Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
Breakthrough hepatitis B virus infection and its associated factors among vaccinated children in Northwest Ethiopia
Mekuanint Geta1,2, Asrat Hailu3,4, Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel3,4
1Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis ababa, Ethiopia. yageta23@gmail.com.
Insights
Breakthrough hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was found in 2.5% of vaccinated children in Ethiopia. Older age and contact with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) individuals increased infection risk, highlighting the need for enhanced prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a global health concern, with an estimated 1.3-3.4% prevalence in children worldwide.
- In Ethiopia, CHB seroprevalence in children under five was 2.21%, indicating a significant burden.
- Despite effective vaccines, breakthrough hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in vaccinated populations warrant investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of breakthrough HBV infection among vaccinated children in northwest Ethiopia.
- To identify factors associated with breakthrough HBV infection in this pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024, enrolling 325 vaccinated children aged 1-14 years.
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Statistical analyses, including chi-square and logistic regression, were used to identify predictors of breakthrough infection (p < 0.05).
Main Results:
- The prevalence of breakthrough HBV infection among vaccinated children was 2.5% (95% CI: 0.9-4.3%).
- Children aged 5-9 years (OR=10.7) and 10-14 years (OR=20.7) had significantly higher odds of infection compared to those aged 1-4 years.
- Contact with individuals with CHB increased the odds of HBV infection sixfold (OR=6.1).
Conclusions:
- An intermediate prevalence of breakthrough HBV infection was observed in vaccinated children, posing public health concerns.
- Childhood age and exposure to chronic hepatitis B cases are significant risk factors for breakthrough HBV infection.
- Regular evaluation of vaccine effectiveness and targeted preventive measures are crucial to curb HBV transmission.
Abstract:
Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, the global prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in children was estimated to range from 1.3 to 3.4%. In Ethiopia, the estimated seroprevalence of CHB in children under five years old was 2.21%. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of breakthrough hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its associated factors in northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in northwest Ethiopia from December 2023 to June 2024. Children aged 1-14 years who visited pediatric clinics for various medical reasons were enrolled. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was tested using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify predictors of breakthrough HBV infection, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Among 325 vaccinated children under 15 years of age, the prevalence of breakthrough HBV infection was 2.5% (95% CI: 0.9-4.3%). The age of the children and a history of contact with individuals with CHB were significantly associated with breakthrough infection. Children aged 5-9 years were 10.7 times (OR = 10.7; 95% CI: 1.1-99.6), and those aged 10-14 years were 20.7 times more likely to be infected with HBV (OR = 20.7; 95% CI: 2.0-215.8), compared to children aged 1-4 years. Additionally, children with a history of contact with CHB individuals were six times more likely to be infected with HBV (OR = 6.1; 95% CI: 1.4-27.6). This study found an intermediate prevalence of HBV infection among vaccinated children, which raises significant public health concerns. Age and contact with individuals with CHB were found to be significant factors associated with breakthrough HBV infection. These findings highlight the need for regular evaluation of the effectiveness of vaccination programs and the implementation of targeted preventive strategies to reduce transmission.
More Related Videos
10:37Analysis of HBV-Specific CD4 T-cell Responses and Identification of HLA-DR-Restricted CD4 T-Cell Epitopes Based on a Peptide Matrix
Published on: October 20, 2021
09:37Detection of Polyfunctional T Cells in Children Vaccinated with Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine via the Flow Cytometry Technique
Published on: September 23, 2022
