Hepatitis B Virus Immunity Level in Relation to Vaccine Schedule Among Medical Laboratory Health Care Providers In Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is categorized in the genus orthohepadnae virus and it encompasses double stranded DNA virus. Viral infection caused by HBV can either be acute or chronic infection. Acute type of HBV infection occurs in the initial six months from birth due to exposure to HBV and in adults there might be no symptoms and no complaint of any clinical signs or symptoms.

Methods: Study design used was a cross-sectional study involving all Medical laboratory health care providers was conducted. Hepatitis B Virus surface antigen rapid test and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test were used to test the blood samples collected from the subjects and the results were analysed using chi-square and verified using Pearson Correlation Coefficient.

Results: The study found that the number of participants who were unvaccinated were 16(17.39%) of which 2 had protective immunity and 14(66.66%) had low immunity level. Participants who had received first dose of HBV vaccine were 12 of which 3(14.28%) had low immunity level while 9(12.5%) had protective immunity level. Participants who had received second doses of the vaccine were 11(11.96%) of 2(9.52%) had low HBV immunity level where as 9(12.5%) had protective immunity level. Participants who had complete HBV vaccine doses (3 doses) were 52(56.52%) of which 2(9.52%) had low immunity level while 50(70.42%) had protective immunity level.

Conclusion: The research concluded there is need for completion of HBV vaccine schedule of the three doses so as to increase the immunity level since 70.42% of respondents who had completed the three doses had protective immunity levels above the cutoff point recommended by the WHO (≥10 mIU/ml).It is advisable to get a booster vaccine after completion of the three HBV doses according to the vaccine schedule