Immunity to hepatitis B persists in adolescents 15–16 years of age vaccinated in infancy with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine

ObjectiveVaccination of infants against hepatitis B virus (HBV) using hepatitis B vaccine is effective in preventing the infection during early childhood and there is a growing evidence of long-term protection. So far, no need for a booster dose has been identified in healthy subjects; however further follow-up continues to determine the exact duration of protection. We evaluated antibody persistence and immune response to a hepatitis B vaccine challenge dose in children aged 15–16 years, previously vaccinated with 3-doses of the same vaccine in infancy (third dose received before 18 months of age).MethodsA single hepatitis B vaccine challenge dose containing 10 μg hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigen was administered to adolescents aged 15–16 years. Blood samples were taken before and one month after the challenge dose to measure anti-HBs antibodies using a chemiluminescence immunoassay. Solicited local and general symptoms, as well as unsolicited and serious adverse events were recorded after the challenge dose.Results303 subjects were enrolled, of whom 302 and 293 subjects formed the total vaccinated and according-to-protocol cohorts, respectively. Pre-challenge, 65.4% (95% CI: 59.6–70.9) subjects were seroprotected (anti-HBs antibody concentration ≥10 mIU/mL). One month post-challenge, 97.9% (95% CI: 95.6–99.2) were seroprotected, while 90.8% (95% CI: 86.8–93.8) had anti-HBs antibody concentrations ≥100 mIU/mL. The post-challenge geometric mean concentration (GMC; 4134.9 [95% CI: 3114.2–5490.1]) was 150-fold higher than the pre-challenge GMC. Overall, 96.9% (95% CI: 94.2–98.6) subjects mounted an anamnestic response. The safety and reactogenicity profile of the hepatitis B vaccine challenge dose was consistent with previous experience.ConclusionsImmunity to hepatitis B persists in 15–16 year old adolescents following primary vaccination in infancy.Trial registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01847430.     

Epidemiological distribution of hepatitis B virus genotypes in 1–29-year-olds in the mainland of China

BackgroundTo analyze the epidemiological distribution of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype in the mainland of China following the implementation of effective preventive measures.MethodsFive hundred and seventeen HBsAg-positive subjects aged 1–29 years surveyed in the 2014 national HBV sero-survey in the mainland of China were enrolled in the study. The full-length HBV genome was obtained by PCR amplification and sequencing. The HBV genotype was determined by phylogenetic analysis. Combined with questionnaire information, HBV genotype distribution was analyzed.ResultsOf the 517 HBsAg-positive subjects, 369 (71.4%) were included in the analysis. HBV genotypes found were B (45.0%), C (36.6%), D (6.0%), C/D (9.8%), B/C (2.2%), and I (0.5%). Geographic differences in HBV genotype were significant for seven regions. Three serotypes were found: adw (47.2%), adr (35.5%), and ayw (17.3%). B2 (43.9%) and C2 (25.2%) were the two major subgenotypes. The predominant genotypes differed between the Han group and the other ethnic groups. No statistical differences in genotype distribution were found by gender, age group, or hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination history.ConclusionThe prevalence of HBV genotype B was higher than that of genotype C with subgenotypes B2 and C2 endemic in 1–29-year-olds in the mainland of China, after HBV prevalence has reduced significantly due to the implementation of preventive measures. HepB vaccination or other factors did not interfere with HBV genotype distribution. The surveillance of HBV genotype was essential for responding to the potential changes and impact on the preventive policies in the future.     

Molecular evolution of hepatitis B vaccine escape variants in China,during 2000–2016

Hepatitis B vaccine escape variants are the main threat to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in vaccination era worldwide. With 215 genotype B HBV and 313 genotype C HBV vaccine escape variants isolated from China during 2000–2016, we reported that genotype B HBV vaccine escape strains diverged in ∼1997 (95% HPD; 1987–2005), while genotype C HBV vaccine escape strains diverged in ∼1976 (95% HPD; 1955–2003). Additionally, the p-distance of genotype C HBV vaccine escape strains was 0.0291 ± 0.0169, which was significantly higher than that in the genotype B HBV (t = 131.02, p < 0.05). However, genotype B HBV vaccine escape strains evolved more rapidly than genotype C HBV (2.103 × 10⁻³ vs 1.083 × 10⁻³ substitutions/site/year). Bayesian skyline plot analysis showed that the populations of genotype C HBV vaccine escape strains fluctuated more than those in genotype B HBV. Four sites (A5T/S, L21S, T/A126S and T/N131I/A) and 13 sites (N3S, T5A, G10Q/R/E, L21S, T47K/A/V, L98V/P, I/S126N/V/T, Q129H/R/L, T131P/I/N/A, G145A/R, L175S/F, L213I/S, V224A/G) were found to be under positive selection in genotype B and C HBV vaccine escape strains, respectively. More importantly, N3S, L21S, T47K, L98V, I/S126T and L213I mutations were detected in 1 (2.5%), 1 (2.5%), 1 (2.5%), 3 (7.5%), 1 (2.5%), 1 (2.5%) genotype C HBV infected Chinese younger with neonatal HBV vaccination, respectively. Therefore, our results should be valuable in further understanding the molecular evolution of HBV and providing new ideas for the elimination of HBV infection.     

Evaluation of a universal hepatitis B vaccination program and antenatal screening for hepatitis B surface antigen: Results from a real-world study 2015–2016

Background and AimsUniversal vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in infancy was implemented in Israel in 1992. This population-based study aimed to evaluate the coverage rate and cost-benefit of the HBV vaccination program among infants in Israel and the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status in their mothers.MethodsUsing the database of a health maintenance organization with 2 million members, we retrospectively identified, all the infants born in 2015–2016 and their mothers. Maternal data collected included age, ethnicity, country of birth and HBsAg status during pregnancy. HBV vaccination coverage among infants was calculated. A cost-benefit analysis of the HBV vaccination program was conducted based on the actual costs of HBV infection treatments in all HBsAg positive mothers.ResultsOur cohort included 72,792 mothers who gave birth to 77,572 live infants. A total of 71,107 (97.7%) mothers were screened for HBV during pregnancy, of them 124 (0.2%), who gave birth to 132 infants were HBsAg positive. HBV vaccination coverage rates were 94%, 93% and 89%, for the first, second and third dose, respectively. Birth dose coverage of 95% among infants born to HBsAg positive mothers was significantly higher compared to HBsAg negative or unscreened mothers (p < 0.001). The percentage of HBsAg positivity among mothers who were born in Israel, the Former Soviet Union or Ethiopia, were 0.1%, 0.8% and 5%, respectively (p < 0.001). Ethnic differences were not found between HBsAg positive and HBsAg negative mothers. Calculated benefit-to-cost ratios were 1.24:1 and 4.15:1, with and without antenatal HBsAg screening, respectively.ConclusionsThe Israeli vaccination program against HBV infection is epidemiologically and economically justified. High coverage rates among infants born to HBsAg positive mothers reflect very good adherence to the vaccination program and antenatal screening. Higher HBsAg positivity rates among immigrant mothers identify a high-risk population for HBV infection.     

Factors associated with effectiveness of the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine in China: 1992–2005

Background

In China, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection was high because of perinatal and early childhood transmission. A three-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule with a first dose as soon as possible after birth was introduced in 1992 and generalized in 2002 in the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI). In 2006, a serological survey evaluated the effectiveness of vaccination.

Methods

We conducted a restricted analysis of the national serological survey that sampled children and collected information on demographic characteristics, birth history, hepatitis B vaccination and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status as determined by ELISA testing. We compared children who received the first dose in a timely way (i.e., within 24 h of birth) with others in terms of HBsAg status, stratified by birth cohort and place of birth.

Results

Three-dose hepatitis B vaccine coverage increased from 60.8% for children born in 1992–1997 to 93.2% for children born in 2002–2005. Meanwhile, timely birth dose coverage increased from 38.7% to 74.4%. Among 29,410 children born in 1992–2005 who had received three vaccine doses and no hepatitis B immune globulin, factors associated with being HBsAg-negative in multivariate analysis included receiving a timely birth dose (p = 0.04), birth after 1998 (p < 0.001), living in an urban setting (p = 0.008) and hospital birth (p = 0.001). The relative prevalence of HBsAg among children receiving the timely birth dose was lower for children born in county or larger hospitals (0.39), intermediate in township hospitals (0.73) and highest at home (0.87).

Conclusions

Hospital birth and receiving a timely birth dose are the main determinants of the field effectiveness of the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine. Efforts to increase the proportion of hospital deliveries are key to increasing timely birth dose coverage and its effectiveness.     

Incremental system costs of introducing combined DTwP–hepatitis B–Hib vaccine into national immunization services in Ethiopia

Objective

With support from the GAVI Alliance a fully liquid combined DTwP–HepB–Hib (pentavalent) vaccine in a single dose vial was introduced into Ethiopia's routine immunization services in March 2007. This vaccine was substituted with DTwP in a 10-dose vial. We aimed to estimate the incremental system costs of pentavalent vaccine delivery.

Methods

Data on cold storage expansion and increased vaccine transport frequency were collected in four regions of Ethiopia over a 2-week period, as part of a Post-Introduction Evaluation of the new vaccine. Interviews were conducted with individuals at all levels of the health system. Information on the costs of training and communication to facilitate the introduction was collected from the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WHO in Addis Ababa.

Results

The switch from a 10-dose DTwP to a single dose pentavalent vaccine increased refrigeration storage volume per fully vaccinated child by 106% at national and regional levels and by 71% at the three lower levels of vaccine distribution. Cold storage equipments were purchased at all levels and the frequency of vaccine collection more than doubled in many places. Incremental capital costs of cold storage equipment, training and communication amounted to US$ 4.8 million, or US$ 1.53 per child in the 2007 birth cohort. After annualizing capital costs and adding recurrent costs, system costs came to US$ 0.80 per child in the 2007 birth cohort. With a vaccination coverage rate of 78% this is equivalent to US$ 1.13 per fully vaccinated child. The most important system cost item is cold storage, amounting to US$ 0.62 per child in the birth cohort and US$ 0.03 per additional cm³ of cold storage.

Conclusion

In Ethiopia introduction of pentavalent vaccine necessitated considerable investments in additional cold storage equipment as well as an increase in vaccine transport frequency. A GAVI Alliance introduction grant of US$ 0.30 per child in the birth cohort would cover approximately 20% of the capital investments undertaken to facilitate introduction.     

Characterization and immune effect of the hepatitis B–BCG combined vaccine for using a needle innoculation

Objective

To prepare the hepatitis B–Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin combined vaccine (HB–BCG combined vaccine) and resolve a needle problem of the two kinds of hepatitis B vaccine (HB vaccine) and M. bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for the innoculation.

Methods

The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was prepared by the genetic engineering technique, BCG was produced using routine biological technique, and then the finished products of the HB–BCG combined vaccine were processed on the above foundation. The content of HBsAg was measured by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the immune effect of BCG was detected by purified protein derivative (PPD) test. Cellular immune response, safety, partial poison and allergy were tested. The stability of HB–BCG combined vaccine was detected by ELISA and viable count method.

Results

The two kinds of antigens (HBsAg and BCG) had good compatibility. The comparison on immune effects of HB–BCG combined vaccine and BCG showed no significant difference. The comparison on immune effects of HB–BCG combined vaccine group (first dose for HB–BCG Combined vaccine, second and third dose for HB vaccine) and HB vaccine group (three dose all for HB vaccine) demonstrated that anti-HBs levels of the HB–BCG combined vaccine group were higher than that of HB vaccine group. No statistical significance was observed between the combined vaccine group and HB vaccine group after three doses immunization schedules. The results of safety in HB–BCG combined vaccine group accorded with that of BCG group, it had been not found the pathological changes of the tuberculosis. The characteristic and process in pathological changes of HB–BCG combined vaccine group and BCG group were similar in the partial poison test. HBsAg did not strengthen the inflammation reaction caused by BCG. Systemic allergy had not been found. The HB–BCG combined vaccine was stable in 2 years.

Conclusion

The immune effects of the HB–BCG combined vaccine were not lower than the two kinds of single dose vaccine, it had good safety.     

Status and progress of hepatitis B control through vaccination in the South-East Asia Region, 1992–2015

In 2016, the Immunization Technical Advisory Group of the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) endorsed a regional goal to achieve ≤1% prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among 5-year-old children by 2020. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is largely preventable with a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB-BD) followed by two to three additional doses. We reviewed the progress towards hepatitis B control through vaccination in SEAR during 1992–2015. We summarized hepatitis B vaccination data and reviewed the literature to determine the prevalence of chronic HBV infection pre- and post-vaccine introduction. We used a mathematical model to determine post-vaccine prevalence of HBsAg among 5 year olds in countries lacking national serosurvey data and estimated the impact of vaccination on disease burden. Regional coverage with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB3) increased from 56% in 2011 to 87% in 2015. By 2016, 7 of 11 countries had introduced universal HepB-BD. Regional HepB-BD coverage increased from 9% in 2011 to 34% in 2015. In 2015, estimated HBsAg among 5 year olds was 1.1% with variability among countries. Myanmar (3.8%), Timor-Leste (2.7%), Indonesia (1.8%), and India (1%) had the highest prevalence of HBsAg. During 1992–2015, vaccination prevented approximately 16 million chronic HBV infections and 2.6 million related deaths. In 2015, around 197,640 perinatal HBV infections occurred in SEAR with majority occurring in India (62%), Bangladesh (24%), and Myanmar (8%). Myanmar had the highest rate of perinatal chronic HBV infections at 16 per 1000 live births. Despite significant progress in the control of HBV, SEAR needs to secure political commitment for elimination and consider additional strategies, such as promoting health facility births, universal birth dose administration, developing strong coordination between health sectors, and using alternative vaccine delivery methods, to improve HepB-BD coverage and subsequently achieve HBV control and elimination.     

Long-term (5-year) antibody persistence following two- and three-dose regimens of a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine in children aged 1–11 years

This study compared the long-term persistence of anti-hepatitis A (anti-HAV) and B (anti-HBs) antibodies, 5 years after vaccination of subjects aged 1–11 years with a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine either in a two-dose (0, 6 months, Adult formulation) or a three-dose (0, 1, 6 months, Paediatric formulation) schedule. At the end of the 5 years, all subjects (100%) in both groups continued to have anti-HAV antibodies ≥15 mIU/mL, while 94–97% of subjects in both groups had anti-HBs antibody concentrations ≥10 mIU/mL. Subjects with anti-HBs antibody concentration ≤10 mIU/mL were administered a challenge dose of hepatitis B vaccine. All subjects mounted a vigorous immune response to the challenge indicating the presence of immunological memory to HBV.     

Influence of birth origin and risk factor profile on hepatitis B mortality: Philadelphia,PA 2003–2013

Purpose

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects specific subpopulations in the United States, including individuals born in HBV-endemic countries and persons engaging in high-risk behaviors.

Immunogenicity and safety of an investigational hepatitis B vaccine with a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist adjuvant (HBsAg-1018) compared to a licensed hepatitis B vaccine in healthy adults 40–70 years of age

Background

The currently licensed hepatitis B vaccines have limitations including hyporesponsiveness in older adults, poor compliance, and the extended time for most persons to develop seroprotection (e.g. >6 months). A vaccine containing HBsAg combined with a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist adjuvant (HBsAg-1018) has been developed to overcome these limitations.

Methods

A Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, subject- and observer-blinded, active-controlled trial was conducted among healthy subjects 40–70 years of age comparing the immunogenicity and safety of two doses of HBsAg-1018 at 0 and 4 weeks to three doses of licensed hepatitis B vaccine, HBsAg-Eng, at 0, 4, and 24 weeks. The primary immunogenicity endpoint was noninferiority of the seroprotection rate (SPR; % with anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL) of HBsAg-1018 compared to the SPR of HBsAg-Eng at 8 weeks following the last dose of vaccine. Conditional upon meeting noninferiority, superiority of HBsAg-1018 over HBsAg-Eng was assessed. Safety was compared between the two vaccines.

Results

At the primary endpoint, the SPR for the HBsAg-1018 group (90.0%) was superior to the SPR for the HBsAg-Eng group (70.5%) with an SPR difference of 19.5% (95% CI, 14.7%, 24.7%). At week 28 when the SPR peaked in the HBsAg-Eng group (72.8%), the SPR in the HBsAg-1018 group (94.8%) was significantly higher than in the HBsAg-Eng group. The SPR in the HBsAg-1018 group was significantly higher than in the HBsAg-Eng group at each study visit from week 4 through week 52. The safety profiles for the two vaccines were similar.

Conclusion

When compared to the HBsAg-Eng three-dose regimen given at 0, 1, and 6 months, HBsAg-1018 demonstrated superior seroprotection with only two doses at 0 and 1 month. The safety profile of HBsAg-1018 was comparable to that of the licensed vaccine, HBsAg-Eng. HBsAg-1018 would provide a significant public health contribution toward the prevention of hepatitis B infection.     

Clinical study of the efficacy of interferon-α therapy for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

Objective To investigate the effect of IFN-α therapy for HBeAg-negative ehronie hepatitis B(CHB). Methods 50 cases of HBeAg-negative CHB patients were selected as treated group, while 52 cases of HBeAg-positive CHB as control group. Both groups received injection of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU every other day for 48 weeks. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, viral markers levels of HBeAg, HBV DNA and the four serum fibrosis markers were analysed before and after treatment and 24 weeks after the course. Results There were 36 cases in treated group and 26 cases in control group who had got obvious therapeutic effects at the end of 24 weeks after treatment. And the rates of efficacy were 72% and 50% separately. The rate of treated group was higher than that of control group(X2 = 5.43, P <0.05). The four serum fibrosis markers of the both groups were clearly dropped after treatment (t = 2.365, P < 0.05). Conclusions The theraputie effects of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU for HBeAg-negative CHB is prior to HBeAg-positive CHB. And IFN-α also have an evident funtion on preventing or delaying hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB.     

Clinical study of the efficacy of interferon-α therapy for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

Objective To investigate the effect of IFN-α therapy for HBeAg-negative ehronie hepatitis B(CHB). Methods 50 cases of HBeAg-negative CHB patients were selected as treated group, while 52 cases of HBeAg-positive CHB as control group. Both groups received injection of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU every other day for 48 weeks. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, viral markers levels of HBeAg, HBV DNA and the four serum fibrosis markers were analysed before and after treatment and 24 weeks after the course. Results There were 36 cases in treated group and 26 cases in control group who had got obvious therapeutic effects at the end of 24 weeks after treatment. And the rates of efficacy were 72% and 50% separately. The rate of treated group was higher than that of control group(X2 = 5.43, P <0.05). The four serum fibrosis markers of the both groups were clearly dropped after treatment (t = 2.365, P < 0.05). Conclusions The theraputie effects of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU for HBeAg-negative CHB is prior to HBeAg-positive CHB. And IFN-α also have an evident funtion on preventing or delaying hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB.     

Clinical study of the efficacy of interferon-α therapy for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

Objective To investigate the effect of IFN-α therapy for HBeAg-negative ehronie hepatitis B(CHB). Methods 50 cases of HBeAg-negative CHB patients were selected as treated group, while 52 cases of HBeAg-positive CHB as control group. Both groups received injection of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU every other day for 48 weeks. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, viral markers levels of HBeAg, HBV DNA and the four serum fibrosis markers were analysed before and after treatment and 24 weeks after the course. Results There were 36 cases in treated group and 26 cases in control group who had got obvious therapeutic effects at the end of 24 weeks after treatment. And the rates of efficacy were 72% and 50% separately. The rate of treated group was higher than that of control group(X2 = 5.43, P <0.05). The four serum fibrosis markers of the both groups were clearly dropped after treatment (t = 2.365, P < 0.05). Conclusions The theraputie effects of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU for HBeAg-negative CHB is prior to HBeAg-positive CHB. And IFN-α also have an evident funtion on preventing or delaying hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB.     

Clinical study of the efficacy of interferon-α therapy for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

Objective To investigate the effect of IFN-α therapy for HBeAg-negative ehronie hepatitis B(CHB). Methods 50 cases of HBeAg-negative CHB patients were selected as treated group, while 52 cases of HBeAg-positive CHB as control group. Both groups received injection of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU every other day for 48 weeks. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, viral markers levels of HBeAg, HBV DNA and the four serum fibrosis markers were analysed before and after treatment and 24 weeks after the course. Results There were 36 cases in treated group and 26 cases in control group who had got obvious therapeutic effects at the end of 24 weeks after treatment. And the rates of efficacy were 72% and 50% separately. The rate of treated group was higher than that of control group(X2 = 5.43, P <0.05). The four serum fibrosis markers of the both groups were clearly dropped after treatment (t = 2.365, P < 0.05). Conclusions The theraputie effects of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU for HBeAg-negative CHB is prior to HBeAg-positive CHB. And IFN-α also have an evident funtion on preventing or delaying hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB.     

Clinical study of the efficacy of interferon-α therapy for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

Objective To investigate the effect of IFN-α therapy for HBeAg-negative ehronie hepatitis B(CHB). Methods 50 cases of HBeAg-negative CHB patients were selected as treated group, while 52 cases of HBeAg-positive CHB as control group. Both groups received injection of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU every other day for 48 weeks. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, viral markers levels of HBeAg, HBV DNA and the four serum fibrosis markers were analysed before and after treatment and 24 weeks after the course. Results There were 36 cases in treated group and 26 cases in control group who had got obvious therapeutic effects at the end of 24 weeks after treatment. And the rates of efficacy were 72% and 50% separately. The rate of treated group was higher than that of control group(X2 = 5.43, P <0.05). The four serum fibrosis markers of the both groups were clearly dropped after treatment (t = 2.365, P < 0.05). Conclusions The theraputie effects of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU for HBeAg-negative CHB is prior to HBeAg-positive CHB. And IFN-α also have an evident funtion on preventing or delaying hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB.     

Clinical study of the efficacy of interferon-α therapy for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

Objective To investigate the effect of IFN-α therapy for HBeAg-negative ehronie hepatitis B(CHB). Methods 50 cases of HBeAg-negative CHB patients were selected as treated group, while 52 cases of HBeAg-positive CHB as control group. Both groups received injection of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU every other day for 48 weeks. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, viral markers levels of HBeAg, HBV DNA and the four serum fibrosis markers were analysed before and after treatment and 24 weeks after the course. Results There were 36 cases in treated group and 26 cases in control group who had got obvious therapeutic effects at the end of 24 weeks after treatment. And the rates of efficacy were 72% and 50% separately. The rate of treated group was higher than that of control group(X2 = 5.43, P <0.05). The four serum fibrosis markers of the both groups were clearly dropped after treatment (t = 2.365, P < 0.05). Conclusions The theraputie effects of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU for HBeAg-negative CHB is prior to HBeAg-positive CHB. And IFN-α also have an evident funtion on preventing or delaying hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB.     

Clinical study of the efficacy of interferon-α therapy for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

Objective To investigate the effect of IFN-α therapy for HBeAg-negative ehronie hepatitis B(CHB). Methods 50 cases of HBeAg-negative CHB patients were selected as treated group, while 52 cases of HBeAg-positive CHB as control group. Both groups received injection of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU every other day for 48 weeks. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, viral markers levels of HBeAg, HBV DNA and the four serum fibrosis markers were analysed before and after treatment and 24 weeks after the course. Results There were 36 cases in treated group and 26 cases in control group who had got obvious therapeutic effects at the end of 24 weeks after treatment. And the rates of efficacy were 72% and 50% separately. The rate of treated group was higher than that of control group(X2 = 5.43, P <0.05). The four serum fibrosis markers of the both groups were clearly dropped after treatment (t = 2.365, P < 0.05). Conclusions The theraputie effects of IFN-α at dose of 6 MU for HBeAg-negative CHB is prior to HBeAg-positive CHB. And IFN-α also have an evident funtion on preventing or delaying hepatic fibrosis in patients with CHB.     

The predicted pattern of emergence of vaccine-resistant hepatitis B: a cause for concern?

We develop an epidemiological model of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in The Gambia in order to investigate the possible patterns of emergence of a vaccine-resistant strain. Under pessimistic assumptions (e.g., the current vaccine provides no cross-immunity against the variant) the model predicts the variant will not become dominant over the wild-type for at least 50 years. Therefore the current low prevalence of variant infections is not evidence for high cross-immunity of the vaccine or for low infectiousness of the variant, but may simply be a consequence of the epidemiology of HBV. The efficacy of the present vaccine against possible variants needs to be evaluated now to determine whether vaccine modifications are required. However, the model also suggests that serological surveillance may be unable to determine this efficacy for 40-50 years.