Hepatitis B vaccine effectiveness in the face of global HBV genotype diversity. (December 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cassidy, Adrian; Mossman, Sally; Olivieri, Antonio; Ridder, Marc De; Leroux-Roels, Geert
• Is Part Of: Expert review of vaccines. Volume 10:Number 12(2011)
• Page Start: 1709
• Page End: 1715
• Publication Date: 2011-12
• Subjects: effectiveness -- genotype -- hepatitis B -- recombinant vaccine -- vaccine; Vaccines -- Periodicals; Vaccination -- Periodicals; 615.37205
• DOI: 10.1586/erv.11.151
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-0584

Abstract

Recombinant hepatitis B vaccines are of the A2 genotype; one of ten known genotypes whose distribution varies globally. Reports of rare HBV infections in blood donors with an imbalance of non-A2 genotype HBV in vaccinated subjects have raised questions about the cross-protection afforded by HBV-A2 vaccines. Infections in HBV vaccinees were asymptomatic and transient, indicating that vaccination prevented clinical disease. Preclinical data demonstrate cross-reactivity and cross-protection by A2 vaccines against non-A2 HBV genotypes. Substantial improvements in HBV control have been demonstrated in countries with diverse genotype distribution that have introduced universal childhood HBV vaccination programs. Available data show that current HBV-A2 vaccines are highly effective in preventing infections and clinical disease caused by all known HBV genotypes.