Transplacentally Acquired Maternal Antibody against Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Infants and its Influence on the Response to Hepatitis B Vaccine
2011

Maternal Antibodies and Hepatitis B Vaccine Response in Infants

Sample size: 338 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wang Zhiqun, Zhang Shu, Luo Chao, Wu Qianzhen, Liu Qilan, Zhou Yi-Hua, Hu Yali

Primary Institution: Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School

Hypothesis

Does maternal antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen influence the long-term immunogenicity of the hepatitis B vaccine in infants?

Conclusion

Maternal anti-HBs in infants does not inhibit the long-term immunogenicity of the hepatitis B vaccine.

Supporting Evidence

  • 84.1% of infants had higher anti-HBs concentrations than their mothers.
  • The positive rate of anti-HBs in infants with maternal anti-HBs was comparable to those without.
  • Maternal anti-HBs did not impair the long-term immune response to hepatitis B vaccination.

Takeaway

Moms can pass antibodies to their babies, but these don't stop the babies from getting the hepatitis B vaccine's benefits.

Methodology

The study involved 338 pairs of mothers and infants, comparing anti-HBs responses in infants with and without maternal anti-HBs.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to the exclusion of mothers with chronic diseases.

Limitations

The follow-up period was relatively short and the dropout rate was high in the prospective cohort.

Participant Demographics

Mothers aged 20-36 years, with a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.688

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025130

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication