Seroprevalence of HBs Antigen and Anti HBs Antibodies in Health Care Workers in A Tertiary Care Hospital in Delhi

Hepatitis B infection is widely prevalent all over the world and is caused by Hepatitis B virus, a DNA Virus. Hepatitis B virus is the greatest threat of infection for health care workers (HCWs) and the risk of contracting hepatitis in health care personnel is four times greater than the general adult population. The aim of the study was to evaluate Hepatitis B Virus immunization status and anti-HBs titers among health care workers (HCWs). In the present study, seventy health care workers were chosen from Kalawati Saran Children Hospital, New Delhi. HBs Antigen and anti HBsAg antibody were detected in the blood samples by ELISA. Out of the total of 70 individuals, HBs antigen was detected in 4 (5.7%) HCWs and 42/70 (60%) of the health care workers had low levels (<10mIU/ml) of anti-HBs antibodies and therefore were not immune. These HCWs are at risk of acquiring HBV infection and transmitting them to patients so these workers must be immunised with Hepatitis B vaccines. Therefore, all hospitals and clinics should develop policies/guidelines to ensure valid Hepatitis B vaccination.