[Anti-hepatitis B surface antigen titres in vaccinated dentistry students at Damascus University].
Dental practice carries considerable danger for acquiring bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV). Vaccination against this virus is an important approach to reducing the infection. Post-vaccination test to confirm the seroconversion is important also. Over the period 1 March-31 May 2010, we assessed the efficacy of HBV vaccination among 91 fourth-year dental students at Damascus University, who were vaccinated under the mandatory Faculty of Dentistry programme. Anti-HBsAg antibody titres were determined in the blood samples using an enzyme immunoassay to measure; > or = 10 IU/mm was considered an adequate response titer. Seven of the 91 dentistry students (7.7%) had anti-HBs antibody titre < 10 mlU/mL. The frequency of unresponsiveness was significantly higherwith smoking (P = 0.012) and alcohol consumption (P = 0.014). Anti-HBs test should be included in routine immunization services of the School of Dentistry at Damascus University.
Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. hadisrour@gmail.com
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D000328:Adult; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012575:Schools, Dental; D013334:Students; D013593:Syria / Q000453:epidemiology
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines