[Factors associated with inadequate response to hepatitis B vaccination in health care personnel].
BACKGROUND
The recombinant hepatitis B vaccine provides immunity in approximately 95% of all cases, but there is a certain percentage which responds insufficiently. The purpose of this work consists of assessing the factors which are linked to an inadequate immune response.


METHODS
This is an observational, analytical study in which a retrospective follow-up is made of a group of subjects vaccinated to prevent against hepatitis B (HBV). The variables of interest of the health care personnel meeting the requirements to be included in this study in Health Care District No. 9 of the Autonomous Region of Valencia (No. 827) were gathered. Following vaccination, the titration of surface antibodies (antiHB's) was determined for checking the response, levels of over 10 m UI/ml being considered to provide protection.


RESULTS
An adequate serum changeover was achieved in 94.4% of those vaccinated. The low-degree or zero response to the vaccine was significantly linked independently to variables such as male gender, age, the body mass index (BMI) and the habit of smoking. Drinking alcohol and the levels of GPT, although they did not react significantly with the response to the vaccine, were possibly misleading factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The immunogenicity of this vaccine is satisfactory. It is important to quantify the levels of antiHB's, especially when factors predicting a poor response are involved. Therefore, it is possible to identify those which require a booster shot and those showing no response, hence avoiding situations involving a false sense of being protected against HBV.
Sección de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia. jotebu@arrakis.es
N
N
Tolosa Martínez
J M
JM
Tenías Burillo
B
B
Pérez Bermúdez
J
J
Bautista Sanchis Alvarez
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006282:Health Personnel; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain; D014611:Vaccination
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines