Seroconversion among healthcare workers vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine of RIMS Hospital, Imphal, Manipur

Abstract

Hepatitis B, caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a vaccine preventable disease. Health care workers are at high risk of HBV infection due to their exposure to infectious materials. Anti-hepatitis B surface antigen antibody (Anti HBs) titre of 10 IU/mL indicates protection. Aims: To determine the antibody titre among health care workers of RIMS Hospital, Imphal. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study Methods and Material: Blood samples were collected from 164 health care workers vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine and anti HBs titre was estimated by ELISA. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive and inferential statistics. The quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation while categorical variables were expressed as percentage. Odds ratio was used for calculation of protective antibody titre. Association between antibody titres and time since vaccination was analysed using Pearson correlation. Results: Protective titre seen in 130(79.26%) participants while on-protective titre is seen in 34(20.73%) participants. While only 15.57% of fully vaccinated individuals have non-protective anti HBs titre, 40% of partially vaccinated HCWs do not have protective titre. Conclusions: Completion of a three-dose series of hepatitis B vaccine is important to achieve seroconversion. A second series of vaccine may be recommended for seroconversion failure after the first series of vaccine followed by re-testing of anti Hbs titre. Booster dose is not recommended for seroconverted individuals with low antibody titre.