title: Current views on the persistence of immunity following hepatitis B vaccination.
abstract: This paper presents current views on the persistence of immunity following vaccination against hepatitis B. Very high effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination has been reported in a number of studies worldwide. Standard vaccination with approved schedule induces protective antibody titers in healthy newborns, children, adolescents and adults in more than 96% and 90% of cases, respectively. A number of studies have also confirmed the occurrence of anamnestic response to a booster injection of HB vaccine even after 20 years following primary immunization. From the numerous studies transpires that cellular response following hepatitis B vaccination persists longer compared to humoral response. Irrespective of gradual decline and loss of anti-HBs antibodies, adequately performed primary immunization in healthy persons ensures long-term protection against acute and chronic stages of hepatitis B. In fact, T and B lymphocytes, whose responsiveness prevails the presence of anti-HBs antibodies in serum, are true markers of immunity. A special attention should be given to persons with secondary immunodeficiencies or immunosuppressed patients whose immunization against hepatitis B raises difficulties.
authors: Unit of Immunopathology of Hepatotropic Infections, Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw.
authors: Kazimierz
authors: K
authors: Madaliński
authors: Unit of Immunopathology of Hepatotropic Infections, Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw.
authors: Agnieszka
authors: A
authors: Kołakowska
authors: Unit of Immunopathology of Hepatotropic Infections, Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw.
authors: Paulina
authors: P
authors: Godzik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007117:Immunization, Secondary; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines