Survey of the level of anti-HBs antibody titer in vaccinated Iranian general dentists

Spec Care Dentist. 2008 Nov-Dec;28(6):265-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008.00052.x.

Abstract

Hepatitis B is an infectious disease to which dentists are susceptible. The main aim of this study was to determine the level of antibody titer and immunity in vaccinated Iranian general dentists. A total of 861 general dentists were invited to participate in this study; 598 persons who could recall their history of vaccination and consented to have blood samples taken were recruited. Demographic and work-related data were recorded, and anti-Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs-Ag) evaluations were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 598 participants, 35 (5.9%) were nonimmune (anti-HBs <10 IU/l), 101 (16.9%) were relatively immune (anti-HBs = 10-99 IU/l), and 462 (77.3%) were completely immune (anti-HBs > or =100 IU/l). Only 218 (36.5%) of the dentists knew their HBs antibody titer. Fourteen (2.3%) persons reported receiving one dose and 65 (10.9%) had received two doses. The number of those who had received the three recommended doses totaled 519 (86.8%), 491 (82.1%) of them receiving their vaccine on schedule. Age, city, pack-years of smoking, years of smoking, and the interval between the last vaccination and the commencement of the study had a significant relationship to the antibody titer level, whereas sex, marital status, place of practice, smoking, and vaccination schedule were not related. Only 36.5% of the general dentists had checked their antibody titer. We, therefore, recommend that dentists, as a potential high-risk group, should know their level of anti-HBs antibody titer so that those who require revaccination can get treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dentists*
  • Female
  • General Practice, Dental
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood*
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Secondary
  • Iran
  • Male
  • Marital Status
  • Middle Aged
  • Professional Practice Location
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking
  • Urban Population
  • Vaccination*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines