Immunogenic and reactogenic activities of the Russian recombinant anti-hepatitis B vaccine in preterm children
Thirteen full-term and 67 preterm children with body weight of 1500-2499 g at birth were vaccinated by recombinant yeast anti-hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine, manufactured by Combiotech Company (Russia), with preserving agent (mertiolate) and without preserving agent. No postvaccinal reactions (genera or local) and complications in response to both vaccines were observed. All infants developed protective titers of anti-HBs. Preterm children with body weight of 2000-2499 g at birth who received the vaccine without preserving agent (n = 36) developed a stronger immunity than those who received the vaccine with mertiolate (n = 13). The protective titers of anti-HBs (10 mIU/ml and higher) were retained after 3.5 years in all preterm children born with body weight of 2000-2499 g and vaccinated by the vaccine without preserving agent. Vaccination against HBV had no negative impact for the course of the early adaptation period in preterm children.