Prevalence of HBV markers in health care personnel VS matched control

ABSTRACT

One hundred forty five Health Care Personnel [HCP], and 76 Matched Control [MC], were screened for Hepatitis B virus [HBV] seromarkers namely HBsAg, Anti HBc and Anti-HBs, by Radio immunoassay. Seventy seven percent [77%] of HCP and 79% of controls were found to be positive for one or the other marker. There was remarkable difference, in the prevalence of HbsAg in both the groups and it was 7% in HCP and 26% in MC. The other seromarkers were almost similar in frequency in both the groups. Immunity to HBV was seen in 45% of HCP and 28% of MC. The study suggested that Health Care personnel were not at a high risk for acquiring HBV markers than the rest of population in Pakistan and that they had evidence of greater immunity against HBV as compared to MC