A study of HBV viral marker with HBV vaccination histories in healthcare workers in case of needle stick injury

Abstract number: 1134_03_297

Shin B.-M., Yoo H.M., Park S.K., Lee A.S.

Objective:  

Needle stick injury associated with HBV is not a rare accident among hospital healthcare workers (HCWs). The prevalence of HBV infection was reported as 5–8% in Korea. Therefore basic data about prevalence of HBV viral markers (HBsAg, HbsAb and HBcAb) with vaccination histories in health care workers are very useful for the guideline of hospital infection control and HCW benefit.

Methods:  

We tried to survey 725 HCWs including doctors, nurses, aid-nurses and technicians and 571 HCWs (123 male and 448 female) participated in the surveillance and answered about previous HBV vaccination histories. HBsAg, HBsAb (Elecsys 2010, Roche) and HBcAb, IgG (Centaur, Bayer) were analysed with enzyme immunoassay.

Results:  

The positive rate of HBsAg and HBsAb was 2.4% and 76.8% respectively. HBsAg(-)/HBsAb(-) cases were 20.7%. The range of HBsAb positive rates were 64.3%–79.6% according to the occupational divisions. The division of nurse was the most (80%) and group of doctors (64%) were the least prevalent HBsAb positive groups respectively. Of all cases, 24.2% did not have HBV vaccination histories and 68.8% had experienced more than 1 time of HBV vaccination. The HBsAb titers between 100 and <1000 IU/mL were most popular in HBsAb positive cases. Among 571 cases, 74.1% showed negative HBcAb, IgG and 76.1% of them had HBsAb. The cases showing positive HBcAb also represented 78.1% positive in HBsAb tests.

Conclusion:  

The prevalence of HBsAg and HBsAb in HCWa in a Korean hospital was similar to general population on Korea. We need more education or announcement for the group of doctors about HBV vaccination. About 75% of hospital HCWs had not been exposed to HBV mainly because of HBV vaccinations. However, no difference was found between vaccination group and non-vaccination group in HBsAb positivity, suggesting Korea is still high prevalent area about HBV infection. Therefore, we need to practice HBV vaccination programme for about 20% of HCWs in case of HBV exposures, such as a needle stick injury.