Immunization against hepatitis B in children from endemic zone: evaluation of the antibody response against the DNA recombinant vaccine (Engerix B-20 MCG)
Ferreira, C.R.; Yoshida, C.F.; Mercadante, L.A.; Gomes, D.F.; Oliveira, J.M.; França, M.S.; Sidoni, M.; Ennes, I.C.; Baptista, M.L.; Schatzmayr, H.G.
Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo 35(1): 89-92
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-4665 PMID: 8278748 Document Number: 420981
A previous seroepidemiological study in the rural zone of Vargem Alta (ES) SouthEast of Brazil, showed a prevalence of up to 9% of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in some areas. One hundred susceptible children aging 1 to 5 years old were selected and immunized with a recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine (Smith-Kline 20 mcg) using the 0-1-6 months vaccination schedule. Blood samples were collected at the time of the first vaccine dose (month 0) in order to confirm susceptible individuals and 1,3,6 and 8 months after the first dose, to evaluate the antibody response. Our results showed that two and five months after the second dose, 79% and 88% of children seroconverted respectively, reaching 97% after the third dose. The levels of anti-HBs were calculated in milli International Units/ml (mIU/ml) and demonstrated the markedly increase of protective levels of antibodies after the third dose. These data showed a good immunogenicity of the DNA recombinant hepatitis B vaccine when administered in children of endemic areas.