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Prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among health care workers (HCWs)
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is prevalent in healthcare workers (HCWs) at 5%, with laboratory technicians at highest risk. Universal precautions and HBV immunization are crucial for HCWs to prevent transmission.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are significant global health concerns contributing to morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding the prevalence of these viral infections is essential for targeted prevention strategies, especially in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies among healthcare workers (HCWs) at Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.
- To compare the prevalence in HCWs with an apparently healthy control population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study screened 400 individuals from February 1998 to January 1999.
- Two hundred samples were from HCWs, and 200 from an apparently healthy control group.
- Third-generation ELISA was used to detect HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies.
Main Results:
- HBsAg positivity was 5% in HCWs and 3.5% in the control group.
- Laboratory technicians within the HCW group exhibited the highest seropositivity at 40%.
- No anti-HCV antibodies were detected in any screened HCWs.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare workers, particularly laboratory technicians, represent a significant risk group for HBV infection.
- Strict adherence to universal precautions and implementation of HBV immunization programs for HCWs are strongly recommended to mitigate infection risks.
Abstract:
Hepatitis B virus along with hepatitis C virus infection form a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In order to know the present status in Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, a total of 400 samples were screened from Feb'98 to Jan'99. Two hundred samples from HCWs and the same number of samples from the apparently healthy population which served as the control group were collected. They were screened for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies by the third generation ELISA. HBsAg was positive in 5% of HCWs while amongst the control group seropositivity was 3.5%. Amongst the HCWs, the laboratory technicians showed highest seropositivity which was 40%. Anti-HCV antibody was not detected in any of the HCWs screened. HCWs form a major risk group for contracting HBV infection. It is therefore of utmost importance to take strict universal precautions and also the need for implementation of immunisation against HBV among HCWs.
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