Immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in preterm and full term infants vaccinated within the first week of life.
The immunogenicity of a Hepatitis B vaccine was evaluated in 110 neonates (57 full term and 53 preterm) born to Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative mothers. Three 10 microg doses of recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine were administered: the first dose within the first week of life; the second between 1 and 2 months; and the third at 5-7 months of age. Anti-HBs antibody titres were measured 3 months after the third dose. The seroconversion rate in preterm infants (77%; 95% CI=64.7-87.1) was significantly lower than in full term infants (98%; 95% CI=91.6-99.9) while the mean anti-HBs titres among those infants that did seroconvert was lower in preterm (186.6 mIU ml(-1)) than in full term infants (537.5 mIU ml(-1)). More full term than preterm infants showed titres greater than 100 mIU ml(-1) (71.9 and 41.5%, respectively). We conclude that the administration of a recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth is less immunogenic in preterm infants weighing <1800 g at birth than in full term infants. Currently accepted recommendations for post exposure perinatal prophylaxis may be inadequate to protect preterm infants.
Freitas da Motta
Márcia Soares
MS
Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes no. 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. marciasfmotta@hotmail.com
Mussi-Pinhata
Marisa Márcia
MM
Jorge
Salim Moysés
SM
Tachibana Yoshida
Clara Fumiko
CF
Sandoval de Souza
Cleonice Barbosa
CB
D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000276:immunology*; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000276:immunology*; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D008297:Male; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology
C075654:Engerix-B; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic