Immunity to Measles, Rubella, and Hepatitis B Viruses Among Students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Measles, Rubella, and Hepatitis B are vaccine-preventable infectious diseases that cause several complications and impose a burden on health systems worldwide. Medical students are exposed to these viruses during their clinical training period and are more susceptible to these infections. Therefore, it is imperative to assess their immunity against these three viruses. Methods: In this cross-sectional study in 2013, 75 blood samples were collected from the medical students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The sample included 53 female and 22 male students with a mean age of 22 years. The IgG levels against measles, hepatitis B, and rubella were measured by the ELISA method. To analyze the data, chi-square test was applied using SPSS 22 software. Results: The protective levels of IgG against measles, rubella, and hepatitis B were detected in 88%, 97.3%, and 94.7% of the students, respectively. We found a significant correlation between a positive history of measles and hepatitis B vaccination and protection against these two viruses (P value = 0.016 and P value = 0.000, respectively). A significant correlation was detected between the number of hepatitis B vaccination doses and immunity against this virus (P value = 0.016). Conclusions: Immunity of medical students to measles, hepatitis B, and rubella was at an acceptable level. However, it is prudent to address any possible problems in measles vaccines. It is suggested that health planners evaluate medical students regarding their immunity to these viruses before they start their clinical training at hospitals.