Related Experiment Videos
Inactivated hepatitis A vaccine: reactogenicity, immunogenicity, and long-term antibody persistence
P Van Damme1, S Thoelen, M Cramm
1Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Journal of Medical Virology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
This inactivated hepatitis A vaccine trial shows it is safe and well-tolerated. Antibody levels remain high for at least 30 months, predicting over 20 years of protection.
Area of Science:
- Vaccinology
- Immunology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection poses a significant public health concern.
- Effective vaccination strategies are crucial for preventing HAV transmission.
- Assessing vaccine reactogenicity and long-term immunogenicity is vital for public health policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix).
- To determine the antibody induction kinetics following a standard antigen dose.
- To assess the long-term persistence of antibodies induced by the vaccine.
Main Methods:
- A clinical trial involving 106 healthy adult volunteers.
- Intramuscular administration of the inactivated hepatitis A vaccine using a 0, 1, and 6-month schedule.
- Monitoring of reactogenicity, antibody levels (seropositivity and geometric mean titre), and antibody persistence over 36 months.
Main Results:
- The vaccine was well-tolerated, with mild local (soreness) and general (headache) symptoms reported.
- One dose induced seropositivity in 91% of participants within 1 month; full seropositivity achieved after the second dose.
- Antibodies against HAV persisted in all subjects for at least 36 months, with predicted long-term protection exceeding 20 years.
Conclusions:
- The inactivated hepatitis A vaccine is safe and elicits a robust immune response.
- The vaccine demonstrates excellent long-term immunogenicity, suggesting prolonged protection.
- This vaccine represents a valuable tool for hepatitis A prevention.