RESUMO
Most previous studies on the prevalence of hepatitis B markers among Iraqi health care workers [HCW's] were limited to detection of HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies. This work is a comprehensive one carried out to determine the prevalence of serological markers of HBV among a sample of Iraqi HCW's, and to elucidate the effect of various health professions, duration of professional practice, and the practice in different hospitals on exposure to HBV. A total of 1656 HCW's selected from various hospitals and medical units in Baghdad, together with 238 apparently healthy subjects [as control group] were screened for HBsAg and anti-HGs antibodies in the period from June 1995 to April 1998.All HBsAg positive subjects [HCWs and controls] were tested for anti-HBc [IgM], HBeAg and anti-HBe. Serum testing was carried out by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. A higher rate of HBsAg [5.4%] was observed among HCW's than controls [3.4%]. A significantly higher prevalence rate of anti-HBs antibodies in HCW's [39.3%] than controls [24.4%] was demonstrated. A significant difference in the prevalence of HBsAg was detected in the renal dialysis group only when each group was compared with the controls. The frequency of HBV infection was more than two times higher in HCW's with more than twenty years duration of professional practice compared to those with less than one year duration of practice. The lowest rate of HBsAg was seen among HCW's in general hospitals [4.8%], wherase the highest rate seen among those infectious diseases hospitals [9.0%]. HCW's still represent a high-risk group for HBV infection, and they may act as a potential source of infection to their contacts. Therefore vaccination of HCW's should be vigorously applied