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Long-term immunogenicity and efficacy of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in Egyptian children

I H el-Sawy1, O N Mohamed

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Egypt.

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah Al-Sihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit
|September 13, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Egypt's hepatitis B vaccine schedule shows low long-term protection. A new 1, 2, and 9-month schedule and booster doses are recommended for sustained immunity.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Egypt implemented a universal hepatitis B vaccination program in 1992.
  • The national schedule involved vaccine administration at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the long-term immunogenicity and efficacy of the hepatitis B vaccine schedule used in Egypt.
  • To evaluate antibody concentrations and seroprotection rates in children vaccinated at different time points.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 180 children vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine (2, 4, 6 months schedule) was studied.
  • Participants' time since last vaccination ranged from 1 month to 5 years.
  • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B core (anti-HBc), and anti-hepatitis B surface (anti-HBs) antibody levels were measured.

Main Results:

  • A high seroprotection rate (93.3%) was observed shortly after vaccination.
  • However, initial anti-HBs concentrations were low and declined rapidly over time.
  • No participants exhibited clinical hepatitis or HBsAg, and most had negative anti-HBc results.

Conclusions:

  • The 2-month interval between the second and third hepatitis B vaccine doses may compromise long-term immunity.
  • Booster vaccinations are recommended for all previously vaccinated children.
  • A revised vaccination schedule (1, 2, and 9 months) is proposed for improved long-term protection.

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