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Hepatitis B and C viruses among Egyptian dentists
A M Hindy1, E S Abdelhaleem, R H Aly
1Oral Surgery Department, Faculty of Oral and Dental medicine, Cairo University.
Egyptian Dental Journal
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Dentists showed lower exposure rates to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared to the control group. This study highlights occupational health risks for dental professionals regarding viral hepatitis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Dental professionals are at risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens like Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
- Understanding the prevalence of HBV and HCV among dentists is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the exposure and carrier rates of HBV and HCV among dentists and a non-medical, non-dental control group.
- To assess the serological markers for HBV and HCV infections in the studied populations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 105 subjects (70 dentists, 35 controls).
- Serological testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) using ELISA.
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were determined for HBsAg and anti-HCV positive cases.
Main Results:
- HBV exposure rate was 27.1% (carrier rate 7.1%) in dentists versus 31.4% (carrier rate 17.1%) in controls.
- HCV exposure rate was 1.4% in dentists versus 17.1% in controls.
- Combined HBV and HCV exposure rates were 2.9% in dentists and 5.7% in controls.
Conclusions:
- Dentists exhibited lower exposure and carrier rates for HBV and HCV compared to the general population control group.
- The findings suggest a need for continued vigilance and adherence to infection control measures within the dental profession.
- Further research may explore specific risk factors contributing to these observed rates.
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