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

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 vaccines 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 of 352 subjects of both sexes from age 1 year to 60 years. Out of the 352 subjects, 196 were vaccinated while 156 were unvaccinated. 5mL of blood samples were collected and analyzed for determination of both ABO and Rhesus blood group 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 group A and O had the highest ≥ 10 IU/L antiHBs protective level 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. Keywords: ABO; Hepatitis B Virus; Rhesus blood group; Vaccine Immunogenicity.