• Fernando de la Hoz, Ligia Perez, Marlen de Neira, and Andrew J Hall.
• Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Ciudad Universitaria, Cra 30 Cll 45, Edificio 471, Facultad de Medicina, Oficina 150, Bogotá, Colombia. fpdelahozr@unal.edu.co
• Int. J. Infect. Dis. 2008 Mar 1; 12 (2): 183-9.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine used in endemic areas of Colombia, as well as risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and carriage after vaccine introduction.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in urban and rural areas of the Colombian Amazon, a highly endemic area for hepatitis B infection. Children under 12 years of age and their mothers were selected for the study using one-stage cluster sampling (N=2145) and were examined for HBV serological markers and antibodies against surface antigen (anti-HBs).ResultsThere has been a reduction of 60-75% in the prevalence of HBV infection and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriage since HBV vaccination was introduced. Receiving the first dose of HBV vaccine at more than two months after birth was one of the factors associated with HBV carrier status. Maternal HBV infection was also associated with infection in the child.ConclusionsThe recombinant Cuban hepatitis B vaccine has contributed to the reduction of the infection in this highly endemic area, though further efforts are required to improve timely vaccination for children at high risk.

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