Hepatitis B virus infections in laboratory staff

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses an occupational risk in healthcare settings.
• Laboratory staff handling blood samples are potentially at higher risk of HBV exposure.
• Previous studies have indicated varying seroprevalence rates among healthcare workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection markers (HBsAg and anti-HBs) among Auckland Hospital laboratory staff.
• To assess the rate of asymptomatic HBV infection within this cohort.
• To evaluate the adequacy of current blood handling procedures in preventing HBV transmission.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional serological testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs) in laboratory staff.
• Testing conducted on three occasions over a 9-month period.
• Comparison of seropositivity rates with control groups (new blood donors, non-blood-handling laboratory staff).

Main Results:

• Over 20% of technical laboratory staff were seropositive for HBV markers, significantly higher than control groups.
• Asymptomatic HBV infections, indicated by seroconversion from HBsAg to anti-HBs, were identified.
• Seropositivity increased with age and length of employment in laboratory work.

Conclusions:

• Subclinical HBV infections are occurring in Auckland Hospital laboratory staff.
• Current procedures for the care and handling of blood specimens may be insufficient.
• Review and improvement of laboratory safety protocols are recommended to mitigate HBV transmission risks.