Impact of hepatitis B vaccination in a highly endemic area of south Italy and long-term duration of anti-HBs antibody in two cohorts of vaccinated individuals.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of hepatitis B vaccination on the changing pattern of HBV infection in a former hyperendemic area (Afragola, South Italy), and to assess the long-term persistence of anti-HBs in two cohorts of individuals vaccinated as infants 18 and 23 years ago. Our data shows a significant decline in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers in the general population from 1978 to 2006 (HBsAg: 13.4% versus 0.