Evaluation of Anti-HB Levels in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort of Health Profession Students
Background: Despite the widespread implementation of childhood vaccination programmes, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains an ongoing occupational risk for healthcare students. In multi-ethnic and international university settings, differences in vaccination programmes and immune responses mus...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Vaccines |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/13/7/771 |
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| Summary: | Background: Despite the widespread implementation of childhood vaccination programmes, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains an ongoing occupational risk for healthcare students. In multi-ethnic and international university settings, differences in vaccination programmes and immune responses must be considered. This retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of protective levels of anti-HBs among medical students at an international university in Rome, exploring associations with demographic and vaccination-related factors. Methods: Data were collected from routine occupational health surveillance conducted in 2023. Anti-HB titres were measured in 507 students, and information on age, sex, country of birth, age at vaccination, and time since the last dose was analysed. Results: Overall, 55.0% of students had antibody levels of at least 10 mIU/mL, indicating serological protection. Higher seroprotection rates were observed among students vaccinated in the first year of life compared to those vaccinated later. A significant decline in antibody titres was also associated with longer intervals since vaccination. Students born outside Europe tended to show lower levels of protection. Conclusions: These results emphasise the importance of screening future healthcare professionals and continuously monitoring antibody titres to help reduce HBV infections. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-393X |