Hepatitis A and B seropositivity among medical students

Health science students are commonly exposed to some infectious agents, including hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), which may cause substantial morbidity and even deaths. The identification of prevalence and risk factors is essential for implementing efficacious preventive measures. A serological survey was performed among medical students of Adnan Menderes University Medical Faculty to determine the prevalence of antibodies against HAV and HBV, and, as a secondary objective, to determine risk factors for acquisition of these infections.

Nearly all students were included in the study. All participants completed a structured questionnaire that assessed demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Anti-HAV IgG, anti-HBc IgG, HbsAg and anti-HBs were tested using commercially available Elisa kits.

A total of 247 students, 146 (59.1%) male and 101 (40.9%) female, were included in the study. The prevalence of anti-HAV IgG was detected as 64%. Number of siblings and place of residence were detected as independent factors affecting the anti-HAV seropositivity. The prevalence of anti-HBc IgG was detected as 7.3%. Among the students positive for anti-HBc IgG, 5 (2%) students were HBsAg positive and the other 13 (5.3%) were anti-HBs positive. HBV infection in household members, risky sexual behaviour and vaccination were independent factors affecting the prevalence of anti-HBc IgG positivity.

The high susceptibility of medical students and their increased risk of clinical HAV and HBV infection identify a need for primary prevention through the administration of vaccination in this group in western Turkey.