Hepatitis B vaccine: efficacy in high-risk settings, a two-year study.
A formalin-treated hepatitis B vaccine in the form of purified hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was prepared from asymptomatic human HBsAg carriers. Its safety and potency were tested in 5 chimpanzees. The vaccine was administered to 264-individuals. The results of the first 173 immunizations--46 hemodialysis patients and 127 staff members--are presented. Potency was ascertained and efficacy assessed by the development of humoral immune responses to HBsAg (anti-HBs antibody) and seroepidemiologic studies of vaccinated and nonvaccinated subjects. The results, 2 years after immunization, suggest that the vaccine was protective against hepatitis B infection in high-risk hemodialysis settings. Preliminary studies with an inactivated hepatitis B vaccine similarly prepared, but with aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant, indicate that a such a preparation induces a more rapid and stronger anti-HBs response.
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D014765:Viral Vaccines