Anti-hepatitis B antibody levels In immunized medical students: are they at risk?

Abstract INTRODUCTION Medical students have an occupational risk for hepatitis B (HB). This study sought to determine anti-HBs and anti-HBc IgG levels in vaccinated students, check their seroconversion, and correlate this with vaccination. METHODS One hundred and forty-three students' blood samples and their vaccination schedules were analyzed. RESULTS: 65.7% were positive for anti-HBs; however, anti-HBs was absent in 34.3%. Only two samples were positive for anti-HBc IgG. CONCLUSIONS More than 30% of students did not have minimum protective levels. Comparing HBV vaccination and anti-HBs reactivity, the majority of reactive individuals received their last dose within the past 16 years.

Influence of comorbidities on CD4+/CD8+ proportion in HIV-positive patients in Blumenau, State of Santa Catarina: a retrospective study

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The objective was to identify comorbidities related to HIV-positive patients in Blumenau, State of Santa Catarina. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive observational design study which analyzed data from 424 patients assisted by the sexually transmitted disease/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (STD/AIDS) Specialized Care Service (SCS). RESULTS: Of 424 medical records analyzed, 388 patients presented CD4+/CD8+ ratios lower than 1. The most prevalent comorbidities were smoking, depression, alcoholism, and herpes zoster infection, in males and females. CONCLUSIONS: The most relevant comorbidity in both genders was herpes zoster, an important marker of immunity in patients. The lowest mean was observed among patients with neurotoxoplasmosis.