Prevalence of hepatitis B in children in a high risk New Zealand community, and control using recombinant DNA vaccine.
Two hundred and sixty-six children aged 3-10 years were tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic markers. Thirty-eight were positive, including seven who were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Two hundred and fifteen healthy children were randomised to receive either 3 x 5 micrograms doses or 3 x 10 micrograms doses of Smith Kline Biologicals Engerix B recombinant DNA (rDNA) hepatitis B vaccine into the deltoid muscle at 0, 1 and 6 months. They were tested for seroconversion and levels of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) one month after dose 3. Ninety-nine percent of children in each group seroconverted for anti-HBs. Geometric mean titres (GMT) or anti-HBs in IU/L were higher with 10 micrograms doses. Nevertheless, 3 x 5 micrograms is the appropriate regimen for protecting children in this age group, as long as cost of vaccine remains a major factor in immunisation programmes.
Milne
A
A
Hepatitis Research Unit, Whakatane Hospital.
Heydon
J L
JL
Hindle
R C
RC
Pearce
N E
NE
D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D011897:Random Allocation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines