Seroprevalence of Anti-HBs Titers in Health-care Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mumbai

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable disease caused by Hepatitis B virus which is a partially double stranded virus. Sharp injuries are the most common occupational injuries among healthcare workers (HCW). HCW are prone to sharp injuries during work, and infection after exposure. Materials and Methods: Anti-HBs titres were measured in 231 HCW in a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai. Result: Eighty six males and 145 females participated in the study. Out of these 41 were vaccine non compliant; 37 were partially immunized and 4 were not immunized. 32 out of 231 individuals tested had titres below 10 mIU/ml (10 mIU/ml considered to be the minimal protective titre). Among the individuals who had titres <10 mIU/ml, 17 were medical assistants, 10 were nursing officers and 5 were doctors. Out of these there were 04 who had not received any HepB vaccination in the past. The rest had received either complete or partial immunization. All those who had completed primary vaccination series and had titres <10 mIU/ml (n = 14) had completed primary vaccination more than 5 years ago. Conclusions: In our study 82.2% were vaccine compliant and 27.8% were vaccine non compliant. Out of 231 individuals 32 (13.85%) had titres <10 mIU/ml. This study highlights the need for HCW to undergo anti-HBs titres post primary vaccination and after 5 years of primary vaccination to identify susceptible individuals. The HCW with non protective titres should be give Hep B booster and antibody levels should be tested to confirm protective titres.