Objective
To conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of all recommended SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) vaccines in people living with HIV (PLWH), as well as an overview of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the vaccines in PLWH.
Methods
We searched six databases, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Medline, Medrxiv, Global research on COVID-19 database, and Google Scholar for studies investigating the effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on PLWH. Results of the association were summarised by SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroconversion and level, vaccines efficacy and tolerability. A meta-analysis was performed for studies, using random-effects model and a pooled RR with 95% CI was reported.
Results
Twenty-three of the 1052 studies screened met the inclusion criteria. The review included 28, 246 participants among whom 79.55% (22,469/28, 246) were PLWH with median CD4 >=200 cells/mm3. The pooled estimate of SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroconversion and positive neutralizing antibodies after the second vaccination dose between PLWH vs HIV negative were RR 0.95 (95%CI: 0.92 to 0.99, P = 0.006) and 0.88 (95%CI: 0.82 to 0.95, P = 0.0007), respectively. The mean difference of IgG antibodies level (BAU/ml) was found higher in mRNA vaccines MD -1444.97 (95%CI: -1871.39 to -1018.55). PLWH with CD4 less than 500 cells/mm3 had 15% risk reduction of neutralizing antibodies response compared to those with CD4>=500 cells/mm3 (P = 0.003). The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness was 65% (95%CI: 56% to 72%, P <0.001) among vaccinated compared to unvaccinated PLWH. PLWH with CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 had lower vaccine effectiveness compared to CD4 count >=350 cells/mm3 with 59% vs 72%, respectively. Vaccine tolerability was the same between PLWH and HIV negatives.
Conclusion
According to our findings, PLWH with CD4>=200 cells/mm3 had lower immunogenicity and antigenicity in COVID-19 vaccines than HIV negatives. Additional doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are needful in PLWH.
