ISSN : 2663-2187

Factors Influencing Immunologic Response to Hepatitis B Vaccine in Medical Students – A Cross-Sectional Study

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Ms. S. Soundarya , Dr. T. Uma Arasu , Dr.K. Senthilkumar , Dr.Dharmalingam Thirunavukkarasu , Dr. A. Dhanasekaran , Arbind Kumar
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.14.2024.1262-1269

Abstract

Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccine is essential for humans as a preventive measure, particularly for medical students who are at high risk due to their clinical training. After HBV immunization, various factors may influence the levels of hepatitis surface antibodies (HBs Ab) in students, which can be considered inadequate for sufficient protection (<10 m IU/ml) against Hepatitis. This study aimed to quantify Hepatitis B antibody titres to surface antigen in medical students and identify any factors involved in protection. A total of 115 medical students, both male and female, were included in the study. Descriptive data, including age, BMI, vaccine details, and diseases, were collected from the participants. Blood samples were collected after informed consent was obtained from the students. All students received two doses of the vaccine, with the assay period being five months after the second dose. The antibody titer was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The data were analyzed using descriptive and Chi-square analysis through SPSS 15 software. The study included 115 medical students aged 18 to 24 years, with a mean age of 19.83 years. The post-vaccination antibody titres were 89.6% in >100 m IU/ml, 9.6% in 10-100 m IU/ml, and 0.9% in <10 m IU/ml, with one participant noted for having falling protective titres. This study evidenced that measuring the titer for anti-HBs response in vaccinated students can determine their level of protection. Most of the students were protected after vaccination, although one participant displayed low levels of anti-HBs. The collected information from the participant's factors was not associated with the falling titer, which may be related to individual immune function.

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