Hepatitis-B virus infection in anaesthetists

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Occupational Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant risk in healthcare settings.
• South Africa has a high prevalence of hepatitis B antigenaemia in certain populations.
• Anaesthetists may be at risk due to patient contact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among anaesthetists.
• To determine the prevalence of HBV infection markers in anaesthetists working with high-risk populations.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 95 anaesthetists working with black South Africans was surveyed.
• Participants provided blood samples to test for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (Anti-HBs).
• Questionnaires gathered data on past viral hepatitis episodes and patient contact with HBsAg.

Main Results:

• 17.9% of anaesthetists had detectable Anti-HBs, indicating past HBV exposure.
• No anaesthetists were found to be chronic carriers of HBsAg.
• 47.4% of anaesthetists had treated patients with HBs antigenaemia, with 7 of these being Anti-HBs positive.

Conclusions:

• Anaesthetists working with populations with high HBV carrier rates are at increased risk of HBV infection.
• The presence of Anti-HBs suggests significant occupational exposure to HBV.
• Monitoring and preventative measures are crucial for anaesthetists in high-prevalence areas.