Seroprevalence of Anti-hepatitis B Virus, Anti-hepatitis A Virus, and Anti-varicella Zoster Virus Antibodies in Nursing Students from 2009 to 2013

Abstract

Background: Nursing students may be exposed to patients with infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and hepatitis A through needle stick injuries or close contact during their clinical practice. This study surveyed the presence of anti‐ hepatitis B virus (anti-HBV), anti‐hepatitis A virus (anti‐HAV), and anti-varicella zoster virus antibodies in nursing students before the initiation of their clinical practice to help prevent subsequent infections. Methods: From 2009 to 2013, the junior students of a nursing college in Jeollabuk-do were tested for antibodies against the hepatitis B, hepatitis A, and varicella zoster viruses before the initiation of their clinical practice. Results: The students tested positive for anti‐HBV (46.2-57.1%), anti‐HAV (0-10.5%), and anti-varicella zoster antibodies (80.2-90.2%). No significant differences in the positivity rates were observed with respect to the year of their enrollment. Conclusion: This study was a survey of the seroprevalence of anti-HBV, anti-HAV, and anti-varicella zoster antibodies in nursing students before they started their clinical practice. The positivity rate of anti‐HAV was lower than 10%. In order to prevent infection, it is necessary to test nursing students for the presence of antibodies against hepatitis B, hepatitis A, varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella, and check their vaccination history as recommended in the adult immunization schedule. Vaccination must be recommended for students who test negative for the respective antibodies.