Evaluation of HBV Antibody Levels among Students at the Libyan International University: A Cross-Sectional Study

Amina Elsaid; Amina Abusedra; Ghada Abbas; Salma Ahweidi; Nagelah  Eltboli; Mariam  Alhasi

doi:10.54361/ajmas.269422

Authors

Amina Elsaid Community Department, Medicine Faculty, Libyan International University, Benghazi, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2999-315X
Amina Abusedra Community Department, Medicine Faculty, Libyan International University, Benghazi, Libya https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9441-0450
Ghada Abbas Community Department, Medicine Faculty, Libyan International University, Benghazi, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3586-5517
Salma Ahweidi Biomedical Science Department, Basic Science Faculty, Libyan International University, Benghazi, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7300-772X
Nagelah Eltboli Biomedical Science Department, Basic Science Faculty, Libyan International University, Benghazi, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3414-6334
Mariam Alhasi Biomedical Science Department, Basic Science Faculty, Libyan International University, Benghazi, Libya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2878-935X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54361/ajmas.269422

Keywords:

HBV Antibody,, vaccine, medical students, Libyan International University

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a global public health concern, particularly among healthcare professionals and medical students who face increased risk of occupational exposure. Although vaccination provides initial protection, anti-HBs antibody levels may decline over time, potentially compromising immunity. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) among medical students at the Libyan International University (LIU). A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2025 involving 72 medical students who had completed the full HBV vaccination series. Venous blood samples were analyzed to measure anti-HBs titers. Protective immunity was defined as anti-HBs levels ≥10 IU/mL. A total of 72 students, of whom 55 (76.4%) were females and 17 (23.6%) males. The mean ages were 20.8 ± 1.4, median 21 years. The majority, 56 (77.8%) of students are in Applied Medical Science. The study reported that anti-HBs antibody titers were a wide range from 0.2 to 52 mIU/mL with a mean of 9.7± 13.1, median = 2.77. About 50 (69.4%) were less than 10 IU/mL, which means they had no immunity, while 22(30.6%) had equal to or more than 10 IU/mL, considered as immune. The findings reported that there were no statistical differences between the students according to age, gender, or academic year. The findings indicate that despite full vaccination, a significant number of medical students do not retain protective antibody levels. This highlights the need for post-vaccination monitoring and consideration of booster doses, particularly among high-risk groups such as medical trainees.