Anti-HBs in immunized children with cuban hepatitis B vaccine and impact of booster dose after five years

Hepatitis B virus infection and associated diseases are a major public health problem. This study was planned to find out the persistence of antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen in Iranian vaccinated children after five years. Anti-HBs titers in a group of healthy good - responder children who were vaccinated with Cuban hepatitis B vaccine in infancy were measured after five years. Children with antibody titers <100mlU/mI were revaccinated and retested after four weeks. Mean anti-HBs titers in 68 children [29 females, 39 males] were 482.1mIU/mL at six months after the third dose of primary vaccination and 153mIU/mL at five years later. Total mean anti-HBs titers in 36 [52.9%] children out of 68 [17 females, 19 males] were 38.3mIU/ml and 4 [5.8%] of 68 children [two of each sexes] had no detectable antibody after five years. Total mean anti-HBs titers in these hypo- responder and non- responder were 774.3mIU/mL and 625.5mIU/mL respectively after booster dose. In a group of children, who were immunized with Cuban hepatitis B vaccine from birth, anti-HBS titers fell at 6.5 years of age and almost half of children became hypo responder or no responder and their anti-HBs titers developed secondary rise after booster vaccination. All children showed immunologic memory to a booster dose

Trial of lamivudine in hepatitis B surface antigen carriers with persistent hepatitis B core IgM antibody

The persistence of hepatitis B core immunoglobulin M [HBc IgM] antibody in hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] carriers is a risk factor with hidden dangers and forecasts the existence of liver damage. A trial of lamivudine in such subset of carriers was carried out for the first time in this study. A total of 62 HBsAg with hepatitis e antibody individuals [age range, 25-45 years] with persistent HBc IgM antibody were randomized to receive either 100 mg lamivudine [32/62] or placebo [30/62] daily for 6 months. The study was performed from June 2000 to October 2002. The carriers were regular attendees of the Virology Center in Mosul, North Iraq for follow up. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique was performed to detect the different hepatitis B virus markers. Among the lamivudine group, HBc IgM antibody seroclearance achievement rate was 81.3% and HBsAg seroconversion rate was 9.4% compared to 6.3% and 3.3% in the placebo group. Number of adverse clinical events were observed, but were of mild nature and tolerable by the participants who completed the study. The trial of lamivudine in this subset of HBsAg carriers proved to be safe and efficacious. More studies are needed prior to recommending the drug for routine use on selected HBV carriers