Acute hepatitis B in a hepatitis B vaccine non-responder.

Abstract

Developing acute hepatitis B in immunocompetent non-responders to hepatitis B vaccination has been rarely reported. We report such a case in a 79 year old heterosexual male. There is evidence that tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine as primary prophylaxis can prevent acquisition of hepatitis B. In the current era of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine, there is dual benefit of preventing HIV and hepatitis B. We discuss the importance of considering tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine pre-exposure prophylaxis in those hepatitis B vaccination non-responders at high risk of acquiring hepatitis B.