Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
2
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
3
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Egypt
4
Botany and microbiology department,Faculty of science,Zagazig University
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term persistence of antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and the incidence of HBV breakthrough infections in a cohort of Egyptian blood donors, 20 years following their primary vaccination. The study involved 1,500 blood donors, all of whom were born after 1992 and had undergone routine hepatitis B vaccination. Anti-HBs levels were determined using a quantitative immunoassay, and the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as well as antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were assessed. For donors who tested positive for anti-HBc and/or HBsAg (n=8), further analysis of HBV DNA was conducted through polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
The results indicated that the mean age of the participants was 20.02 ± 1.93 years, with 61% (916) being male. A significant portion of the cohort, 66.6% (999 donors), had anti-HBs levels below the protective threshold of 10 mIU/ml, with an average anti-HBs level of 33.1 ± 112.4 mIU/ml across the entire group. Additionally, eight donors (0.5%) were identified as having prior HBV exposure, as evidenced by positive anti-HBc results. Of these, seven had anti-HBs levels lower than 10 mIU/ml. Notably, one donor (12.5%) among those positive for anti-HBc exhibited signs of active HBV infection, as demonstrated by the presence of both HBsAg and detectable HBV DNA.
In conclusion, 66.6% of the vaccinated blood donors exhibited non-protective anti-HBs levels two decades post-vaccination, suggesting a marked decline in immunity over time.
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