Serological and molecular markers for Hepatitis B virus in university students

Introduction: Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections varies by geographical region and risk group. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infections, as well as the vaccination status, among university students from Bucaramanga. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted in 2010 which included 1298 students from five universities. Serological markers for HBV infection were detected using ELISA. Viral genomes were detected with nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Active infections were established in 0.15% of the study population, and this finding was confirmed by PCR. Resolved infections were identified in 0.60% of the population. Isolated anti-HBc antibodies were found, 30.2% of vaccinated individuals. 67.9% of the study population was susceptible. No occult HBV was detected. Conclusions: The low prevalence of HBV infections reported in this study contrasts with the intermediate epidemiological pattern described in the region. We found poor vaccination coverage and absence of occult hepatitis B among these university students.