Loss of hepatitis B immunity in hemodialysis patients acquired either naturally or after vaccination

Abstract

In conclusion, HD patients lost hepatitis B immunity both after natural infection or vaccination, but naturally infected patients easily redeveloped protective anti-HBs titers. Anti-HBs titers decreased faster in vaccinated patients than in those with natural acquired immunity who held stable titers for a longer period. It is suggested that HD patients should be followed-up regularly for loss of HBV immunity after vaccination and receive a boosting dose when this occurs. In contrast, patients who acquired natural immunity do not need any anamnestic vaccination.