Undetectable Anti-HBs Antibodies: Need of a Booster Dose for HIV-1-Infected Individuals

HBV vaccination effectively prevents HBV transmission and the development of liver cancer. Disease progression and liver-related complications are more common in HIV-1/HBV co-infected than HBV mono-infected individuals. A considerable body of literature, which will be reviewed here, indicates that response to HBV vaccine is suboptimal in HIV-1-infected individuals and that the poor maintenance of protective immunity to HBV vaccines in these individuals is an important medical issue. Several factors affect HBV vaccine response during HIV-1 infection including CD4+ T cell counts, B cell response, vaccine formulation, schedules, and timing of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The initial response to HBV vaccination also plays a critical role in the sustainability of antibody responses in both HIV-1-infected and uninfected vaccinees. Thus, regular follow-up for antibody titer and a booster dose is warranted to prevent HBV transmission in HIV-1 infected people.

Automated summary

HIV-1-infected individuals exhibit suboptimal response to HBV vaccines and poor maintenance of protective immunity, necessitating interventions based on factors such as CD4+ T cell counts, B cell response, vaccine formulation, and timing of administration. The initial response to HBV vaccination is crucial for sustaining antibody responses in both infected and uninfected individuals, highlighting the importance of regular follow-up and booster doses to prevent HBV transmission in HIV-1 infected people.