Induced HBs Antigenemia In Healthy Adolescents After Immunization With Two Different Hepatitis B Recombinant Vaccines

Currently, vaccination is the most effective protective tool against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Some studies have shown that positive results of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) test could be seen after vaccination. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of positive results of HBsAg test after vaccination with two different hepatitis B recombinant vaccines. In this clinical trial study 62 healthy adult volunteers were randomly allocated to vaccinate with Engerix-B or Hepavax-Gene hepatitis B recombinant vaccine. Blood samples were drawn 1, 3, and 5 days after vaccination and tested for HBsAg using two different ELISA kits (Behring and Mega). HBsAg test was positive in 5, 3, and 2 participants of Engerix-B group in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th day after vaccination respectively using Behring ELISA kite; the test was positive only in one subject in Hepavax-Gene group in the 5th day after vaccination. No positive result was seen in any groups when Mega ELISA kite was used to test the specimens. Conclusion Our results showed transient HBsAg antigenemia after vaccination against hepatitis B. This condition depends on the type of vaccine and HBsAg diagnostic test.