Basireddy P, Avileli S, Beldono N, Gundela SL. Evaluation of immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in healthcare workers at a tertiary care hospital.
Indian J Med Microbiol 2019;
36:397-400. [PMID:
30429394 DOI:
10.4103/ijmm.ijmm_17_431]
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Abstract
Purpose
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection through occupational exposure which is preventable through hepatitis B vaccination. In the current study, the response to HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) vaccine was assessed in a selected group of HCWs by testing for antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs).
Methods
Blood samples were collected in all HCWs, who have received the complete schedule of hepatitis B vaccination and anti-HBs levels, were assessed quantitatively in sera using ELISA.
Results
The age range of the study participants was 20-55 years. The mean months after the last dose of vaccination were 60.36. Among the 85 participants, 96.5% (n = 82) have protective immunity to hepatitis B. The anti-Hbs response was similar in both male and female (P > 0.05). There was a decline in immune response as the age was increasing (P < 0.05). The results of the study found a significant decline in the immune response with time (P < 0.05). The anti-Hbs response was declined with smoking habit (P < 0.05) and with increasing body mass index (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Post-HBsAg vaccination immunity to hepatitis B was 96.5% in HCW and was similar to that of global rates. Increasing age, time period, smoking habit, and overweight were associated with decreased immunity. Many studies are needed in developing newer HBV vaccines with very high immunogenicity. Giving highly immunogenic vaccine to HCWs will ensure safety at work by reducing nosocomial transmission which is very much desired in a resource-limited country.
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