Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Background/aim: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination rates are insufficient in high-risk patients worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the screening, immunization, and vaccination rates in three high-risk groups for HBV infection: allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), renal transplantation (RT), and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) groups. Materials and methods: The serological data of consecutive patients between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed using the hospital database. Results: The HBV screening rates were 100.0%, 90.4%, and 82.4% in the AHSCT, CHC, and RT groups, respectively (p = 0.003). The immunization rates against HBV through either previous exposure or vaccination were 79.5%, 71.7%, and 46.5% in the AHSCT, RT, and CHC groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The HBV vaccination rate was significantly low in the CHC group (71.5%, 69.0%, 34.6% in the AHSCT, RT, and CHC groups, respectively, p < 0.001). If patients lost their immunity due to immunosuppressive therapy were accounted, the vaccination rates increased to 95.2% in the AHSCT group and 72.9% in the RT group. The rate of annual screening for HBV status was 97.9% in the AHSCT group, but it was only 23.9% in the RT group. Conclusion: HBV screening and vaccination rates were significantly lower in the RT and CHC groups than in the AHSCT group.
DOI
10.3906/sag-2008-18
Keywords
Vaccination, Hepatitis B virus, immunity
First Page
1229
Last Page
1233
Recommended Citation
BALABAN, H. Y, ASLAN, A. T, AYAR, Ş. N, DAĞ, O, ALP, A, ŞİMŞEK, C, VAHABOV, C, YILDIRIM, T, GÖKER, H, BÜYÜKAŞIK, Y, & ŞİMŞEK, H (2021). Lack of awareness of Hepatitis B screening and vaccination in high-risk groups. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 51 (3): 1229-1233. https://doi.org/10.3906/sag-2008-18
