Prevalence of HBV markers in the Italian Armed Forces and HBV vaccination

Mil Med. 1989 Dec;154(12):589-92.

Abstract

Hepatitis B (HBV) markers were studied in 710 subjects who had been on active duty for over 6 months in the Italian Armed Forces. The prevalence of HBsAg carriers was found to be 4.4%, while 31.6% of the subjects were positive for various HBV antibodies. A total of 137 subjects were vaccinated with an anti-HBV vaccine (HB-VAX, MSD). The percentages of non-responders and low responders were 13.86% and 13.14%, respectively. Boosters administered 3 months post-vaccination schedule, with or without immunostimulatory treatment, resulted in seroconversions and/or substantial increases in HBsAb levels in 50% of these subjects.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Carrier State / immunology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / analysis*
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Antigens / analysis*
  • Hepatitis B Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Humans
  • Immunization Schedule
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel*
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines
  • Viral Hepatitis Vaccines