Immunity to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection two decades after implementation of universal infant HBV vaccination: association of detectable residual antibodies and response to a single HBV challenge dose

Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2013 Apr;20(4):559-61. doi: 10.1128/CVI.00694-12. Epub 2013 Feb 13.

Abstract

Most persons who receive hepatitis B vaccine during infancy will have a level of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBsAg) of <10 IU/liter 10 to 15 years later; however, most will demonstrate immune memory by an anamnestic response to a vaccine challenge dose. To determine whether there was a difference in anamnestic response among college students vaccinated during infancy, we compared anti-HBsAg levels after a 20-μg dose of Engerix-B in those with a residual anti-HBsAg level of 0 IU/liter and those with levels of 1 to 9 IU/liter. Anti-HBsAg was measured before (baseline) and 2 weeks after a challenge dose; a response was defined as a level of ≥10 IU/liter after the dose among those with <10 IU/liter at the baseline. Of the 153 students who completed the study, 130 (85%) had an anti-HBsAg level of <10 IU/liter at the baseline, 72 had a level of 0 IU/liter, and 58 had levels ranging from 1 to 9 IU/liter. Students with a levels of 1 to 9 IU/liter were more likely to respond to the challenge dose than those with a baseline anti-HBsAg level of 0 IU/liter (83% versus 50%; P < 0.001). The presence of any detectable anti-HBsAg among persons vaccinated in the remote past may indicate the persistence of immune memory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Secondary*
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Students
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines