Comparison of immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine between low and normal birth weight infants.

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in low and normal birth weight infants. Hepatitis B vaccine (Hevac B Pasteur) was given to 50 low birth weight infants and 50 controls, matched by sex and date of delivery. The vaccine was given at birth, 1, 2 and 12 months of age. HBsAg and anti-HBs were assessed at birth, 4, 9 and 13 months of age by the micro-ELISA technique. Using the geometric mean titre of anti-HBs and the seroconversion rate as indicators, the immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in low birth weight infants was as good as in normal birth weight infants.