Immunogenicity of the HPV Vaccine Among HIV-Infected Women

The two available human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines — bivalent and quadrivalent preparations — have proven safe, well tolerated, and effective in healthy individuals; such vaccines are now included in the recommended immunization schedules of many countries. HIV-infected women are at high risk for acquiring HPV and developing HPV-associated lesions, including cervical cancer, yet little is known about the safety, immunogenicity, or efficacy of the vaccines in this population.

Now, investigators in the U.S. have conducted a phase II, open-label, multicenter trial involving 99 HIV-infected women (mean age, 21.4 years; 80% black) to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the quadrivalent vaccine. At baseline, the mean CD4 count was 632 cel…