Related Experiment Videos
Transient hepatitis B surface antigenemia after neonatal hepatitis B immunization
N Köksal1, N Altinkaya, Y Perk
1Faculty of Medicine, Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Most infants receiving the hepatitis B vaccine showed temporary hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in their blood. This antigenemia was transient, clearing within 28 days post-vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hepatitis B vaccine is crucial for preventing hepatitis B virus infection.
- Understanding post-vaccination immune responses in infants is important for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively monitor infants for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) after vaccination.
- To characterize the prevalence, timing, and duration of transient antigenemia post-hepatitis B immunization.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up of 39 infants post-hepatitis B vaccination.
- Serial testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to detect antigenemia.
- Documentation of antigenemia presence, timing, and duration.
Main Results:
- 69.2% of infants exhibited antigenemia at least once after vaccination.
- Antigenemia peaked at 2-3 days (43.5%) and 5-6 days (43.5%) post-immunization.
- The longest observed antigenemia duration was 21 days, with all cases resolving by day 28.
Conclusions:
- Transient hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) antigenemia is a common finding in infants following hepatitis B vaccination.
- The antigenemia is short-lived and resolves naturally, indicating vaccine efficacy and safety.
- These findings support the established vaccination schedule and safety profile of the hepatitis B vaccine.