Randomized comparison of 5 and 10 microgram doses of two recombinant hepatitis B vaccines.
The high cost of hepatitis B vaccines remains an obstacle to their use. Since the recommended adult dose of Recombivax HB (MSD) is 10 micrograms and that of Engerix B (SKB) is 20 micrograms, we sought to determine if 10 microgram doses of each vaccine are equally immunogenic. Further, since 5 microgram doses of Recombivax are routinely used in those < or = 29 years of age in the US military, we sought to compare this dose with 5 microgram doses of Engerix B. Lower doses of Engerix would result in vaccine cost savings.


METHODS
members of the Belize Defence Force who were > or = 18 years of age (median 24) without detectable anti-HBc were randomly assigned to receive Recombivax, 5 or 10 micrograms, or ENgerix, 5 or 10 micrograms IM at 0, 1, and 6 months. Randomization was weighted toward Engerix.


RESULTS
after 3 doses, geometric mean concentrations (GMC) of anti-HBs were highest among those receiving Recombivax 10 micrograms (n=22) or 5 micrograms (n=46) with GMC anti-HBs of 744 and 570 mIU ml-1, respectively. Similar proportions in the two groups developed > or = 10 mIU m-1 anti-HBs (100 and 98%). Among the 91 people who received Engerix 10 micrograms, the GMC anti-HBs was 325 mIU ml-1 and 91% developed > or = 10 mIU ml-1. The 87 people who received Engerix 5 micrograms had the lowest GMC, 177 mIU ml-1 (p < 0.05 compared with either Recombivax group). Only 86% attained > or = 10 mIU ml-1 anti-HBs (p > 0.05 compared with other regimens). The proportion attaining > or = 100 mIU ml-1 was lower in the 5 microgram Engerix group (63%) compared with 80% in the 5 microgram or 95% in the 10 microgram Recombivax groups (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Engerix administered in 5 microgram doses is less immunogenic than 5 or 10 microgram doses of Recombivax. In healthy populations < 30 years of age, regimens of half the recommended adult dose (5 micrograms of Recombivax or 10 micrograms of Engerix) are highly immunogenic and may result in significant vaccine cost savings.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
J P
JP
Bryan
P G
PG
Craig
L
L
Reyes
S
S
Hakre
R
R
Jaramillo
H
H
Harlan
P
P
MacArthy
L J
LJ
Legters
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D008297:Male; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*
C075654:Engerix-B; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; C075655:Recombivax HB; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic