Long-term Immunogenicity of Hepatitis B Vaccination

Background: Chronic hepatitis B is a major global healthcare problem. Immunization is the most effective way to prevent transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and, hence, the development of acute and chronic hepatitis B. Sero-protection after vaccination, defined as anti hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBS) ≥ 10mIU/mL, is achieved in over 95 % of all vaccinated children. Objective: The aim of the work is to detect the long-term immunogenicity of the vaccine in children after five and ten years of vaccination, also to test for anamnestic reaction to determine whether or not a booster dose is needed. Methods: This study included 200 healthy children. Before being included in the study children were screened for the presence of HBV infection. The children were divided into two groups according to age (each group contains 100 children). Their data are included. Group `A ` included 53 males and 47 females, around 6 years old, all children were vaccinated 5 years ago. Group `B ` included 27 males and 73 females, around 11 years old. All children vaccinated 10years ago. HBsAb titre was tested in their blood, booster dose of the vaccine was given to children whose HBsAb was < 10 mIU/ml, then one and half months later, another blood sample from each of them was retested for HBsAb t