Suboptimal immunity of hepatitis B vaccination and seroprotection among healthcare professionals in a tertiary hospital in Ghana

Healthcare workers (HCW) constitute a high-risk group to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which can be curtailed by vaccination. Despite two decades of HBV vaccinations in Ghana, there is limited data on the sero-protection (anti-HBs titer ≥ 10 mIU/ml) rate among vaccinated individuals. To determine the extent of anti-HBs sero-protection among HCW, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 150 HBV-vaccinated HCW at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, who were recruited between March and September 2019. Demographics and vaccination history were collected through questionnaires. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies using test kits and ELISA immunoassay respectively. Results showed that 62% of HBV-vaccinated HCW had sufficient protection, with a mean titer of 338.6 ± 387.6 mIU/ml. However, 38% had antibody titers below the protective threshold (< 10 mIU/ml). Notably, one individual with suboptimal immunity tested positive for HBsAg. Age, but not gender and body mass index, influenced the antibody levels. Our findings suggest that a substantial proportion of HBV-vaccinated HCW in Ghana may lack adequate seroprotection and may be prone to HBV infection. The study highlights the importance of considering routine evaluation of anti-HBs antibody titers among HCW to better inform occupational health policies.