The Investigation of Seroprevalence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Medical Students
Introduction: Medical students, as well as other healthcare workers, are at risk for various infectious diseases, some of which are preventable through vaccination. There is insufficient study indicating seroprevalence of these infections among medical students in our country and there is no vaccina...
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Bilimsel Tip Yayinevi
2008-09-01
|
| Series: | Flora Infeksiyon Hastalıkları ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Dergisi |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.floradergisi.org/getFileContent.aspx?op=REDPDF&file_name=2008-13-3-136-141.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Medical students, as well as other healthcare workers, are at risk for various infectious diseases, some of which are preventable through vaccination. There is insufficient study indicating seroprevalence of these infections among medical students in our country and there is no vaccination program. The aim of the study is to determine the seroprevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases among medical students, in order to make an emphasis on the need for a vaccination program. Materials and Methods: One hundred seventyseven students, who were in their fifth year of medical school, were enrolled in the study during 2002-2003. With a brief questionnaire, disease and vaccination history of every student was noted. Serologic investigations of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc total for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus IgG and hepatitis A virus (HAV) total antibody titers were investigated by an ELISA method. Results: Seropositivity rates were as follows: HBsAg 2.8%, anti-HBs 67.2%, anti-HBc total 41.2%, measles 56.5%, rubella 96%, mumps 92.1%, varicella 56.5%, tetanus IgG 80% and HAV IgG 74%. There was no correlation between history of illness or vaccination and seropositivity. Conclusion: This study indicated that a large proportion of the students were at risk for measles, varicella, hepatitis A and B. Medical students should be tested serologically for these infections prior to beginning their medical studies or at least prior to clinical studies, and an immunization program should be established for all medical students. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1300-932X 1300-932X |