Hepatitis B vaccine development and implementation

Abstract

Vaccination against hepatitis B is the most effective strategy to control HBV infection. The first licensed hepatitis B vaccine was developed by the purification of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from plasma of asymptomatic HBsAg carriers. Then, the recombinant DNA technology enabled the development of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. A series of three doses vaccine can elicit long-term protection more than 30 y. Concurrent use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and hepatitis B vaccine has substantially reduced the mother-to-child transmission of HBV, nearly zero infection in children of carrier mother with negative hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and 5-10% infection in children of HBeAg-positive mothers. By the end of 2018, 189 countries adopted universal hepatitis B vaccination program, which has dramatically reduced the global prevalence of HBsAg in children <5 y of age, from 4.7% in the prevaccine era to 1.3% in 2015. However, the implementation of universal hepatitis B vaccination in some regions is suboptimal and timely birth dose vaccine is not routinely administered in more than half of newborn infants. Optimal worldwide universal hepatitis B vaccination requires more efforts to overcome the social and economic challenges.

Elimination of hepatitis B virus infection in children: experience and challenge in China

“…As a reward, the estimated prevalence of HBsAg in China has been remarkably decreased. [ 3 ] In this review, we summarized the progress and challenges in the elimination of HBV infection in children in China.…”

International cooperation on health and medical care for viral hepatitis: 30 years of activities on comprehensive viral hepatitis control of the JICA group training program for developing countries

“…In recent years, antiviral treatment has advanced dramatically. Nucleic acid analog treatment for hepatitis B prevents viral reactivation in patients receiving chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs, and universal vaccines for infants and children will contribute to a decrease in hepatitis incidence (15). Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) against hepatitis C provide a cure rate of 95% or more within 8-12 weeks treatment.…”

Critical Updates on Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in 2021

“…A randomized controlled study (FINITE) analysed outcome when TDF therapy was withdrawn in a set of HBeAg negative patients who had achieved suppression of HBV DNA. Interestingly, 43% of patients achieved either HBsAg loss or suppressed DNA without any significant safety concerns [133][134][135][136].…”