Hepatitis B Vaccination and Factors Related with Unresponsiveness in Healthy Children

ABSTRACT Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination and factors associated with vaccine unresponsiveness in healthy children. Methods: A total of 141 healthy children aged between two and five years were included in the study. All of the cases had received 20 μg of recombinant DNA vaccine for hepatitis B (0, 1 and 6 months). Demographic features and factors such as duration of breastfeeding, exposure to HBsAg-positive family members, administration of concomitant vaccines and exposure to smoke were determined. Hepatitis B vaccination serological markers were evaluated. Post-vaccination serologic evaluation was performed one month after the last dose of primary vaccination, one month after the booster dose. Human leukocyte antigens typing was performed in non-responders. Results: Only 87.9% of the children achieved seroprotection antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBsAG titers ≥ 10 mIU/ml) one month after primary vaccination. No difference was observed between vaccine responsiveness and age, gender, birthweight, maturity, duration of breastfeeding, exposure to HBsAg-positive family members, and mid-upper arm circumference (p > 0.05). HLA types, DRB 111 (64.7%), B5 (52.9%), DRB 104 (52.9%) and DRB 11001 (47%) were detected at increased frequency in non-responders. The antibody titers were significantly higher in children who breastfed for the first six months and longer and who were vaccinated concomitantly with other common vaccines. Conclusion: The seroprotection antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen correlated with breast feeding and hepatitis B vaccination concomitant with other common vaccines. HLA types DRB 111, B5, DRB 104 and DRB 11001 had increased frequency in non-responders.

Anti-hepatitis B antibody levels In immunized medical students: are they at risk?

Abstract INTRODUCTION Medical students have an occupational risk for hepatitis B (HB). This study sought to determine anti-HBs and anti-HBc IgG levels in vaccinated students, check their seroconversion, and correlate this with vaccination. METHODS One hundred and forty-three students' blood samples and their vaccination schedules were analyzed. RESULTS: 65.7% were positive for anti-HBs; however, anti-HBs was absent in 34.3%. Only two samples were positive for anti-HBc IgG. CONCLUSIONS More than 30% of students did not have minimum protective levels. Comparing HBV vaccination and anti-HBs reactivity, the majority of reactive individuals received their last dose within the past 16 years.

Hepatitis b vaciination coverage and postvaccintion serologic testing among meedical students at a public university in Brazil / Cobertura vacinal para a hepatite B e teste sorológico pós-vacinal entre estudantes de medicina de universidade pública no Brasil

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the hepatitis B vaccination coverage among medical students at a public university in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their compliance with the postvaccination serologic testing recommendations. Of the total of 858 students, 675 (78.7%) participated in the study. Among the participants, 48.9% (95% CI: 45.1% to 52.7%) were vaccinated against hepatitis B (received ≥ 3 doses of the vaccine), 31.6% were not (received 0, 1 or 2 doses), and 19.6% did not know their vaccination status. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage increased from 26.0% among first-year students to 70.6% among sixth-year students while the prevalence of unknown vaccination status decreased from 39.7% among first-year students to 2.4% among sixth-year students. The frequency of unvaccinated students ranged from 23.7% among fifth-year students to 34.4% among first-year students. Only 34.8% of the vaccinated students performed the anti-HBs testing after vaccination. Among these medical students, we found a low adherence to the hepatitis B vaccination and to the postvaccination serologic testing. A comprehensive hepatitis B immunization program should be offered to students at this medical school.

O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi determinar a cobertura vacinal para a hepatite B entre estudantes de medicina de uma universidade pública no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil e a sua adesão às recomendações sobre o teste sorológico pós-vacinal. De um total de 858 estudantes, 675 (78,7%) participaram do estudo. Entre os participantes, 48,9% (IC de 95%: 45,1% a 52,7%) eram vacinados contra a hepatite B (receberam ≥ 3 doses da vacina), 31,6% não eram (receberam zero, uma ou duas doses) e 19,6% não sabiam o seu status vacinal. A cobertura vacinal para a hepatite B aumentou de 26,0% entre os estudantes do primeiro ano para 70,6% entre os estudantes do sexto ano, enquanto a prevalência de status vacinal ignorado diminuiu de 39,7% entre os estudantes do primeiro ano para 2,4% entre os estudantes do sexto ano. A frequência de estudantes não vacinados variou de 23,7% entre os estudantes do quinto ano a 34,4% entre os estudantes do primeiro ano. Apenas 34,8% dos estudantes vacinados realizaram o teste anti-HBs após a vacinação. Entre esses estudantes de medicina encontramos uma baixa adesão à vacinação contra a hepatite B e ao teste sorológico pós-vacinal. Um amplo programa de imunização contra a hepatite B deveria ser oferecido aos estudantes, nessa escola médica.

Brazilian hepatitis B vaccine: a six-year follow-up in adolescents

The protective anti-HBs titres were examined six-year post-immunisation with the Brazilian recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. After the primary vaccination, all adolescents (n = 89) responded with protective anti-HBs titres and had a geometric mean titre (GMT) of 4031.8 mIU/mL. In 2010, 94.5% maintained protective anti-HBs (> 10 mIU/mL) antibodies, with a GMT of 236.0 mIU/mL. A positive correlation was observed between the anti-HBs titres after the primary vaccination and the titres at the six-year follow-up (p < 0.01). Eleven subjects showed anti-HBs titres suggestive of a natural booster. Prostitution and tattoos/piercings were marginally associated with natural boosters in the multivariate analysis. This study showed the first data on anti-HBs persistence following the Brazilian hepatitis B vaccine in sexually active individuals and highlights its effectiveness in the medium term.

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.

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.

Antibody response following Hepatitis B vaccination in peritoneal dialysis patients: does normalized urea clearance matter?

OBJECTIVES: Data on the factors that contribute to the antibody response to hepatitis B virus vaccination in peritoneal dialysis patients are scarce. The current study was conducted on a group of peritoneal dialysis patients to learn how the response to hepatitis B virus vaccination varies according to the patient's clearance of urea normalized to total body water (Kt/V). METHODS: A convenience sample of 33 peritoneal dialysis patients (13 women and 20 men, with a mean age of 49¡12 years) was administered double doses (20 μg IM in each deltoid muscle) of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine at 0, 1, 2, and 6 months. Response to immunization was measured at one to three months after the final dose of vaccine. The subjects were divided into groups according to the level of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), including non-responders ( < 10 IU/L), weak responders (10-100 IU/L), and good responders ( > 100 IU/L). RESULTS: Among non-responders, weak responders, and good responders, significant differences were found in age (54 ± 12 vs. 56 ± 9 vs. 45¡12 years, respectively; p = 0.049) and recombinant human erythropoietin use (20 vs. 29 vs. 76 percent, respectively; p = 0.016). No significant differences in weekly total Kt/V (p = 0.704), weekly peritoneal Kt/V (p = 0.064) and residual glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.355) were found across the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Delivered clearance measured by weekly peritoneal Kt/V and total clearance measured by weekly total Kt/V did not predict the response to hepatitis B virus vaccination in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Frequency of hepatitis B immunity and occupational exposures to body fluids among brazilian medical students at a public university / Frequências de imunidade para hepatite B e de exposição ocupacional a fluídos corpóreos entre estudantes de medicina em uma universidade pública brasileira

In the present study the frequencies of immunity against hepatitis B (HB) and of potentially contaminating accidents among medical students of a Brazilian public university were evaluated. Of all the 400 students who should have been immunized, 303 (75.7 percent), 66.3 percent of whom were women, answered an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Serum anti-HBs were determined in 205 of them and titers > 10 UI/L were considered to be protective. A total of 86.8 percent of students had received three doses of HB vaccine. The frequency of immunity among women (96.4 percent) was higher (p = 0.04) than that among men (87.7 percent). Among those who did not have immunity, 12/13 (92.3 percent) had been vaccinated before entering medical school. Only 11 percent of the students with complete vaccination had previously verified serological response to the vaccine. A total of 23.6 percent reported having been somehow exposed to blood or secretions. Among final-year students, this frequency was 45.0 percent, being similar among men (47.8 percent) and women (43.2 percent). Of all these accidents, 57.7 percent were due to body fluids coming in contact with mucosa and 42.3 percent due to cut and puncture accidents. The results from this study show that: 1) the frequency of immunity against HB is high among the evaluated medical students, although verification of response to vaccination is not a concern for them; 2) anti-HBs titers should be verified after complete vaccination and on a regular basis, especially by men; and 3) the frequency of potentially contaminating accidents is high.

Neste estudo avaliaram-se as freqüências de imunidade contra a hepatite B (HB) e de acidentes potencialmente contaminantes em estudantes de medicina de uma universidade pública brasileira. Responderam um questionário anônimo e auto-aplicável 303 de 400 estudantes (75,7 por cento) que já deveriam estar imunizados contra a HB, sendo 66,3 por cento do sexo feminino. Anti-HBs séricos foram determinados em 205 deles e títulos > 10 UI/L foram considerados como protetores. Tinham esquema vacinal completo 86,8 por cento dos alunos. A freqüência de imunidade entre as mulheres (96,4 por cento) foi maior (p = 0,04) do que entre os homens (87,7 por cento). Entre os que não tinham imunidade, 12/13 (92,3 por cento) tinham sido vacinados antes de ingressarem no curso de medicina. Somente 11 por cento dos alunos com vacinação completa tinham, previamente, verificado a resposta sorológica à vacina. Do total de alunos, 23,6 por cento relataram algum acidente potencialmente contaminante, e entre aqueles do último ano esta freqüência foi de 45,0 por cento, sendo semelhante entre homens (47,8 por cento) e mulheres (43,2 por cento). De todos estes acidentes, 57,7 por cento foram com secreções e 42.3 por cento devido a acidentes perfuro-cortantes. Os resultados mostram que: 1) entre os estudantes avaliados é alta a freqüência de imunidade contra a HB, mas a verificação da resposta à vacinação não é uma preocupação entre eles; 2) a verificação dos títulos de anti-HBs deveria ser realizada após o esquema vacinal completo e periodicamente, principalmente entre os homens; e 3) é alta a freqüência de acidentes potencialmente contaminantes.

Prevalence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C among adults with mental illness: a multicenter study in Brazil / Prevalência de HIV, sífilis, hepatites B e C entre adultos com transtornos mentais: um estudo multicêntrico no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: There is evidence that patients with mental illness have increased prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, but data in Brazil are scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C and B, and syphilis among patients with mental illness in Brazil. METHOD: A multicenter representative sample of adults with mental illness was randomly selected from 26 mental health institutions throughout Brazil. Sociodemographic, sexual behavior and clinical data were obtained from person-to-person interviews and blood was collected for serology testing. Seroprevalence with 95 percent confidence limits were obtained correcting for sampling scheme. RESULTS: Of the 2,475 patients interviewed, 2,238 had blood collected. Most participants were sexually active ever (88.8 percent) or in the last 6 months (61.6 percent), female (51.9 percent), and single (66.6 percent). Half of the sample had less than 5 years of schooling and the mean monthly individual income was low (US$ 210.00). Condom use was very low either during lifetime (8 percent) or in the last 6 months (16 percent). Overall seroprevalence were 1.12 percent, 0.80 percent, 1.64 percent, 14.7 percent and 2.63 percent for, respectively, syphilis, HIV, HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HCV. CONCLUSIONS: Seroprevalences found were higher than other populations with representative studies in Brazil, with high rates of sexual risk behavior. This is of public health concern, and prevention and care strategies for sexually transmitted infections among psychiatric patients should urgently be implemented by health authorities.

OBJETIVO: Evidências indicam que pacientes com transtornos mentais têm elevada prevalência de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, mas dados brasileiros são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência do HIV, hepatites C e B, e sífilis entre pacientes com transtornos mentais no Brasil. MÉTODO: Uma amostra representativa de pacientes adultos com transtornos mentais foi aleatoriamente selecionada de instituições públicas de saúde mental no Brasil. Dados sociodemográficos, comportamentais e clínicos foram obtidos por entrevista face-a-face e sangue foi coletado para exames sorológicos. Soroprevalências com intervalo de 95 por cento de confiança foram obtidas com correção para o esquema amostral. RESULTADOS: Dos 2.475 pacientes entrevistados, 2.238 tiveram sangue coletado. A maioria era sexualmente ativa ao longo da vida (88,8 por cento) ou nos últimos seis meses (61,4 por cento), do gênero feminino (51,9 por cento), solteira (66,6 por cento), com metade dos participantes com menos de cinco anos de escolaridade e renda média mensal baixa individual (US$210). Uso de preservativo foi baixo em toda a vida (8 por cento) ou nos últimos seis (16 por cento). As soroprevalências gerais foram 1,12 por cento, 0,80 por cento, 1,64 por cento, 14,7 por cento e 2,63 por cento para, respectivamente, sífilis, HIV, HBsAg, anti-HBc e anti-HCV. CONCLUSÕES: As soroprevalências encontradas são maiores do que outros estudos com populações representativas no Brasil, com altos índices de comportamento sexual de risco. Isto é preocupante e estratégias de prevenção e cuidado para as infecções sexualmente transmissíveis entre pacientes psiquiátricos devem ser urgentemente implementadas pelos serviços de saúde.

Factors affecting the presentation of exogenous hepatitis B virus core antigen.

Hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) plays a critical role in terminating acute Hepatitis B virus infection and may be used as a potential vaccine candidate. The cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class 1 molecules are thought to be involved in the presentation of HBcAg. Surface MHC class 1 HLA A2 heavy chain (HC) and trimeric molecules were characterized on transfected Hela cells used as antigen presenting cells (APC) for the presentation of HBcAg. The results show that antibodies against HC HLA A2 and trimeric HLA-A2 molecules resulted in increased activation of HBcAg 18-27 minimal peptide specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), while the addition of exogenous beta2-microglobulin decreased the activation of HBcAg specific CTLs. Further, specific CD8+ T cells were activated only when Hela cells as APCs were primed with HBcAg (peptide, soluble or embedded on virosomes) at pH 6.5.

Intestinal helminthes and/or Toxocara infection are unrelated to anti-HBs titers in seven-year-old children vaccinated at birth with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the possible effect of nematode infection on anti-HBs antibody levels in the serum of seven-year-old schoolchildren vaccinated at birth with the recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. Anti-HBs and anti HBc antibodies were evaluated in the sera of 100 schoolchildren with at least one intestinal nematode and/or a positive serological reaction for anti-Toxocara antibodies and in 95 schoolchildren without intestinal helminthiasis or serum anti-Toxocara antibodies. Both groups were from public elementary schools located on the urban periphery of Vitória, ES, Brazil. Among these 195 children, the median anti-HBs antibody titer was 31.3IU/ml and the frequency of titers less than 10IU/ml was 33.8 percent (95 percent CI: 27.1-40.4 percent). There were no significant differences between the medians of anti-HBs titers or the frequency of titers less than 10IU/ml between the groups with or without helminthes (29.5 and 32.9IU/ml and 33 and 34.7 percent, respectively; p>0.05). Even when the children with intestinal nematodes and/or anti-Toxocara antibodies and with blood eosinophil counts over 600/mm³ were compared with children without infection from intestinal nematodes and without anti-Toxocara antibodies, with blood eosinophil counts less than 400 eosinophils/mm³, these differences were not significant. None of the children presented anti-HBc antibodies. In conclusion, infections with intestinal nematodes and/or the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies did not interfere with the anti-HBs antibody titers in seven-year-old children vaccinated at birth with the recombinant hepatitis B vaccine.

O objetivo dessa investigação foi avaliar um possível efeito de infecções por nematóides sobre os níveis de anticorpos anti-HBs no soro de escolares de sete anos de idade, vacinados ao nascer com a vacina recombinante para hepatite B. Anticorpos anti-HBs e anti-HBc foram avaliados no soro de 100 escolares portadores de pelo menos um nematóide intestinal e/ou uma reação sorológica positiva para anticorpos anti-Toxocara e em 95 escolares sem helmintíases intestinais e sem anticorpos séricos anti-Toxocara, todos matriculados em escolas primárias públicas situadas na periferia urbana de Vitória, ES, Brasil. Nas 195 crianças, a mediana dos títulos dos anticorpos anti-HBs foi 31,3UI/ml, e a freqüência de títulos inferiores a 10UI/ml foi de 33,8 por cento (IC a 95 por cento:27,1- 40,4 por cento). Não houve diferença significativa entre as medianas dos títulos de anti-HBs ou da freqüência de títulos inferiores a 10 UI/ml entre as crianças com ou sem helmintos (29,5 e 32,9 UI/ml e 33 e 34,7 por cento, respectivamente; p >0.05). Mesmo quando comparadas crianças com nematóides intestinais e/ou anticorpos anti-Toxocara com eosinófilos circulantes acima de 600/mm³, com crianças sem infecção com nematóides intestinais e sem anticorpos anti-Toxocara, com menos de 400 eosinófilos/mm³, aquelas diferenças não foram significativas. Nenhuma das crianças apresentou anticorpos anti-HBc. Em conclusão, infecções com nematóides intestinais e/ou presença de anticorpos anti-Toxocara não interferem nos títulos de anticorpos anti-HBs em crianças de sete anos de idade, vacinadas ao nascer com a vacina recombinante para hepatite B.

Immunological response to two hepatitis B vaccines administered in two different schedules.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antibody response to a plasma derived hepatitis B vaccine containing pre-S and S antigens and a recombinant vaccine containing only S antigen and compare the two vaccines in 0, 1, 2 and 0, 1, 6, schedules METHODS: One hundred fifty nine healthy infants were randomized to receive the vaccines in two different schedules. Anti HBs titers were estimated prior to the vaccination and then one-month following the second and third doses. RESULTS: Both the vaccines produced a high rate of seroconversion and seroprotection. The antibody response was similar with both the vaccines and the 0, 1, 6, schedule induced a significantly higher antibody level than the 0, 1, 2, schedule. CONCLUSION: 0, 1, 6 schedule produces a higher antibody level than 0, 1, 2 schedule though both the schedules have good seroconversion and seroprotection rates with both the vaccines.

Seropositivity for hepatitis B virus, vaccination coverage, and vaccine response in dentists from Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

This study investigated the seropositivity for hepatitis B virus (HBV), the vaccination index, and the vaccine response index in dentists from Campo Grande, MS. Blood samples from 474 dentists (63.7 percent women and 36.3 percent men), with a mean age of 38.5 ± 10.5 years were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the serological markers: HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc. The HBsAg positive samples were tested for anti-HBc IgM, HBeAg, and anti-HBe. A total of 51 (10.8 percent) dentists showed seropositivity for HBV. Three (0.6 percent) were HBsAg/anti-HBc/anti-HBe positive, 43 (9.1 percent) were anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive, and 5 (1.1 percent) had only anti-HBc. Viral DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 9 (17.6 percent) out of 51 HBV seropositive samples. A vaccination index of 96.6 percent (458/474) was observed, although 73.1 percent (335/458)completed the three-dose schedule. Excluding 46 HBV seropositive individuals from 458 that reported vaccination, 412 were analyzed for vaccine response index. It was observed that 74.5 percent (307/412) were anti-HBs positive; this percentage increased to 79.1 percent when three doses were administered. The results showed a high vaccination index and a good rate of vaccine response; however, the failure in completing the three-dose schedule and the occurrence of HBV infection reinforce the need for more effective prevention strategies.

Immunization status against hepatitis B virus and determination of anti-HBS antibody titer in medical and dental students

This study was aimed to determine anti-HBs antibodies titer in medical and dental students to monitor success of hepatitis B vaccination. This study was conducted on students of Khyber Medical College and Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar. Serum samples from students who were vaccinated were tested for the determination of anti-HBs antibody titer using microparticle enzyme immunoassay [MEIA]. Out of 520 students surveyed, only 176 [33.84%] had either one injection or complete course of vaccine. None of them had checked their anti-HBs antibodies titer; 119 students [67.61%] had used Engerix-B, 41 [23.30%] students did not remember the brand of the vaccine while only 16 [9.09%] had used Heber-biovac HB. Twelve [6.8%] students tested were non-reactive for antibodies [titer <10.0 mIU/ml] while in 36 [20.5%] students antibodies titer was 10 and 100 mIU/ml respectively and 128 [72.7%] had antibodies titer more than 100 mIU/ml. Time lapsed between vaccination and detection of antibody titer was U - 6 years, 76 [43.1%] students had been tested after one year and 5 [2.8%] after 6 years and 41 [23.5%] students after 2 years. Only one third had their partial or complete course of their vaccination. Antibody titers were reactive in majority of students who had completed the course. Students entering medical and dental schools need to be better educated about hepatitis B and its vaccination

Hepatitis B in healthcare workers: prevalence, vaccination and relation to occupational factors

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in healthcare workers (HCW) in Brazilian university hospitals is high. However, vaccination of these workers and relations with occupational factors are not well documented. A prospective study was made of 1,433 HCW and 872 administrative employees of the Hospital de Base (HB), São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil, and 2,583 blood donor candidates from the Hospital Blood Bank. HCW were observed from January 1994 to December 1999. Data were obtained from exams made when a worker entered hospital service, periodically and after work-related injuries. Serological reactions were analyzed in HCW who received HBV vaccine. Occupational and non-occupational information was obtained through a questionnaire. The prevalence of HBV among HCW (0.8 percent) was significantly higher than in blood-donor candidates (0.2 percent). Among the HCW who were vaccinated, 86.4 percent were immunized. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age reduced the chance of immunization. Among the occupational factors, time in service contributed to a 14 percent increase in the chances of having positive serology, and work-related injuries increased the risk of HBV infection 4.29 times. The maximum risk sector presented a larger number of HCW with positive anti-HBc serology. There was a higher seroconversion in HCW who received the full set of HBV vaccines. In HCW with positive serology, the factors that presented greatest risks were time in service, work-related injuries and maximum risk sector.

Grado de inmunidad humoral y factores asociados a la respuesta a la vacunación contra el virus de la Hepatitis B en el personal de salud del Hospital Nacional Case-Essalud, Arequipa (Setiembre 1995 - Marzo 2002) / Humoral immunity level and factors associated with the response to the vaccine against the Hepatitis B virus in health personnel of the Case-EsSalud National Hospital, Arequipa september 1995 - march 2002

Se determinaron los niveles séricos de anticuerpos contra el virus de la hepatitis B en trabajadores vacunados del Hospital Nacional CASE-ESSALUD de Arequipa, con el objetivo de evaluar en ellos la inmunorespuesta que produce la vacuna y los factores que podrían estar involucrados en dicha respuesta y de ese modo conocer el grado de protección que se está consiguiendo. MATERIAL Y METODOS: El estudio se llevo a cabo en 165 trabajadores de salud del Hospital Nacional CASE-ESSalud de Arequipa, a los que la vacuna recombinante contra el virus de la hepatitis B se les había administrado por vía intramuscular en la región deltoidea, aplicando el esquema rápido 0, 1, 2 meses. La dosis fue de 1 ml (20 ug de antígeno). En ellos se determinó las concentraciones séricas de anticuerpos anti-HBs (en mUl/ml al tercer mes de la tercera dosis, por el método Enzimoinmunoensayo AXSYM System de Laboratorios ABBOT. En concordancia con lo establecido, se consideraron como niveles de seroprotección las concentraciones séricas de anticuerpos anti-HBsAg superiores a 10 mUl/ml. RESULTADOS: Los resultados evidenciaron que la vacuna aplicada a los trabajadores en estudio produjo niveles de seroprotección (>10 mUl/ml) en el 94.54 por ciento. además, mostraron una menor respuesta de seroprotección (p<0.01) en trabajadores del sexo masculino, en los mayores de 40 años de edad, en los que presentaron mayores niveles de TGP y en los que consumen tabaco; en cambio no evidenciaron relación significativa (p>0.05) entre la respuesta inmunogénica los antecedentes patológicos de los trabajadores vacunados. CONCLUSIONES: Se concluye que la vacuna recombinante contra el virus de la hepatitis B en un importante procentaje de trabajadores de nuestro medio produce una adecuada tasa de protección y que dicho tipo de respuesta es significativamente menor en los trabajadores de sexo masculino, en los mayores de 40 años de edad, en los que tienen niveles elevados de TGP y en los que consumen tabaco.

The Inverse Association Between the Presence of Antibody to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Atopy in Young Adults

BACKGROUND: Some bacterial and viral infections may reduce the risk of atopy, and this is based on the concept of their ability to divert the immune system towards the Th1 responses. Most of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections occur in the developing countries and this is where atopic disorders are least prevalent. Th1 responses are important for the viral clearance of HBV and also for antibody production. The aim of the study is to investigate whether the presence of antibodies to the hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) is inversely associated with atopy in adults. METHODS: A random sample of 358 subjects, who were without hepatitis B surface antigen, was recruited; they were aged from 18 to 79 years (105 young adults aged 40 years). Determinations of the anti-HBs and skin prick tests using aeroallergens were performed. Those subjects with one or more positive skin reactions (a mean wheal diameter > or=3 mm) were considered atopic. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of atopy (p=0.035) or the sensitization to Dermatophagoides farinae (p=0.01) was significantly lower in the subjects with anti-HBs than in those subjects without anti-HBs for the young adults, but not for the older adults. The logistic regression analysis that was done on the young adults showed that the presence of anti-HBs was associated with a significantly lower risk of atopy (the odds ratio adjusted for confounding variables=0.40 [95% CI 0.16-0.98], p=0.046) or with the sensitization to D. farinae (0.20 [0.06-0.65], p=0.008). CONCLUSION: The presence of anti-HBs produced by a natural HBV infection or vaccination might be inversely associated with atopy in young adults.

Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor augmented hepatitis B vaccine protocol for rapid seroprotection in voluntary kidney donors.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Conventional hepatitis B vaccine protocols do not provide rapid seroprotection against hepatitis B. This randomized controlled trial was carried out to investigate the efficacy of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) augmented double-dose vaccine protocol in voluntary kidney donors prior to donor nephrectomy. METHODS: A total of 54 kidney donors, who had no history of hepatitis B infection, hepatitis B vaccination and tested negative for anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibodies were randomly allocated to the control or test groups. GM-CSF (300 microg) was administered subcutaneously on day 0, followed by 40 microg of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine intramuscularly on the same deltoid on day 1. The control group received only 40 microg of intramuscular hepatitis B vaccine. Anti-HBs titres were measured at the end of 4 wk. RESULTS: Of the 54 donors studied, there was a significant (P<0.003) seroconversion in the GM-CSF group (82%) compared to the control group (37%), after a single immunization with double-dose recombinant hepatitis B vaccine by 4 wk. Minor side effects such as fever in four patients and myalgia in three were noticed. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: GM-CSF augmented double-dose hepatitis B vaccine could be used in unvaccinated patients when a rapid response is desired.

Estudo da soroprevalência e da soroconversão vacinal para a hepatite B em comunidade atendida em Unidae Básica de Saúde / Hepatitis B seroprevalence and vaccine seroconversion in a Brazilian community basic health unit

Para se determinar a soroconversão vacinal do HBV, a queda da concentração de anticorpos 3 anos após a imunização, e a soroprevalência entre gestantes, um estudo sorológico foi conduzido na cidade de São José dos Campos, Brasil. Entre 224 gestantes, 0,9por cento foram positivas para HBsAg, 8,0por cento para anti-HBs e 4,5por cento para anti-HBc. Títulos de anti-HBs em 243 crianças mostraram-se ausentes em 18 de 174 (10,35por cento, um mês após a terceira dose), e em 18 de 69 (11,6 por cento, 11-30 meses após a última dose). Dados indicam maior soroconversão após os 9 meses de idade (p=0,023), fazendo-se necessário revisar o calendário vacinal para melhorar este cenário / In order to determine seroconversion of HBV vaccine and antibody waning until 3 years after vaccination, and the seroprevalence among pregnant women, a serological study was carried out in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Among 224 pregnant women, 0.9 per cent were positive to HBsAg, 8.0 per cent to anti-HBs and 4.5 per cent to anti-HBc. Anti-HBs serology from 243 children showed antibody absence for 18 in 174 (10.35 per cent one month after the third dose), and 8 in 69 (11.6 per cent 11-30 months after last dose). Data indicate seroconversion is enhanced after 9 months of age, making necessary to review the current immunization schedule in this scenario...