Hepatitis and Vaccines

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Hepatitis Virus Vaccines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 25059

Special Issue Editor

1. Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
2. Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
3. Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne VIC, 3004, Australia
4. Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
Interests: viral hepatitis; liver cancer; public health; epidemiology; biomarkers

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The WHO has set elimination targets to achieve by 2030 to reduce the global burden of morbidity and mortality due to viral hepatitis. Prevention strategies, including vaccination, remain the cornerstone of this goal. There is a highly effective vaccine against the hepatitis B virus; however, timely delivery of the birth dose remains a major challenge worldwide. To overcome this hurdle, novel delivery devices and protocols such as delivery outside of the “cold chain” have been explored but not widely implemented. Currently, there is no effective vaccine available for hepatitis C, yet important work continues in this field. Advances in vaccine technology made through the development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 will further catalyze novel approaches to viral hepatitis vaccination development. Vaccine technology is also being explored as a treatment option in viral hepatitis and related liver cancer. However, significant work must be undertaken to ensure equitable, cost-effective, and affordable delivery of viral hepatitis vaccination to achieve the WHO elimination goals.

This Special Edition of Vaccines will cover topics relevant to vaccination in viral hepatitis, including novel vaccine delivery strategies, hepatitis C vaccine development, the role of therapeutic vaccines, and the modeled impact and cost-effectiveness of vaccination strategies to achieve viral hepatitis elimination.

Dr. Jessica Howell
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • viral hepatitis
  • vaccination
  • modelling
  • elimination
  • hepatitis B
  • hepatitis C
  • birth dose
  • cold chain

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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6 pages, 476 KiB  
Communication
Racial Disparities in Hepatitis B Birth Dose in the Washington Metropolitan Region, 2018–2020
by Hee-Soon Juon, Donna T. Sheler, Jane Pan, Daisy Le and Y. Tony Yang
Vaccines 2022, 10(7), 1121; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10071121 - 14 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1452
Abstract
Hepatitis B vaccination protects newborns from contracting the hepatitis B virus that may lead to chronic infection, liver failure, or death. Trends and racial differences in the administration of the hepatitis B (HepB) birth dose in 2018–2020 were examined in the targeted region. [...] Read more.
Hepatitis B vaccination protects newborns from contracting the hepatitis B virus that may lead to chronic infection, liver failure, or death. Trends and racial differences in the administration of the hepatitis B (HepB) birth dose in 2018–2020 were examined in the targeted region. A retrospective analysis of electronic birth dose vaccination data of newborns in 2018–2020 was performed. Birth data from six birthing facilities and home delivery records were obtained from the DC Health Department Vital Statistics Division. This data represented 40,269 newborns and included the mother’s race and ethnicity, health insurance type, birthing facility, and administration of the HepB birth dose. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted. In addition, subgroup analysis by health insurance type was also conducted with a significant interaction of race/ethnicity and health insurance type. A total of 34,509 (85.7%) received the HepB birth dose within 12 h or before discharge from the facility. The rates of birth dose vaccination have seen an increase over the 3-year period (83.7% in 2018, 85.8% in 2018, 87.7% in 2020, p < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed racial differences in HepB birth dose vaccination rates. Asian Americans had the highest rate of newborn vaccination consistently over the 3-year period. Conversely, African American infants were less likely to have the birth dose than non-Hispanic Whites (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.71–0.83). Our research indicates that further studies are needed to explore HepB birth dose hesitancy among African Americans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Vaccines)
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10 pages, 399 KiB  
Article
Adverse Events of Vaccination against Hepatitis B Virus in Post-Marketing Surveillance from 2005 to 2017 in Guangdong Province, China
by Yu Liu, Minyi Zhang, Meiling Yang and Qing Chen
Vaccines 2022, 10(7), 1087; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10071087 - 06 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1503
Abstract
The present study focused on the adverse events following the vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the Guangdong Province of China between 2005 and 2017. In total, more than 88 million doses of HBV vaccine were administered in the Guangdong Province during [...] Read more.
The present study focused on the adverse events following the vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the Guangdong Province of China between 2005 and 2017. In total, more than 88 million doses of HBV vaccine were administered in the Guangdong Province during the study period. A total of 3115 adverse events following immunization (AEFI) related to HBV vaccination occurred, with an overall incidence of 35.39 per million doses. Of these, 1801 cases were male, and 1314 were female; 74.01% (2376/3115) of the cases occurred in children aged less than 2 years; 56.05% (1746/3115) of the cases were classified as common vaccine reactions; and 30.37% (946/3115) of the cases were grouped into rare vaccine reactions. Additionally, 27.74% (864/3115) of the cases were classified as allergic reactions, 0.10% (3/3115) were temporary neurological events, and 1.28% (36/3115) were diagnosed as severe adverse events. This study suggested that the HBV vaccine posed a reasonable profile because most adverse events remained relatively mild, and the neurological events were relatively rare. This study concluded that the incidence of severe vaccine reactions related to HBV vaccination are extremely low. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Vaccines)
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21 pages, 2144 KiB  
Article
Recombinant HBsAg of the Wild-Type and the G145R Escape Mutant, included in the New Multivalent Vaccine against Hepatitis B Virus, Dramatically Differ in their Effects on Leukocytes from Healthy Donors In Vitro
by Maria V. Konopleva, Vera N. Borisova, Maria V. Sokolova, Tatyana A. Semenenko and Anatoly P. Suslov
Vaccines 2022, 10(2), 235; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10020235 - 03 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2096
Abstract
Immune-escape hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants play an important role in HBV spread. Recently, the multivalent vaccine Bubo®-Unigep has been developed to protect against both wild-type HBV and the most significant G145R mutant. Here, we compared the effects of recombinant HBsAg [...] Read more.
Immune-escape hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants play an important role in HBV spread. Recently, the multivalent vaccine Bubo®-Unigep has been developed to protect against both wild-type HBV and the most significant G145R mutant. Here, we compared the effects of recombinant HBsAg antigens, wild-type and mutated at G145R, both included in the new vaccine, on activation of a human high-density culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. The antigens were used either alone or in combination with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). None of the antigens alone affected the expression of CD40, HLA-DR or CD279. Wild-type HBsAg enhanced CD86 and CD69 expression, and induced TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ, regardless of the anti-HBsAg status of donor. In the presence of PHA, wild-type HBsAg had no effect on either of the tested surface markers, but increased IFN-γ and IL-10 and inhibited IL-2. In contrast, the G145R mutant alone did not affect CD86 expression, it induced less CD69, and stimulated IL-2 along with lowering levels of TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ. The G145R mutant also suppressed PHA-induced activation of CD69. The dramatic differences in the immune responses elicited by wild-type HBsAg and the G145R mutant HBsAg suggest distinct adaptive capabilities of the G145R mutant HBV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Vaccines)
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9 pages, 917 KiB  
Article
Persistence of Immunity in Adults after 1, 5 and 10 Years with Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine in Beijing in 2010–2020
by Sijia Shen, Shen Ge, Zheng Zhang, Jianxin Ma, Yang Jiao, Qian Li, Yan Liang and Shuming Li
Vaccines 2022, 10(2), 181; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10020181 - 25 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2383
Abstract
The persistence of immunity after hepatitis B vaccination is still under investigation in adults. In Chaoyang District, Beijing, people who were aged ≥ 18 years and completely immunized with HBV vaccine according to the standard procedure (0–1–6 months) were enrolled. Three groups were [...] Read more.
The persistence of immunity after hepatitis B vaccination is still under investigation in adults. In Chaoyang District, Beijing, people who were aged ≥ 18 years and completely immunized with HBV vaccine according to the standard procedure (0–1–6 months) were enrolled. Three groups were set for 1 (Y1), 5 (Y5) and 10 (Y10) years after the hepatitis B vaccination. The following data was collected and analyzed: antibody against hepatitis B virus surface antigen(anti-HBs) positive rates and geometric mean concentration (GMC) between the different compared groups through questionnaires and laboratory detection, including hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs and antibody against hepatitis B virus core antigen(anti-HBc). All 600 subjects completed the questionnaires and serological tests. Among all subjects, the positive rates of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc were 0, 70.5% (423/600) and 2.5% (15/600), respectively. The anti-HBs positive rates in Y1, Y5 and Y10 groups were 86.5% (173/200), 71.0% (142/200) and 54.0% (108/200) (χ2 = 50.8, p < 0.001) and showed a linear decreasing trend year by year (trend χ2 = 50.7, p < 0.001). The GMC in Y1, Y5 and Y10 groups were 296.6 mIU/mL, 51.6 mIU/mL and 25.5 mIU/mL (H = 64.8, p < 0.001), respectively. The anti-HBs positive rates and GMC decreased rapidly after the vaccination of adults against hepatitis B. Screening after 5–10 years and booster vaccination for the unprotected population is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Vaccines)
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14 pages, 1130 KiB  
Article
Safety and Immunogenicity of Standard and Double Doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine in Children after Liver Transplantation: An Open-Label, Randomised Controlled Trial
by Palittiya Sintusek, Supranee Buranapraditkun, Piyaporn Wanawongsawad, Nawarat Posuwan, Pattarawat Thantiworasit, Nasamon Wanlapakorn, Jettanong Klaewsongkram, Narissara Suratannon, Nataruks Chaijitraruch, Voranush Chongsrisawat and Yong Poovorawan
Vaccines 2022, 10(1), 92; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10010092 - 08 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2035
Abstract
A high prevalence of hepatitis B (HepB) antibody loss after liver transplantation (LT) and de novo HepB infection (DNH) was documented, hence revaccination to prevent DNH is crucial. This study aimed to compare the safety and immunogenicity of two HepB vaccine regimens in [...] Read more.
A high prevalence of hepatitis B (HepB) antibody loss after liver transplantation (LT) and de novo HepB infection (DNH) was documented, hence revaccination to prevent DNH is crucial. This study aimed to compare the safety and immunogenicity of two HepB vaccine regimens in liver-transplanted children. Liver-transplanted children who were previously immunised but showed HepB surface antibodies (anti-HBs) ≤ 100 mIU/mL were randomised to receive a standard three-dose (SD) and double three-dose (DD) vaccine intramuscularly in months 0–1–6. Anti-HBs and T-cell-specific response to the HepB antigen were assessed. A total of 61 children (54.1% male, aged 1.32 ± 1.02 years) completed the study without any serious adverse reaction. The seroprotective rate was 69.6% vs. 60% (p = 0.368) and 91.3% vs. 85% (p = 0.431) in SD and DD after the first and third 3-dose vaccinations, respectively. The geometric mean titre (95% confidence interval) of anti-HBs in SD and DD were 443.33 (200.75–979.07) vs. 446.17 (155.58–1279.50) mIU/mL, respectively, at completion. Numbers of interferon-γ-secreting cells were higher in hyporesponders/responders than in nonresponders (p = 0.003). The significant factors for the immunologic response to HepB vaccination were anti-HB levels prevaccination, tacrolimus trough levels, and time from LT to revaccination. SD and DD had comparative immunogenicity and were safe for liver-transplanted children who were previously immunised. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Vaccines)
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12 pages, 2990 KiB  
Article
Pigs Immunized with the Virus-like Particle Vaccine Are Protected against the Hepatitis E-3 Virus
by Hyeon-Jeong Go, Byung-Joo Park, Hee-Seop Ahn, Dong-Hwi Kim, Da-Yoon Kim, Jae-Hyeong Kim, Joong-Bok Lee, Seung-Yong Park, Chang-Seon Song, Sang-Won Lee, Yang-Kyu Choi and In-Soo Choi
Vaccines 2021, 9(11), 1265; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9111265 - 02 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4527
Abstract
In this study, we generated the HEV virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine expressing 239 amino acids (367–605 aa) of the HEV-3 ORF2 using the baculovirus expression system. The HEV-3-239-VLP vaccine efficacy was evaluated by dividing 12 pathogen-free pigs into four groups: negative control, positive [...] Read more.
In this study, we generated the HEV virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine expressing 239 amino acids (367–605 aa) of the HEV-3 ORF2 using the baculovirus expression system. The HEV-3-239-VLP vaccine efficacy was evaluated by dividing 12 pathogen-free pigs into four groups: negative control, positive control, 100 μg VLP-, and 200 μg VLP-vaccinated groups for 10 weeks. The pigs in either of the vaccinated groups were administered the corresponding first and booster doses on weeks 0 and 2. At week 4, the positive control and two vaccinated groups were challenged with 106 HEV-3 genomic equivalent copies; viremia and fecal shedding of the virus were identified in pigs in the positive control and 100 μg VLP-vaccinated pigs showed transient viremia and fecal viral shedding. However, no viruses were detected in the serum or fecal samples of the 200 μg VLP-vaccinated pigs. The 100 and 200 μg VLP-vaccinated pigs had significantly higher (p < 0.01) anti-HEV antibodies than the negative control pigs from weeks 6–10 with normal levels of liver enzymes. The 200 μg VLP-vaccinated pigs showed statistically less liver tissue fibrosis (p < 0.05) than that of the positive control pigs. Thus, the novel baculovirus expression system-generated VLP vaccine dose-dependently protects against HEV-3 challenge and may be useful in other animal species, including humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Vaccines)
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Review

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18 pages, 4476 KiB  
Review
Long-Term Effectiveness of Hepatitis B Vaccination in the Protection of Healthcare Students in Highly Developed Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Alborz Rahmani, Alfredo Montecucco, Bruno Kusznir Vitturi, Nicoletta Debarbieri, Guglielmo Dini and Paolo Durando
Vaccines 2022, 10(11), 1841; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10111841 - 30 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2312
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus represents an important global health problem. In highly developed countries, mass vaccination campaigns of newborns in recent decades have drastically reduced the proportion of carriers. However, workers exposed to blood and body fluids, including healthcare students, can be at risk [...] Read more.
Hepatitis B virus represents an important global health problem. In highly developed countries, mass vaccination campaigns of newborns in recent decades have drastically reduced the proportion of carriers. However, workers exposed to blood and body fluids, including healthcare students, can be at risk of exposure. In order to assess the proportion of susceptible individuals in the specific population of healthcare students in highly developed countries, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to summarize the evidence on the persistence of humoral immune protection induced by the primary cycle of hepatitis B vaccination, as well as the proportion of true non-responders. Forty-six studies were included in the final analysis (52,749 participants). Overall, the seroprotection prevalence at the pre-exposure assessment was equal to 73.8% (95% CI 69.1–78.0); the prevalence of anamnestic response following the administration of a challenge dose was 90.9% (95% CI 87.7–93.3), demonstrating a high proportion of persistence of vaccination-induced immunity. Among those without evidence of anamnestic response, 5.0% (95% CI 2.1–11.5) were non-responders following the completion of a secondary immunization cycle. These findings demonstrate that the majority of healthcare students vaccinated with the complete HBV primary cycle maintain an effective humoral immunity against this pathogen for over two decades. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Vaccines)
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16 pages, 1425 KiB  
Review
The Global Impact of Hepatitis B Vaccination on Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Joan Ericka Flores, Alexander J. Thompson, Marno Ryan and Jessica Howell
Vaccines 2022, 10(5), 793; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines10050793 - 17 May 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3408
Abstract
Over 1.5 million preventable new hepatitis B infections continue to occur each year and there are an estimated 296 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infection worldwide, resulting in more than 820,000 deaths annually due to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). [...] Read more.
Over 1.5 million preventable new hepatitis B infections continue to occur each year and there are an estimated 296 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infection worldwide, resulting in more than 820,000 deaths annually due to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatitis B vaccination remains the cornerstone of public health policy to prevent HCC and a vital component of the global hepatitis B elimination response. The WHO has set a 90% vaccination target to achieve hepatitis B elimination by 2030; however, there is wide variability in reported birth dose coverage, with global coverage at only 42%. In this review, we outline the global trends in hepatitis B vaccination coverage and the impact of hepatitis B vaccination on HCC incidence and discuss the challenges and enabling factors for achieving WHO 2030 hepatitis B vaccination coverage targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Vaccines)
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9 pages, 1058 KiB  
Review
Undetectable Anti-HBs Antibodies: Need of a Booster Dose for HIV-1-Infected Individuals
by Yonas Bekele, Jay A. Berzofsky and Francesca Chiodi
Vaccines 2021, 9(12), 1484; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/vaccines9121484 - 15 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4237
Abstract
HBV vaccination effectively prevents HBV transmission and the development of liver cancer. Disease progression and liver-related complications are more common in HIV-1/HBV co-infected than HBV mono-infected individuals. A considerable body of literature, which will be reviewed here, indicates that response to HBV vaccine [...] Read more.
HBV vaccination effectively prevents HBV transmission and the development of liver cancer. Disease progression and liver-related complications are more common in HIV-1/HBV co-infected than HBV mono-infected individuals. A considerable body of literature, which will be reviewed here, indicates that response to HBV vaccine is suboptimal in HIV-1-infected individuals and that the poor maintenance of protective immunity to HBV vaccines in these individuals is an important medical issue. Several factors affect HBV vaccine response during HIV-1 infection including CD4+ T cell counts, B cell response, vaccine formulation, schedules, and timing of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The initial response to HBV vaccination also plays a critical role in the sustainability of antibody responses in both HIV-1-infected and uninfected vaccinees. Thus, regular follow-up for antibody titer and a booster dose is warranted to prevent HBV transmission in HIV-1 infected people. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hepatitis and Vaccines)
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