AI Article Synopsis
- Universal immunization has reduced hepatitis B cases, but older adults, especially those over 50, still have a risk for infection, prompting a study in central Brazil to explore the virus’s epidemiology in this age group and assess vaccine effectiveness.* -
- The study involved a clinical trial comparing two vaccine regimens: a higher dose regimen (40 μg) and a standard dose regimen (20 μg), both administered in three doses over six months to individuals lacking vaccination documentation.* -
- Results showed a 16.6% exposure rate to HBV, with the higher dose regimen producing significantly better protective titers and higher levels of immune response, suggesting the need for reinforced vaccination for older adults.*
Article Abstract
Unlabelled: Universal immunization against hepatitis B has contributed to reducing incidence of the disease, but older individuals remain susceptible to acquiring the hepatitis B virus worldwide. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of HBV infection in individuals aged 50 years and over in central Brazil and to evaluate the immunogenicity of the monovalent vaccine against hepatitis B in this age group using two vaccine regimens.
Method: Initially, a cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out to investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B. Then, individuals without proof of vaccination for hepatitis B were recruited for a phase IV randomized and controlled clinical trial using two vaccine regimens: Intervention Regimen (IR) (three doses of 40 μg at months 0, 1 and 6) vs. Comparison Regimen (CR) (three doses of 20 μg at months 0, 1 and 6).
Results: The overall prevalence of exposure to HBV was 16.6% (95% CI: 14.0%-9.5%). In the clinical trial, statistical differences in protective titers were observed ( = 0.007; IR 96% vs. CR 86%) and the geometric mean of anti-HBs titers was higher in individuals who received the IR (518.2 mIU/mL vs. 260.2 mIU/mL). In addition, the proportion of high responders was higher among those who received the IR (65.3%).
Conclusion: reinforced doses should be used in individuals aged 50 years or older to overcome the lower efficacy of the vaccine against hepatitis B.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10054683 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030597 | DOI Listing |
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