Immune Response to the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Young Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Although guidelines exist for immunization of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, few studies exist demonstrating vaccine efficacy in this population. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, lower than normal humoral responses have been shown with the tetanus toxoid booster, oral cholera, and influenza vaccinations. It is currently uncertain whether women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of cervical dysplasia and cancer. Gardasil, a vaccine against human papilloma viruses (HPV) 6, 11, 16, and 18, has been approved for the prevention of cervical dysplasias and cancers in women ages 9-26 years. However, its immune response in immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients is unknown.

Young women with inflammatory bowel disease who have not received the HPV vaccine will receive the vaccine. The vaccine is given in 3 doses over 6 months. Response to the vaccine will be measured 6 months after completing the vaccine series.