Japanese original delayed hepatitis B vaccination provides adequate immunogenicity against mother-to-child hepatitis B virus infection in preterm infants: A nationwide survey in Japan

Abstract

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate immunogenicity following Japanese original delayed hepatitis B (HB) vaccinations for prevention of mother-to-child HB infection in preterm infants. MethodsA nationwide survey in Japan was conducted at certified neonatology facilities in 2014. Eighty-four preterm infants born from a serum hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigen-positive mother were included. We collected data on the following parameters: gestational age, birth weight (BW), age at HB vaccination, age at examination of serum anti-HBs titer, and serum anti-HBs titer. The delayed HB vaccination schedule was 3 doses of HB vaccines at 2, 3 and 5 months of age. A seropositive immunogenic response to HB vaccination was defined as an anti-HBs titer ≥10 mIU/mL. Seropositive rates were calculated in all participants. Four subgroups based on BW were as follows: <1000 g (n = 13), 1000–1499 g (n = 16), 1500–1999 g (n = 26), and ≥2000 g (n = 29). ResultsAmong 84 preterm infants who completed the delayed vaccination schedule, 82 (98%) achieved seropositive anti-HBs titer at a median age of 6 months. Seropositive rates of infants <1000 g, 1000–1499 g, 1500–1999 g, and ≥2000 g were 92%, 94%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. ConclusionThe Japanese original delayed HB vaccinations achieved sufficient seropositive rates in preterm infants and provide immunogenicity against mother-to-child HB infection.