Seroepidemiolopgy of Hepatitis B Virus Markers among Hospital Health-Care Workers: Analysis of Certain Potential Risk Factors

Authors

1 Department of Preventive Medicine, Al Hada Military Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia

2 Assisstant Professor of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

3 Department of Anatomical and Clinical Pathology, Al Hada Military Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to determine the prevalence of HBV markers among hospital health care workers and the potential risk factors which might influence this prevalence. A cross-sectional study of hepatitis B virus markers among hospital employees [918], who worked in close contact with the hospitalized patients of Al-Hada, Rehabilitation and Prince Sultan Hospitals was carried out during the duration from October 1998 until September 1999. Each participant gave a blood sample for serological tests and completed a questionnaire yielding occupational and medical information. Each serum sample was tested for antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs]and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc]using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA]. The ages of the 918 employees studied ranged from 18 to 65 years old, with male to female ratio of 1.6 1.0. Overall prevalence of HBV markers among the employees was 31%. The highest prevalence was reported among those working at infectious disease departments where 44 [43%] individuals were seropositive. Significant risk factors were age, blood transfusion, needle and stick injury. Hepatitis B virus infection is common among health care workers and this could be recognized as an occupational risk factor. Effective vaccines for such virus have been made available. The initial strategy for such vaccination, which targeted the high risk groups including IV drug users, attendees of sexually transmitted disease clinics, inmates, homosexuals, hemodialysis and health care workers, was ineffective. Therefore, it is particularly important that hospitals and health authorities should implement strict and meticulous policies in order to minimize such risks among their employees. This should include strict guidelines on sharps and regulations on dealing with blood and other body fluids and their decontamination. Such products should be considered as a potential risk, even when proven to be negative for any viral parameters. A clinical microbiologist or an infectious disease specialist should be available to give advice when needed, not only on the implementation of preventive measures but also to give a clinical advice for those who get infected with viral hepatitis.

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