Antibody levels in Ethiopian children five years after vaccination with two different doses of hepatitis B vaccine: is there a need for booster vaccine?

Abstract

It was hypothesized that, following effective initial vaccination, a booster dose of hepatitis B vaccine will not be necessary in areas of hyperendemicity for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A total of 314 Ethiopian children, ranging from two to 14 years old, were alternatively vaccinated with 10 and 20 micrograms hepatitis B vaccine doses, using the initial, one- and six-month schedule. Five years later, 210 of the vaccinees were retested for anti-HBV surface antibody titres. Both 10 and 20 micrograms doses of hepatitis B rDNA yeast vaccine were equally immunogenic and protective against HBV infection for at least five years despite marked reduction of mean antibody levels and geometric mean titres, with 11% of the vaccinees showing antibodies below the protective level. For firm further recommendations a longer follow-up period of vaccinees is suggested.

• Authors: E Tsega, J Horton, E Nordenfelt, B J Hansson, B Tafesse, G Wolde-Hawariat, J Lindberg
• Journal: Canadian journal of gastroenterology = Journal canadien de gastroenterologie (Can J Gastroenterol) 1998 Jan-Feb Vol. 12 Issue 1 Pg. 57-60 ISSN: 0835-7900 [Print] Canada
• PMID: 9544413 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Hepatitis B Antibodies
• Hepatitis B Vaccines

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Ethiopia
• Female
• Hepatitis B (immunology, prevention & control)
• Hepatitis B Antibodies (blood)
• Hepatitis B Vaccines (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Immunization, Secondary
• Male
• Time Factors