A combination of hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin does not protect all infants born to hepatitis B e antigen positive mothers.
In 42 infants of hepatitis B e antigen positive carrier mothers a randomised study of a low dose (5 micrograms) hepatitis B vaccine regimen starting within 24 hours of birth with or without hepatitis B immunoglobulin (0.25 ml/kg) showed that in the vaccine group 72% were antibody positive at the age of one year and in the vaccine plus immunoglobulin group 81%. In the vaccine group four of 18 infants were not protected and in those infants receiving vaccine plus immunoglobulin three of 21 were HBsAg carriers by 12 months of age. Hepatitis B vaccine either with or without concomitant HBIg did not protect all babies born of HBeAg positive mothers, from developing the HBsAg carrier status. Thus for full protection of all infants a more vigorous immunisation programme will be necessary.
Farmer
K
K
National Women's Hospital, Auckland.
Gunn
T
T
Woodfield
D G
DG
D002353:Carrier State / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000276:immunology; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines; C045213:hepatitis B hyperimmune globulin