People with HIV-1 need a Booster Dose if they have Undetectable Anti-HBs Antibodies

Otilia Xia^*
*Correspondence: Otilia Xia, Department of Neurology, State University of Santa Catarina, Lages 88520-000, Brazil, Email:

Introduction

People living with HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1) face a unique set of health challenges, including increased vulnerability to infections, comorbidities, and reduced vaccine responsiveness. Vaccines are an essential preventive measure for this population, but the effectiveness of vaccines can be influenced by the status of the immune system. One important aspect of immunity is the production of antibodies, which play a key role in protecting against infections. One such antibody is the Hepatitis B surface antibody which is produced after vaccination or natural infection with the hepatitis B virus. A significant portion of people with HIV-1 may fail to develop adequate anti-HBs levels after vaccination against HBV. This raises concerns about the necessity of a booster dose of the vaccine for these individuals. Understanding why a booster dose is required for people with HIV-1 who have undetectable or low anti-HBs antibodies is critical to ensuring that they receive optimal care. This paper explores the importance of hepatitis B vaccination in HIV-1 positive individuals, the mechanisms behind undetectable or low Anti-HBs antibody levels, and the role of booster doses in this population [1,2].

Description

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to severe complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B vaccination is a highly effective preventive measure, and most individuals who receive the full series of HBV vaccines develop protective levels of antibodies to the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). These antibodies, known as anti-HBs, provide immunity against the virus. For the majority of the general population, a standard three-dose hepatitis B vaccination regimen produces an adequate immune response. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommend the vaccination of high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, individuals with multiple sexual partners, and those living with HIV. For HIV-positive individuals, achieving an adequate antibody response is crucial, as they are at increased risk of acquiring HBV due to their compromised immune system. However, it is not uncommon for people with HIV-1 to have lower rates of seroconversion to anti-HBs after completing the full HBV vaccination series. Studies have shown that a significant proportion of HIV-positive individuals fail to achieve protective levels of anti-HBs, particularly those with advanced immunosuppression or lower CD4 counts. In these cases, a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine may be necessary to enhance or restore immunity [3-5].

Conclusion

People with HIV-1 who have undetectable or low anti-HBs antibodies after vaccination are at increased risk for hepatitis B infection, which can have serious health implications. The failure to develop adequate immunity against HBV highlights the need for a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine in this population. Booster doses can restore immunity, protect against infection, and improve long-term health outcomes for people with HIV-1. Ongoing monitoring of immune responses and appropriate vaccination strategies are essential to ensure that individuals with HIV receive the best possible care and protection against vaccine-preventable diseases like hepatitis B. By understanding the immune challenges faced by people with HIV-1 and implementing targeted interventions such as booster doses, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of hepatitis B and its associated complications in this vulnerable population.

Acknowledgment

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Wu, Zunyou, Xinhua Sun, Sheena G. Sullivan and Roger Detels. "HIV testing in China." Science 312 (2006): 1475-1476.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Saaty, Thomas L. "A scaling method for priorities in hierarchical structures." J Math Psychol 15 (1977): 234-281.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Tan, Xiaodong, Jianyan Lin, Fengjie Wang and Hong Luo, et al. "Evaluation of the effect of a health education campaign of HIV by using an analytical hierarchy process method." Int J Environ Res Public Health 4 (2007): 254-259.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Jianyan, L., W. Fengjie and L. Hong. "To evaluate the effect of health education about AIDS’knowledge, attitude and practice among service industries attendants." J Chinese Public Health 20 (2004): 81-82.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Ayyub, B. M. "Guidelines on expert-opinion elicitation of probabilities and consequences for corps facilities." Inst Water Resour 20 (1999): 1-23.

   Google Scholar, Indexed at