Serological immune status of hepatitis-B in vaccinated healthy individuals

ABSTRACT

This study was planned to assess the Hepatitis-B serological immune response in previously vaccinated students and staff members of various faculties of Lahore Medical and, Dental College Lahore. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination in prevention of hepatitis infection, chronic liver disease and recommendation of booster dose after primary course of vaccination. The study group comprised of 276 volunteers including MBBS/BDS students and 16 staff members of different faculties. Age range among students was 17-25 years whereas staff members were 30-50 years in age. Among 276 volunteers 46% were males and 54% were females. The levels of hepatitis B surface antibodies were assessed in blood/ serum by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay [ELISA] technique. Among 276 volunteers 230 SIGMA had detectable antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen [aHBs] while 46 [18%] showed no detectable level of antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen [aHBs] in their serum. The titer of antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen [aHBs] was low among staff members who were in age group of 30-50 years [n4, 0.25%] A decline in titer was observed during adolescence