Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Immunity Status of Laboratory Staff Working at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore: An Interventional Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the common chronic viral infections worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) had estimated that only a minority are aware of their status and still a fraction of the diagnosed cases were receiving treatment for their ailment.Theaverageburden of disease in Pakistan is about 3.3%. The incidence may appear lower among the healthcare workers (HCWs) as compared to blood donors, but HCWs are at increased risk to acquire the HBV infection and the risk is even greater for laboratory personnel. This risk can be minimized by offeringthem the vaccination.Methods: Blood samples from all categories of staff in the laboratory were tested for hepatitis B Surface Antibodies (HBsAb). Those foundnon-immune were offered recombinant hepatitis B vaccine by intramuscular (I/M) injections. The results were tabulated by entering age/sex of the laboratory staff with HBsAb level. Blood was drawn 4 weeks after completion of 3 doses vaccination course in 6 months. Repeat HBsAb levels were determined in this initially non-immune group. All results were analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: Out of 96 staff members, 30were found to be immune on first testing. Remaining 66 non-immune staff were offered complete course (3 doses) of HBV Vaccine. Five staff members were lost to follow up during the course of vaccination, two of them refused vaccination and two were non-responders. The rest 57 became immune after three doses of vaccination.Conclusion: It is recommended that a national policy be adopted for HBsAb screening and offer ofvaccination, to non-immune HCWs