hepatitis b infection: prevalence and response to vaccination among health care workers in babol, northern iran

background &amp; objectives: hepatitis b is one of the major health problems in the world. health care workers (hcws) are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis b virus. the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hbv infection and the immune response to hbv vaccine among the hcws in babol, northern iran. methods: this study was accomplished on 527 hcws and administrative staff working at rohani hospital, babol, northern iran from 2011 to 2012. hbs- ag, hbc- ab and hbs- ab were measured by elisa method. all susceptible staff vaccinated with recombinant hepatitis b vaccine (pasteur institute of iran) and hbs - ab titer was evaluated 3 months after the last dose. results: anti-hbc was positive in 32 (6.1%) and hbs-ag in 4 (0.75%) of the participants. the hbv exposure in hcws was four times greater than the administrative staff (6.65% vs. 1.63%). there was significant association between hbv exposure and occupation and also educational level (p < 0.001), however, this association was not found with age and gender. seroconversion was seen in 211 (91.7%) of 230 participants who received three-dose series of hepatitis b vaccine. the seroconversion is significantly decreasing by the increase of age (p < 0.001), however, no significant association was seen with age and gender. conclusion: considering high hbv infection exposure in hcws, it is mandatory to ensure vaccination program and postvaccination evaluation along with education and safe work environment preparation.