Hepatitis B vaccine effectiveness in the face of global HBV genotype diversity

Abstract

Recombinant hepatitis B vaccines are of the A2 genotype; one of ten known genotypes whose distribution varies globally. Reports of rare HBV infections in blood donors with an imbalance of non-A2 genotype HBV in vaccinated subjects have raised questions about the cross-protection afforded by HBV-A2 vaccines. Infections in HBV vaccinees were asymptomatic and transient, indicating that vaccination prevented clinical disease. Preclinical data demonstrate cross-reactivity and cross-protection by A2 vaccines against non-A2 HBV genotypes. Substantial improvements in HBV control have been demonstrated in countries with diverse genotype distribution that have introduced universal childhood HBV vaccination programs. Available data show that current HBV-A2 vaccines are highly effective in preventing infections and clinical disease caused by all known HBV genotypes.

Keywords::

• effectiveness
• genotype
• hepatitis B
• recombinant vaccine
• vaccine

Acknowledgements

The authors thank J Wolter (Independent Medical Writer, Australia) for assistance in preparation of the manuscript and Manjula K for manuscript coordination (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals).

Financial & competing interests disclosure

A Cassidy, S Mossman, A Olivieri and M De Ridder are employees of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Biologicals and also have stock ownership at GSK Biologicals. G Leroux-Roels acts as principal investigator for clinical trials conducted on behalf of the Ghent University and Hospital, for which these institutions obtain compensation from the sponsoring vaccine manufacturers. G Leroux-Roels received no personal remuneration for this work. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript. GSK Biologicals funded all costs associated with the development and the publishing of the present manuscript.