Immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in patients infected with Schistosoma mansoni

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1987 May;36(3):549-53. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.1987.36.549.

Abstract

Because dual infection with Schistosoma mansoni and hepatitis B may lead to severe liver disease, populations living in schistosomiasis-endemic areas might benefit if effectively immunized against hepatitis B. To determine whether a plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine is immunogenic in patients with schistosomiasis, 32 individuals infected with S. mansoni were given three 20-micrograms doses of Heptavax-B vaccine and treated with praziquantel. Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen developed in 90.6% of the study subjects after three doses of vaccine. Five patients (15.6%) had a weak response to the vaccine, and three patients (9.4%) failed to develop antibody. A weak or failed response to the vaccine was significantly associated with the presence of hepatosplenomegaly. A plasma-derived vaccine is immunogenic for persons infected with S. mansoni; however, vaccine response is diminished in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / biosynthesis*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Hepatomegaly
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Secondary
  • Male
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / immunology*
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / pathology
  • Splenomegaly
  • Vaccination
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines