Prevalence of markers of hepatotropic viruses A, B, C and the efficacy of vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B among medical students.
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis A and B can be prevented by active immunization. The purpose of our study was to estimate the prevalence of viral markers of hepatitis A, B, and C among medical students, to assess the efficacy of vaccination against HBV infection after 4 years, and to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination against HAV infection.


METHODS
The study group consisted of 150 medical students, who were vaccinated with Engerix B at the beginning of medical studies. From this population we identified a subgroup of 45 students, in whom the presence of anti-HAV was not confirmed; they were then vaccinated with HAVRIX 1440. Viral markers for HAV, HBV, HCV were determined in this group.


RESULTS
In the group of 150 persons, we found anti-HBc in 8 students (5.3%), and HBsAg in 1 (0.7%), who did not have either HBeAg or anti-HBe. Anti-HBs antibodies were found in 146 students (97.3%); anti-HCV in 3 cases (2%), and anti-HAV in 15 cases (10%). After 2-fold vaccination against viral hepatitis A, 100% of the students presented with anti-HAV.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of HBsAg and anti-HCV among our students is the same as in the general population, while the incidence of anti-HAV is much lower (10%). The presence of anti-HBs 4 years after vaccination was detected in 97.3% of the students, and anti-HAV 1 month after the complete course of vaccination in 100% of cases.
Jabłkowski
Maciej
M
Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Medical University, Ł dź, Poland. m.jablkowski@pro.onet.pl
Kuydowicz
Jan
J
Strzelczyk
Janusz
J
Białkowska
Jolanta
J
D000328:Adult; D000917:Antibody Formation; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006518:Hepatitis Viruses / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013337:Students, Medical; D013997:Time Factors
D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines