USE OF RENAL ALLOGRAFTS FROM DONORS POSITIVE FOR HEPATITIS B CORE ANTIBODY CONFERS MINIMAL RISK FOR SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL HEPATITIS B VIRUS DISEASE1

Abstract

Transplantation of renal allografts from HBcAb(+), HBsAg(-) donors was not associated with clinically detectable HBV disease or antigenemia. However, recipients had a significantly increased risk of HBV seroconversion, consistent with exposure to HBV antigen. These results suggest that HBcAb(+) kidneys can be safely used if transplanted into appropriate recipients, but highlight the need for effective HBV vaccination and vaccine-response monitoring in potential recipients.