RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV serologic markers in serum samples of physicians working in "Hospital de Especialidades" of "Centro Medico Nacional de Occidente (HE-CMNO)". MATERIAL AND METHODS: The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and total hepatitis B core antibodies (HBcAc) were determined by hepanostika immunoassay, and anti-HCV by ELISA method (2nd. generation). RESULTS: Sixty-two physicians from medical or surgical services were included Fifty-one males (82%) and 11 females (18%). The participants mean age was 28 years (range 25-66) and their average length of practice was 8 years (range 2-44). Four physicians (6%) had a positive pattern of HBV serologic markers indicating post HBV infection. All of them were negative for HBsAg. One physician (2%) was positive for anti-HCV. The prevalence in physicians with multiple percutaneous injuries was 25%, for those in surgical services 14%, and 24% in physicians with more than 10 years of clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: A higher prevalence of hepatitis virus infection was observed in medical doctors with more than 10 years of clinical activity working in surgical services and those suffering multiple percutaneous injuries.
