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Immune response to hepatitis B virus vaccine in 1-year-old preterm and term infants
1Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in Israeli newborns, including preterm infants, shows high antibody titers at one year. This routine immunization strategy effectively protects infants against HBV infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Mass immigration to Israel increased hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier rates.
- Routine HBV immunization for all newborns began in Israel in January 1992.
- Vaccination protocols are consistent for both premature and term newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immune status against HBV in term and preterm infants at one year of age.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the Engerix vaccine in a routine infant immunization program.
Main Methods:
- Infants received the Engerix vaccine at day 1, 1 month, and 6 months.
- Serum antibody (Ab) titers for Hepatitis B antigen were measured at 1 year of age.
- Immune responses were compared between term and preterm infants.
Main Results:
- All infants demonstrated detectable anti-HBV antibody titers, indicating a positive immune response.
- 92.5% of infants achieved protective antibody titers (> 10 mIU/ml).
- No significant differences in immune response were observed between term and preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Routine infant immunization against HBV in Israel is highly effective.
- The vaccination schedule provides robust protection in both term and preterm infants.
- The HBV vaccination program successfully addresses increased carrier rates in the population.
Abstract:
The recent mass immigration to Israel from the former U.S.S.R. and Ethiopia has significantly increased the hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier rate. Since January 1992, all newborns in Israel have been routinely immunized against HBV. The same routine of vaccination has been used for premature and term newborns. The aim of the present study was to investigate the immune status against HBV in term and preterm infants at the age of 1 year. All infants were vaccinated at day 1 and at 1 and 6 months with Engerix. Hepatitis B antigen antibody (Ab) serum titers were determined at the age of 1 year. All infants had detectable Ab titers (responders); 92.5% had protective titers (> 10 mlU/ml), out of which 26.5% were low responders (< 100 mlU/ml) and 65% were high responders (> 100 mlU/ml). There was no significant difference in immune responses between term and preterm infants.