Immune Response after Hepatitis B Vaccination among Egyptian Medical Students in Nile Delta

Abstract

Background: Early promotion of hepatitis B (HB) vaccination among health care workers is an important component of the HBV infection control. No available data assess immune response of HB vaccination among Egyptian medical students. Objective: we conducted this study to evaluate the immune response among medical students after completion of their vaccination schedule. Methods: A total of 150 Egyptian medical students were included. Three doses of recombinant HB vaccine had been administered to all participating students at 0, 1 and 6 months. Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (Anti-HBs) titers, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and total antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were measured by enzyme immunoassay, 1 to 2 months after completion of vaccination course. Results: Among 150 students included, the mean age was 22.4 ± 1.7 years (range 18 - 28 years). Fifty nine (39.4%) were males and 91 (60.6%) were females. All students have anti-HBs levels more than 100 IU/L. The mean anti-HBs of included students was 8994.2 ± 6373.1 IU/L. There was no significant difference of anti-HBs levels regarding age, sex, residence or body mass index distribution. Conclusion: Early HB vaccination of health care workers is associated with good immune response and should be encouraged.