Research papers
Seroconversion following Hepatitis B immunization in National Immunization Programme in a selected Medical Officer of Health area in Galle District
Authors:
W. M. D. G. B. Wijayaratne ,
University of Ruhuna, Galle, LK
About W. M. D. G. B.
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine
H. A. Ubeysekara,
Provincial Director of Health Services Office, Southern Province, LK
N. De Silva,
University of Ruhuna, Galle, LK
About N.
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine
G. Galagoda
Medical Research Institute, Colombo, LK
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatitis B immunization was introduced into the National Immunization Programme (NIP) of Sri Lanka in three phases in 2003. The study evaluates the protective efficacy of 2, 4, 6 month schedule of hepatitis B vaccination in the NIP in Sri Lanka.
Methods: A cross sectional study carried out among 154 infants (completed 9 months of age) attending the NIP in the Bope Poddala Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area in Galle District in 2008. Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titres were tested using a quantitative enzyme immunoassay test. Forty-two infants detected with low titres of antibodies were given a booster dose of hepatitis B vaccine and HBsAb titer was retested 2 - 4 weeks later.
Results: The overall protection (HBsAb titre >10 mIU/mL) after 3 doses of vaccine was 94.2% with a geometric mean titre of 233.37 mIU/mL. There were 5.8% infants with HBsAb titres <10 mIU/mL and 30.5% with HBsAb titres between 10 to 100 mIU/mL. Sex, birth weight, body mass index and weight for height were not significantly associated with HBsAb levels. None of the infants had potential risk factors for acquiring hepatitis B virus infection. Only 26 out of 42 revaccinated infants returned for repeat testing of antibody levels where all had demonstrated a protective level.
Conclusions: The majority of infants seroconverted following three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine in NIP in Sri Lanka and the rest picked up the antibody levels following a booster dose.
How to Cite:
Wijayaratne, W.M.D.G.B., Ubeysekara, H.A., De Silva, N. and Galagoda, G., 2019. Seroconversion following Hepatitis B immunization in National Immunization Programme in a selected Medical Officer of Health area in Galle District. Galle Medical Journal, 24(1), pp.1–7. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/gmj.v24i1.8000
Published on
30 Mar 2019.
Peer Reviewed
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