Abstract / Summary
Objectives Healthcare workers (HCWs) are often at constant risk of acquiring the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as an occupational hazard. This can be prevented not only with complete HBV vaccination, but also by estimation of the immune response to HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). This study aims to evaluate the immune response of vaccine-compliant HCWs in a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study of 1.5 years duration was conducted among vaccine-compliant HCWs. Antibodies in response to HBs (anti-HBs) in their serum were assessed by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The results showed a significant number of HCWs (90.6%) with protective anti-HBs titre (≥10 mIU/mL). 9.4% HCWs were non-responders (anti-HBs <10 mIU/mL). There was a significant decrease in the number of HCWs with protective anti-HBs with an increase in time since last vaccination. Younger age at primary vaccination was associated with increased vaccine immunogenicity. Obesity alone and smoking combined with alcohol intake were contributors to decreased immune response. Conclusion The evaluation of immune response to HBV vaccine showed that 9% vaccine compliant HCWs did not have a protective anti-HBs titre. There was an inverse relationship between anti-HBs titre with time since vaccination and age at primary vaccination. Certain health conditions and lifestyles were shown to be associated with lowered immune response.