ABSTRACT
This study investigated the seropositivity for hepatitis B virus (HBV), the vaccination index, and the vaccine response index in dentists from Campo Grande, MS. Blood samples from 474 dentists (63.7 percent women and 36.3 percent men), with a mean age of 38.5 ± 10.5 years were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the serological markers: HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc. The HBsAg positive samples were tested for anti-HBc IgM, HBeAg, and anti-HBe. A total of 51 (10.8 percent) dentists showed seropositivity for HBV. Three (0.6 percent) were HBsAg/anti-HBc/anti-HBe positive, 43 (9.1 percent) were anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive, and 5 (1.1 percent) had only anti-HBc. Viral DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in 9 (17.6 percent) out of 51 HBV seropositive samples. A vaccination index of 96.6 percent (458/474) was observed, although 73.1 percent (335/458)completed the three-dose schedule. Excluding 46 HBV seropositive individuals from 458 that reported vaccination, 412 were analyzed for vaccine response index. It was observed that 74.5 percent (307/412) were anti-HBs positive; this percentage increased to 79.1 percent when three doses were administered. The results showed a high vaccination index and a good rate of vaccine response; however, the failure in completing the three-dose schedule and the occurrence of HBV infection reinforce the need for more effective prevention strategies.