Seropositivity For Viral Markers in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery Diagnosed Unexpectedly

ABSTRACT

Background: To find the prevalence of unexpected seropositive viral markers in the patients undergoing cataract surgery.Material & Methods:It was a longitudinal observational study. Total1180 cataract patients were studied. Patients were discovered unexpectedly positive for hepatitis B antigen, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus during preoperative screening for cataract surgery. HBV and HCV patients were referred for medicine opinion and operated after treatment and clearance. HIV patients were referred to ART center for further management.Results:During the study period 1180 patients, 504 males and 676 females were studied. 34 patients work positive for HIV, twelve patients were positive for hepatitis B and 50 patients were found positive for HCV. The patients accidentally found positive were 18/34 for HIV, 6/12 for hepatitis B and 32/50 for hepatitis C.Conclusions:We concluded that preoperative screening should be done for viral markers before every cataract surgery to prevent spread of such infections. Mass immunization against hepatitis B should be done among health care workers.