Anti-HBs levels among children and adolescents with complete immunization schedule against hepatitis B virus. A cross-sectional study in Blumenau, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2007-2008

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination is the main tool for preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, following the completion of the vaccination series, the concentrations of anti-HBs can decline over the years and reach levels less than 10mIU/mL. The persistence of protection in these individuals is still unknown. The present study aimed to determine the anti-HBs antibody levels among children and adolescents who had received a complete vaccination course for hepatitis B. Methods: Antibodies against HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs) were tested in 371 individuals aged 10 to 15 years-old. Results: Volunteers who showed undetectable quantities of anti-HBs accounted for 10.2% of the population studied and 39.9% presented antibody titers of less than 10mIU/mL. Anti-HBs ≥ 10mIU/mL were verified in 49.9%. Conclusions: These results corroborate other studies indicating levels of anti-HBs below 10mIU/mL in vaccinated individuals. Additional studies are required to assess whether this indicates susceptibility to HBV infection and the need and age for booster doses.

Vaccination coverage and immunity against hepatitis B among HIV-infected patients in South Brazil

“…[23][24][25]29,30 However, it is important to point out that the comparison of results is difficult as the maintenance of anti-HBs titers may be influenced by the time elapsed since vaccination and the level of exposure to hepatitis B virus. 31 The rates of HIV-infected individuals who develop anti-HBs levels ≥10 IU/L after receiving the standard, accelerated, or four double-dose schedules are variable, ranging from 38.7% to 91.0%.…”

Immune memory responses to HBV vaccine 13-18 years after primary vaccination

“…The long-term maintenance of immune memory is highly advantageous as it can provide an immediate response to pathogens to which the host has been previously exposed. Despite the level of anti-HBs after inoculation with three doses of the HBV vaccine (<10 IU/L; Livramento et al, 2011;Scaraveli et al, 2011;Tonial et al, 2011), the implementation of the universal HBV vaccination program significantly reduced the incidence of HBsAg carriers and HBV-related diseases (Chongsrisawat et al, 2006;Tosun et al, 2011). The survival of a memory cell has the potential to continuously stimulate the antigen.…”

Immune memory response induced in vitro by recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen challenge 13-18 years after primary vaccination

“…Although anti‐HBs antibody levels below 10 IU/L have been found in healthy vaccinees who have received the three‐dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule [Livramento et al, ; Scaraveli et al, ; Tonial et al, ], implementation of the universal HBV immunization program has significantly reduced the prevalence of HBsAg carriers [Chongsrisawat et al, ; Tosun et al, ]. It is known that the survival of memory cells is potentiated by continuous antigen stimulation.…”

“…A total of thirty healthy volunteers (24 females and 6 males aged 13–60 years) were included in this survey. The sample was composed of 25 participants from a previous study [Livramento et al, ] that examined the anti‐HBs levels among individuals who had received the standard hepatitis B vaccination schedule. Only participants who showed serum anti‐HBs <10 IU/L or undetectable levels after primary immunization were recruited.…”