Because non-response (<10 IU/l anti-HBs) after revaccination for hepatitis B occurs frequently (50%), this study aimed to provide evidence for a more effective revaccination regimen by comparing four different revaccinations: (1) three revaccinations with Engerix-B(®) (n=201); (2) one revaccination with Engerix-B(®) (n=37); (3) one revaccination with HBVaxPro-40(®) (n=108); (4) one revaccination with Fendrix(®) (n=39). The level of anti-HBs antibodies was determined with the AXSYM-MEIA system (Abbott, Chicago, USA). Using linear and logistic regression, the efficacy (antibody response) after the four revaccinations was compared. Analyses were corrected for age, sex, primary titre and time lag between last revaccination and the titre measurement. The height of the primary titre independently predicted antibody response. Compared to the revaccination scheme using three Engerix-B(®) doses, revaccination with a single dose of HBVaxPro-40(®) or Fendrix(®) performed significantly better. The use of these highly potent vaccines should be considered when revaccinating hepatitis B vaccine non-responders.
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