Vaccines response in children with human immunodeficiency virus treated in a tertiary hospital in Ecuador

Abstract

Background: Children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) present a poor response to vaccines, which may improve with antiretroviral treatment. It is recommended to perform post-vaccination serology to confirm the response, and to revaccinate if necessary. Aim: To determine the vaccine response in a pediatric population with HIV infection in Ecuador. Patients and Methods: Observational, retrospective descriptive, descriptive study of patients with HIV infection in a hospital between 2001-2020. Medical records were reviewed, epidemiological and immunovirological characteristics were collected, and the response rate (specific immunoglobulin G) to 5 vaccines was determined. Results: 156 patients were included, with a median age at diagnosis of 2.2 years, 70% in category 3; 41% presented immunovirological failure. Vaccine responses were: 29% to measles; 55% to rubella, 37% to mumps, 33% to hepatitis B and 47% to varicella. Patients with good control presented better response, being this relation statistically significant in the rubella vaccine (p<0.05). Conclusions: In children HIV infection, maintaining a good immunologic status positively influences the vaccine response, so close surveillance, treatment compliance and revaccination in necessary cases are important.