Source and response of antibody to hepatitis B vaccine in hemodialysis patients

ABSTRACT

All chronic hemodialysis patients for hepatitis B infection have to be tested and vaccinated against HBV infection routinely. A descriptive study was designed in 47 hemodialysis patients. After a blood sample was taken for serologic status, three doses [0, 1, 6 month] of hepatitis B vaccine were administered. Repeated titers were obtained one month after the last vaccination and analyzed by ELISA. 39 patients [83%] became immune with protective levels of HBs antibody. There was not a significant correlation between sex, age, smoking, underlying diseases, weight, duration of dialysis and positive HBs antibody after vaccination. Hmodialysis patients need follow-up testing