Effectiveness of hepatitis B virus vaccination program in Egypt:Multicenter national project

摘要

AIM:To assess the effectiveness of hepatitis B virus(HBV) vaccination program among fully vaccinated children.METHODS:A national community based crosssectional study was carried out in 6 governorates representing Egypt. A total of 3600 children aged from 9 mo to 16 years who were fully vaccinated with HBV vaccine during infancy were recruited. Face to face interviews were carried out and sera were evaluated for hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsA g),anti-HBV core antibodies(total) and quantitative detection of hepatitis B surface antibody using enzyme linked immunoassays techniques. Samples positive to HBs Ag/anti-HBV core antibodies were subjected to quantitative HBV-DNA detection by real time polymerase chain reaction with 3.8 IU/L detection limit. RESULTS:Sero-protection was detected among 2059 children(57.2%) with geometric mean titers 75.4 ± 3.6 IU/L compared to 3.1 ± 2.1 IU/L among nonseroprotected children. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that older age and female gender were the significant predicting variables for having non seroprotective level,with adjusted odds ratio 3.3,9.1and 14.2 among children aged 5 to 0.05. C ON C LU S I ON :T he E gy pt ian c ompuls or y H B V vaccination program provides adequate protection. Occult HBV infection exists among apparently healthy vaccinated children. Adherence to infection control measures is mandatory.