Scientific Publications by FDA Staff

AIDS 2007 Feb 19;21(4):521-4

Durable neutralizing antibodies after remote smallpox vaccination among adults with and without HIV infection.

Kan VL, Manischewitz J, King LR, Golding H

Kan VL (reprint author), Vet Affairs Med Ctr, Infect Dis Sect, 50 Irving St NW, Washington, DC 20422 USA Vet Affairs Med Ctr, Infect Dis Sect, Washington, DC 20422 USA FDA, CBER, Div Viral Prod, Bethesda, MD USA

The only US licensed vaccine with established efficacy against smallpox, Dryvax, is contraindicated for HIV patients. Detectable smallpox-neutralizing antibodies are still present among US adults. This study compared vaccinia-neutralizing antibody titers between 20 HIV-infected and 20 uninfected veterans matched for age and military entry. Vaccinia-neutralizing antibodies were detected in 95% HIV-infected and 100% uninfected veterans; 40% HIV-infected and 70% uninfected adults had protective titers. Therefore, after robust vaccination, neutralizing antibodies are maintained for prolonged times despite CD4 cell depletion.