Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the immune memory response to HBV vaccine in diabetic patients who had received the full HBV vaccination during infancy and to assess the need for booster doses. Blood samples were collected from children (93 diabetics and 105 controls) and university students (22 diabetics and 20 controls). Anti-HBs titer in serum and after in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with HBV vaccine was measured by ELISA. Diabetic groups had significantly lower anti-HBs levels after 10 years of the last HBV vaccine dose. The percentage of diabetic patients having protective anti-HBs titers was significantly lower than controls. In conclusion, diabetic patients had lower immune response to HBV vaccine over time, emphasizing the need for a booster dose.