Antibody level and immunity against hepatitis b virus infection among general dental practitioners

Introduction: Immunization against Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is crucial for an effective control in dental healthcare settings. Nevertheless, vaccination rates among general dental practitioners (GDPs) from developed countries range between roughly 50%, as in Italy and Japan, and >90% as in US and UK. Furthermore, vaccination does not necessarily imply immunity, as serum anti-HBs antigen (Ag) level tends to decrease and booster doses are periodically required. Aim: To investigate HBV vaccination and immunity rates among Italian GDPs. Material and methods: 195 GDPs voluntarily participated. They provided information regarding HBV vaccination in the last 10 years and underwent blood samples to detect serum anti-HBs Ag level. Immune subjects were considered subjects with anti-HBs Ag =10 mIU/mL. Vaccination and immunity rates were assessed with 95% confidence intervals (95CIs). Sensitivity (proportion of immune GDPs among vaccinated GDPs), Specificity (proportion non-immune GDPs among non-vaccinated GDPs) also were assessed. Results: 88% GDPs were vaccinated (95CI, 83-92%), but only 83% were immune (95CI, 77-88%). Sensitivity was 95.6%, suggesting that among immune GDPs, 4.4% were not recently vaccinated. Specificity was 50%, suggesting that among nonimmune GDPs, 50% were recently vaccinated. Conclusion: Vaccination rate among Italian GDPs was high. Nevertheless, a fraction of 5% of them was vaccinated but was not immune, thus suggesting that serum antibody level should be periodically checked because susceptible GDPs are at risk for HBV infection. © 2013 Medicinski fakultet Niš.