Acellular pertussis vaccine in children with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 infection

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Perinatal human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) infection can impact immune responses to vaccines.
• Pertussis remains a significant public health concern, necessitating effective vaccination strategies.
• Acellular pertussis vaccines (aP) are standard, but their immunogenicity in immunocompromised populations requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the immunogenicity of a specific acellular pertussis vaccine in children with perinatal HIV-1 infection.
• To evaluate antibody responses to pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA), and pertactin (PRN).
• To explore the correlation between immune response and CD4-positive cell counts.

Main Methods:

• Study involved 12 children with perinatal HIV-1 infection (median age 45 months).
• Vaccination with an acellular pertussis vaccine containing detoxified PT, FHA, and PRN.
• Antibody titers measured pre-vaccination and post-vaccination (after third dose), with follow-up at 4 months.

Main Results:

• Six children showed antibody response to all vaccine antigens; three responded to one or two.
• Antibody titers were generally lower compared to healthy controls.
• A positive correlation was observed between antibody titer fold-rise and pre-immunization CD4-positive cell counts.
• Significant antibody titers persisted for at least 4 months after the third vaccine dose.

Conclusions:

• The studied acellular pertussis vaccine demonstrates partial immunogenicity in children with perinatal HIV-1 infection.
• Vaccine efficacy may be enhanced by administering it earlier in life, when CD4-positive cell counts are typically higher.
• Further research is warranted to optimize vaccination schedules for this vulnerable population.