Comparative immunogenicity of 2 recombinant hepatitis B vaccines (GeneVac-B and Engerix-B) in adult patients with chronic renal failure.
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis B virus infection is often fatal or results in a carrier state with uremia. Vaccination protects against infection, but immune response may remain low. We aimed to study immune responses to 2 recombinant hepatitis B vaccines (Engerix-B and GeneVac-B) in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure.


METHODS
Patients initially negative for hepatitis B (HB) surface antigen (HBsAg), and with core antibody (anti-HBc) and nonprotective anti-HBs titers (<100 mIU/mL) were selected. Four doses of 40 microng of either vaccine were administered intramuscularly, further doses being given 1, 2 and 6 months after the first dose. Seroconversion and seroprotection were defined as anti-HBs level above 10 mIU/mL and 100 mIU/mL, respectively.


RESULTS
A total of 11 and 9 subjects receiving GeneVac-B and Engerix-B, respectively, completed the protocol. Seroconversion was achieved in 100% for both vaccines. Seroprotection occurred in 78% and 82% of the Engerix-B and the GeneVac-B recipients, respectively. Geometric mean titers 1 month after the fourth dose were 274 mIU/mL (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 71-1,057 mIU/mL) and 322 mIU/mL (95% CI, 142-730 mIU/mL), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Both vaccines are highly immunogenic in renal failure and did not show significant differences between each other.
Rajapurkar
Mohan M
MM
Department of Nephrology, Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital and Research Centre, Nadiad, Gujarat - India.
Gang
Sishir
S
Dabhi
Manish
M
Kulkarni
Prasad S
PS
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000276:immunology
C075654:Engerix-B; C522542:GeneVac B; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic