Effectiveness of a bivalent haemophilus influenzae type b-hepatitis B vaccine in preventing hepatitis B virus infection among children born to hepatitis B e antigen-positive carrier mothers

Abstract

Background: This observational study evaluated a modified immunoprophylactic regimen (hepatitis B immune globulin [HBIG]) and a dose of thimerosal-free monovalent hepatitis B (HB) vaccine shortly after birth followed by doses of thimerosal-free bivalent Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)-HB vaccine at 2 and 4 months of age, and a booster at 12 months of age) in infants at high risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (mothers HBeAg+). Methods: Children -6 months of age vaccinated in routine clinical practice were tested twice (-6 months apart) for HBV antigens surface antigen (HBsAg) and "e" antigen, and for antibody to HBsAg. Partial nucleotide sequence analysis was performed on HBV DNA i..