Evaluation of HBsAb Vaccine Potency and Antibody Response to Routine Vaccination among a Population of Rivers State, Nigeria

Ugboma Chizoba Doris 1, Cookey Tochi Ifeoma 1, *, Awanye Amaka Marian 2, Okonko Blessing Jachinma 3, Frank-Peterside N 1 and Okonko Iheanyi Omezuruike 1

1 Virus & Genomics Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
2 Immunology and Vaccinology Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology & Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
3 Medical Microbiology & Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Madonna University University Nigeria, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2026, 11(01), 056-070.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2026.11.1.0014
Publication history: 
Received on 03 January 2026; revised on 10 February 2026; accepted on 13 February 2026
 
Abstract: 
The study evaluates HBsAb vaccine potency and antibody response to routine vaccination among a population of Rivers State, Nigeria, with socio-demographic factors. Using ELISA kits, the study analysed blood samples from 282 participants, aiming to evaluate immunity levels against these diseases. The overall antibody response prevalence was 54.5%. The HBsAb results showed that 93.4% of participants were female, with most aged 21-30 years (52.6%). A large portion of the population was married (85.5%), and 54% held a tertiary education. The study emphasises the importance of monitoring Hepatitis B immunity, particularly among pregnant women, as a significant proportion (65.8%) reported pregnancy. The major conclusion from the study is that young, urban-dwelling women of reproductive age, particularly those aged 21-30, exhibit high antibody prevalence for measles, rubella, and tetanus, but a lower prevalence for HBsAb, highlighting the need for enhanced vaccination and immunity monitoring programs, especially during pregnancy, to lessen the likelihood of vertical and maternal illness transfer. These findings contribute to understanding vaccine efficacy and the need for targeted immunisation programs, particularly in maternal health contexts.

 

Keywords: 
Antibody; HBV; HBsAb; Vaccines; Potency
 
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