Risk of hepatitis B and C infections in Tehranian wrestlers

Although bloodborne infections are among the most important global health issues, limited data are available on bloodborne infections in athletes.

To determine and compare the prevalence of markers of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses and the risk factors for these infections among wrestlers in Tehran and among a control group of athletes in the same geographic area who took part in low- to moderate-contact sports (ie, volleyball and soccer).

Case-control study.

Laboratory.

A total of 420 male wrestlers were randomly selected from 28 wrestling clubs in Tehran using a cluster-sample-setting method. The control group (205 volleyball players from 21 clubs and 205 soccer players from 16 clubs) was selected from the same geographic area.

The risk factors for HBV and HCV and serum levels of anti-HBcAg (antibodies to the HBV core antigen), HBsAg (HBV surface antigen), and anti-HCV (antibodies to HCV) in both groups.

The prevalence of anti-HBcAg was 13.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.2%, 16.7%) in wrestlers and 10.9% (95% CI = 7.9%, 14.0%) in the control group. The prevalence of HBsAg was 1.2% (95% CI = 0.2%, 2.2%) in wrestlers and 0.5% (95% CI = -0.2%, 1.2%) in the control group. The prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.5% (95% CI = -0.2%, 1.1%) in wrestlers and 0 in the control group. Some risk factors for bloodborne infections were more common in the wrestlers than in the control group.

Within the limits of our study, we found no evidence that participation in Tehranian wrestling increased HBV or HCV transmission when compared with transmission in athletes participating in low- to moderate-contact sports. Prevention of bloodborne infections in Tehranian wrestlers should be focused not only on appropriate care for bleeding injuries but also on general risk factors for these conditions.