Which equipments are more infected with hepatitis B virus infection? Dental equipments or endescopes?

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B Virus infection [HBV] is a significant hazard in the dental environment and endoscopy room because the virus may be transmitted through contaminated instruments. This study was conducted in order to detect the HbsAg in the endoscopy and dental equipments and then to compare the results. In this cross-sectional study, in a time period of 30 days, 100 and 50 specimens were obtained randomly from multiple apparently sterile dental equipments and endescopes, respectively. Obtained samples evaluated for HBsAg by ELISA method [Sorin biomedical Kit]. Results of the present study shows that 2% of instruments used for dental treatment was infected with hepatitis B virus. Among 50 specimens of endescope instruments, only one sample was positive for HBsAg. Upon our results, there might exist the possibility of HBV transmission through dental equipments and endoscope instruments. We advise the use of standard sterilization for prevention of transmission of hepatitis B virus infection