BACKGROUND: Hepatitis A vaccine is safe and achieves good seroconversion rates in liver (LTX) and renal (RTX) transplant recipients. METHODS: A study was performed to determine the anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibody decline in LTX and RTX patients, and in healthy controls who have been immunized with two doses of hepatitis A vaccine. RESULTS: LTX and RTX patients had a satisfactory seroconversion rate after complete immunisation. However, 2 years later they had experienced a much more rapid antibody decline than controls, and only 59% of LTX and 26% of RTX seroconverters showed titres above the cut-off level defined as protective. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on immunosuppressive therapy may not be adequately protected against hepatitis A a few years after vaccination and alternative vaccination schemes may have to be considered.
BACKGROUND:Hepatitis A vaccine is safe and achieves good seroconversion rates in liver (LTX) and renal (RTX) transplant recipients. METHODS: A study was performed to determine the anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibody decline in LTX and RTXpatients, and in healthy controls who have been immunized with two doses of hepatitis A vaccine. RESULTS:LTX and RTXpatients had a satisfactory seroconversion rate after complete immunisation. However, 2 years later they had experienced a much more rapid antibody decline than controls, and only 59% of LTX and 26% of RTX seroconverters showed titres above the cut-off level defined as protective. CONCLUSIONS:Patients on immunosuppressive therapy may not be adequately protected against hepatitis A a few years after vaccination and alternative vaccination schemes may have to be considered.
Authors: Noele P Nelson; Mark K Weng; Megan G Hofmeister; Kelly L Moore; Mona Doshani; Saleem Kamili; Alaya Koneru; Penina Haber; Liesl Hagan; José R Romero; Sarah Schillie; Aaron M Harris Journal: MMWR Recomm Rep Date: 2020-07-03