[Immunization of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with vaccines of Bubo-M and hepatitis B]

To assess tolerability and immunological activity of Bubo-M vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Sixty-three patients with moderate and severe COPD aged 35-65 years were immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis B. Bubo-M vaccine as well as vaccine against hepatitis B were used for immunization. Immunologic effect of vaccination was assessed by measurement of serum antibody level to HBsAg as well as to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. Assessment of antibody level to HBsAg was performed by ELISA, and levels of antibodies to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids--by micromethod in direct hemagglutination assay. Reactogenicity of Bubo-M vaccine was measured according to duration and intensity of local and systemic reactions.

The local and systemic reactions were infrequent, serious adverse events after vaccination were not observed. Six months after vaccination, protective antibody titers to hepatitis B, diphtheria and tetanus were determined in all immunized persons--either healthy, or with COPD. During completion of vaccination schedule, significant reduction of acute respiratory infections rate and main disease exacerbations was noted in patients with COPD.

Good tolerability and high immunogenicity of Bubo-M and hepatitis B vaccines were demonstrated in both groups of vacinees. These vaccines could be recommended for booster vaccination of adults with COPD.