ABSTRACT
Studies have demonstrated that HIV infection negatively affects the immune response to hepatitis B vacine. The present study evaluated the seroconversions to the recombinant vaccine against hepatitis B applied in HIV patients. Twenty-two patients were included in the study group all with confirmed HIV infection and with negative serum markers to hepatitis B. The control group was composed of 18 healthy individuals with negative markers for hepatitis B. All subjects were vaccinated with 20µg of ENGERIX B at 0,1 and 6 months (3 doses). The antibody response was quantitatively assessed 1 month after the third dose of recombinant vaccine. CD4 T lymphocyte counts were also performed in those beginning vaccination. Of 22 patients in the study group, only 10 (45.5 percent) responded to vaccination with protective levels (over 10 µlU/ml). In the control group, all of the subjects responded (p=0.005). Seventeen patients in the study group had their CD4 lymphocytes measured. The results suggested a direct relationship between the level of CD4 lymphocyte counts and response to the vaccine. The rate of response to hepatite B recombinant vaccine with 3 doses of 20µg of HBsAg in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus was significantly lower than in the control group. Patients with low CD4 T lymphocyte counts are likely to have an inadequate response to the current method of hepatitis B vaccination.