Vaccination against hepatitis B in homosexual men. A review.

Homosexual men are at increased risk for infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Both plasma-derived and recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid vaccines have been shown to induce long-standing protective immunity in this population. However, non-responders and weak responders to HBV vaccine have recently become a problem among homosexual men because of an impaired antibody response due to previous infection with human immunodeficiency virus. In addition, human immunodeficiency virus infection predisposes persons to the development of a HBV carrier state following HBV infection. Vaccination still remains the most effective tool for preventing hepatitis B in homosexual men, although recent behavioral changes have apparently resulted in a decreased incidence of HBV infection among this group.