RESPONSE OF HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS INFECTED ADULTS TO MEASLES RUBELLA VACCINATION

Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) is recommended for human immunodef iciency virus-infected (HIV+) adults. Data concerning MMR vaccination of HIV+ patients are limited to children. We evaluated 39 HIV+ (97% wi th >200 CD4+ lymphocytes) and 17 non-HIV+ control adults receiving mea sles-rubella vaccine (MR). Clinical adverse events did not differ betw een groups. Prevaccination, three HIV+ and two control vaccinees were measles seronegative; no HIV+ and one control vaccinee seroconverted. No initially measles-seropositive vaccinee had a significant antibody elevation. Four HIV+ and three control vaccinees were rubella seronega tive prevaccination; three HIV+ and two control vaccinees seroconverte d. Among those initially rubella seropositive, two HIV+ and one contro l vaccinee had significant antibody elevations. There were no signific ant percentage CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocyte changes between groups. Three H IV+ vaccinees were p24 antigen positive pre- and postvaccination. Alth ough MR vaccination appears safe in HIV+ adults, questions remain abou t the response of measles and rubella antibody-negative HIV+ adults an d those with <200 CD4+ lymphocytes.