Yeliz ÇİÇEK, Feride Merve ARSLAN, Gülay ALP
Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology - 2026;8(3):272-283
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate seroprotection rates after a standard three-dose hepatitis B vaccination series in adults with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRDs) and to identify clinical and treatment-related factors associated with vaccine response in routine clinical practice. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted between January 2022 and August 2024. Adults with rheumatologist-confirmed IMRDs who were susceptible to hepatitis B virus (HBV) at baseline and who underwent quantitative hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) testing 4-8 weeks after receipt of the third vaccine dose were included. Results: Of 260 eligible patients, 161 completed the standard three-dose hepatitis B vaccination series, and post-vaccination anti-HBs results were available for 152 patients included in the final analysis. Seroprotection was achieved in 110 (72.4%) patients. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, longer disease duration and systemic corticosteroid exposure were independently associated with lower odds of achieving seroprotection. Age, sex, smoking status, body mass index, and comorbidity burden were not independently associated with vaccine response. Conclusion: In adults with IMRDs, approximately three-quarters achieved seroprotection after standard hepatitis B vaccination. Longer disease duration and systemic corticosteroid exposure were independently associated with reduced serologic response. These findings highlight the importance of timely vaccination and consideration of cumulative immunosuppressive burden in routine clinical practice.
