Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Julie Westerink MA

Publications

• Research Article
  Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination in HIV-Positive Individuals on Long Term Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
  Author(s): Anita S Iyer, David J Leggat, Jennifer A Ohtola, Joan M Duggan, Claudiu A Georgescu, Adeeb A Al Rizaiza, Sadik A Khuder, Noor M Khaskhely and Julie Westerink MAAnita S Iyer, David J Leggat, Jennifer A Ohtola, Joan M Duggan, Claudiu A Georgescu, Adeeb A Al Rizaiza, Sadik A Khuder, Noor M Khaskhely and Julie Westerink MA
  
  Background and objectives: Streptococcus pneumoniae continues to cause serious infections in HIV-positive individuals in the era of highly active anti-retroviral therapy. This led to the recommendation to revaccinate HIV-positive individuals with PPV23 five years after primary vaccination. The benefits of revaccination and the impact of long term highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) on antigen-specific B cell reconstitution have remained unclear thus far and were investigated. Design and methods: We assessed antibody levels, opsonophagocytic activity and phenotype of pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPS) specific-B cells post-revaccination in long term HAART cohorts stratified according to CD4 count as group A (CD4>200) and group B (CD4<200). Anti-PPS IgG, IgM and functional antibody response against vaccine serotypes 14 and 23F were measured by E.. Read More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2155-6113.1000421

  Abstract PDF