HIV-1 Infection in Infants Severely Impairs the Immune Response Induced by Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccine
Most babies born to HIV-infected mothers receive the bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine to prevent tuberculosis (TB). However, this study supports earlier recommendations that HIV-infected infants should not receive this vaccine. In this study, researchers measured the immune response of three different groups of infants: 1) HIV-negative infants born to HIV-negative mothers; 2) HIV-negative infants born to HIV-positive mothers; and 3) HIV-positive infants, at 3, 6, and 9 months after vaccination with the BCG vaccine. T cells, which are produced by the immune system in response to vaccination, were found in lower numbers in HIV-positive infants and were virtually absent in those infants later in the first year of life. The recommendation to discontinue this vaccination in HIV-positive infants is further confirmed by the fact that BCGosis, an infection caused by the live bacterium in this vaccine, is a common side effect.
Mansoor, et al. HIV-1 Infection in Infants Severely Impairs the Immune Response Induced by Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccine. The Journal of Infectious Diseases: 199(7): 982-990.