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S Krugman

Publications and source records attributed to S Krugman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Recombinant yeast hepatitis B vaccine compared with plasma-derived vaccine: immunogenicity and effect of a booster dose.

The immunogenic effect of recombinant yeast and plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccines administered at 0, 1 and 6 months was evaluated in 334 seronegative health professionals. The seroconversion rates following 10 micrograms, 5 micrograms and 2.5 micrograms doses of recombinant vaccine were similar to those observed after 20 micrograms doses of plasma-derived vaccine. The geometric mean antibody titres (G.M.T.) induced by 10 micrograms and 5 micrograms doses of recombinant vaccine were similar to those observed after 20 micrograms doses of plasma-derived vaccine. The G.M.T. values were lowest after 2.5 micrograms doses of recombinant vaccine. However, the recipients of the 2.5 micrograms had a significant anti-HBs response after a fourth (booster) dose of recombinant vaccine was given at 12 months. A booster dose of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine was given to 31 health professionals who had been successfully immunised with plasma-derived vaccine 5-7 years previously. A significant anamnestic response was observed in 30 (97%) of these individuals in spite of the fact that 16 (52%) had low or undetectable levels of anti-HBs before the booster dose was given.

Adult↗

Immunogenicity of a five-microgram dose of hepatitis B vaccine.

The immunogenicity of a 5-micrograms dose of vaccine (H-B-Vax, MSD) was evaluated in 50 young adults (17-19 years). Results were compared to our previous studies using similarly prepared vaccines using 20 micrograms and 10 micrograms per dose with the same trial protocol in a comparable population. Seroconversion rates for the 5-micrograms doses of vaccine were 80% after the first dose and 98% after the second dose. The remaining participants did not develop anti-HBs in the course of the trial. These results are not significantly different from those observed in the 10-micrograms and 20-micrograms studies. The increase of anti-HBs titers was slower for the 5-micrograms group. High geometric mean titers were observed after booster vaccination, but lower for the 5 micrograms (3,591 mIU/ml) than for 10 micrograms (9,277 mIU/ml) and 20 micrograms (12,975 mIU/ml) doses. It is concluded that 5-micrograms dose of the vaccine is effectively immunogenic for young adults.

Adolescent↗

Post-exposure active immunoprophylaxis of spouses of acute viral hepatitis B patients.

Post-exposure efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine was evaluated in susceptible sexual partners of acute hepatitis B patients in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Greece. Vaccine (20 micrograms dose) or placebo was repeated one and six months after initial administration. Nine months' follow-up was completed by 146/160 entrants. Vaccinated (16.0%) and control spouses (18.3%) showed similar attack rates for all infections. The vaccine group had fewer clinical infections (2.7% against 7.0%) and fewer infections occurring more than one month after first vaccination (8.7% against 14.7%). These differences are not statistically significant, but suggest modification of infection. Overall, the attack rate was lower (p less than 0.01) for male spouses (6.4%) than for females (22.4%). It may be necessary to complement hepatitis B vaccination with hepatitis B immunoglobulin to protect this high-risk group.

Adult↗

Post-exposure hepatitis B vaccination of sexual partners of acute viral hepatitis patients.

Sexual transmission of HBV was studied in a sample of 350 sporadic acute viral hepatitis type B adult patients hospitalised in the Infectious Diseases Hospital of Athens, Greece. Spouses with acute viral hepatitis type B (six in number) or asymptomatic HBsAg carriership (80 in number) were considered as the most likely sources of infection in 86 (24.6 per cent) of the 350 patients. Only 164 (46.8 per cent) spouses were susceptible to HBV and 149 agreed to participate in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial of hepatitis B vaccine. The Merck Sharp and Dohme vaccine (20 micrograms per dose) or placebo were administered as soon as possible and repeated one and six months later. Vaccinees were interviewed, clinically examined and bled one, three, six and nine months after the first injection. HBV events (clinical hepatitis type B in seven or serological evidence of HBV infection in 15) were diagnosed in 22 vaccinees. We anticipate completing the required sample to establish the possible protective efficacy of the hepatitis B vaccine by the end of November 1982. Final results of the trial will be available early next year.

Acute Disease↗

Radioimmunoassays of hidden viral antigens.

Antigens corresponding to infectious agents may be present in biological specimens only in a cryptic form bound to antibodies and thus may elude detection. We describe a solid-phase technique for separation of antigens from antibodies. Immune complexes are precipitated from serum by polyethylene glycol, dissociated with NaSCN and adsorbed onto nitrocellulose or polystyrene supports. Antigens remain topographically separated from antibodies after removal of NaSCN and can be detected with radiolabeled antibodies. Genomes from viruses immobilized on nitrocellulose can be identified by nucleic acid hybridization. Nanogram quantities of sequestered hepatitis B surface and core antigens and picogram amounts of hepatitis B virus DNA are detected.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

The newly licensed hepatitis B vaccine. Characteristics and indications for use.

The inactivated hepatitis B vaccine that was licensed in November 1981 will be distributed for general use later this year. Extensive studies have confirmed the safety, immunogenicity, and remarkable efficacy of this vaccine for the prevention of acute hepatitis B disease, asymptomatic infection, and the chronic hepatitis B carrier state. The vaccine is recommended for immunization of infants, children, and adults who are considered to be at increased risk of contracting hepatitis B infection. These population groups include medical, dental, laboratory, and other health care personnel, selected patients (eg, hemodialysis, thalassemia), clients and staff of institutions for the mentally disabled, homosexually active males, intimate contacts of carriers, users of illicit drugs, infants in high-risk areas, and other high-risk groups. The availability and appropriate use of the newly licensed hepatitis B vaccine should enable physicians to prevent a serious cause of acute and chronic liver disease.

Acute Disease↗

Comparison of safety and immunogenicity of ADW and AYW hepatitis B vaccines.

The safety and immunogenicity of adw and ayw hepatitis B vaccines were compared in a double-blind randomized trial in Green Air Force recruits. One hundred and ten out of 240 eligible nonimmune recruits were randomly selected and allocated to the two vaccine treatment groups. Two 20-micrograms doses 1 month apart and a third 20-micrograms booster dose, at 6 months, were given intramuscularly. Severe local or general side effects were not observed. The frequency of mild side effects (local discomfort or pain, fever less than 37.5 degrees C, and malaise) was slightly higher than the adw than with the ayw vaccine. Antibodies developed earlier and in higher titers in adw vaccines. However, after the booster dose all ayw and all but one adw vaccines developed anti-HBs in almost similar titers. It is concluded that both vaccines are equally safe and immunogenic after administration of two doses at a 1-month interval followed by a booster dose at 6 months.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Radioimmunoassays of hidden viral antigens.

Antigens corresponding to infectious agents may be present in biological specimens only in a cryptic form bound to antibodies and, thus, may elude detection. We describe a solid phase technique for separation of antigens from antibodies. Immune complexes are precipitated from serum by polyethylene glycol, dissociated with NaSCN, and adsorbed onto nitrocellulose or polystyrene supports. Antigens remain topographically separated from antibodies after removal of NaSCN and can be detected with radiolabeled antibodies. Genomes from viruses immobilized on nitrocellulose can be identified by nucleic acid hybridization. Nanogram quantities of sequestered hepatitis B surface and core antigens and picogram amounts of hepatitis B virus DNA were detected. Antibody-bond adenovirus, herpesvirus, and measles virus antigens were discerned by the procedure.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Immunogenic effect of inactivated hepatitis B vaccine: comparison of 20 microgram and 40 microgram doses.

The immunogenic effect of inactivated hepatitis B vaccine (Merck Heptavax B) was evaluated in 202 seronegative healthy medical personnel. Three inoculations of vaccine were given at 1-month intervals. Of 116 vaccinees who received a 40-microgram dose, 39% had an anti-HBs response 1 month after the first dose, 88% 1 month after the second dose, and 99% 1 month after the third dose. Of 86 vaccinees who received a 20 microgram dose, 40% had an anti-HBs response 1 month after the first dose, 79% after the second dose, and 95% after the third dose. These results confirm the high immunogenic effect of a 20-microgram dose of vaccine.

Adult↗