Immunogenicity of recombinant yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccine in nonresponders to perinatal immunization.
OBJECTIVE
Nonresponse to hepatitis B vaccine in the perinatal period occasionally occurs. This report documents the results of reimmunization of nonresponders to perinatal immunization.


METHODS
From a cohort of 1154 infants immunized with plasma-based vaccine in the perinatal period and followed up for more than 8 years, 45 nonresponders were identified. These children were reimmunized at 4 years of age. Each child received a yeast-derived recombinant hepatitis B vaccine on a 0-, 1-, and 5-month schedule, 33 children with 10-micrograms and 12 with 5-micrograms doses. Blood was sampled 1 month after the third vaccination and thereafter at 1, 2, and 4 years.


METHODS
The follow-up clinic where the cohort of children was regularly seen.


METHODS
Forty-five 4-year-old children who had no antibody to hepatitis B despite perinatal immunization.


METHODS
Antibody levels to hepatitis B surface antigen.


RESULTS
Seroconversion with titers higher than 10 mIU/mL occurred in all children. More than 70% still had titers higher than 10 mIU/mL 4 years after vaccination.


CONCLUSIONS
Nonresponders to perinatal hepatitis B vaccination respond well to subsequent vaccination.
Tan
K L
KL
Department of Neonatology, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Goh
K T
KT
Oon
C J
CJ
Chan
S H
SH
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination; D015003:Yeasts / Q000276:immunology
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D011994:Recombinant Proteins