Seroconversion and Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Vaccinated Health Care Workers in Ashanti Region, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) constantly stand at a high risk of exposure to the hepatitis B virus because of the nature of their work. Hence, it is mandatory for HCWs to undergo hepatitis B vaccination. However, most HCWs in Ghana do not check their HBsAb titre after completion of their primary vaccination. This study assessed the prevalence of HBsAg and the seroconversion rate among vaccinated health care workers in the Ashanti Region, Ghana.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A semistructured open-ended questionnaire was pretested and administered to 424 HCWs. Two (2) ml of blood was drawn and qualitative analyses (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb) were done on the blood samples. Samples that tested positive to HBsAb were quantified using ELISA. Data obtained were analysed using GraphPad Prism 9.

RESULTS: Out of the 424 study participants, 271 (63.9%) were females and 153 (36.1%) were males. Seroconversion (≥1 mIU/mL) and seroprotection (≥10 mIU/mL) through vaccination only among study participants were 67.5% ( n / N   = 286/424) and 58.0% ( n / N   = 246/424), respectively. Prevalence of hepatitis B viral infection was 2.4% ( n / N   = 10/424). Anti-HBc seropositivity was 13.2%, and anti-HBs seronegativity was 24.1%. 2.4% ( n / N   = 10/424) of study participants were negative to HBsAg but positive to HBcAb. In addition, 8.5% ( n / N  = 36/424) of the study participants were seroprotected due to exposure and recovery from previous HBV infection. Age, the number of doses received, taking a booster dose, and keeping a vaccination record card were significant factors influencing seroconversion status.

CONCLUSION: This study reaffirms the need for HCWs to undergo a supervised primary hepatitis B vaccination course. Postvaccination serological testing should be done for all HWCs to confirm immunity and reduce their chances of contracting HBV infection.