Efficacy of Hepatitis B Vaccination Procedures in Infants and Children Born from HBsAg-positive Mothers in Iran: A Case Study of Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran

Abstract

Background: Viral infections have been a major public health concern in recent years. Viral hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the serious healthcare system issues in Iran. Family transmission of HBV in pregnant women is a major cause of the high prevalence of HBV infection in neonates and related persons. The expanded program on immunization (EPI) was the main way to prevent this infection. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccine in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers in Khorasan Razavi province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 53 HBsAg-positive women between March 2017 and April 2019 in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to conduct screenings for HBsAg in children. Risk factors for HBV infection were investigated using medical records and structured questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of HBsAg positivity was 1.2% (1/83) among children aged 1-3 years old. All children received three doses of HBV vaccine according to the HBV immunization program. The positive hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) test among children under study was 80.7% (n=67). Conclusion: The results indicated a low prevalence of hepatitis B infection among infants and children born to HBsAg-positive mothers (1.2); however, protective anti-HBs levels were reported in 80.7% (<95%) of the children. It appears that the efficiency level of the hepatitis B vaccination procedure was not sufficient in this study. Overall, revaccination is recommended for children who are anti-HBs-negative or not protected.