Vaccination Coverage and Immunization Status Against Hepatitis B Virus in Hemodialysis Patients: A Study Conducted at The Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital in Rabat

Abstract

Q.Zaza, R. Abi, A.Akhssas, K.Qadiri, S.Bibih, O.Elbouni, S.Akradi, Z. Elyaagoubi, C.Nouibi, Y. Elhabti, T.Aatif, A. Bahadi, S. Elkochri, MR. Tagajdid, H. Elannaz, S. Hassine, A. Laraqui, S. Ouannass, E.Bouaiti, Y.Benaissi, A. Reggad, M. Elqatni, A. Laraqui, N. Touil, B. Machichi, M.Elouennass, K.Ennibi and I. Lahlou Amine

Introduction: Hepatitis B represents a major threat to chronic hemodialysis patients due to their immunosuppression and repeated exposure to blood. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive strategy, however the immune response in this population is generally reduced. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) immunization among chronic dialysis patients at the hemodialysis center of the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital in Rabat.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including 54 dialysis patients (39 on hemodialysis and 15 on peritoneal dialysis), with a mean age of 56.5 years. Serological markers of HBV infection (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) were tested using microparticle chemiluminescence immunoassay (CMIA) on Abbott's ARCHITECT i2000SR. Effective immunization was defined as an anti-HBs antibody (titer ≥ 100 IU/L in this population.

Results: Only 31.5% of patients (n=17) had received hepatitis B vaccination after the initiation of dialysis treatment. Among vaccinated patients, 94% were immunized, of whom 58.8% showed strong immunization (titer > 100 IU/L), 41.2% had moderate immunization (10–100 IU/L), and only one patient was a non-responder. Analysis of the vaccine response according to dialysis parameters revealed no statistically significant correlation.

Conclusion: Although the observed immunization rate is higher than the rate reported in many international studies, the insufficient vaccination coverage (31.5%) highlights a shortcoming in the implementation of prevention protocols. Improvements can be achieved through early vaccination (pre-dialysis stage), rigorous annual serological monitoring, and increased awareness among healthcare staff and patients regarding the importance of vaccination.

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