Factors influencing immunologic response to hepatitis B vaccine in adults

Hepatitis B was still a worldwide health problem. This study aimed to conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess a more precise estimation of factors that influence the response to hepatitis B vaccine in adults. Our included studies examined seroprotection rates close to the end of vaccination schedules in healthy adult populations. This meta-analysis including 21053 adults in 37 articles showed that a significantly decreased response to hepatitis B vaccine appeared in adults (age >= 40) (RR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.55-2.23), male adults (RR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.22-1.61), BMI >= 25 adults (RR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.12-2.17), smoker (RR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.21-1.93), and adults with concomitant disease (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04-1.86). Meanwhile, we further found a decreased response to hepatitis B vaccine appeared in adults (age >= 30) (RR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.48-2.10), and adults (age >= 60) (RR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.01-1.68). However, there were no difference in response to hepatitis B vaccine both in alcoholic (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.64-1.26) and 0-1-12 vs. 0-1-6 vaccination schedule (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.41-4.67). Pooling of these studies recommended the sooner the better for adult hepatitis B vaccine strategy. More vaccine doses, supplemental/additional strengthening immunity should be emphasized on the susceptible population of increasing aged, male, BMI >= 25, smoking and concomitant disease. The conventional 0-1-6 vaccination schedule could be still worth to be recommended.