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Hepatitis B vaccination in infants of mothers infected with human immunodeficiency virus
M P Arrazola1, J R de Juanes, J T Ramos
1Preventive Medicine Service, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Hepatitis B vaccination in infants born to HIV-infected mothers shows good immunogenicity. Most infants who lost HIV antibodies responded well to the recombinant DNA vaccine.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant risk to infants born to infected mothers.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in mothers can impact infant immune responses.
- Assessing vaccine efficacy in vulnerable pediatric populations is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenicity of a recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine.
- To assess vaccine response in neonates and children of HIV-infected women.
- To determine the safety and effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine in this specific cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 118 HIV-positive neonates.
- Administration of three 10 microgram doses of recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine on a 0-, 1-, and 6-month schedule.
- Follow-up for an average of 11 months to assess antibody production.
Main Results:
- 94.2% of infants who lost HIV antibodies and completed the study responded to the hepatitis B vaccine.
- Among 23 infants who remained HIV-positive, 7 out of 17 who completed the study produced hepatitis B antibodies.
- The vaccine demonstrated a favorable immunogenic profile in the studied neonates and children.
Conclusions:
- The recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine is immunogenic in neonates and children of HIV-infected women.
- Vaccination strategies should be considered for infants at high risk of HBV infection.
- Further research may explore optimal vaccination schedules and immune responses in HIV-exposed infants.
Abstract:
A study was conducted to investigate the immunogenicity of a recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine in neonates and children of HIV-infected women. Immunization against hepatitis B consisted of three 10 micrograms doses of the vaccine administered on a 0-, 1- and 6-month schedule. The children were followed up for an average of 11 months. Of the 118 HIV-positive neonates who participated in the study, 95 lost their HIV antibodies during the follow-up period. Most (94.2%) of the latter who completed the study responded to the vaccine. Of the 23 who remained HIV-positive, 17 completed the study and 7 produced hepatitis B antibodies.