[Multi-center matching study on antibody response between preterm and full-term infants after primary immunization of

Li Zhang1, Xiang-jun Zhai, Yan-ping Li

  • 1Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ji'nan, China.

Insights

Preterm and full-term infants show similar antibody responses to the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) primary immunization. These findings suggest preterm newborns can follow the same HepB vaccination schedule as their full-term peers.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B remains a significant global health concern.
  • Effective hepatitis B vaccination strategies are crucial for preventing infection.
  • Understanding vaccine response in vulnerable infant populations is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the antibody response to hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) primary immunization in preterm versus full-term infants.
  • To determine if prematurity influences the immunogenicity of the HepB vaccine.
  • To inform HepB vaccination strategies for preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 648 pairs of infants (preterm and matched full-term) aged 7-12 months in China.
  • Infants received either HepB-SC or HepB-HP vaccine on a 0-1-6 month schedule.
  • Anti-HBs antibody levels were measured using chemiluminescence microparticle immuno-assay (CMIA).

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in non-response, low-response, normal-response, or high-response rates between preterm and full-term infants.
  • Geometric mean concentrations (GMC) of anti-HBs were comparable between the two groups (755.14 mIU/ml in preterm vs. 799.47 mIU/ml in full-term).
  • Multivariable analysis confirmed that preterm birth was not an influencing factor on antibody response post-HepB primary immunization.

Conclusions:

  • Antibody responses to HepB primary immunization are similar in preterm and full-term infants.
  • Preterm newborns can be safely immunized using the same HepB vaccination strategy as full-term infants.
  • This supports the current universal HepB immunization guidelines for all infants, regardless of gestational age.
Abstract