A new accelerated vaccination schedule for rapid protection against hepatitis A and B.

BACKGROUND: Increasing travel stresses the requirement for rapid protection against infections such as hepatitis A and B. METHODS: This randomised, multicentre study investigated an accelerated vaccination schedule using a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix, Smithkline Beecham Biologicals) compared with simultaneous administration of the two corresponding monovalent vaccines. The combined vaccine was administered on days 0, 7 and 21, whereas the comparison group received hepatitis A vaccine on day 0 and hepatitis B vaccine on days 0, 7 and 21. All subjects received booster vaccination at month 12. RESULTS: At month 1, 100% of subjects in the combined group and 99% of the controls were seropositive for anti-HAV antibodies. The corresponding seroprotection rates for anti-HBs antibodies were 82.0 and 83.9%, respectively. Examination of the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the treatment differences showed the two vaccines to be equivalent in terms of immunogenicity 1 week after the initial vaccination course. Just prior to the booster, the seropositivity rate for anti-HAV was 96.2% in the combined group and 95% in the control group. For anti-HBs, this was 94 and 91.6%, respectively. All subjects were seropositive for anti-HAV and seroprotected against hepatitis B at month 13. The anti-HAV GMCs were 9571mIU/ml with the combined vaccine and 5206mIU/ml in control subjects. The anti-HBs titre was 26002 and 29,196mIU/ml, respectively. Both groups had a similar reactogenicity profile. CONCLUSIONS: The accelerated schedule of the combined vaccine provides a good immune response against hepatitis A and B antigens and is suitable for last minute immunisation.     

Antibody persistence six years after two doses of combined hepatitis A and B vaccine

Persistent immunity to hepatitis A and hepatitis B antibodies six years after vaccination of adolescents (aged 12–15 years) with a combined hepatitis A and B (HAB) vaccine following a 0, 6 month or a 0, 12 month schedule was assessed. Yearly (Year-2–6) serum samples were tested for anti-HAV and anti-HBs using EIA. Subjects with anti-HBs concentrations <10 mIU/mL (14/23) at Year-5 or Year-6, received an additional HBV vaccine dose ∼12 months after Year-6. Blood samples were collected pre-booster and 1 month post-booster to assess booster response. 240 subjects were vaccinated in the study; at Year-6, data were available from 88 subjects. At that time 84.8% (39/46; 0, 6 month) and 92.9% (39/42; 0, 12 month) of subjects had anti-HBs concentrations ≥10 mIU/mL. All but one of the 14 boosted subjects responded to the additional HBV vaccine dose with anti-HBs concentrations ≥100 mIU/mL. All seroconverted subjects who returned at Year-6 were seropositive for anti-HAV. Simplification, reduced number of doses and similar long-term persistence of immunity make the 0, 6 month and 0, 12 month schedule preferable for immunization against HAV/HBV in this population.     

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.     

The first combined vaccine against hepatitis A and B: an overview

Hepatitis A and B infections are prevalent world-wide and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. A vaccine providing dual protection against hepatitis A and B is now available (Twinrix, SmithKline Beecham Biologicals). Six pivotal vaccine trials, involving 843 healthy adults, aged between 17 and 60 years and vaccinated following a 0, 1, 6 month schedule are discussed. At month 2 more than 99% of the vaccinees were seropositive for anti-HAV and 84% were protected against hepatitis B. The third dose induced a 12-fold increase in geometric mean titres (GMTs) to 5404 mIU/ml. One month after completion of the vaccination course nearly all vaccinees had protective titres against hepatitis B with a GMT of 4818 mIU/ml. Long term follow-up data until month 48 is available for two studies. At month 48 all 129 vaccinees sampled were still positive for anti-HAV antibodies and > 95% were still protected against hepatitis B. The combined hepatitis A and B vaccine Twinrix proves to be consistently safe, well tolerated and highly immunogenic and compares well with serological responses reached with monovalent vaccines. This combined hepatitis A and B vaccine offers more convenience, potentially better compliance and lower administration costs.     

Comparison of the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a two injection combined high-dose hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine to those of Twinrix

Twinrix (SmithKline Beecham Biologicals) is a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine licensed with a three-dose schedule. A two-dose combined hepatitis A and B vaccine would facilitate immunisation programs. In this prospective study, 100 healthy adults, aged between 18 and 40, were enrolled. A first group of 50 was given a high-dose vaccine at month 0 and 6. A second group of 50 received Twinrix at month 0, 1 and 6.The reactogenicity was assessed after each vaccine dose. There were no severe local adverse events. Seven severe systemic reactions occurred, of which five were fatigue, one was headache and one consist in gastrointestinal symptoms. They all resolved during the 4-day follow-up period. One serious general adverse event was reported, but was clearly unrelated to the vaccine. Thus, both vaccines were well tolerated.The immunogenicity was evaluated by testing for anti-HBs and anti-HAV antibodies. Seroconversion rates and geometric mean titres (GMTs) were compared. At month 7, the anti-HAV GMTs were higher in the high-dose group than in the Twinrix group and, inversely, the anti-HBs GMTs were slightly higher in the Twinrix group than in the high-dose group. At month 7, all subjects in both groups were positive for anti-HAV. All subjects in the high-dose group and 97.6% subjects in the Twinrix group had seroconverted for anti-HBs. Therefore, it can be concluded that with two injections of the high-dose hepatitis A and B vaccine, 6 months apart, a similar immune response can be obtained as induced with three doses of Twinrix at months 0, 1 and 6.     

倍尔来福TM甲、乙型肝炎联合疫苗安全性和免疫原性研究

目的 观察倍尔来福~(TM)甲、乙型肝炎(甲、乙肝)联合疫苗的安全性和免疫原性。方法以高中一年级(成人组)和小学1～5年级(儿童组)学生为研究对象,按对甲、乙肝病毒均易感、只对甲肝病毒易感和只对乙肝病毒易感分为AB组、A组和B组,按0、1和6个月三剂程序分别接种甲、乙肝联合疫苗、灭活甲肝疫苗和重组乙肝疫苗。疫苗剂量成人组每剂含甲肝病毒抗原500U和(或)HBsAg10μg,儿童组减半。疫苗接种后72h内观察副反应,免疫后2、7个月采集血清标本检测抗-HAV和抗-HBs。结果 儿童AB组和成人AB组局部副反应发生率分别为0.58％(2/344)和2.56％(8/312),全身副反应发生率分别为9.88％(34/344)和5.45％(17/212),与对照组相比差异无显著性。局部反应主要是轻度疼痛,全身反应主要是低热。免疫后7个月,两组抗-HAV阳转率均为100％,与A组相同;抗体滴度(GMT)分别为33 910mIU/ml和23 435 mIU/ml,显著高于A组;两组抗-HBs阳转率分别为97.30％和96.63％;GMT为103 mIU/ml和102 mIU/ml,抗-HBs阳转率及GMT均与B组差异无显著性。结论 倍尔来福~(TM)甲、乙肝联合疫苗与单价甲肝灭活疫苗和单价重组乙肝疫苗具有相同的安全性和免疫原性。     

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine in young adults

The combination of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccinations can offer convenience, increased compliance and cost saving. We have studied the immunogenicity, reactogenicity and safety of combined hepatitis A and B vaccination in young adults (16-35 years old). Eighty healthy young adults were divided into two random groups. One group received the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine (HAB) in one arm while the other group was administered concomitant hepatitis A and B vaccines (HAV + HBV) in the right and left arms, respectively. The immunogenicity, reactogenicity and safety were assessed after each dose in both the groups. In local symptoms, the percentage of the combined HAB group was lower than the HAV + HBV group, and the general symptoms were noted in approximately 30% of each group without any significant difference. No serious adverse effects were noted. All the subjects were seropositive for antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) after one dose of vaccine, and remained seropositive after three doses in both groups. The seropositive rate for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) was significantly higher (84%) in the combined HAB group than the concomitant HAV + HBV group (62%), (p<0.05) after dose two, and all the subjects were seropositive (100%) after the third dose. The GMTs of anti-HAV and anti-HBs were not significantly different between groups 1 and 2 (p>0.1) except in month 6 when the GMT of anti-HBs was higher in HAB group (p=0.0039). The combined HAB vaccine was found to be safe, well tolerated and had less local symptoms in young adults. The immunogenicity and reactogenicity were similar to the concomitant HAV + HBV vaccines.     

Immune response of HLA DQ2 positive subjects,vaccinated with HBsAg/AS04, a hepatitis B vaccine with a novel adjuvant

About 5-10% of the general adult population respond inadequately to hepatitis B vaccination. The histocompatibility leucocyte antigen (HLA) DQ2, DR3 and DR7 phenotypes have been linked with non-responsiveness to hepatitis B vaccination. A first part of our study determined the prevalence of the HLA DQ2 allele in a healthy population, aged 15-50 years. We found 35% of our study population (n=1008) positive for the HLA DQ2 allele. Positive subjects for HLA DQ2 were subsequently invited to participate in a trial and were to be given either the HBsAg/AS04 hepatitis B vaccine or a licensed hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B).(1) Both contained 20 microg of recombinant HBsAg. The HBsAg/AS04 vaccine was administered on a 0 and 6 months schedule whilst the comparator vaccine was given according to the standard 0, 1 and 6 months schedule. The experimental vaccine was formulated on a novel adjuvant containing 3' deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A (3D-MPL) and alum. A total of 230 subjects were enrolled into the vaccination study. At month 7, 99% of the subjects had a protective titre (>or=10mIU/ml) with a geometric mean titre (GMT) of 6613mIU/ml in the group receiving HBsAg/AS04 versus 97% seroprotected with a GMT of 2315mIU/ml in the other group. Both vaccines, with their respective schedule, give very high seroprotection rates (>96%). Our data suggest that HLA DQ2 positivity is not a good marker for non- or poor-responsiveness. The HBsAg/AS04 vaccine was more reactogenic mainly because of an increased local reactogenicity. Both vaccines, especially HBsAg/AS04, are highly immunogenic and well tolerated by the study subjects.     

成人和儿童接种国产甲型肝炎灭活疫苗的安全性与免疫原性的初步观察

为了评价国产甲型肝炎 (甲肝 )灭活疫苗的安全性和免疫原性 ,将 176名健康易感儿童和 2 0 6名成人随机分为 4组 ,10 7名儿童 (A组 )和 131名成人 (B组 )接种国产甲肝灭活疫苗 ,另 6 9名儿童 (C组 )和 75名成人 (D组 )作为对照接种史克必成公司生产的甲肝灭活疫苗。国产疫苗剂量为儿童 6 4 0EU/1 0ml,成人 12 80EU/1 0ml;对照疫苗剂量儿童 72 0EIU/1 0ml,成人 14 4 0EIU/1 0ml,均采用 0、6个月免疫程序。观察 72h内局部和全身反应 ,免疫后 1、6、7个月的免疫应答水平。结果显示 :所有接种对象均未出现明显的局部和全身副反应 ,亦未发现免疫后丙氨酸氨基转移酶 (ALT)升高。初次免疫后 1个月 ,A组和B组抗体阳转率分别为 94 8%和 96 7% ,几何平均滴度(GMT)为 75 8 6mIU/ml和 36 30 8mIU/ml。全程免疫后 1个月 ,4个组抗体阳转率均为 10 0 % ,A组和B组抗体GMT升至 10 4 71 2mIU/ml和 12 30 2 7mIU/ml,略高于对照的C组和D组 (分别为 30 90 3mIU/ml和3388 4mIU/ml)。表明国产甲肝灭活疫苗具有良好安全性和免疫原性。     

A two-dose schedule for combined hepatitis A and B vaccination in children aged 6-15 years

A combined hepatitis A and B vaccine, Twinrix, in a paediatric formulation for ages 1-15 years and in an adult formulation for those ages 16 years and older, became commercially available in Turkey as well as in many countries. It is administered according to a three-dose schedule (0, 1 and 6 months). A reduction in the number of doses would improve the compliance rate and reduce administration costs. Therefore, we planned a trial evaluation of the immunogenicity, safety and reactogenicity profile of a high-dose combined hepatitis A and B vaccine, administered in two doses, compared with the profile of a paediatric-dose combined vaccine, administered in three doses, in healthy children aged 6-15 years. One hundred children were randomly attributed to the two study groups. The first group (paediatric-dose vaccine group) received the licensed Twinrix Paediatric, at months 0, 1 and 6; the second group (high-dose vaccine group) received the high-dose vaccine, following a 0, 6 months schedule. The reactogenicity was assessed after each vaccine dose. The immunogenicity was evaluated by testing for anti-HBs and anti-HAV antibodies. Seroconversion rates and geometric mean titres (GMTs) were compared. Both formulations of the combined vaccine were well tolerated. The high-dose combined vaccine administered in two doses, elicits satisfactory immunogenicity profiles, similar to those elicited by the paediatric vaccine administered in three doses. On completion of the vaccination schedule in the two groups all children were protected against hepatitis B and immune for hepatitis A. Anti-HAV GMTs after completion of the vaccination schedule were 7163 mlU/ml in the paediatric-dose group, 8241 mlU/ml in the high-dose group; anti-HBs GMTs were 8679 and 4583 mlU/ml, respectively. These results indicate that a two-dose schedule, compared with the standard three-dose schedule, offers fewer injections for satisfactory protection against the two infections. This means fewer clinic visits, lower administration costs, better compliance, and higher coverage rate. Therefore, this two-dose schedule can be considered an appropriate regimen for the immunization of children and adolescents against hepatitis A and B infection, in the context of school-based immunization programmes.     

Immunity to hepatitis A and B persists for at least 15 years after immunisation of adolescents with a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine

BackgroundThe exact duration of antibody persistence to hepatitis A and B and the need for booster dosing following primary immunisation remains undefined. A long-term study was designed to follow antibody persistence and immune memory on an annual basis for up to 15 years following vaccination during adolescence.MethodsSubjects received a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix™, GSK Vaccines, Belgium) at 12–15 years of age, either as 2-dose of the adult formulation or 3-dose of the paediatric formulation. Blood samples were taken every year thereafter to assess antibody persistence and immune memory to hepatitis A and B. Antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) and hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) were measured at Years 11–15. At Year 15 immune memory was further assessed by measuring the anamnestic response to a challenge dose of the monovalent vaccine, which was administered to subjects whose antibody concentrations fell below the pre-defined cut-offs (anti-HAV: <15 mIU/mL; anti-HBs: <10 mIU/mL).Results209 subjects returned for follow-up at Year 15 of whom 162 were included in the long-term according-to-protocol immunogenicity cohort. All subjects remained seropositive for anti-HAV antibodies, while 81.1% and 81.8% still had anti-HBs antibodies ≥10 mIU/mL in the 2- and 3-dose groups, respectively. Following hepatitis B vaccine challenge dose administration to 19 subjects, all except one in the 3-dose group, mounted a robust anamnestic response. The safety and reactogenicity profile of the hepatitis B challenge was consistent with previous experience.ConclusionImmunity to hepatitis A and B persists 15 years after adolescent vaccination with a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine. Highly effective anamnestic response indicates that a booster dose should not be required for 15 years after primary vaccination.Trial registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00875485.     

Immunogenicity of two paediatric doses of monovalent hepatitis B or combined hepatitis A and B vaccine in 8-10-year-old children

Hepatitis A and B vaccines are highly immunogenic in three-dose schedules. To obtain an equivalent result in children with two paediatric doses would be of significant benefit. The purpose of this study was to measure the immunogenicity of a two-dose schedule in children with two licensed recombinant HBsAg containing vaccines given at paediatric doses, one of them combined with hepatitis A. Seven-hundred and four healthy school children aged 8-10 years were recruited in an open label study to receive either Twinrix Pediatric (360 El.U HAV antigen; 10 microg HBsAg) or Recombivax (2.5 microg HBsAg) vaccine intramuscularly 6 months apart. The seroconversion (>/=1 mIU/ml for anti-HBs antibodies and >/=33 mIU/ml for anti-HAV antibodies), seroprotection (anti-HBs >/=10 mIU/ml) rates and the geometric mean titers (GMTs) were determined 4-8 weeks after the second dose. The anti-HBs seroconversion rate was 97.1% with Twinrix and 97.2% with Recombivax. The seroprotection rates were 96.5 and 94.4%, respectively (P = 0.17). The GMT was higher with Twinrix than with Recombivax (3248 mIU/ml versus 742 mIU/ml, P < 0.0001). All the children vaccinated with Twinrix seroconverted to HAV and the GMT was 5168 mIU/ml. The obtained results suggest that two paediatric doses of hepatitis vaccines are highly immunogenic in 8-10-year-old children. This schedule could facilitate a greater vaccine acceptance and the addition of hepatitis A vaccine to existing adolescent universal hepatitis B virus immunization programs.     

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a combined high dose hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine, compared to that of Twinrix in healthy Indian children

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are vaccine preventable important childhood acquired infectious diseases in developing countries. In the changing epidemiology of HAV, the utility of such a vaccine in India needs urgent attention. Further, the efficacy of two versus three dose schedule needs to be assessed to improve compliance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred healthy school children, aged 1-15 years were recruited in a randomised open study to receive either vaccination schedule: Group I: combined high-dose hepatitis A and B vaccine to be administered on a 0, 6 month schedule intramuscularly; Group II: to be administered on 0, 1, 6 month Twinrix (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium) schedule intramuscularly. The seroconversion (> or =1MIU/ml for anti-HBs antibodies and > or =33MIU/ml for anti-HAV antibodies) and seroprotection (anti-HBs > or =10MIU/ml after the third dose of vaccine) rates were determined at months 1, 2, and 7. RESULTS: The mean age and gender was similar between groups: 7.9+/-2.6 years (range 3-15 years). At month 7 all subjects (100%) in both groups were seropositive for anti-HAV antibodies, Group I had higher anti-HAV titres at months 1 or 2 compared to Group II (P=0.025, P=0.040). Group II developed higher seroprotection rates (month 2, P=0.002, month 6, P=0.003) compared to Group I and higher titres (month 2, P=0.001, month 6 P=0.001) compared to Group I. At month 7, the geometric mean titres (GMTs) were comparable between groups and seroprotection reached 100% in both the groups. The incidence of any symptom per dose analysis reported during a 4-day follow-up period was significantly higher in Group I, 53% (52/98) of the documented doses compared to 37% (54/146) in Group II (P=0.018). CONCLUSION: Twinrix vaccine is safe and highly immunogenic in Indian children. Further study of the high dose vaccine would determine if its two dose regimen is a feasible advantage.     

甲、乙型肝炎联合疫苗在儿童中0、6月程序接种的安全性和免疫原性研究

目的 观察和评价在儿童中接种2剂倍尔来福~(TM)甲、乙型肝炎(分别简称为甲肝、乙肝)联合疫苗的安全性及免疫原性.方法 本研究以江苏省常州市116名1～10岁完成乙肝疫苗全程免疫同时无甲肝疫苗接种史的抗甲肝病毒抗体(anti-hepatitis A virus,抗-HAV)阴性儿童为研究对象,按0、6个月程序接种甲、乙肝联合疫苗(倍尔来福~(TM)).每剂疫苗0.5 ml,含HAV抗原250 U和乙肝表面抗原5μg.观察接种疫苗后72 h内局部反应和全身反应,检测免疫后1、6、7个月的血清抗-HAV阳转率、乙肝病毒表面抗体(抗-HBs)保护率及抗体滴度.结果 倍尔来福~(TM)接种后局部和全身不良反应发生率分别为12.1%(14/116)和6.0%(7/116),其中局部不良反应以注射部位红、肿、硬结为主,占6.9%(8/116)～11.2%(13/116),全身不良反应发生率为6.0%(7/116),以发热为主.免疫后1、6、7个月,抗.HAV阳转率为92.9%(92/99)～100.0%(101/101),抗体几何平均滴度(GMT)为47.0～2762.3 mIU/ml;疫苗免疫前抗-HBs阳性保护率为86.1%(87/101),免疫后1个月达到100.0%(101/101),免疫后1、6、7个月抗-HBs GMT为894.3～3314.3 mlU/ml.结论 倍尔来福~(TM)甲、乙肝联合疫苗2剂接种程序在乙肝基础免疫儿童中应用具有良好的安全性和免疫原性.     

Immunogenicity, reactogenicity and safety of two-dose versus three-dose (standard care) hepatitis B immunisation of healthy adolescents aged 11-15 years: a randomised controlled trial

This trial assessed the immunogenicity, safety and reactogenicity of a two-dose hepatitis B immunisation regimen (thiomersal-free Engerix-B 20 microg HBsAg doses 6 months apart) compared to the standard three-dose vaccination regimen (preservative-free Engerix-B 10 microg HBsAg doses, 0, 1, 6 month dose schedule) in healthy adolescents aged 11-15 years. Subjects were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to one of the two regimens (258 to the two-dose [20 microg] and 126 to the three-dose [10 microg] regimen) (Study ID 103860/280). One month after the final vaccine dose, the seroprotection (anti-HBs >or=10mIU/ml) rate in the two-dose (20 microg) group (233/241 individuals -96.7% seroprotected) was non-inferior to the seroprotection rate in the three-dose (10 microg) group (111/113 individuals -98.2% seroprotected). Both regimens were shown to be safe and well tolerated. Two doses of Engerix-B (20 microg HBsAg) could be considered as an alternative to standard three-dose Engerix-B (10 microg HBsAg) immunisation for adolescents aged 11-15 years.     

Long-term persistence of anti-HBs after vaccination with a recombinant DNA yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccine: 8-year results

The aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of antibodies 7 years after hepatitis B booster administration in healthy adult volunteers who were vaccinated in 1987. In October 1986, 188 seronegative, healthy adult volunteers (117 men and 71 women) were vaccinated with a 20 μg dose recombinant DNA yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccine. Mean age of the study group was 23.3 years (±0.28). Immunisation was carried out according to a 0-1-2 month vaccination schedule, with a boosterdose at 12 months. Of the 159 subjects who received the full vaccination course, 63 (40%) had a blood sample taken 8 years after the first vaccination. Of these 63 subjects, five were excluded from teh analysis due to an irregular vaccination schedule and four subjects did not complete the accompanying questionnaire on possible booster administration. So, 54 subjects remained available for further analysis. Fourteen individuals had received an additional booster of hepatitis B vaccine sometime between 1989 and 1994. The geometric mean titre (GMT) at month 13 for these 14 individuals was 1494 mIU ml⁻¹, compared with 3103 mIU ml⁻¹ for those who did not receive an interim booster. Forty subjects, who received no additional booster dose besides that of month 12, met the inclusion criteria of the follow-up study. Of these, all subjects except one were seropositive for anti-HBs at month 96 (GMT: 215.9 mIU ml⁻¹). All subjects were still anti-HBc negative at that time. Distribution of individual antibody titres revealed that overall 92.5% of subjects retained protective antibody levels (10 mIU ml⁻¹); 72.5% of vaccinees retained high levels of anti-HBs (100 mIU ml⁻¹) as compared to 99.2 and 97.0% at month 13, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the subjects' titres at month 13 and month 96. A 0-1-2 dose vaccination course with a booster dose administered at month 12, induces a protective immune response which lasts at least until 7 years after the full vaccination course of the subjects. A positive correlation was found between the anti-HBs antibody titres at month 13 and month 96.     

DTPw-HB and Hib primary and booster vaccination: combined versus separate administration to Latin American children

This multicentre study was designed to establish the reactogenicity and immunogenicity profiles of primary and booster vaccination with diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis whole-cell-hepatitis B/Haemophilus influenzae type-b (DTPw-HB/Hib) administered as either a syringe mix or as separate injections in 400 Latin American children. Both vaccine regimens were equally well tolerated and elicited post-primary excellent seropositivity rates at or close to 100% for all five component antigens. With regard to HB, 100% of subjects in the combined vaccination group, and 98.8% subjects in the separate injection vaccination group reached seroprotective antibody concentrations (>or=10 mIU/ml) 1 month after the primary vaccination course. Equally high anti-PRP antibody concentrations were reached 1 month after vaccination, with 100% of seroprotected subjects in the combined vaccination group (antibody concentrations >or=0.15 microg/ml), against 99.4% in the separate injection vaccination group. Seroprotective anti-HBs and anti-PRP antibody concentration levels persisted approximately 1 year after the primary vaccination course, just prior to booster vaccination. Finally, a significant increase of all antibody concentrations could be observed after the booster vaccination, since all but one subject in the separate injection vaccination group had protective levels of anti-HBs and anti-PRP antibodies 1 month after the booster dose. These results suggest that the combination of DTPw-HB and Hib vaccines provides an effective means for increasing vaccine coverage in childhood vaccination programmes.     

The immunogenicity and reactogenicity profile of a candidate hepatitis B vaccine in an adult vaccine non-responder population

Approximately 5% of vaccinees display an inadequate response after the administration of the standard three dose hepatitis B vaccine. A new hepatitis B vaccine (HBsAg/AS04) formulated with the adjuvant AS04 which contains 3'-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A (3D-MPL) and alum has been developed. AS04 enhances the immune response which may be beneficial to non-responders. In a single-blind, randomised study, we tested the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of the new vaccine with that of commercially established hepatitis B vaccine, both on a 0, 1, 6 months schedule in 20-60 years old non-responders (titre <10 m IU/ml after four doses of hepatitis B vaccine). One month after the first dose the seroprotection rate was 44% for group 1 (58 subjects) receiving the established vaccine versus 66% for group 2 receiving HBsAg/AS04 (57 subjects) (P=0.03). One month after the second dose this was 58 and 81%, respectively (P<0.005) and 1 month after the third dose this was 68 and 98%, respectively (P<0.001). One month after each dose, GMTs were 34, 56 and 111 mIU/ml for group 1 versus 123222 and 1937 mIU/ml for the HBsAg/AS04 group (P<0.05, <0.01 and 0.0001, respectively). Pain at the injection site was the most commonly reported local symptom and very few symptoms were scored as severe. In this group of adult non-responders to previous hepatitis vaccination, the HBsAg/AS04 vaccine was well tolerated and induced, at all time-points, a superior immune response compared to the licensed hepatitis B vaccine.     

国产甲型肝炎灭活疫苗的安全性与免疫原性初步观察

目的 评价国产甲型肝炎灭活疫苗的安全性和免疫原性。方法 对健康易感儿童1％名和成人206名随机分为4组，107名儿童(A组)和131名成人(B组)接种国产甲肝灭活疫苗，另69名儿童(c组)和75名成人(D组)作为对照接种史克必成公司生产的甲肝灭活疫苗。国产疫苗剂量为儿童640EIU／1．0ml。成人1440EIU／1．0ml，对照疫苗剂量儿童720EIU／1．0ml，成人1440EIU／1．0ml，均采用0、6程序。观察72小时内局部和全身反应及免后1、6、7月的免疫应答水平。结果 所有接种对象均未出现明显局部和全身副反应，亦未发现免后ALT升高。初免后一个月A组和B组抗体阳性率分别为94．8％和96．7％，几何平均滴度为758．6mIU／ml和3630．8mIU／ml。全程免疫后一个月4组抗体阳性率均为100％，A组和B组抗体几何平均滴度上升至10471．2mIU／ml和12302．7mIU／m1，略高于对照的C组和D组(分别为3090．3mIU／d和3388．4mIU／ml)。结论 国产甲肝灭活疫苗具有良好安全性和免疫原性。     

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.