title: [The influence of interferon-alpha-2b on the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine in patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C].
abstract: The aim of our study was to investigate the immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in a group of patients suffering from chronic heaptitis C. Thirthy seven patients with chronic hepatitis C (anti-HCV+, HCV-RNA+, histological findings) were selected. Only those patients without serological markers for HBV infection (HBsAg (-), anti-HBcT(-), anti-HBs (-)) were vaccinated the hepatitis B vaccine. The recombinant vaccine (Engerix-B SKB 20 microg) was used according to a 0, 1,2 month regime. The vaccinees were divided into two groups. Group A-12 patients with HCV infection, were treated with interferon alpha 2b during vaccination. Group B-25 patients did not recive the interferon. The seroconversion rates and the concentrations of anti-HBs were taken at month 1, 2 and 3 after the first injection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C react much less favorably to the hepatitis B vaccine than healthy subjects. Administration of the hepatitis B vaccine coupled with interferon-alpha treatment resulted in statistically significant improvement of the immunological response to the vaccine.
authors.affiliation: Klinika Chorób Zakaźnych i Hepatologii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Lodzi.
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Koślińska-Berkan
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kuydowicz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins