in patients with humoral immunodeficiency - Three consecutive cases and review of the literature

Patients lacking humoral response have been suggested to develop a less severe COVID-19, but there are some reports with a prolonged, relapsing or deadly course. From April 2020, there is growing evidence on the benefits of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for patients with humoral immunodeficiency. Most of them had a congenital primary immunodeficiency or were on treatment with anti CD20 antibodies. We report on three patients treated in our hospital and review thirty-one more cases described in the literature. All patients but three resolved clinical picture with CCP. A dose from 200 to 800ml was enough in most cases. Antibody levels after transfusion were negative or low, suggesting consumption of them in SARS-CoV-2 neutralization. These patients have a protracted clinical course shortened after CCP. CCP could be helpful for patients with humoral immunodeficiency. It avoid relapses and chronification. CCP should be transfused as early as possible in patients with COVID-19 and humoral immunodeficiency.