Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in vaccinated children and controls in rural Nigeria

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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

O O Odusanya1, F E Alufohai, F P Meurice

  • 1Department of Community Health and Primary Care, Lagos State University College of Medicine, P.M.B. 21266 Ikeja, Nigeria. oolumuyiwa@yahoo.com

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|April 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B vaccination significantly reduced hepatitis B surface antigen carriage in Nigerian children aged 1-4 years. The hepatitis B vaccine demonstrated approximately 80% effectiveness, confirming its protective role.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern, particularly in regions with high endemicity.
  • Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing HBV infection and its sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in vaccinated children compared to unvaccinated controls.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine in a rural Nigerian population.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 223 vaccinated children and 219 controls aged 1-4 years in rural mid-western Nigeria.
  • HBsAg detection using a rapid immunoassay (immunochromatographic sandwich principle).
  • Vaccinated children received at least three doses of hepatitis B vaccine, including recombinant vaccine at birth and a combined DTPw-HBV vaccine.

Main Results:

  • HBsAg prevalence was significantly lower in vaccinated children (1.3%) versus controls (4.6%, p=0.04).
  • Higher HBsAg prevalence was observed in males (p=0.02) and the two-year birth cohort (p=0.01).
  • Vaccine effectiveness was estimated at approximately 80%, with controls at six-fold higher risk.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis B vaccination is effective in preventing HBsAg carriage in children.
  • The combined diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and hepatitis B (DTPw-HBV) vaccine demonstrates immunogenicity and protective efficacy.
Abstract

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