Transient Hepatitis B Surface Antigenemia Following Immunization with Heplisav-B

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Hepatitis B remains a significant global health concern.
• Heplisav-B is an FDA-approved vaccine for hepatitis B prevention.
• Understanding vaccine-induced antigenemia is crucial for accurate interpretation of diagnostic tests.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and duration of transient hepatitis B surface antigenemia after Heplisav-B vaccination.
• To identify patient characteristics associated with transient antigenemia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of adult patients receiving Heplisav-B vaccination.
• Analysis of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing within 30 days post-vaccination.
• Exclusion of patients with prior HBV infection or vaccination.

Main Results:

• 15.4% of patients tested within 30 days showed transient HBsAg positivity.
• HBsAg-positive patients had lower BMI and higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease.
• HBsAg positivity resolved within a median of 17 days.

Conclusions:

• Transient hepatitis B surface antigenemia is observable with Heplisav-B vaccination.
• Chronic kidney disease and low BMI are associated with transient antigenemia.
• Heplisav-B vaccine-induced antigenemia is transient and does not signify active infection.