Imunidade para hepatite B em graduandos da área da saude

Abstract

Hepatitis B (HB) is a disease known to cause a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). HB has become a public health problem throughout the country, infecting even more than the HIV virus. For health graduates, this disease is an occupational hazard for them, through direct contact with possibly infected samples. The HBV transmission may occur via parenteral or vertical. The 57 students enrolled in the Biomedicine course of a Higher Education Institution who attended 7th and 8th periods were invited to participate in the research. The aim of this study was to identify health graduates who demonstrate HBV Immunity. For this, the presence of anti-HBs antibodies against the surface antigen of Hepatitis B virus (HBsAg), was investigated, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbet assay (ELISA). We also used a questionnaire to investigate the vaccine situation and knowledge about HBV infection. As regards the transmission route, 64% considered blood transmission and 36% considered vertical transmission. Most of the students, 61.5% completed the immunization schedule and 19% had already taken the anti-HBs test. Of the 52 undergraduates analyzed a total of 32 (61.5%) academic were reagent for Anti-HBs, of which 27 (84.4%) are women and 5 (15.6%) men. Of the 20 (38.5%) students with non-reactive result for anti-HBs antibodies, 15 (75%) were women and 5 (25%) were men. Among the 19 (36.5%) students who reported having taken all three doses of the vaccine, 7 (36.8%) anti-HBs antibodies were not detected. This research also sought a greater attention of the study population on HBV infection, considering that many enter the graduation program without knowledge of the risks that may be exposed. Complete vaccination, coupled with serological testing, is essential in preventing occupational of HBV transmission.