Protection level of anti-hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin in a pediatric Cameroonian population

Abstract

Background: Background: Despite nearly twenty years of an effective vaccine, hepatitis B remains one of the most common viral infections worldwide. Mother-to-child transmission is a major route in children. Objective: to evaluate HBV-infected mothers’ children’s vaccination response. Methods: The Centre Hospitalier Dominicain St-Martin de Porres, Yaounde prenatal care (ANC) database included HBsAg-positive consenting women and their children. Social demographics were acquired using a tested questionnaire. The 5 hepatitis B indicators were evaluated and anti-HBsAg antibodies quantified by indirect ELISA. Microsoft Excel and Epi-info was used to examine data. Results. Out of 5,996 women registered, 143 were HBsAg positive (2.38% prevalence) and none were HBeAg positive. Of 143 HBsAgpositive women, 50 participated in the study. Out of 50 positive moms, 78 children were included, with a mean age ± SD of 2.33 ± 2.86 years. None of the children were infected with HBV, but all were exposed. 64 (82.05%) received anti-HBs immunoglobulin (HBIG) and a vaccine at birth, while 14 (17.95%) received only the vaccine. 72 (92.31%) children received all three vaccination doses. The vaccine responders were 62.82% (above 10 IU/mL), while 37.18% of children were nonresponders, a greater risk group if not supplemented. Conclusion: This study found 92.31% child anti-HBV immunization coverage. WHO recommends 95% protection, but 62.82% is below that. The causes of this poor protection should be examined.