[Anti-hepatitis B surface antigen titres in vaccinated dentistry students at Damascus University]

East Mediterr Health J. 2012 Jun;18(6):630-4. doi: 10.26719/2012.18.6.630.
[Article in Arabic]

Abstract

Dental practice carries considerable danger for acquiring bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV). Vaccination against this virus is an important approach to reducing the infection. Post-vaccination test to confirm the seroconversion is important also. Over the period 1 March-31 May 2010, we assessed the efficacy of HBV vaccination among 91 fourth-year dental students at Damascus University, who were vaccinated under the mandatory Faculty of Dentistry programme. Anti-HBsAg antibody titres were determined in the blood samples using an enzyme immunoassay to measure; > or = 10 IU/mm was considered an adequate response titer. Seven of the 91 dentistry students (7.7%) had anti-HBs antibody titre < 10 mlU/mL. The frequency of unresponsiveness was significantly higherwith smoking (P = 0.012) and alcohol consumption (P = 0.014). Anti-HBs test should be included in routine immunization services of the School of Dentistry at Damascus University.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood-Borne Pathogens
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis B / immunology
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control*
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood*
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Schools, Dental
  • Students
  • Syria / epidemiology

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines