Related Experiment Videos
Combined passive and active immunization for preventing perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus carrier state
Insights
This study combined passive and active immunization to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier state in high-risk newborns. The combined approach successfully prevented HBV infection in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Perinatal transmission of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can lead to chronic infection.
- Infants born to mothers with Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) are at high risk for HBV carrier state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a combined passive and active immunization strategy in preventing perinatal HBV transmission.
- To assess the development of protective antibodies in neonates receiving immunization.
Main Methods:
- Ten high-risk neonates received intravenous Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) F(ab')2 fragments immediately after birth.
- Intramuscular HBIG injections were administered at birth, 2 months, and 4 months.
- Vaccination with purified, formalin-inactivated HBsAg particles was given at 3, 4, 5, and 7 months of age.
Main Results:
- All nine infants who maintained detectable F(ab')2 levels escaped HBV infection during the first 12 months.
- One infant with undetectable F(ab')2 levels within 24 hours developed persistent HBs antigenemia early after birth.
- Detectable antibody levels were maintained throughout the follow-up period in the successfully immunized infants.
Conclusions:
- Combined passive and active immunization is effective in preventing perinatal HBV transmission in high-risk neonates.
- Prompt administration and sustained levels of HBIG are crucial for preventing neonatal HBV infection.
- Early detection of F(ab')2 levels is important for predicting immunization success.
Abstract:
Prevention of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus carrier state in neonates at high risk was attempted by a combined passive and active immunization. Immediately after delivery, ten babies born to mothers who were asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and seropositive for hepatitis B e antigen received an intravenous injection of F(ab')2 fragments (200 IU) derived from hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG). On the following day, none of them revealed detectable levels of the antibody to HBsAg in their sera, and received an intramuscular injection of HBIG (200 IU) which was repeated at 2 and 4 months of age. Vaccination with 40 micrograms of purified, formalin-inactivated HBsAg particles was given to the nine babies at three months and repeated at 4, 5, and 7 months after birth. All of them maintained detectable levels of the antibody and escaped infection throughout the first 12 months of their lives. The one baby who did not have detectable F(ab')2 in serum for 24 hours developed persistent HBs antigenemia which was noticed as early as seven days after birth.