English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Health care personnel (HCP) are the most exposed sector to contract Hepatitis B from infected patients, and vaccination is a key modality to prevent it. We wanted to evaluate the immune status of health care workers (HCWs) post vaccination and bring to light the potential risk factors that may be responsible for low Anti-HBs antibody titres post vaccination. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH), Sawangi, with 171 HCP who completed the hepatitis B vaccination. Serum Anti-HBs levels were assessed using ELISA. RESULTS Of 171 HCP, 30 (17.54 %) were males and 141 (82.46 %) were females. The mean age of the study population was 35 years. 73.68 % of the total HCP study population showed antibody titres above the predefined protective threshold. The only risk factor significantly associated with serological response was chronic illness. There was no significant association of serological response to time since last dose (P = 0.3), BMI (P = 0.67), percutaneous / mucocutaneous exposure (P = 0.7) and post vaccination period (P = 0.246). CONCLUSIONS Hospital administration should promote testing of Anti-HBs levels in all HCWs 1 - 2 months’ post Hepatitis B vaccination so that necessary precautions can be taken, and revaccination with counselling should be strictly followed. KEY WORDS Health Care Personnel (HCP), Risk Factors, Anti-HBs Levels, Immunization Status