DYNAMICS OF HIV-1 REPLICATION FOLLOWING INFLUENZA VACCINATION OF HIV+INDIVIDUALS

Levels of HIV-1 have been reported to increase in peripheral blood aft er influenza vaccination of HIV+ individuals. In this study we have ev aluated the dynamics of these changes. Ten HIV-1(+) individuals classi fied in revised CDC clinical categories B and C as well as five serone gative healthy controls were vaccinated with the recommended influenza strains. HIV viral RNA and proviral DNA were sequentially quantified in serum and blood lymphocytes, respectively. Nine of the 10 HIV+ indi viduals had an increase in the frequency of infected CD4 cells 2 weeks after influenza vaccination. Individuals with low viral load had a ra pid increase in viraemia and a small increase in frequency of infected cells in peripheral blood. In contrast, individuals with high viral l oad had a small drop in viraemia followed by a significant rise in the rate of infected cells. The observed changes may resemble those takin g place during intercurrent infections in HIV+ individuals. The effect s of the relative increases in infectious virus after the transient vi raemic phase should be further investigated to evaluate potential risk s of vaccination.