HEPATITIS-B SURFACE ANTIGENEMIA IN BLOOD-DONORS FOLLOWING VACCINATION

Background: Detection of,hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in recent ly vaccinated adults has not previously been reported. Transient detec table HBsAg has been observed in newborn infants immunized with a reco mbinant hepatitis B vaccine. Study Design and Methods: Over a 1-year p eriod, eight HBsAg-positive blood donors mentioned during donor notifi cation that they had been vaccinated for hepatitis B virus 1 to 3 days before donation. Follow-up tests for HBsAg, antibodies to HBsAg, and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen were performed 3 to 37 weeks af ter immunization. Four months later, a group of 19 donors who were cow orkers received hepatitis B vaccination and then donated blood the nex t day. The coworkers were observed for duration of antigenemia. Result s: A total of nine cases of transient, confirmed (neutralizable) antig enemia occurred in healthy individuals who donated blood 1 to 3 days f ollowing vaccination with a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. Follow-up testing showed no evidence of infection by hepatitis B virus. One (5. 3%) Of 19 blood donors vaccinated as a group had antigenemia at Day 1 but not on Days 2 and 3 following immunization. Conclusion: Individual s recently vaccinated for hepatitis B may test positive for HBsAg and become permanently disqualified as blood donors. Therefore, blood coll ection centers should consider temporary deferral of potential donors who recently received hepatitis B vaccine.