Following-up the long-term efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine in immunization of risky occupational groups

Özet

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is very common and contagious public health problem with serious pathological consequences (i.e. chronic liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma). Since HBV is frequently reported as an occupational disease factor, exposure risk is a concerning problem especially in health-care personnel. The aim of this study is to evaluate the time-dependent change of anti-HBs titer levels in various occupational groups. In the study, 2512 cases from 12 different occupational groups with HBV exposure risk who were applied to Ankara Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital Occupational Diseases Clinic for medical screening between October 2012 and November 2018 were examined and assessed. Protective titer levels of anti-HBs were determined in 64.8% people in the risky occupational group. HBV seropositivity rates were found as highest in dentists (94.5%) and lowest in kitchen workers (40.1%). The protective anti-HBs titer level in healthcare workers (i.e. dentist, x-ray technician, supporter healthcare personnel) was found to be 89.4%. Those with anti-HBs titer protective level (≥ 10 mIU / ml) were defined as Group-1 (n=1631), and those with Ab level (<10 mIU / ml) who were vaccination recommended and called for re-control defined as Group-2 (n=832). After the followe-up period, it was determined that the anti HBs titer fell below the protective level in 3% of Group-1, while 44.8% (n: 175) in Group-2 were vaccinated and all were immunized. This data shows that despite occupational exposure risk, vaccination following-up is not sufficient in workplace health units. Consequently, anti-HBs levels of workers who will work in high HBV exposure risky occupations should be screened and a vaccination program should be designated for those without protective titer level. Anti-HBs levels should be monitored since decrease in protective titer level depending on time. Adult vaccination is as important as childhood vaccination especially in occupational health and safety.