Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection among health care workers at the Institute of Neurology.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To define the seroepidemiology of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among health care workers (HCWs) in the Institute of Neurology, and to evaluate the risk factors of HBV markers. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Blood samples were taken from 548 HCWs for HBV profiling (HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc) by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) methods. Questionnaires of demographics, type, and duration of work, history of blood exposure, HBV vaccination, and non-occupational risks of HBV infection were interviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (5.3%) HCWs were HBsAg positive, 135 (24.6%) had anti-HBc with anti-HBs suggesting immunity acquired from a previous HBV infection, 232 (42.3%) had totally negative profiles, 40 (7.3%) had anti-HBc only, 105 (19.2%) had protective levels of anti-HBs, 7 (1.3%) had low anti-HBs levels. The significant risk factors included not having received the hepatitis B vaccine, male gender, past history of jaundice, viral hepatitis, family history of hepatoma, spouse with hepatitis B, and duration of employment in a clinical environment exceeding 5 years. No significant differences were found among HCWs regarding frequency of exposure to blood products. CONCLUSION: Base on the significant risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection among HCWs, these findings will help implement effective measures aimed at preventing HBV infection.