A prospective study on the quantification of anti-HBs antibody titers of vaccinated health care workers in a tertiary care teaching hospital by using automated enzyme linked fluorescent assay

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a major health problem among health care workers (HCWs). Globally, 350 million peoples have infected, and it was estimated by WHO. CDC has recommended HBV vaccination for all health care workers. The objective was to determine the anti-HBs antibodies titres among health care workers using automated enzyme linked fluorescent assay (ELFA). Methods: This prospective study was conducted in department of microbiology, tertiary care hospital. The test samples have been collected from health care workers who have completed the course of vaccination. VIDAS anti-HBs total II (AHBS) assay was initiated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: Out of 100 subjects, 62% showed positive for anti-HBs antibodies and the remaining 38% showed negative. Positivity of anti-HBs antibody titers ranges from 27 mIU/ml to 500 mIU/ml. Conclusions: In the present study, 100 subjects have been selected based on the HBV vaccination with completion of three doses of vaccination. Presence of anti-HBs antibodies titers against the vaccination is fully immunized. The study was determined the vaccinated status of anti-HBs antibodies against the infection among clinicians, nurses and CRRIs and it has to be revealed at regular intervals of every 6 to 8 months.

Clinical study of hepatitis B vaccine in achieving hepatitis B surface antibody seroconversion in patients with functional cure

Abstract Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is the highest treatment goal recommended by the current guidelines for hepatitis B. Levels of antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) are strongly associated with HBsAg recurrence, but hepatitis B vaccination may increase the anti-HBs seroconversion rate and reduce recurrence. We conducted a retrospective clinical study to ascertain the effect of this vaccination on the seroconversion rate and levels of protective anti-HBs after HBsAg. In this retrospective study, we distributed a questionnaire through an online survey platform to collect information related to hepatitis B vaccination in patients with functional cure of hepatitis B with Interferon-α (IFNα) therapy. We enrolled 320 patients who achieved functional cure from IFNα therapy. Of these, 219 patients had received hepatitis B vaccination according to their personal preference and drug accessibility after HBsAg seroclearance, whereas the remaining 101 patients did not receive hepatitis B vaccination. The anti-HBs seroconversion rate of 78.1% in the vaccinated group was significantly greater than that in the unvaccinated group (41.6%) (p < 0.001). Stratified comparisons with anti-HBs of ≥ 100 IU/L and ≥ 300 IU/L showed that both proportions in the vaccinated group were greater than those in the unvaccinated group (71.2% vs. 32.7% and 56.2% vs. 17.8%, respectively, all p-values < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of vaccination was 4.427, which was the strongest influencing factor for anti-HBs, reaching 100 IU/L or higher. Hepatitis B vaccination in patients after HBsAg seroclearance not only increased the anti-HBs seroconversion rate but also significantly increased antibody levels, with good safety, indicating the clinical value of vaccine therapy for patients with functional cure.

Hepatitis B: Anticuerpos contra antígeno de superficie en residentes de pediatría, Hospital Central de Maracay

Introducción: Los profesionales del área de la salud tienen un riesgo incrementado de contraer la infección por el virus de hepatitis B (VHB). Objetivo: Evaluar anticuerpos contra el antígeno de superficie de la hepatitis B, en los residentes de pediatría del Hospital Central de Maracay en el período junio-agosto de 2021. Materiales y métodos: Estudio clínico epidemiológico, no experimental y de corte transversal, en el que se tomó muestra sanguínea a 54 médicos residentes para la determinación de anticuerpos contra el antígeno de superficie del VHB (Anti-HBs). Resultados: El promedio de edad fue 27,48 años con una desviación estándar de 1,6. El 83,33 % pertenecían al sexo femenino, 51,85.% cursaban el 1er año del posgrado, 33,33 % con esquema de vacunación documentado, de estos, 66,67.% completaron el esquema y 77,78 % cumplidos en la adultez. Con respecto al tiempo de la última dosis, el 66,67 % hasta 10 años. Se detectaron niveles de Anti-HBs mayores de 10 mUl/mL en el 94,44 %, con mayor prevalencia de niveles protectores a favor del sexo femenino. Se evidenció una correlación lineal positiva entre los niveles de Anti-HBs y el tiempo desde la última dosis de la vacuna contra la hepatitis B. Conclusiones: Aunque existe una debilidad en los médicos residentes en cuanto a la tenencia y cumplimiento del esquema de inmunización, la mayoría de ellos mostraron niveles protectores de anti-HBs. A mayor tiempo transcurrido desde la última dosis de la vacuna hay un descenso en los niveles de anti-HBs lo que justifica dosis de refuerzo a los 10 años.

Introduction: Health professionals have an increased risk of contracting hepatitis B virus infection (HBV). Objective: To evaluate antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen in residents of pediatrics of the Central Hospital of Maracay in the period June-August. 2021. Materials and methods: Clinical epidemiological, nonexperimental and cross-sectional study, in which blood samples were taken from fifty-four medical residents for the determination of antibodies against the HBV surface antigen. Results: The average age was 27.48 years with a standard deviation of 1.6. 83.33 % were female, 51.85 % were in the first year of postgraduate studies, 33.33 % had a documented vaccination schedule, of these, 66.67 % completed the schedule and 77.78 % completed it in adulthood. Regarding the time of the last dose, for 66.67 % of the study population, it was up to 10 years ago. Anti-HBs levels greater than 10mUl/ml were detected in 94.44 %, with a higher prevalence of protective levels in favor of the female sex. A positive linear correlation between the levels of Anti-HBs and the time since the last dose of the hepatitis B vaccine was evidenced. Conclusions: Although there is a weakness in the resident doctors in terms of possession and compliance with the immunization schedule, the most of them showed protective levels of anti-HBs. The longer the time elapsed since the last dose of the vaccine, there is a decrease in anti-HBs levels, which justifies a booster dose at 10 years.

Survey on the testing accuracy of HBV serological markers among grassroots medical institutions in the demonstration areas of infectious diseases / 中华临床感染病杂志

Objective:To evaluate the detection accuracy of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers among grassroots medical institutions in the demonstration areas of infectious diseases.Methods:A fixed sampling method was used among the followed-up hepatitis B cohort in general population of six infectious disease demonstration areas nationwide. Blood samples of chosen objects were collected, in which HBsAg and anti-HBs were tested by grassroots medical institutions and were also parallely tested by the third-party platform. The test results were compared between the two groups. Statistical analyses were conducted by SAS 9.4 software.Results:A total of 5 756 and 5 263 samples of HBsAg and anti-HBs were successfully tested, respectively. Comparing the results of HBsAg and anti-HBs from grassroots medical institutions with the results from the third platform, the agreement of HBsAg and anti-HBs was 97.13% and 77.33%, respectively. The Kappa value was 0.56 (95% CI 0.50-0.62) for HBsAg and 0.54 (95% CI 0.52-0.56) for anti-HBs, respectively; and the McNemar tests indicated the difference between the results (all P<0.01). There were also significant differences in agreement of testing results with the third platformin among different regions ( P<0.05 or <0.01). The Kappa values indicated that Jiangsu province and Guangdong province had high accordance rates of HBsAg (0.87 and 0.81, respectively), and Gansu province and Guangdong province had high accordance rates of anti-HBs (Both were 0.74). Regarding the results from the third platform as the standard, the sensitivity of HBsAg testing in grassroots medical institutions was moderate (40.51%) and the specificity was well (99.96%). The sensitivity of anti-HBs testing was substantial (73.18%) and the specificity was well (84.31%). Guangdong province (Youden index: 0.69) and Jiangsu province (Youden index: 0.80) had high identification ability for HBsAg, and for indicator of anti-HBs, Gansu province (Youden index: 0.78) and Guangdong province (Youden index: 0.76) had high identification ability. Conclusion:There are certain differences in results of HBV serological markers tests between the grassroots medical institutions in the demonstration areas of infectious diseases and the third platform. Current testing strategies in grassroots medical institutions are suitable for identifying people without hepatitis B infection, while it is necessary to pay attention to the situation of potential false negative error.

Risk factors for losing hepatitis B virus surface antibody in patients with HBV surface antigen negative/surface antibody positive serostatus receiving biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs: a nested case-control study

Abstract Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation consequent to immunosuppressive therapy is an increasingly prevalent problem with serious clinical implications. Treatment with biologic agents conduces to the loss of protective antibody to HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs), which significantly increases the risk of HBV reactivation. Hence, we investigated the risk factors for losing anti-HBs in patients with rheumatic diseases and HBV surface antigen negative/anti-HBs positive (HBsAg-/anti-HBs+) serostatus during treatment with biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Methods: Using a nested case-control design, we prospectively enrolled patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis/psoriasis, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, who were treated with biologic DMARDs at Changhua Christian Hospital, Taiwan, from January 2013 to June 2019 and had HBsAg-/anti-HBs+ serostatus; the analytic sample excluded all patients with HBsAg+ or anti-HBs- serostatus. Anti-HBs titers were monitored 6-monthly and cases were defined as anti-HBs < 10 mIU/ml during follow-up. Cases were matched one- to-all with controls with anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/ml on the same ascertainment date and equivalent durations of biologic DMARDs treatment (control patients could be resampled and could also become cases during follow-up). Between-group characteristics were compared and risk factors for anti-HBs loss were investigated by conditional logistic regression analyses. Results: Among 294 eligible patients, 23 cases were matched with 311 controls. The incidence of anti-HBs loss was ∼ 2.7%/person-year during biologic DMARDs treatment. Besides lower baseline anti-HBs titer (risk ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97), cases were significantly more likely than controls to have diabetes mellitus (risk ratio 4.76, 95% CI 1.48-15.30) and chronic kidney disease (risk ratio 14.00, 95% CI 2.22-88.23) in univariate analysis. Risk factors remaining significantly associated with anti-HBs loss in multivariate analysis were lower baseline anti-HBs titer (adjusted risk ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.97) and chronic kidney disease (adjusted risk ratio 45.68, 95% CI 2.39-871.5). Conclusions: Besides lower baseline anti-HBs titer, chronic kidney disease also strongly predicts future anti-HBs negativity in patients with HBsAg-/anti-HBs+ serostatus who receive biologic DMARDs to treat rheumatic diseases. Patients with low anti-HBs titer (≤ 100 mIU/ml) and/or chronic kidney disease should be monitored during biologic DMARDs therapy, to enable timely prophylaxis to preempt potential HBV reactivation.

Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Hepatitis-B Vaccination Among The Medical Faculty Of A Teaching Hospital, Aurangabad

Infection with hepatitis B virus can cause both acute and chronic liver disease. The virus can be transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person. All over the world, approximately 257 million people have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). In 2015, hepatitis B resulted in 887000 deaths, mostly from HBV– related cirrhosis or Hepatocellular Carcinoma. In present study we assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hepatitis B Vaccination among the medical faculty of MGM Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The present cross sectional Observational study among the medical faculty of MGM Medical College, Aurangabad, India. The study was conducted during 1st Jan 2018 to 31st Oct. 2018. In the present study 160 medical faculties were enrolled. Apre-structured questionnaire was developed consisting of the participant's socio-demographic characteristics, vaccination status, barriers for immunization and basic awareness regarding HBVtransmission. Out of 160 participants, 86 (53.7%) were males and 74 (46.2%) were females. Maximum participants were from age group of 31-40 years (45.6%).134 (83.7%) participants had been vaccinated against HBV. Out of total 160 participants, 92 (57.5%) had good awareness score of Hepatitis B vaccination and only 3 (1.9%) participants had poor awareness. The continued efforts are needed to increase awareness and vaccination coverage among medical professionals. The importance of doing anti Hbs titre after complete vaccination needs to be imposed upon the medical professionals for protection against accidental needle stick injuries.

Anti-HBs Antibodies over time in healthcare workers

Background: In developing countries including India only 18 % HCWs are vaccinated against HBV. Inspite of all the recommendations, compliance to vaccination remain poor in majority of health care settings. Aims & Objectives: To estimate serum levels of anti-HBs antibodies in healthcare workers and to correlate the values of Anti-HBs level over time in health care workers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on Health care workers of tertiary care hospital. Their demographic details and hepatitis B vaccination history was recorded as per performa. Serum samples of all the subjects were tested for Anti-HBs levels by VIDAS-PC equipment. Results: Out of the 294 HCWs enrolled, 84% (247) were fully vaccinated whereas 16%(47) were partially vaccinated. The vaccination rate was highest among nursing staff (74.9%) followed by doctors (13.8%). 3% of doctors and 12.4% of nurses are still at risk of acquiring HBV infection. On anti -HBs titer estimation, 9.7% of the HCWs had anti-HBs titer < 10 mIU/ml while 90.3% had titre > 10 mIU/ml. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Hepatitis B immunization must be made compulsory for hospital staff in every health care setting as well as to check their anti HBs titres.

Influence of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy to pregnant inflammatory bowel disease women and their children's immunity

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) usually occurs at young age, and therefore, women IBD patients experience pregnancy during their disease progression. Recently, the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) has been rapidly increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy related outcomes in women with IBD who were treated with anti-TNF-α during pregnancy and immunity of their children. METHODS: Korean women with IBD who had been treated with anti-TNF-α during pregnancy had been enrolled. Medical records were reviewed and a survey was performed for each patient. For the patients who agreed on additional examination for their children, children's growth, medical history and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) titer were checked. RESULTS: All 18 patients had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. There was not any case of preterm delivery, low birth-weight infant, congenital anomaly, nor stillbirth. All 12 children had followed the regular vaccination schedule for hepatitis B and 4 of them showed negative results for anti-HBs. After the 1 booster vaccination, all children demonstrated seroconversion. Regarding live vaccines, 4 children had bacillus Calmette-Guerin and 4 had rotavirus vaccine before 6 months, without any specific side effects. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study of immunity of the children born from IBD women who had been treated with anti-TNF-α medication during their pregnancy. IBD women had comparable pregnancy outcomes with the general women population, suggesting that the disease activity rather than the administered medication would be more important in healthy pregnancy. Considering the history of vaccination and anti-HBs titers, immunity seems to be intact in the children.

Association between Body Mass Index and Hepatitis B antibody seropositivity in children / 소아과

BACKGROUND: The seropositivity rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) antibodies is known to be ≥95% after hepatitis B virus vaccination during infancy. However, a low level or absence of anti-HBs in healthy children is discovered in many cases. Recent studies in adults reported that a reduced anti-HBs production rate is related to obesity.PURPOSE: To investigate whether body mass index (BMI) affects anti-HBs levels in healthy children following 3 serial dose vaccinations in infancy.METHODS: We recruited 1,200 healthy volunteers aged 3, 5, 7, or 10 years from 4-day care centers and 4 elementary schools. All subjects completed a questionnaire including body weight, height, and vaccine type received. Levels of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs in all subjects were analyzed using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The standardized scores (z score) for each sex and age were obtained using the lambda-mu-sigma method in the 2017 Korean National Growth Charts for children and adolescents.RESULTS: Our subjects (n=1,200) comprised 750 males (62.5%) and 450 females (37.5%). The overall anti-HBs seropositivity rate was 57.9% (695 of 1,200). We identified significant differences in mean BMI values between seronegative and seropositive groups (17.45 vs. 16.62, respectively; P<0.001). The anti-HBs titer was significantly decreased as the BMI z score increased adjusting for age and sex (B=-15.725; standard error=5.494; P=0.004). The probability of anti-HBs seropositivity based on BMI z score was decreased to an OR of 0.820 after the control for confounding variables (95% confidence interval, 0.728–0.923; P=0.001).CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between anti-HBs titer and BMI z score after adjustment for age and sex. Our results indicate that BMI is a potential factor affecting anti-HBs titer in healthy children.

Hepatitis B seroepidemiology and booster vaccination in pre-clinical medical students in a Malaysian university

@#Introduction: Infant hepatitis B vaccination was introduced into the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in Malaysia in 1989. This study aimed to investigate seroprevalence of hepatitis B among UKM pre-clinical medical students, born between 1991 and 1995, and had their infant vaccination more than 20 years ago. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study involving 352 students, comprising 109 (31.0%) males and 243 (69.0%) females. Blood specimens were tested for anti-HBs, where levels of ≥10 mIU/mL was considered reactive and protective. Students with non-reactive levels were given a 20 µg HBV vaccine booster. Anti-HBs levels were tested six weeks after the first booster dose. Those with anti-HBs <10 mIU/mL were then given another two booster doses, at least one month apart. Anti-HBs levels were tested six weeks after the third dose. Results: Ninety-seven students (27.6%) had anti-HBs ranging from 10 to >1000 mIU/ mL while 255 (72.4%) had anti-HBs <10 mIU/mL. After one booster dose, 208 (59.1%) mounted anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL. Among the remaining 47 (13.3%), all except two students (0.6%) responded following completion of three vaccination doses. They were negative for HBsAg and anti-HBcore antibody, thus regarded as non-responders. Conclusions: Anti-HBs levels waned after 20 years post-vaccination, where more than 70% were within non-reactive levels. For healthcare workers, a booster dose followed by documenting anti-HBs levels of ≥10 mIU/mL may be recommended, to guide the management of post-exposure prophylaxis. Pre-booster anti-HBs testing may not be indicated. Serological surveillance is important in long-term assessment of HBV vaccination programs. No HBV carrier was detected.

A prospective cross-sectional study on the prevalence and factors associated with Seroprotection after primary series of Hepatitis B vaccination

Objectives@#To determine the prevalence and factors associated with seroprotection among children 3 months to 18 years old with primary Hepatitis B vaccination series@*Methodology@#This is a prospective cross-sectional study done among children 3 months to 18 years old with complete primary series of Hepatitis B vaccination. Demographic, social and clinical data were correlated with reactivity to antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen (antiHBs) (>10 IU/L),total antibody to Hepatitis B core antigen (total anti-HBc) and Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) serologic tests.@*Results@#Among 110 subjects from different age groups,52% had seroprotective anti-HBs levels, with the highest noted among infants (3 months-2 years) at 82%, followed by 41% from the childhood group (3-9 years) and 26% from adolescent group (10-18 years). Seventy-four percent of subjects with <5 years interval from vaccination were seroprotected, 26% in subjects after 5-10 years, and 38% at more than 10 years after vaccination with significant difference on multi-logistic regression (p value 0.000/0.020). None of the other factors including gender, geographic area, age at first dose, vaccination schedule, type and place of vaccination were significantly associated with seroprotection.@*Conclusion@#Fifty-two percent of patients among different age groups were seroprotected. Seroprotection was significantly associated with the interval year after vaccination demonstrated at < 50% 5 years and beyond post-vaccination.

Development of a Rapid Automated Fluorescent Lateral Flow Immunoassay to Detect Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Antibody to HBsAg, and Antibody to Hepatitis C

BACKGROUND: Accurate, rapid, and cost-effective screening tests for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may be useful in laboratories that cannot afford automated chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIAs). We evaluated the diagnostic performance of a novel rapid automated fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA). METHODS: A fluorescent LFIA using a small bench-top fluorescence reader, Automated Fluorescent Immunoassay System (AFIAS; Boditech Med Inc., Chuncheon, Korea), was developed for qualitative detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs), and antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) within 20 minutes. We compared the diagnostic performance of AFIAS with that of automated CLIAs—Elecsys (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany) and ARCHITECT (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA)—using 20 seroconversion panels and 3,500 clinical serum samples. RESULTS: Evaluation with the seroconversion panels demonstrated that AFIAS had adequate sensitivity for HBsAg and anti-HCV detection. From the clinical samples, AFIAS sensitivity and specificity were 99.8% and 99.3% for the HBsAg test, 100.0% and 100.0% for the anti-HBs test, and 98.8% and 99.1% for the anti-HCV test, respectively. Its agreement rates with the Elecsys HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV detection assays were 99.4%, 100.0%, and 99.0%, respectively. AFIAS detected all samples with HBsAg genotypes A-F and H and anti-HCV genotypes 1, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 4, and 6. Cross-reactivity with other infections was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The AFIAS HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV tests demonstrated diagnostic performance equivalent to current automated CLIAs. AFIAS could be used for a large-scale HBV or HCV screening in low-resource laboratories or low-to middle-income areas.

The immune effects of hepatitis B on children boosted with hepatitis A and B combined vaccine / 预防医学

Objective To observe the concentration of the anti-HBs of children boosted with hepatitis A and B combined vaccine for 3 dosages, and to provide the basis for the implementation of hepatitis B booster immunization. Methods In September 2009 in Yuhuan by employing the cluster sampling method, 123 children, ranging from 6 to 9 years old, who had completed the basic immunization by 0-1-6 procedure without hepatitis B vaccine boosted and without anti-HBs were selected. In the year of 2011 (after 1 year of inoculation) and 2015 (5 years after inoculation), the venous blood samples were collected to determine the concentration of anti-HBs. Results Boosted with hepatitis A and B combined vaccine for 3 times, the anti-HBs of 102 subjects was tested in the next year, of which the anti-HBs of 82 subjects was detected again in the later 5 years. The results suggested that the positive rates of antibody enhanced were 92.16% after 1 year and 78.05% after 5 years, respectively. The average concentration of anti-HBs of these 82 subjects was 2.95 mIU/mL before inoculation, 141.76 mIU/mL one year later and 72.13 mIU/mL 5 years later and there was statistically significant difference among them (P <0.05) . The difference was not statistically significant between subjects with different years of birth (P>0.05) . Moreover, the interaction was existed between the year of blood detection and year of birth (P <0.05) . Conclusion To children aged 6-9 years old whose anti-HBs were negative after the primary immunization of hepatitis B, booster immunization with 3 dosages of hepatitis A and B combined vaccine shows good immune effect against hepatitis B virus.

Analysis of hepatitis B infection and immune status of the first-year students in a university / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

Objective@#To study the hepatitis B infection and immune status of the first-year students in a university and to provide evidence for the hepatitis B prevention in the university.@*Methods@#Subjects were the first-year students in a university; questionnaires were distributed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to test HBsAg and anti-HBs in serum.@*Results@#The hepatitis B vaccine inoculation rate was 80.8% among 728 subjects, the inoculation rate of urban students was higher than that of rural students (P<0.005). The HBsAg positive rate was 3.4%, no significant difference was found among students in cities and countryside. The anti-HBs positive rate was 65.2%, the positive rate of urban students was higher than that of rural students (P<0.005). The positive rate of anti-HBs in students with hepatitis B vaccination history was significantly higher than that of students without history of vaccination against hepatitis B. No significant differences were found between male and female students for all the groups.@*Conclusions@#By combining the condition of inoculation history of the first-year students in the university and the testresult of HBsAg and anti-HBs, it is necessary to strengthen vaccination against hepatitis B. The prevention of hepatitis B and inoculation of hepatitis B vaccine in the countryside should be strengthened.

Mutations in the S gene and in the overlapping reverse transcriptase region in chronic hepatitis B Chinese patients with coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs

Abstract Background The mechanism underlying the coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to HBsAg in chronic hepatitis B patients remains unknown. Aims This research aimed to determine the clinical and virological features of the rare pattern. Methods A total of 32 chronic hepatitis B patients infected by HBV genotype C were included: 15 carrying both HBsAg and anti-HBs (group I) and 17 solely positive for HBsAg (group II). S gene and reverse transcriptase region sequences were amplified, sequenced and compared with the reference sequences. Results The amino acid variability within major hydrophilic region, especially the “a” determinant region, and within reverse transcriptase for regions overlapping the major hydrophilic region in group I is significantly higher than those in group II. Mutation sI126S/T within the “a” determinant was the most frequent change, and only patients from group I had the sQ129R, sG130N, sF134I, sG145R amino acid changes, which are known to alter immunogenicity. Conclusions In chronic patients, the concurrent HBsAg/anti-HBs serological profile is associated with an increased aa variability in several key areas of HBV genome. Additional research on these genetic mutants are needed to clarify their biological significance for viral persistence.

Prevalence of anti-HBV antibody among immunized population and evaluation of different detection methods of anti-HBc antibody / 中国人兽共患病学报

In this study ,we detected the positive rate of anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc antibody among the subject population in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital ,and to evaluate different detection methods of anti‐HBc antibody .The positive rate of anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc antibody were detected by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and one‐step com‐petitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from the year 2012 to 2013 .The subject population was divided into three groups :group 1 with the age of less than 2 years old ,group 2 with the age of 2‐20 years old ,and group 3 with the age of more than 20 years old .The positive rates of anti‐HBV antibody in the different groups were analyzed .Furthermore ,anti‐HBc antibody of 92 samples selected from the immunized population was detected by CMIA and three kinds of ELISA reagents . Meanwhile ,the detection of anti‐HBc antibody by the same ELISA reagent but different operating modes were performed in these samples .The highest positive rate of anti‐HBs antibody was detected in group 1 ,and there was no significance difference of positive rate between two detection methods of anti‐HBs antibody among three groups .The positive rate of anti‐HBc anti‐body using CMIA was significantly lower than those with ELISA among group 1 and 2 .Among the 92 samples ,the positive rate of anti‐HBc antibody was 2 .2% using CMIA .With three kinds of method of ELISA reagent ,the positive rate of anti‐HBc antibody were 79 .3% ,82 .6% and 94 .6% ,respectively ,and there was no statistical significance among the results of three ELISA reagents .Anti‐HBc was not detected from 19 samples using ELISA methods with different operating modes .It's con‐cluded that the anti‐HBs antibody declined with the increase of age ,and it is necessary to discriminate the specific population to strengthen immune system .The obviously higher positive rate of anti‐HBc antibody was found by ELISA in immunized popula‐tion than that by CM IA . Concerning on the false positive of ELISA , specimen sampling with one specific test item or the CMIA method was recommended to detect the anti‐HBc antibody .

Antibody levels in children after 10 years of vaccination against hepatitis B: a brazilian community-based study / Níveis de anticorpos em crianças 10 anos após a vacinação contra hepatite B: um estudo brasileiro de base comunitária

INTRODUCTION: It is known that the hepatitis B (HB) vaccine is effective, but it is alarming that sudden drops of antibody levels may coincide with the onset of adolescence. METHODS: Antibody levels against HB vaccine surface antigen (anti-HBs) and HB vaccine core antigen (anti-HBc) were measured on the blood samples of children with a mean age of 11.4 years. RESULTS: About 54.8% had protective levels of anti-HBs. Of those who were anti-HBc-positive (4.4%), an average of 218.4 anti-HBs mIU/mL was found. CONCLUSIONS: Immunological protection was found in the majority of children. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the heritability of nonresponders and establish strategies against such events.

INTRODUÇÃO: Sabe-se que a vacina contra a hepatite B é eficaz, mas é preocupante que quedas bruscas nos níveis de anticorpos possam coincidir com o início da adolescência. MÉTODOS: Níveis de anticorpos anti-HBs e anti-HBc foram medidos nas amostras de sangue de crianças com idade média de 11,4 anos. RESULTADOS: Cerca de 54,8% apresentaram níveis protetores de anti-HBs. Dos que apresentaram anti-HBc positivo (4,4%), uma média de anti-HBs de 218,4mUI/mL foi encontrada. CONCLUSÕES: Proteção imunológica foi encontrada na maioria das crianças. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para elucidar a herança de não-respondedores e estabelecer estratégias contra tais acontecimentos.

Association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with long-term humoral response in children vaccinated against hepatitis B in infancy / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between cytokine gene polymorphisms and long-term humoral response in children vaccinated against hepatitis B during infancy.MethodsA total of 293 children (6.08±0.59 years old) who received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine according to a 0-,1-,6-month schedule during infancy and were negative for HBsAg and/or anti-HBc,were enrolled.Of them,83children with anti-HBs ＜10 mIU/ml were considered as long-term poor responders ( group A),and 210 others with anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/ml were defined as long-term responders ( group B).A total of 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-10,IL-12B,and IL-13 were detected with PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism.ResultsThe allele frequencies of -33T,-589T,and 2979T in IL-4 gene in group A were 86.1%,86.1% and 90.4%,respectively,higher than those in group B (76.0%,76.9%,and 83.3%,respectively,all P＜0.05).In IL-4 gene,frequencies of TT genotype at position -33 and -589 in group A were 74.7% and 75.9% respectively,higher than those in group B (57.1% and 59.0% respectively,both P＜0.01 ),while the frequencies of CT at position -33 and -589 in group A was 22.9% and 20.5% respectively,lower than those in group B (37.6% and 35.7% respectively,both P＜0.05).The genotype distributions of IL-4 2979 and the allele or genotype distributions of 8 other SNPs showed no significant differences between group A and group B.ConclusionPolymorphisms at position -33,-589,and 2979 in IL-4 gene are associated with the long-term humoral response in children vaccinated against hepatitis B during infancy.

Significance of anti-HBc screening of blood donors & its association with occult hepatitis B virus infection: Implications for blood transfusion.

Background & objective: Expansions of blood donor screening and improved laboratory detection of viral markers have remarkably reduced the risk for infection with transfusion-transmitted viruses. This study was aimed to evaluate the presence of anti-HBc and to determine the presence or absence of HBV DNA in the serum samples from HBsAg negative, anti-HBc positive blood donors in a tertiary care hospital blood bank from Delhi. Methods: A total of 2175 HBsAg negative, first time volunteer blood donors were included in the study from blood bank, Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi. The blood specimens from all these subjects were evaluated for anti-HBV-core antigen (anti-HBc) serology, anti-HBV-surface antigen (anti-HBs) titres and HBeAg. The presence of HBV DNA was evaluated by testing, through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Results: Of the 2175 HBsAg negative voluntary blood donors, 413 (19.8%) were tested to be positive for anti-HBc alone. Of these, 153 (group-I) were anti-HBs negative whereas group-II comprises a total of 260 anti-HBs positive cases i.e. 89 out of 413 had anti-HBs titres of 10-99 IU/l and the remaining 171 had anti-HBs titres of 100-500 IU/l. HBV DNA was detected in 7.5 per cent anti-HBc positive samples irrespective of anti-HBs status. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results showed that 18.9 per cent of our donor population was anti-HBc reactive, and hence inclusion of anti-HBc testing will lead to a high discard rate. The presence of HBV DNA in fairly high percentage of anti-HBc positive samples highlighted the need for a stringent and better screening system to prevent occult HBV infection.

Vírus da hepatite B: avaliação da resposta sorológica à vacina em funcionários de limpeza de hospital-escola / Hepatitis B virus: serum response to vaccine in teaching hospital cleaners

A hepatite viral B constitui um dos mais importantes problemas de saúde pública em todos os continentes. O vírus da hepatite B se transmite por via parenteral e, sobretudo, por via sexual. O objetivo foi avaliar a população ativa dos funcionários de limpeza do hospital da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu-UNESP, que receberam esquema completo de vacinação contra a hepatite B, medir os níveis de anticorpo contra o AgHBs (anti-HBs) e avaliar a sua relação com as condições epidemiológicas gerais, de vida pessoal e profissional e de risco de infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B.

Viral hepatitis B is one of the major public health problems in all continents. The hepatitis-B virus is transmitted parenterally and mainly sexually. The objective of this study was to evaluate the population composing the active cleaning staff of the Botucatu School of Medicine Hospital - UNESP who had received a complete vaccination scheme against hepatitis B, to measure their levels of antibodies against AgHBs (anti-HBs) and to evaluate their relationship with general epidemiological conditions, personal and professional life conditions and risk of infection by the hepatitis-B virus.