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.
Lewis-Ximenez
L L
LL
Department of Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. lllewis@gene.dbbm.fiocruz.br
Oliveira
J M
JM
Mercadante
L A
LA
De Castro
L
L
Santa Catharina
W
W
Stuver
S
S
Yoshida
C F
CF
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines