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.
