Hepatitis B long-term seroprotection and the response to a challenging dose among vaccinated children in Gharbeya Governorate

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the longterm effectiveness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine and the need for a booster dose among fully vaccinated children during infancy in Gharbeya Governorate.Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage random sampling in one city and three villages in Gharbeya Governorate. Face-to-face interview with parents of 762 children was carried out. Blood samples were collected to assess HBV markers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Children having no HBV seroprotection received a challenging booster dose of HBV vaccine to assess their anamnestic response 3 weeks later.Results None of the participants had an evidence of chronic or breakthrough HBV infection, and the seroprotection rate was 57%. On multivariate analysis, the risk of nonseroprotection was found to be significantly higher among children aged from 5 to less than 10, 10 to less than 15, and 15 years and above compared with those aged less than 5 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.4, 10.2, and 18.5, respectively], among girls compared to boys (AOR = 1.5), and among those living in Kotour and Elsanta villages compared with Tanta city (AOR = 1.8). Of the 265 children with nonseroprotective levels, 91.7% developed anamnestic response after a challenging dose. Anamnestic response rate was 100% at age 1 year and decreased to 89% at age 16 years (P > 0.05).Conclusion Long-term immunity exists among children who had complete series of hepatitis B vaccination in infancy even in case of reduced or absent anti-hepatitis B over time. The developed high anamnestic response rate signifies the presence of immune memory and indicates no need for a booster dose.

Hepatitis B infection, seroprotection, and anamnestic response among children vaccinated during infancy in Beni-Suef, Egypt

“…This is in agreement with many studies that reported that whereas about 90-99% of all vaccinated individuals acquire seroprotective anti-HBs concentrations 1-3 months following full HBV immunization at infancy, yet, a considerable segment (15-90%) show a decrease to low or almost undetectable titers over time 5-20 years after vaccination [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. It decreased significantly with age, from 90.8% among children less than 5 years to 60.0% among those aged 5 to less than 10 years, and 38.2% among those aged 10 years or more, respectively (P < 0.000).…”

“…Similar results were also reported in Gharbeya governorate (Egypt) [21]. Similar results were also reported in Gharbeya governorate (Egypt) [21].…”

“…In Gharbeya, a higher percentage of children developed an anamnestic response (91%) [21]. In Gharbeya, a higher percentage of children developed an anamnestic response (91%) [21].…”

Hepatitis B Seroprotection and the Response to a Challenging Dose among Vaccinated Children in Red Sea Governorate

“…Similarly, no statistically significant differences were reported as regards gender [ 5 , 21 , 22 , 24 ]. However, Sami et al found that in Gharbeya Governorate in Lower Egypt among 762 children, the non seroprotection rate was significantly higher among girls (50.1%) compared to boys (33.6%) (P<0.0005), while the seroprotection rate was found to be significantly higher among high socioeconomic level individuals (61.2%) compared to those of very low class (49.6%) (P < 0.05) [ 27 ].…”

“…Seventy-five percent of them developed good anamnestic response (anti-HBs ≥ 100 IU/L) and 6.7% were non-responders. Similarly, in Egypt, it was found that 91.7% of non-seroprotected children developed anamnestic response and 77.8% of them reported good response [ 27 ]. Moreover, Eldesoky et al found that 97.2% of the non-seroprotected children developed good anamnestic response [ 7 ].…”