Seroconversion rates after hepatitis-B vaccination in children

Hepatitis- B infection is one of the infectious diseases that transmits via blood transfiosion, blood product, injection, mother to fetus and sexual contact. Protective anti hepatitis-B titer are observed in more than 90% of healthy children. The aim of this study was to evaluate seroconversion rates in children who received routine vaccination program. A cross sectional study was designed. 196 children who received routine hepatitis-B vaccine (at birth, 2 and 6 months old) were selected. Anti hepatitis-B titer was measured using ELISA method in 6-7 years old children. Data was analyzed using chi-square and fisher exact tests. 69 % of all participants (98 boys and 98 girls) showed protective antibody titer (71.4% in girl and 67% in boys). There was no significant correlation between sex, weight and BMI and antibody response. Seroconversion rate after hepatitis–B vaccination was lower than the semilar studies. The etiology of low seroconversion rate needs to do further study in Kermanshah.