DOI: 10.36347/sasjm.2024.v10i02.004

Pages: 100-102

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease, particularly hemodialysis patients are at risk for contracting hepatitis B virus (HBV) because of their compromised immune status and exposure to blood products. Regardless of a shorten in the incidence of HBV infection, surveillance is mandatory in preventing the spread of this dreaded virus. Infection control practices, regular review of serologic markers and hepatitis B vaccination are the cornerstone to maintain a safe environment for dialysis. The aim of our study is to provide an overview of the serologic and vaccination status for hepatitis B in hemodialysis patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in our hospital haemodialysis center to evaluate hepatitis B serological status and vaccination profile of chronic kidney disease patients on chronic dialysis program in Agadir, Morocco. Serologic profile results were checked for all patients (anti-HBc, HBsAg and anti-HBs). Individuals without previous vaccination, incomplete vaccination schedule or no serological conversion (anti-HBs <10mUI/ml) have been prescribed hepatitis B vaccine as it is still not available in public health center in Morocco, with a monitoring of adverse events. Results: Fifty-five dialysis patients were included in the study. The majority were male (56,4%), mean age was 59.29 years. All patients were already screened and negative for HBsAg. 69,09% of the population study were vaccinated against hepatitis B (65,78% complete and 34,22% incomplete schedule), with a seroconversion rate of 78,94%. A booster dose of vaccine was given to patients who had not achieve seroconversion (anti HBs <10mUI/ml), because of the immunocompromised state of the dialysis patient. All patients were already screened for anti-HBc. 20% of them were positive, indicating previous contact with the virus. This contact was immunizing in 80 % of patients (anti-HBs>10mUI/ml). For the two patients whose previous contact was not immunizing, the HBV vaccine