Serologic response to hepatitis B vaccine in health care workers, Kermanshah, Iran

Background: Hepatitis B is a major infectious risk factor for health-care workers (HCWs) and public- safety workers. Although seroconversion rate following hepatitis B vaccination is estimated to be more than 90%, serologic response to Heberbiovac HB vaccine currently given in our center in Kermanshah province has been varied in different experiences, So, this study was conducted to determine serologic response in HCWs.
 Methods: In a descriptive-cross sectional study, in 138 HbcAb from 10 health care centers, HbcAb negatives and vaccinated with Heberbiovac HB (Cuba made, available vaccine in Iran), HbsAb titer was assessed by ELISA. Serologic response as antibody titer equal or more than 10mIU/ml considered protective level (serologic responder). The data were analyzed by SPSS software, using X² and Fisher exact test.
 Results: Within 138 HCWs(60.1% female and 39.9% male), 69.6% had serologic response. The age had significant role in serologic response rate, but sex, weight, smoking and interval from the last time of vaccine reception were not effective factors.
 Conclusion: Serologic response rate to HBV vaccine in Kermanshah was much lower than other experiences. We need more information about the efficacy of Heberbiovac HB in high-risk groups and general population, the reasons of low efficacy and increasing serologic response.
 Keywords: Hepatitis B, Vaccine, Serologic response, Heberbiovac HB, Health-care worker