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Hepatitis A vaccination in chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus
G Nebbia1, R Giacchino, R Soncini
1First Pediatric Clinic and Institute of Virology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Infectious diseases, G. Gaslini Children's Hospital of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Insights
Hepatitis A vaccination is effective in children with chronic liver disease. A study showed high seroconversion rates after initial doses, reaching 100% after three doses in hepatitis B surface antigen carriers.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hepatitis A infection poses increased risks for individuals with chronic liver disease.
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, indicated by HBsAg carriage, is a common form of chronic liver disease in children.
- Assessing vaccine efficacy in this vulnerable population is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenicity of the hepatitis A vaccine in children who are chronic carriers of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
- To determine the seroconversion rates following a standard hepatitis A vaccination schedule in this specific pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 33 children with chronic HBsAg carriage received a hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine.
- Antibody levels against HAV were measured to assess seroconversion after each vaccine dose.
Main Results:
- High seroconversion rates were observed after the first dose (90.9%).
- Rates increased significantly after the second dose (96.9%) and reached 100% after the third dose.
- The vaccine demonstrated excellent immunogenicity in this high-risk pediatric group.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis A vaccination is highly effective in inducing protective immunity in children with chronic liver disease due to HBsAg carriage.
- The findings support routine hepatitis A vaccination for children with chronic liver disease to prevent severe outcomes.
Abstract:
Because hepatitis A infection may be more severe in patients with chronic liver disease, we vaccinated 33 children who were chronic HBsAg carriers against hepatitis A virus. Anti-hepatitis A virus seroconversion rates after the first, second, and third doses were 90.9%, 96.9%, and 100%, respectively.