Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
Published on: June 5, 2012
Hepatitis B vaccination in children infected with Schistosoma mansoni: correlation with ultrasonographic data
Y A Ghaffar1, M Kamel, M F Abdel Wahab
1Ein Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Schistosomiasis mansoni infection impairs the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine. Vaccinated children with schistosomiasis showed significantly lower antibody levels compared to healthy children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Tropical Medicine
- Hepatology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic disease affecting millions globally.
- Hepatitis B vaccine efficacy can be influenced by host immune status.
- The impact of schistosomiasis on hepatitis B vaccine response requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenicity of a plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine in children with and without Schistosoma mansoni infection.
- To investigate the correlation between Schistosoma mansoni infection, spleen and liver parameters, and hepatitis B antibody titers.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of schoolchildren with confirmed Schistosoma mansoni infection and a control group were vaccinated with a plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine (3 doses, 5 micrograms each).
- Serum samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels at 3 and 9 months post-vaccination.
- Clinical and ultrasound measurements of spleen size, liver span, and portal vein diameter were correlated with anti-HBs titers.
Main Results:
- At 9 months post-vaccination, significantly fewer individuals in the Schistosoma mansoni-infected group responded to the vaccine (56%) compared to the control group (97%).
- Mean anti-HBs titers were substantially lower in the infected group (67.7 +/- 74.4 mIU/ml) versus the control group (334.8 +/- 192.9 mIU/ml).
- A negative correlation was observed between anti-HBs titers and spleen diameter, and a positive correlation with portal vein diameter, suggesting altered immune responses and potential shunting in infected individuals.
Conclusions:
- Schistosoma mansoni infection significantly impairs the immune response to plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccination in children.
- Reduced vaccine efficacy in infected individuals may be linked to altered liver and spleen phagocytic activity and porta-caval shunting.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering parasitic co-infections when assessing vaccine effectiveness in endemic areas.
Abstract:
Forty-one schoolchildren with positive stools for Schistosoma mansoni eggs and 39 age- and sex-matched children with negative stools were given 3 doses, 5 micrograms each, of a plasma derived hepatitis B vaccine. Their sera were examined 3 and 9 months after the third dose for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). At 9 months after vaccination, both the number of responders and the mean of antibody titers were significantly higher in the control group than in the group infected with S. mansoni (97% vs. 56% and 334.8 +/- 192.9 vs. 67.7 +/- 74.4 mIU/ml). There was a negative correlation between anti-HBs titers and the long diameter of the spleen as well as between the titers and the long diameter of the spleen and the liver span in the mid-clavicular line (right lobe) taken together. There was also a positive correlation between anti-HBs titers and the diameters of the portal vein. There was no correlation between anti-HBs titers and any of the following 3 parameters: liver span in the mid-clavicular line (right lobe) alone, liver span in the middle line (left lobe) alone, and the degree of thickness of the periportal fibrosis. There was also no correlation between anti-HBs titers and egg counts in the stools. An interpretation of these findings was made in the light of the role of phagocytic activity of the liver and spleen as well as of porta-caval shunts in the immune mechanism.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:25Hepatitis