%0 Journal Article
%T Hepatitis B Infection in Microbiology Laboratory Workers: Prevalence, Vaccination, and Immunity Status
%A Arun Kumar Jha
%A Sanjim Chadha
%A Preena Bhalla
%A Sanjeev Saini
%J Hepatitis Research and Treatment
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/520362
%X The risk of contracting HBV by health care workers (HCW) is four-times greater than that of general adult population. Studies have demonstrated that vaccine-induced protection persists at least 11 years. High risk groups such as HCWs should be monitored and receive a booster vaccination if their anti-HBsAb levels decrease below 10£żmIU/mL. In view of the above this study was undertaken to assess the HBV vaccination of the HCWs and their immunological response. Seventy-two HCWs of the Department of Microbiology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India, were recruited and blood sample was drawn for serological tests (HBSAg, anti-HCV, anti-HBsAb, anti-HBeAb, and anti-HBcAb). Anti-HBs titers of >10£żmIU/mL were considered protective. Thirty-four (47.3%) of the participants were completely vaccinated with three doses. 25 (73.5%) of the participants with complete vaccination had protective anti-HBsAb levels as against 8 (53.3%) of those with incomplete vaccination and 9 (39.1%) of those who were not vaccinated at all. One of our participants was acutely infected while 29 participants were susceptible to infection at the time of the study. All HCWs should receive three doses of the vaccine and be monitored for their immune status after every five years. Boosters should be administered to those who become susceptible. 1. Introduction Hepatitis B is a serious infectious disease of the liver which affects millions of people worldwide. More than 2 billion people living today have been infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) at some time in their lives and about 350 million people are carriers of the virus [1]. India has intermediate endemicity of Hepatitis B, with Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence between 2% and 7%. The number of HBsAg carriers in India has been estimated to be over 50 millions [2, 3]. Throughout the world, millions of healthcare professionals work in health institutions and it is estimated that 600,000 to 800,000 cut and puncture injuries occur among them per year, of which approximately 50% are not registered [4]. The risk of contracting HBV by health care workers (HCWs) is four-times greater than that of general adult population [5]. The highest rates are seen among dentists, physicians, laboratory workers, dialysis workers, cleaning service employees, and nurses [6]. Blood contains the highest HBV titers of all body fluids and is the most important vehicle of transmission in the health care setting. Avoiding occupational blood exposure is the primary preventive means for the transmission of HBV. Immunization and after exposure
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/heprt/2012/520362/