The recombinant subunit hepatitis B vaccine contains which viral antigen as its immunogen?

• A Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg)
• B Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)
• C Inactivated whole HBV virion
• D Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae ✓

Explanation

The recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B, Recombivax HB, and Indian brands) contains only HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen, the 22 nm spherical particles), produced by recombinant DNA technology in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Immunisation induces anti-HBs antibodies; a post-vaccination titre ≥10 mIU/mL confers protection. HBcAg and HBeAg are not used in current vaccines as they are not effective immunogens for surface protection. The original Hepatavax was plasma-derived HBsAg.

Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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