Serological and vaccination profile of hemodialysis patients during an outbreak of hepatitis B virus infection

During an outbreak of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a hemodialysis unit, patients were assessed for serological viral markers and vaccination status. HBV infection was identified in 26 patients. Twenty of these were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and 6 were negative for HBsAg but positive for IgM antibody to hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) and HBV DNA. The primary source of infection was not clearly identified, although 2 patients were suspected to be the index cases. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed low anti-HBs titers and vaccination status to be independently associated with the risk of acquiring HBV infection. Both the high prevalence of HBV infection (31%) detected in this unit and the low vaccine response (53%) observed reinforce the importance of universal and preventive measures in controlling HBV infection. The detection of HBV DNA in HBsAg-negative/IgM anti-HBc-positive patients emphasizes the value of anti-HBc testing in the routine screening of HBV in hemodialysis units. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.