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Published on: September 26, 2011
A Systematic Review of COVID-19 Vaccine Antibody Responses in People With HIV
Helen M Chun1, Kyle Milligan1,2, Elfriede Agyemang1
1Division of Global HIV/TB, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Insights
People with HIV (PWH) generally show good COVID-19 vaccine responses. However, lower CD4 counts or higher viral loads in PWH may reduce vaccine effectiveness, necessitating further research on long-term immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- HIV infection is a known risk factor for severe COVID-19.
- Understanding COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in people with HIV (PWH) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity in PWH.
- To assess factors influencing vaccine response in this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies published between January 2020 and March 2022.
- Inclusion of 28 studies from 12 countries examining COVID-19 vaccine responses in PWH.
Main Results:
- High seroconversion rates were reported in 73% of studies.
- Lower baseline CD4 counts, CD4/CD8 ratios, or higher viral loads were associated with reduced seroconversion and lower antibody titers.
- Overall vaccine-induced seroconversion data in PWH is reassuring.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 vaccination appears generally effective in people with HIV.
- Specific immunological markers in PWH may predict a diminished vaccine response.
- Further investigation is required to determine the durability of COVID-19 vaccine immunity in PWH.
Abstract:
HIV infection is a significant independent risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease and death. We summarize COVID-19 vaccine responses in people with HIV (PWH). A systematic literature review of studies from January 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022, of COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity in PWH from multiple databases was performed. Twenty-eight studies from 12 countries were reviewed. While 22 (73%) studies reported high COVID-19 vaccine seroconversion rates in PWH, PWH with lower baseline CD4 counts, CD4/CD8 ratios, or higher baseline viral loads had lower seroconversion rates and immunologic titers. Data on vaccine-induced seroconversion in PWH are reassuring, but more research is needed to evaluate the durability of COVID-19 vaccine responses in PWH.
