Immunization Status of HIV-Positive Patients Followed in Infectious Disease Clinic at a University Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) continues to be a serious public health problem with the increasing number of cases, especially in developing countries, and it is very important to screen for vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccinate susceptible individuals in the follow-up of these patients. In this study, immunization status of HIV-diagnosed patients followed in Düzce University Hospital Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, mumps, varicella (VZV), hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis A (HAV), pneumococcus, meningococcus, influenza were evaluated. Materials and Methods: 79 HIV-positive patients followed in our infectious diseases outpatient clinic between 2013-2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Of 79 patients, 14 (18%) were female and 65 (82%) were male, with a mean age of 41±13.88 (min:20-max:76). The seropositivity rates of the patients were 93% for measles, 97% for rubella, 97% for mumps, 99% for VZV, and 80% for hepatitis A. As a result of HBV tests, 43% of the patients were found to be anti-HBs positive, 8% to chronic hepatitis B, and 49% to be seronegative for hepatitis B. It was determined that 57% of the patients received pneumococcal vaccine, 56% meningococcal vaccine, and 71% annual influenza vaccine. Conclusion: The number of HIV/AIDS patients is increasing every year in our country. It is important to determine the immunity status of these patients against vaccine-preventable diseases and to make the necessary vaccinations.