The Effects of Immunization in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection

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Abstract
Stanley et al. (May 9 issue)1 report that a booster dose of tetanus toxoid increases the expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in HIV-1–infected subjects. We have observed the effect of tetanus-toxoid boosters on five untreated, healthy carriers of HIV-1 with stable CD4 counts above 500 per cubic millimeter and on four HIV-negative controls. Data were evaluated on days 0, 7, and 30. The IgG response was always lower in HIV-1 carriers than in controls (mean, 1.4±0.6 IU vs. 20±1.7 IU). The proliferative responses to tetanus toxoid and pokeweed mitogen were also lower in HIV-1 carriers.