Source and Response of Antibody to Hepatitis B Vaccine in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and Aims: All chronic hemodialysis patients for hepatitis B infection have to be tested and vaccinated against HBV infection routinely. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: Hmodialysis patients need follow-up testing.