Vaccination against hepatitis B in homosexual men: a review

Article Abstract:

A review of published findings on the prevalence of hepatitis B among homosexual men and their response to vaccination reveals that vaccination is highly effective in preventing both silent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and clinical acute disease. However, some individuals do not respond to the vaccine, and this lack of response is highly correlated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Whereas 10 percent of the HIV-negative men failed to respond to vaccination, over 50 percent of the HIV-positive men failed to develop protective antibodies against hepatitis B. Furthermore, when HIV-negative men who did not respond at first were revaccinated, half responded to the second vaccination, while the HIV-positive non-responders failed to respond on the second attempt as well. It is evident that HIV infection seriously inhibits the response to HBV vaccination; evidence also suggests that HIV infection also increases the probably of a chronic HBV carrier state. Although the incidence of HBV infection in homosexual men has decreased in recent years, possibly due to increased use of condoms and safe sex practices, the increased number of HBV carriers resulting from underlying HIV infection may ultimately increase risk. Few homosexual men seek hepatitis B vaccination, though preventing hepatitis should be considered as important as fighting AIDS or any other disease which can be sexually transmitted. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, AIDS virus carriers, HIV carriers

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Feasibility of controlling or eradicating the hepatitis B virus

Article Abstract:

Hepatitis B virus, first identified in 1967, causes acute hepatitis and chronic liver disease. It is common, and occasionally fatal, and yet few people have taken advantage of the availability of vaccines. Although the first vaccines were made from antigen found in human blood, a recombinant vaccine, which can be supplied in unlimited amounts, has been recently introduced. Prevention programs have focused on high-risk groups, which include homosexual men, infants of mothers who carry the virus, and infants in countries with a high overall rate of hepatitis. Hospital workers and people who are frequently exposed to human blood are another high-risk group, but these workers often choose not to participate in voluntary free vaccination programs at their places of work. This may be because hepatitis is not perceived as a serious threat, despite the fact that 10,000 to 15,000 health workers in the United States become infected each year, and about 300 die of that infection. Ideally, the most expedient path to hepatitis B virus eradication comes from the integration of hepatitis vaccination into other childhood vaccination programs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Standards, Children, Vaccination of children, Vaccination

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Summary of safety and efficacy data on a yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccine

Article Abstract:

The original vaccines against hepatitis B were prepared from antigen obtained from human blood. Although these vaccines were safe and effective, the public response was less than was hoped for, perhaps because the perception of hepatitis as a not very serious threat, fear of a vaccine based on blood products, or the relatively high cost. Of these reasons, only the relative cost is amenable to technological solution. The use of molecular genetics to place some viral DNA into yeast cells has created a recombinant yeast which produces viral antigen that can be grown economically in bulk. Vaccines prepared from this recombinant viral antigen have been tested for safety and protective efficacy. People inoculated with the recombinant vaccine have an immune response comparable to the response obtained from human blood preparations. Soreness, headache, and other side effects were reported in response to the vaccine, but these were comparable to the blood-derived products, as well. Experiments on hepatitis B in chimpanzees and experience with the vaccination of high risk population groups have demonstrated the vaccine's efficacy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Vaccines

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