Changes and analysis of anti‐HBs titres after primary immunization in 1‐ to 16‐year‐old Chinese children: A hospital‐based study

Abstract

Immunization with the hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective measure to prevent Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in antibody levels induced by administration of the hepatitis B vaccine in children aged 1-16 year old in a large sample sized investigation. HBV markers were determined in 93 326 1- to 16-year-old hospitalized children who completed primary immunization as infants from south-west China, Chongqing. Analyses were performed on anti-HBs titre changes with increasing age, and the revaccination effect was evaluated in children aged 7-14. The percentage of protective antibody was between 45.29% and 63.33% in all age groups, but was higher in the 1-, 2- and 3-year-old groups (90.31%, 83.95% and 71.82%, respectively), and the rate of high-responder was 5.03%-10.56%, except in the 1-year-old group (23.33%). Additionally, 3.33%-25.79% of subjects had not seroconverted. There was no significant difference in antibody levels between girls and boys (P > .05). The Geometric Mean Titers in children with confirmed revaccination history were significantly higher than those with unknown or no revaccination history (P < .0001). In conclusion, the overall rate of protective anti-HBs was 67.10% with consecutive age groups from 1 to 16, it decreased from 90.31% to 45.29% for 1- to 8-year-old individuals, and interestingly, the rate increased from 45.46% to 63.33% for subjects aged 9-15. Anti-HBs titres were significantly improved after revaccination. Booster doses are recommended for those without seroconversion, especially children who live in school with other students or have family members with positive HBsAg.

Seroconversion of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Young Bangladeshi Children: A Tertiary Centre Experience

“…The present study shows that the protective level of HBV antibody gradually decreasing with increase of age (Figure 4). Several studies conducted in different countries for example from Bangladesh [7], South Korea [18], Yemen [19], China [20], Ghana [17] and Palestine [21] observed the similar results. Now the question is, whether the booster vaccination is needed or not.…”

“…Yue et al from China recommended that, for partial responders, a booster dose should be given. Without seroconversion or absence of any antibody, revaccination should be considered [20].…”

GWAS identifying HLA‐DPB1 gene variants associated with responsiveness to hepatitis B virus vaccination in Koreans: Independent association of HLA‐DPB1*04:02 possessing rs1042169 G ‐ rs9277355 C ‐ rs9277356 A

“…It was reported that those with a prebooster anti‐HBs level of ≤ 1 mlU/mL were less likely to mount an adequate anamnestic immune response (AIR) compared with those with a prebooster level of > 1 mlU/mL, which indirectly implies the significance and power of primary vaccination status in AIR induction. Furthermore, Yue et al demonstrated that the percentage of seroprotected individuals decreased and then increased with increasing age in the 1‐ to 16‐year‐old (YA) age groups, with the highest rate observed in the 1‐YA group of children who completed primary vaccination . The reason for the increasing rate in the 9‐16‐YA age groups was revaccination.…”

Complementary Presence of HBV-Specific Humoral and T-Cellular Immune Response Provide the Long-Lasting Immune Protection After Neonatal Immunization

“…These results recommended for at-risk youths who had primary immunization to receive HepB booster. Our previous study has identi ed protective antibody (anti-HBs) in children declined with age, from 93.7% in 1-year-old to 42.3% in 9-year-old [13,14]. Whether there is protective immune response in children without anti-HBs is little known, and the need for booster doses is in debate.…”