Presence of maternal anti-HBs antibodies does not influence hepatitis B vaccine response in Brazilian neonates

Recently, it was suggested that maternal hepatitis B surface antigen antibodies (anti-HBs) acquired transplacentally could play a negative role in newborn infants' immune response to the hepatitis B vaccine. We compared the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine response in infants born to mothers previously vaccinated against HBV (n = 91) to infants born to mothers who were not previously vaccinated (n = 221). All newborn infants received three intramuscular doses (10 μg) of HBV vaccine (Butang®) at 0,1 and six months. The first dose was administered at the maternity hospital within 12 h of birth. The geometric mean titres of anti-HBs were not different among newborn infants born to mothers who were anti-HBs-negative (492.7 mIU/mL) and anti-HBs-positive (578.7 mIU/mL) (p = 0.38). Eight infants did not respond to the HBV vaccine. Of them, six were born to anti-HBs-negative mothers and two were born to mothers with anti-HBs titres less than 50 mlU/mL. Despite the mother's anti-HBs-positive status, our data show a good immunogenicity of the Brazilian HBV recombinant vaccine in neonates.

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection and high rate of response to hepatitis B virus Butang®vaccine in adolescents from low income families in Central Brazil

In order to evaluate the seroepidemiology and response to Butang® vaccine in adolescents from low income families in Central Brazil, blood samples of 664 adolescents were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) markers, and multiple logistical regression analysis was carried out to determine variables associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection markers. further, three 20 µg butang® vaccine doses were offered to all susceptible individuals (n = 304). Among those who accepted them (n = 182), the seroresponse was evaluated in 170 individuals by quantitative anti-HBs. an overall hbv prevalence of 5.9 percent was found: four adolescents were HBsAg positive, 24 were anti-HBc, anti-HBs-reactive, and 11 were anti-HBc only. The analyse of risk factors showed that age 16-19 years, place of birth outside Goiás, school B and body piercing were statistically associated with HBV infection markers (p < 0.05). All 170 adolescents responded to butang®, and a geometric mean titer (gmt) of 4344 mui/ml was obtained. these results reinforce the importance of hepatitis b vaccine in adolescents despite of the hbv regional endemicity, and suggest that three doses of 20 µg of the butang® should guarantee protective anti-hbs levels to individuals at a critical time for hepatitis b acquiring such as latter adolescence and adulthood.

Perfil sócio-demográfico e avaliação funcional de idosos atendidos por uma equipe de saúde da família na periferia de Goiânia, Goiás / Socio-demographic profile and functional status of elderly attended by a family team of the periphery of Goiânia, Goiás

Investigar o perfil sócio-demográfico e a capacidade funcional dos idosos atendidos por uma equipe de saúde da família. Durante novembro de 2001 a maio de 2002, todos os indivíduos (N=107) com 60 anos ou mais foram entrevistados e avaliados através das Escalas de Barthel e Lawton para dependência nas atividades de vida diária (AVDs) e instrumentais de vida diária (AIVDs). A maioria dos idosos tinha entre 60 a 69 anos, residia com familiares e possuía rendimento inferior a um salário mínimo. Praticamente a metade dos idosos não sabia ler e escrever. Do total de idosos, 40,9 por cento eram dependentes para as AVDs e 58 por cento para as AIVDs. A análise dos fatores de risco revelou que a idade, acuidade visual diminuída, doenças associadas, depressão e equilíbrio e mobilidade prejudicados foram estatisticamente associados à dependência dos idosos (P<0,05). As escalas Barthel e de Lawton são de baixo custo e de fácil execução pelos profissionais de saúde e, oferecem subsídios para o planejamento de ações de saúde efetivas. Os resultados subsidiarão as ações de saúde junto à comunidade de idosos atendida pela equipe de saúde.