Evaluation of Hepatitis B vaccine Immunogenicity in Relation to ABO and Rhesus Blood Group in vaccinated subjects in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health issue. It can result in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis when not properly managed. The discovery of Hepatitis B vaccine and its incorporation into immunization programmes has brought a drastic decline in the incidence of both chronic and acute hepatitis B. However, this achievement is being confronted by cases of vaccine sub-optimal immune response, non-responsiveness, and breakthrough infection, which may be associated with the host’s genetic predisposition such as ABO/Rhesus blood groups and hemoglobin genotype. The study aimed at investigating hepatitis B vaccine responsiveness (immunogenicity) and its association with the hosts’ ABO and Rhesus blood group among vaccinated subjects in Bauchi State, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional investigation comprising 352 subjects of both sexes from ages 1 year to 60 years. Out of the 352 subjects, 196 were vaccinated while 156 were unvaccinated. 5 mL of blood samples were collected and analyzed for determination of both ABO and Rhesus blood groups, while the plasma part of the samples was tested for anti-HBs antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results revealed that 96 (49.0%) of the vaccinated subjects had anti-HBs level ≥ 10 IU/L, 65 (33.2%) had ≤ 10 IU/L, and 35 (17.9%) were non-responders, while 26 (16.7%) of the unvaccinated subjects had anti-HBs level ≥ 10 IU/L (P = 0.003). On the relationship between the ABO/Rhesus group and vaccine immunogenicity, blood group AB had 100% sub-optimal response, while group B had 34.2% suboptimal response and 21% non-responders. Blood groups A and O had the highest ≥ 10 IU/L anti-HBs protective levels of 52.8% and 50.0%, respectively. However, there was no significant association between HBV vaccine responsiveness and hosts’ ABO/Rhesus. The protective rate against HBV infection was moderate. Nevertheless, some blood types had higher responses than others. Therefore, a considerable proportion of vaccinated persons should be considered for either booster doses or revaccination.