title: Recombinant HBV vaccine enhances the rate of sustained virological response when early initiated after anti-HCV combination therapy.
abstract: The overall SVR rate for chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 using the Standard of care is 54.3%. HBV infection can be prevented by the administration of effective and safe vaccine. Evaluation of the vaccination-induced anti-HBs response rates in a cohort of HCV Egyptian patients after being exposed to antiviral combination therapy and the magnitude of its effect on the rate of SVR through its putative role in induction of crossed immunity. (A) 500 HCV patients who had completed the course of antiviral therapy and achieved ETR were retrospectively analyzed and received 20 μg of recombinant DNA vaccine for hepatitis B at time intervals (0, 1, and 4 months). The first dose of the vaccine was initiated one month post treatment. (B) Laboratory analysis: Included routine preliminary investigations to anti viral therapy and specific investigations as determination of anti-HBs antibodies 2 months following the third dose of vaccine. 433 patients showed protective response (86.6%), 67 patients were non-responders (13.4%) (P = 0.003). Adding HBV vaccine 1 month post-treatment increased SVR (400 patients, 80%) (χ(2)  = 40.3, P = 0.000). Diabetes affect response to HBV vaccine (P = 0.0001). Adding HBV vaccine to the post treatment care of patients with HCV after termination of antiviral therapy gain two benefits; protection from HBV and significant increase in rates of SVR.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Department, Hepatogastroenterology Section, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
authors.forename: Amr Shaaban
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Hanafy
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
authors.forename: Alaa Ahmad
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Farag
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pathology Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
authors.forename: Hassan Mahmoud
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Hassanin
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pathology Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
authors.forename: Ahmad Mahmoud
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hassaneen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D056738:Cross Protection; D004534:Egypt; D005260:Female; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic
keywords: HBV vaccine; HCV; anti viral combination therapy; sustained virological response