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Evaluation of Anti-HB Levels in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort of Health Profession Students
Lorenzo Ippoliti1,2,3, Andrea Pizzo1, Agostino Paolino1,2
1Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Insights
Hepatitis B vaccination protects only 55% of healthcare students, with lower antibody levels seen in those vaccinated later or born outside Europe. Regular monitoring of anti-HBs titres is crucial for occupational health.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses an occupational risk to healthcare students despite widespread vaccination programs.
- International university settings require consideration of diverse vaccination schedules and immune responses.
- Assessing HBV seroprotection in medical students is vital for occupational safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of protective anti-HBs antibody levels in medical students at an international university.
- To investigate associations between seroprotection and demographic/vaccination factors.
- To inform strategies for reducing HBV occupational risk in healthcare students.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of occupational health surveillance data from 507 medical students in 2023.
- Measurement of anti-HB titres and analysis of factors including age, sex, country of birth, vaccination age, and time since vaccination.
- Statistical analysis to determine seroprotection rates and associated variables.
Main Results:
- 55.0% of students achieved serological protection (anti-HB titres ≥ 10 mIU/mL).
- Vaccination in the first year of life correlated with higher seroprotection rates.
- Lower protection levels were observed in students vaccinated later, with longer intervals since vaccination, and those born outside Europe.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare students exhibit variable HBV seroprotection, highlighting the need for targeted screening.
- Continuous monitoring of anti-HBs titres is essential for effective occupational health surveillance.
- Proactive strategies are necessary to mitigate HBV infection risks among future healthcare professionals.
Background:
Despite the widespread implementation of childhood vaccination programmes, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains an ongoing occupational risk for healthcare students. In multi-ethnic and international university settings, differences in vaccination programmes and immune responses must be considered. This retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of protective levels of anti-HBs among medical students at an international university in Rome, exploring associations with demographic and vaccination-related factors.
Methods:
Data were collected from routine occupational health surveillance conducted in 2023. Anti-HB titres were measured in 507 students, and information on age, sex, country of birth, age at vaccination, and time since the last dose was analysed.
Results:
Overall, 55.0% of students had antibody levels of at least 10 mIU/mL, indicating serological protection. Higher seroprotection rates were observed among students vaccinated in the first year of life compared to those vaccinated later. A significant decline in antibody titres was also associated with longer intervals since vaccination. Students born outside Europe tended to show lower levels of protection.
Conclusions:
These results emphasise the importance of screening future healthcare professionals and continuously monitoring antibody titres to help reduce HBV infections.
