Prevalence of serum IgG antibodies to hepatitis A virus in Italian haemophiliacs

Risk groups for hepatitis A virus infection

We report the conduct and results of a systematic search for evidence of risk of infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) among blood transfusion recipients, travellers, the military, healthcare workers, sewage workers, foodhandlers, day care assistants, institutionalised subjects, blood transfusion recipients, drug addicts, homosexuals, prisoners and other risk groups such a liver transplantees. We report our recommendations for the use of the HAV vaccine in these groups.

Safety and immunogenicity of subcutaneous hepatitis A vaccine in children with haemophilia

Individuals with Haemophilia are at risk from hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection through exposure to blood products. Havrix(R), an intramuscular hepatitis A vaccine, is currently recommended for the prevention of disease caused by hepatitis A virus. Because bleeding may complicate intramuscular injections in those with bleeding disorders, we conducted a randomized, Phase IV clinical trial to compare the safety and immunogenicity of Havrix(R) given by the subcutaneous (s.c) vs. intramuscular (i.m.) route. A total of 45 children with Haemophilia were vaccinated subcutaneously, while their 41 nonhaemophlic siblings were vaccinated intramuscularly, at a dose of 720 Elisa units (EL.U.) at time 0 and 6 months. All children were anti-HAV and anti-HIV negative at baseline, and the haemophilic group did not differ from their siblings in alanine aminotransferase (ALT; 25 IU L-1 vs. 22 IU L-1), or in age; 8.5 years vs. 8.7 years. The vaccine was well tolerated, with minor adverse events being similar between groups; 21 (47%) vs. 24 (58%), P > 0.05. Local symptoms included soreness in 39 (45%), erythema in 25 (29%), swelling in 21 (24%), and bruising in six (7%), with no differences between groups. The proportion seroconverting to anti-HAV IgG positive did not differ between groups; 98% vs. 97% at month 1; 82% vs. 93% at month 6; and 100% vs. 100% at month 8, respectively. The HAV geometric mean titre was lower in those with Haemophilia, 185 vs. 233 mIU mL-1 at month 1; 68 vs. 94 mIU mL-1 at month 6; and 584 vs. 1082 mIU mL-1 at month 8, respectively. We conclude that Havrix(R) is safe and immunogenic when administered s. c. in children with Haemophilia.