Serum immunoglobulin levels before and after hepatitis B vaccinations.

Our study has shown that there was no change in the amount of immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin G, M, A after the first, second and third injection, compared to pre-vaccination, but the amount of specific antibody (anti-HBs) increased statistically as shown in another report of the same group of subjects which was more than 40 IU/L. So, prevention of hepatitis B viral infection should be done by vaccination with a specific vaccine. A specific hepatitis B immunoglobulin is necessary for anyone in Thailand who is accidentally injected with hepatitis B virus since the Thai population is at high risk for hepatitis B infection, approximately 7-15 per cent. Prevalence surveys have shown that the average HBsAg carrier rate in the Thai population ranges between 7-15 per cent. There are no significant variations in HBsAg carriers among different geographical areas. It is necessary for everyone, especially hospital personnel, children and the family of HBsAg carriers to have hepatitis B vaccination.

The levels of gammaglobulin and immunoglobulin G,M,A in HBsAg, anti HBs and anti HBc positive personnels.

The serum from hepatitis B marker positive personnels was tested gammaglobulin, IgG, IgM and IgA levels. The HBsAg positive serums had elevated levels of gammglobulin and IgA. The HBs positive serums showed markedly increased levels of gammglobulin and IgM and IgA. The HBc positive serums had significantly lower levels of IgA than normal. The immunoglobulin patterns of serum with demonstrable HBsAg, anti HBs and anti HBc were different from those with acute viral hepatitis A, B and non A, non B.