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Antibody and immune memory persistence post infant hepatitis B vaccination

2013; Dove Medical Press; Linguagem: Inglês

10.2147/ppa.s49776

1177-889X

Shuaibu Abdullahi Hudu, Yasmin A Malik, Niazlin Mohd Taib, Nabil S. Harmal, Adnan Adnan, Ahmed Subeh Alshrari, Zamberi Sekawi,

Hepatitis B Virus Studies

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the level of hepatitis B immunity among undergraduate students 23 years after commencement of the nationwide hepatitis B childhood immunization program in Malaysia. Methods: A total of 402 serum samples obtained from volunteer undergraduate students were screened for the presence of hepatitis B surface antibodies using qualitative ELISA. Results: Results showed that 62.7% of volunteers had protective anti-hepatitis B surface antigens (≥10 IU/L), of whom 67.9% received three doses of the vaccine. The estimated post-vaccination immunity was found to be at least 20 years, indicating persistent immunity against hepatitis B and a significant association ( P < 0.05) with duration of vaccination. Anamnestic response 1 month post-hepatitis B booster was 94.0% and highly significant ( P < 0.01). Isolated anti-hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) prevalence was found to be 5.0%, all having had a positive anamnestic response. Conclusion: Immunity after primary vaccination with hepatitis B recombinant vaccine persists for at least 20 years post-vaccination, with significant association with the number of vaccinations. Furthermore, the presence of anamnestic response to booster vaccine indicates long-lasting immunity despite decreasing antibody levels; therefore, the need for hepatitis B vaccine boosters may not be of significant benefit after complete infant vaccination. Keywords: hepatitis B vaccination, persistent immunity, anamnestic response, booster vaccination