[The immunogenicity of the Heberbiovac-HB vaccine in children]

M Díaz González1, A Chiang Macía, D Díaz Acosta

  • 1Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí.

Insights

The Cuban recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) is highly immunogenic in children under 15. This vaccine demonstrates 100% seroconversion and protective antibody titers, making it recommendable for HBV protection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
  • Effective vaccination strategies are crucial for preventing HBV transmission, especially in pediatric populations.
  • Recombinant vaccines offer a safe and effective approach to hepatitis B immunization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the immunogenicity of a Cuban recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in children under 15 years of age.
  • To assess seroconversion rates and protective antibody titers following vaccination.
  • To compare vaccine response across different age groups within the pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of children under 15 received a 10 µg dose of the Cuban recombinant hepatitis B vaccine following a 0, 1, and 6-month schedule.
  • Immunogenicity was assessed at 2, 7, and 12 months post-vaccination.
  • Key metrics included seroconversion rates, antibody titers (UI/L), and geometric mean titers (GMT).

Main Results:

  • The vaccine achieved 100% seroconversion in all vaccinated children.
  • High percentages of participants attained protective antibody titers (>100 UI/L) at various time points (65.9% at 60 days, 100% at 210 days, 83.5% at 360 days).
  • Preschool and school-aged children showed significantly higher antibody responses compared to those over 10 years old (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • The Cuban recombinant hepatitis B vaccine exhibits high immunogenicity and induces protective antibody levels in children under 15.
  • The vaccine is well-tolerated and effective in preventing hepatitis B virus infection across the studied pediatric age groups.
  • The findings support the recommendation of this vaccine for the protection of children against hepatitis B.

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Vaccines01:21

Vaccines

Vaccines are among the most effective tools in preventive medicine, designed to prepare the immune system to recognize and combat infectious agents. By introducing antigens—substances that the immune system identifies as foreign—vaccines stimulate an adaptive immune response that leads to immunological memory. This immunological memory enables the body to mount a faster and more effective response upon future exposures to the actual pathogen.Vaccines can be categorized based on the type of...
Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...