Evaluation of the Intensity of Post-Vaccination Immunity to Hepatitis B among HIV-infected and Conditionally Healthy Persons in Western Siberia

Relevance. Hepatitis B often causes liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, especially among patients with HIV. Vaccination is the main prophylaxis of HBV for preventing infection and developing chronic disease. Studying the duration of postvaccination immunity and the expediency of revaccination in different age and risk groups is important for improving the strategy of immunoprophylaxis of B hepatitis.

Aims. Study was to determine the level of post-vaccination immunity to HBV and specific antibodies (anti-HBc and anti-HBs) among HIV-positive patients and the healthy population of Novosibirsk and Tomsk.

Materials and methods. 536 blood samples were taken from HIV-positive patients and 337 blood samples from healthy people (pregnant women and persons undergoing a routine medical examination). The presence of HBsAg, anti-HBs IgG, and anti-HBcIgG were determined in the samples.

Results. The proportion of post-vaccination immunity decreased in older age groups with an increase in the proportion of post-exposure immunity. The proportion of HIV-positive patients who had contact with HBV was higher than among healthy people. Around 70% of people in each group had a low level of protective antibodies anti-HBs (lower than 100 IU). A high level of anti-HBs (higher than 400 IU) was determined in 10% of examined people. The proportion of low levels of anti-HBs increased with age, while average and high levels of post-vaccination immunity were less common with increasing age.

Conclusion. A low proportion of HIV-positive people, who have been effectively vaccinated against hepatitis B, was noticed. Annual blood tests for the presence of HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc, in combination with determining DNA HBV, can be recommended for HIV-positive patients who have a risk of developing an occult form of hepatitis B.

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