Hepatitis B vaccine effectiveness in the face of global HBV genotype diversity

Expert Rev Vaccines. 2011 Dec;10(12):1709-15. doi: 10.1586/erv.11.151.

Abstract

Recombinant hepatitis B vaccines are of the A2 genotype; one of ten known genotypes whose distribution varies globally. Reports of rare HBV infections in blood donors with an imbalance of non-A2 genotype HBV in vaccinated subjects have raised questions about the cross-protection afforded by HBV-A2 vaccines. Infections in HBV vaccinees were asymptomatic and transient, indicating that vaccination prevented clinical disease. Preclinical data demonstrate cross-reactivity and cross-protection by A2 vaccines against non-A2 HBV genotypes. Substantial improvements in HBV control have been demonstrated in countries with diverse genotype distribution that have introduced universal childhood HBV vaccination programs. Available data show that current HBV-A2 vaccines are highly effective in preventing infections and clinical disease caused by all known HBV genotypes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Variation
  • Genotype
  • Hepatitis B / blood
  • Hepatitis B / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis B / virology
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / genetics
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B virus / pathogenicity
  • Humans
  • Vaccination
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / genetics
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Synthetic