Korean J healthc assoc Infect Control Prev.  2023 Jun;28(1):106-112. 10.14192/kjicp.2023.28.1.106.

A Usefulness of Serologic Screening of Measles and Hepatitis a for Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital

• Hong HK
• An HA
• kim MJ
• Kim EM
• Kim T
• Shin HB
• Han SH

• KMID: 2543141
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14192/kjicp.2023.28.1.106

Abstract

Background
It is essential to know the immunity status of healthcare workers (HCWs) against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and measles due to the likelihood of exposure on duty. Immune status can be evaluated using self-reporting of previous infection history, vaccination status, or measurement of protective antibodies. This study was conducted to compare the utility of serologic screening tests to self-reported data in determining the immune status of HAV and measles.
Methods
This retrospective study included 911 HCWs who underwent general health checkups in a tertiary care hospital from February to December 2020. We compared the results of the HCWs’ self-reported history with the results of the IgG antibody test for measles and HAV.
Results
Anti-HAV IgG and measles IgG were found in 491 (53.9%) and 812 (89.1%) HCWs, respectively. Anti-HAV IgG was positive in 90.9% (10/11) of HCWs who reported a previous history of HAV infection and 73.9% (277/375) who reported a history of vaccination. Regarding measles, 95.0% (76/80) of HCWs reported a previous history, and 89.1% (441/495) reported a history of vaccination. Compared to vaccination without serologic screening in 911 HCWs, serologic screening before vaccination was performed can reduce costs for HAV (₩28,498,025) and measles (₩35,585,800).
Conclusion
These results support the use of screening tests for anti-HAV IgG and measles IgG in HCWs, regardless of self-reported histories of past infection or vaccination status.

Keyword

Health personnel; Hepatitis A virus; Measles; Self report; Seroepidemiologic studies

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