anti-HBsAg Titers Research Articles

Evaluating the Status of Hepatitis B Vaccination in Healthcare Workers at a Central Laboratory in a Tertiary Care Hospital and Research Centre.

Introduction Hepatitis B virusis a significant occupational hazard for healthcare workers worldwide. Long-term protection against hepatitis B infection is conferred by the vaccineand the protective immune response is indicated by anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) titre. It is crucial to monitor anti-HBsAg titres as their levels decrease over time. The study aims to evaluate thestatus of hepatitis B vaccination among personnel working in the Central Laboratory of Shri B.M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. The focus is on understanding the immunization practices and protection levels against HBV within this high-risk group. Materials and methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted, including collecting demographic data, determining HBsAgstatus, evaluating anti-HBsAg titre value, and getting vaccination details of the laboratory personnel. The study participants included doctors, lab technicians, and attendants who were assessed for both vaccination coverage and immunity levels. After obtaining their written consent, 4 ml of blood was collected in sterile blood collection tubes. All the samples were tested for HBsAg. The negative samples were tested for anti-hepatitis B surface antigen antibody (HBsAg-Ab (IgG)) titre. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to evaluate the obtained samples for HBsAg and anti-HBsAg titre. Results A total of 99 healthcare workerswere included in the study. Most of the laboratory healthcare workers were in the age range of 20-30 years.In 84.8% of the subjects, protective antibody levels (>10 IU/ml) were found. The highest protection was seen among doctors (94.5%), followed by lab technicians (82.9%) and attendants (66.6%). However, 15.2% exhibited inadequate immunity, predominantly among the attendants (33.3%). The highest vaccination coverage was among doctors (91.8%), followed by lab technicians (78.7%) and attendants (53.3%). Most doctors had completed the full vaccination schedule (70.2%) or received a booster dose (24.3%) compared to lab technicians (57.4%)and attendants (46.6%). Conclusion The study highlights effective preventive measures against HBV among laboratory healthcare workers, as indicated by the absence of active infections. But it also emphasizes the necessity of focused initiatives to raise vaccination rates, particularly among attendants, in order to guarantee complete protection against HBV for all levels of laboratory workers.

Evaluation of Immune Characteristics and Factors Associated with Immune Response following Hepatitis B Vaccination among Ghanaian Adolescents.

WHO recommends HBV-negative babies in high-prevalence (8%) countries receive anti-HBV vaccination. Ghana initiated mass immunization in 2002, but concerns remain about vaccine effectiveness and long-term protection. We evaluated immune characteristics and factors following hepatitis B vaccination among Ghanaian adolescents who received HBV vaccines. In this longitudinal cross-sectional study, 74 participants were enrolled from the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics of participants were obtained using a questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained before and after booster administration for anti-HBsAg, IL-6, and IL-10 estimations using ELISA kit (Shanghai Chemical Ltd., China). Anti-HBsAg titers ≥10 mIU/ml were considered protective. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 26.0 and R programming language, p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We found 100% seroconversion rate, with 25.7% seroprotection rate (anti-HBsAg >10 mIU/ml). Gender (p=0.009), age (p=0.001), and exercising (p=0.044) were significantly associated with seroprotection. Following booster administration, 59.4% were hyporesponders (10 ≤ anti-HBsAg titre ≤99 mIU/ml) whilst 40.6% were good responders (anti-HBsAg titre ≥100 mIU/ml). Exercise (p=0.034) was significantly associated with immune response after booster administration. Moreover, we reported significant positive correlation between cytokines [IL-6 (r = 0.817, p < 0.001) and IL-10 (r = 0.928, p < 0.001)] and anti-HBsAg titre. Approximately two thirds of adolescents vaccinated at birth lack protective levels of antibodies against hepatitis B virus. Booster vaccines could aid in mounting protective levels of anti-HBsAg. Physical exercise was negatively associated with immune response to hepatitis B vaccinations.

Acid resilience oral mucosal delivery for vaccination against Hepatitis-B

The predominant mode of transmission for the viral infection that causes hepatitis B as the major reason of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is by the parenteral or permucosal route. M-cell targeted acid-resistant oral vaccine administration has been developed for Hepatitis B infection prevention. The solvent injection approach was used to create cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (cSLNs). Alginate-coated cSLNs loaded with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were conjugated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). To assess the produced formulation's resistance against acid degradation, SDS-PAGE was used. ELISA assays were used to measure anti-HBsAgIgG/IgA antibodies in mucosal fluids after female Balb/c mice were used to determine the induction of immunity induced by manufactured nanoparticle for hepatitis B infection prevention. After 48 h, alginate-coated cSLNs showed sustained releasing of HBsAg compared to cSLNs devoid of alginate coating. Anti-HBsAG was produced in the intestinal, salivary, and vaginal secretions at levels that were comparatively elevated in comparison to that of the control group, which had an anti-HBsAG titer of 0.25 IU/ml. After binding with SLN, the M-cells' integrity was preserved, and the oral administration helped the antigen reach the gut where it was most needed. It was discovered to be successful at generating antibodies during the mucosal immunization against the hepatitis B virus. As a result, LPS-conjugated alginate-coated cSLNs loaded with HBsAg offers a promising substitute for an existing vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis B infection.

Preliminary assessment of adjuvant activities of Glycine Max (L.) Merr saponin extract in BALB/c mice immunized with hepatitis B virus vaccine

Background: Vaccine adjuvants are used to increase the immunogenicity of weak antigens. Some saponins have adjuvant effects that are exerted via their immune-stimulatory effects and production of cytokines. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) contains saponins that could provide affordable vaccine adjuvants. This study aimed to assess the effect of the saponin extracts of soybean on the immune system in BALB/c mice immunized with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Methods: Saponins were extracted from soybean meal and their presence confirmed by foam generation and Fourier-transform infrared methods. A total of 51 mice were immunized in triplicate with 50 µL of various regimens of concentrations of the extracts and either HBV vaccine or HBsAg. The plasma anti-HBsAg antibody titre was determined using an enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 14 days post-immunization. Gene expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and haematological profile of the blood samples were determined. Results: When the two immunogens were co-administered with the soybean extract, immune response was slightly higher (0.799 + 0.013 for HBsAg and 0.758 + 0.012 for vaccine) than with the Revac B vaccine used alone. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p-value &gt; 0.467, and 0.416 respectively). Unexpectedly, mice immunized with the vaccine expressed less IL-6 levels than the untreated mice (0.603- and 1.469-fold change in transcription (FCT), respectively). Mice treated with the vaccine expressed higher TNF-α levels than the untreated group (28.84 –and 1.00 FCT respectively) while adding the extract significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α (p &lt; 0.063). Administration of immunogens and extract reduced neutrophil (P-value = 0.027) and platelet (p-value &gt; 0.592) counts. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that soybean extract lacked marked adjuvant activity for HBV vaccine, that HBV vaccine suppressed expression of IL-6 and promoted expression of TNF-α.

Prevalence of protective antibody levels against hepatitis B infection among healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital in India

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects more than 2 billion individuals globally HBV. The chance of dying from liver cirrhosis, acute fulminant liver disease, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is present in 240 million of these chronic HBV carriers(HCC). Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the anti-HBs antibody titer level against various levels of healthcare workers (HCWs) and to assess the need for booster dose hepatitis B vaccination. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Melmaruvathur, Tamil Nadu, India, from July 2022 to December 2022. A total of 218 HCWs were divided into two groups: Group A (vaccinated ≥5 years ago) and Group B (vaccinated in past 5 years). The serum from 2 mL blood was separated and tested for anti HBs antibody titer by electrochemiluminescense immunoassay method. Results: The mean and standard deviation values of Anti-HBsAg titer between Group A and Group B was not statistically significant (P=0.08467). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that people who have had vaccinations are unsure of whether they are responders or non-responders, and to determine this, they must have had their titer evaluated only 1–2 months after receiving their third dosage of hepatitis B vaccine. As a result, they still run the risk of contracting hepatitis B and strongly need a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.

Comparison of Immunogenicity and Safety of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis-Hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenza B (Bio Farma) with Pentabio® Vaccine Primed with Recombinant Hepatitis B at Birth (Using Different Source of Hepatitis B) in Indonesian Infants.

Satisfying the needs of the national immunization program requires maintaining diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP)-hepatitis B (HB)-Haemophilus influenza B (Hib) production. Therefore, new hepatitis B sources are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of the DTP-HB-Hib vaccine (Bio Farma) that used a different source of hepatitis B. A prospective randomized, double-blind, bridging study was conducted. Subjects were divided into two groups with different batch numbers. Healthy infants 6-11 weeks of age at enrollment were immunized with three doses of the DTP-HB-Hib vaccine after a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. Blood samples were obtained prior to vaccination and 28 days after the third dose. Adverse events were recorded until 28 days after each dose. Of the 220 subjects, 205 (93.2%) completed the study protocol. The proportion of infants with anti-diphtheria and anti-tetanus titers ≥ 0.01 IU/mL was 100%, with anti-HBsAg titers ≥ 10 mIU/mL was 100%, and with Polyribosylribitol Phosphate-Tetanus Conjugate (PRP-TT) titers > 0.15 µg/mL was 96.1%. The pertussis response rate was 84.9%. No serious adverse events related to the study vaccine occurred. The three-dose DTP-HB-Hib vaccine (Bio Farma) is immunogenic, well tolerated, and suitable to replace licensed-equivalent vaccines.

Evaluation of Anti-HBsAg Titres among the High-Risk Population of A Tertiary Care Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India

Health care workers (HCW) are a high-risk population for Hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B vaccine which is 95% effective confers long-term protection and anti-HBs titre is a marker for protective immune response. Our objective was to assess the status of hepatitis B vaccination and to evaluate the anti-HBsAg titres among health care workers in a tertiary care hospital, Tamil Nadu. It was an observational study conducted among 610 Health care workers in a tertiary care teaching hospital from June to December 2018 after obtaining clearance from IEC. Workers were assessed for their HBV vaccination status and for their anti-HBsAg titre after getting informed consent. The antibody titres were measured using CLIA (chemiluminescent Immunoassay) supplied by Abbott diagnostics. The data was entered and analyzed using a Microsoft Excel sheet. In our study, 80.5% were fully vaccinated, 18.5% of them were defaulters which comprised the HCW with 2 doses and 1 dose of vaccine and 0.9% were not vaccinated. In the fully vaccinated group, 37% showed Anti HBs titres of 10-100 mIU/ml, 59.2% showed the titre of &gt; 100 mIU/ml and 3.6% did not show the protective antibody titre (&lt;10 mIU/ml ). The 3.6% who did not show protective antibody titre were given the booster dose of vaccine. Among those who received a booster dose, 61.1% responded with the titre of 10-100 mIU/ml and 22.2% responded with the titre of &gt; 100 mIU/ ml and 16.6% did not respond even with the booster dose. In the defaulters 86.7% had titres &lt; 10 mIU/ml , 9.7% had titres of 10 mIU/ml and 3.6% had titres &gt; 10 mIU/ml. In the non vaccinated group all had titres &lt; 10 mIU/ml. The present study emphasizes the importance of screening of anti-HBsAg titres to be made mandatory for all the health care workers along with HBV Vaccination.

Robust Immune Responses Elicited by a Hybrid Adjuvant Based on β-Glucan Particles from Yeast for the Hepatitis B Vaccine

The use of particulate adjuvants offers an interesting method for enhancing and modulating the immune responses elicited by vaccines. Aluminum salt (Alum) is one of the most important immune adjuvants approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in humans because of its safety and efficacy, but it lacks the capacity to induce strong cellular and mucosal immune responses. In this study, we designed an antigen delivery system that combines aluminum salts with β-glucan particles. The β-glucan-aluminum particles (GP-Al) exhibited a highly uniform size of 2-4 μm and could highly specifically target antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and strongly induce dendritic cell (DC) maturation and cytokine secretion. In vivo studies showed that both WT mice and HBV-Tg mice immunized with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-containing GP-Al displayed high anti-HBsAg IgG titers in the serum. Furthermore, in contrast to mice receiving the antigen alone, mice immunized with the particulate adjuvant exhibited IgG2a antibody titers and higher antigen-specific IFN-γ levels in splenocytes. In conclusion, we developed GP-Al microspheres to serve as a hepatitis B vaccine to enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses, representing a safe and promising system for antigen delivery.

Immunization against Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in a Cohort of Nursing Students Two Decades after Vaccination: Surprising Feedback.

Health-care students can be exposed to biological risks during university training. The persistence of long-term immunogenicity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was analyzed in a cohort of nursing students two decades after primary vaccination. A total of 520 students were enrolled at the University of Palermo and were evaluated for levels of anti-HBsAg antibodies. The students were examined during the first year of their Degree Course and were checked two years later. All students with anti-HBsAg <10 mIU/mL during their first or third year were boosted within one month. The proportion of students that were vaccinated during adolescence showing anti-HBsAg ≥10 mIU/mL was higher than that observed in students who were vaccinated during infancy (69% versus 31.7%; p-value < 0.001). Receiving HBV vaccination at adolescence was significantly associated with a fourfold increased possibility of having anti-HBsAg titers ≥10 mIU/mL (adj-OR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.43–7.30). Among the students who were checked at the third year and boosted after the first year (n = 279), those who were vaccinated during infancy showed a higher percentage of antibody titers <10 mIU/mL (20.3% versus 8.7% among vaccinated during adolescence; p < 0.01). This study confirms that HBV vaccination at adolescence might determine a higher long-term persistence of anti-HBsAg titers ≥10 mIU/mL and that anti-HBV booster could increase levels of anti-HBsAg over a relatively short period, especially in subjects who were vaccinated during infancy.

Immunological exploration based studies on Strychnos nux-vomica regarding antigen specific immune response

In an effort to determine its cytotoxicity as well as antigen specific immune activity of aqueous leaves extract of Strychnos nux-vomica using hepatitis B vaccine containing surface antigen (HBsAg; 20 µg/ml) pertaining to antibody production and scrutinize its proliferative response along with cytokines in lysed human whole blood. For these studies, phytochemical (qualitative) analysis was determined and evaluates the presence of secondary metabolites through high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and bio-inorganic fingerprinting. In addition, indirect Elisa was performed using HBsAg as coating antigen using variable doses (1-30 mg/ml) of Strychnos nux-vomica. In continuation of these immunological studies, antigen specific immune response along with cytotoxicity was determined through MTT assay in infected human whole blood using HBsAg (20 µg/ml, 50 µl). The results showed that Strychnos nux-vomica showed qualitatively as well as quantitatively determined the presence of secondary metabolites along with bio-inorganic compounds. In addition, Strychnos nux-vomica showed enhancement in anti-HBsAg IgG titre as compared to standard and control but there is sudden decline in proliferation with HBsAg and also showed decline in cytokines (IL-2 and IL-12) level at higher doses as compared to control. Our data suggest that Strychnos nux-vomica may help to raise antibodies against HBsAg but sudden decline in HBsAg proliferative response along with cytokines (IL-2 and IL-12) in infected lysed human whole blood and also showed some cytotoxic effect at higher doses. In other words, Strychnos nux-vomica could be a potent immune enhancer of B cells and inhibitor of T cells against HBsAg. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3244227

Hepatitis B Antigen Loaded Biodegradable Polymeric Nanoparticles: Formulation Optimization and In-vivo Immunization in BALB/c Mice.

The incredibly serious problem of Hepatitis B is virus-related chronic liver disease. The conventional preventive treatment of Hepatitis B requires booster dose, which requires repeated administration of the vaccine to the subject. Thus, there is a need to develop a formulation which can eliminate the need of frequent dosing and enhance patient's acquiescence. To prepare single dose nanovaccine of HBsAg by utilizing central composite design for optimization and interaction of independent variables effects on measured response. Nanovaccines were characterized for particle size, morphology, integrity, internalization, proliferation response and haemocompatibility. Nanoparticles at single and multiple doses were compared with booster dose of alum-HBsAg vaccine and measure the immunological marker and cytokine (interleukin-2 and interferon-Y) levels by ELISA techniques in BALB/c mice. The designed nanoparticles were found to have nanometric size, high entrapment efficiency and retained antigen integrity. Nanoparticles showed maximum proliferation and efficiently internalized by lymph and spleen cell without eliciting significant toxicity and haemocampatible. The comparable data of anti-HBsAg titre between nanovaccine and alum adsorbed HBsAg demonstrated that single dose of nanoparticles is sufficient for production of immunoglobulin plus cytokine levels, maintain immunogenicity at longer period of time and eliminate the booster dose. Nanovaccines trigger immune responses and showing adjuvant properties.

Rational design and evaluation of HBsAg polymeric nanoparticles as antigen delivery carriers

The present work is focused on the development and evaluation of single dose sustained-release Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loaded nanovaccine for Hepatitis B. The conventional treatment suffers from repeated administration and hence requires a booster dose. Therefore, polymeric nanovaccine of HBsAg was developed by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique, utilizing central composite design for formulation optimization. The effects of independent variables (like polymer amount, stabilizer concentration, aqueous/organic phase ratio and homogenizer speed) were also studied on critical quality attributes like particle size and entrapment efficiency. Nanovaccine was characterized in terms of physicochemical parameters, release, internalization and in vivo immunological evaluation in BALB/c mice after administration by different routes such as oral, sub-cutaneous, nasal and intramuscular. The designed nanovaccine demonstrated nanometric size with smooth surface, negative zeta potential, maximum entrapment, sustained release and better internalization in macrophage and MRC-5 cell line. The immune-stimulating activity of nanovaccine administered by different routes was evaluated by measuring anti-HBsAg titre like specific immunoglobulin IgG and IgA response and cytokine level (interleukin-2, interferon-Y) measurement. The results indicated that the nanovaccine administered by intramuscular route produced better humoral as well as cellular responses and potential carriers for antigen delivery at single dose administration via intramuscular route.

Oral hepatitis B vaccine: chitosan or glucan based delivery systems for efficient HBsAg immunization following subcutaneous priming

The World Health Organization encourages “the development of oral formulations to simplify their transport, storage and administration in poor countries”, and to “facilitate an effective immunization program to prevent sexually transmitted hepatitis B”. Thus, two distinct and promising delivery systems were developed: recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) encapsulated into alginate-coated chitosan particles (AlgChiPs) and into glucan particles (GPs) mainly composed of β-1,3-d-glucan. In vitro preliminary studies showed that both could be internalized by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and murine Peyer’s patches, an imperative aspect regarding oral immunization. Chitosan particles (ChiPs) have shown interesting immunostimulating properties as mast cells activators. Vaccination studies reveal that three oral immunizations induced serum anti-HBsAg Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in 60 % of the animals and anti-HBsAg secretory IgA in faeces for both formulations. When subcutaneous (SC) priming was done, followed by two oral boosts, all mice were responder and much higher serum anti-HBsAg IgG titers were observed, besides mucosal protective immunity.

Poly-ϵ-caprolactone/chitosan nanoparticles provide strong adjuvant effect for hepatitis B antigen.

This work aims to investigate the adjuvant effect of poly-ϵ-caprolactone/chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the plasmid DNA encoding HBsAg (pRC/CMV-HBs). Both antigens were adsorbed onto preformed NPs. Vaccination studies were performed in C57BL/6 mice. Transfection efficiency was investigated in A549 cell line. HBsAg-adsorbed NPs generated strong anti-HBsAg IgG titers, mainly of IgG1 isotype, and induced antigen-specific IFN-γ and IL-17 secretion by spleen cells. The addition of pRC/CMV-HBs to the HBsAg-adsorbed NPs inhibited IL-17 secretion but had minor effect on IFN-γ levels. Lastly, pRC/CMV-HBs-loaded NPs generated a weak serum antibody response. Poly-ϵ-caprolactone/chitosan NPs provide a strong humoral adjuvant effect for HBsAg and induce a Th1/Th17-mediated cellular immune responses worth explore for hepatitis B virus vaccination.

Chain length-dependent effects of inulin-type fructan dietary fiber on human systemic immune responses against hepatitis-B.

In vivo studies demonstrating that only specific dietary-fibers contribute to immunity are still inconclusive, as measuring immune effects in healthy humans remains difficult. We applied a relatively inefficacious vaccination-challenge to study chain length-dependent effects of inulin-type fructan (ITF) dietary fibers on human immunity. ITFs with two different 'degree of polymerization-' (DP)-profiles were tested in vitro for effects on PBMC-cytokines and TLR2 activation. In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 40 healthy volunteers (18-29 years) were divided into three groups and supplemented from day 1 to day 14 with DP10-60 ITF, DP2-25 ITF (both n = 13), or fructose placebo (n = 14), 8 g/day. On day 7, all volunteers were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Anti-HbsAg-titer development and lymphocyte subsets were studied. In vitro, DP10-60 ITFs stimulated a Th1-like cytokine profile and stimulated TLR2 more strongly than DP2-25 ITFs. In vivo, DP10-60 increased anti-HBsAg titers, Th1-cells, and transitional B-cells. Both ITFs increased CD45ROhi CTLs at day 35, and CD161+ cytokine producing NK-cells at day 21 and 35. Support of immunity is determined by the chain length of ITFs. Only long-chain ITFs support immunity against pathogenic hepB-epitopes introduced by vaccination. Our findings demonstrate that specific dietary fibers need to be selected for immunity support.

Association of chitosan and aluminium as a new adjuvant strategy for improved vaccination

The use of particulate adjuvants offers an interesting possibility to enhance and modulate the immune responses elicited by vaccines. Aluminium salts have been extensively used as vaccine adjuvants, but they lack the capacity to induce a strong cellular and mucosal immune response. Taking this into consideration, in this study we designed a new antigen delivery system combining aluminium salts with chitosan. Chitosan-aluminium nanoparticles (CH-Al NPs) exhibited a mean diameter of 280nm and a positive surface charge. The newly developed CH-Al NPs are more stable at physiological environment than classical CH NPs, showing no cytotoxic effects and revealing potential as a delivery system for a wide range of model antigens. In vivo studies showed that mice immunized with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-containing CH NPs display high anti-HBsAg IgG titers in the serum, as well as the highest antigen-specific IgG on vaginal washes. Furthermore, in contrast to mice receiving antigen alone, mice immunized with the particulate adjuvant were able to elicit IgG2c antibody titers and exhibited higher antigen-specific IFN-γ levels in splenocytes. In conclusion, we established that CH-Al NPs, combining two immunostimulants to enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses, are a safe and promising system for antigen delivery. Our findings point towards their potential in future vaccination approaches.

Seroprotection against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases amongst Health Care Workers in a Community Hospital, Qatar.

Background:Health care workers (HCW) are at high risk of contracting various infectious diseases and play a dual role in the transmission of infections in health care facilities.Objective:To determine the seroprotection against hepatitis B, measles, rubella, and varicella among HCWs in a community hospital in Qatar.Methods:This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in a 75-bed community hospital in Dukhan, Qatar. From August 2012 to December 2015, 705 HCWs were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies for measles, rubella, and varicella, and also for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). They were also asked about previous history of hepatitis B vaccination.Results:595 (84.4%) HCWs received a full hepatitis B vaccination schedule; 110 (15.6%) received a single dose. The full schedule was reported with higher frequency by nurses (90.2%) compared to physicians (74.1%) or technicians (79.7%). Those aged ≥30 years (90.4%) and <20 years of work experience had received a full vaccination schedule more frequently than younger and less experienced HCWs. Female HCWs (87.8%) received full schedule more frequently than males (78.8%). 73.4% of the staff had seroprotection against heaptitis B, with the lowest anti-HBsAg titers observed in physicians (58.8%) compared with other categories; males (64.9%) were less protected than females. The seropositivity was 85.6%(95% CI 82.4% to 88.4%) for measles, 94.7% (95% CI 92.2% to 97.3%) for rubella, and 92.2% (95% CI 89.7% to 94.7%) for varicella.Conclusion:HCWs, particularly physicians, are not enough protected against hepatitis B. The seroprotection against measles, rubella, and varicella.

Development of novel plant-based adjuvant formulation against rubella and hepatitis B vaccine antigen

Summary Introduction: Numerous metabolites present in the aqueous extract from plants are responsible for inducing adjuvant activity against rubella and hepatitis B vaccine antigen (HBsAg). One of the medicinal plants, Adhatoda vasica has been pointed out with great potential of vaccine adjuvant property. Objective: The objective of our study is to evaluate the adjuvant potential of aqueous leaves extract of Adhatoda vasica against rubella and hepatitis B vaccine antigen (HBsAg). Methods: For these studies, our group evaluated the antibody (IgG) titre of HBsAg and rubella vaccine antigen using variable doses (0.625–5 mg) of aqueous leaves extract of Adhatoda vasica and also determined the lymphocyte (splenocyte) proliferation assay (0.625–5 mg; 50 μl) in mice model studies ex vivo (i.e. immunized with HBsAg subcutaneously). Results: The results showed that aqueous leaves extract showed anti-HBsAg and anti-rubella titre and also enhanced the lymphocyte proliferation assay at higher doses (5 mg) as compared to control. Conclusion: Aqueous leaves extract of Adhatoda vasica showed adjuvant activity against HBsAg and rubella vaccine antigen.

Post Vaccination Evaluation of Anti-HBsAg Antibody Titers among Haemodialysis Patients

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the second most common viral infection which poses threat of infection among health care workers and those individuals treated for various debilitated conditions in hospital settings. Patients undergoing haemodialysis are at a greater risk of acquiring HBV infection. Although HBV vaccination has been in use for almost three decades, it is not completely certain about its efficacy in long-term protection. Few studies in the past have emphasized the need for evaluation of anti-HBsAg antibody titers among high risk groups that include patients undergoing haemodialysis. Studies in the past have also noted that few vaccinated group do not respond to HBV vaccine and that few other group of vaccinated individuals develop inadequate antibody titers. The present study evaluated the antibody titers among haemodialysis patients and health care workers.

Seroconversion of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Young Children in the Kassena Nankana District of Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundHepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is an important public health problem that requires high priority efforts towards prevention and control. Active immunization is the single most important and effective preventive measure against HBV infection. As a protective measure, Ghana introduced the mass immunization program against hepatitis B infection in children in 2002 in her Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). This study evaluated seroconversion (the point in time when the amount of antibody in the blood becomes detectable) and seroprotection (the point in time when the amount of antibody in the blood is enough to confer protection from the antigen that induced it production) status of children under this mass immunization program and measured their antibody levels five years after immunization.Materials and Method200 archived plasma samples of children between the ages of 1–10 years were retrieved from a previous cross-sectional study by researchers from NHRC between 2009 and 2010. Of these, 104 have completed the EPI and were screened for HBsAg. Those found to be HBsAg-seronegative were stratified into three groups according to their age at which the last vaccine was administered. Their anti-HBsAg titer levels were estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA).ResultsTwo (1.9%) samples were HBsAg seropositive and were excluded from further analyses. 10 more samples were excluded from analyses because they were insufficient. The anti-HBs titers recorded ranged from 1.021 IU/L to 751.64 IU/L indicating a 100% seroconversion rate. In group one (0–6 months), 87.9% were seroprotected. Group two (2-3yrs) had 78.3% seroprotection and group three (3-5yrs) had 41.7% seroprotection. There was no significant difference between group 1 and 2. However, there was a significant difference between group 1 and 3 (p = 0.0137) and between group 2 and 3 (p = 0.0390) respectively. There was no significant difference between male and female children.ConclusionAll the children who received doses of hepatitis B vaccine at 6, 10 and 14 weeks in the immunization program seroconverted, but their levels of protection waned with increasing years. Booster doses are therefore recommended after 5 years.