Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and C amongst health workers of Civil Hospital Karachi.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) amongst the health workers of Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study. A precoded Proforma was filled out which included questions regarding the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of HIV, HBV and HCV. SETTING: Departments of a tertiary health care facility at CHK. Antibodies to HIV, HCV and Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were done using enzymes linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. RESULTS: Uptake of screening was 98% to those offered. The prevalence was 5.6% for antibodies to HCV, 2.4% for HBsAg, while none of those studied had antibodies to HIV. CONCLUSION: Our results show the prevalence of antibodies to HCV in health workers are 20 folds higher than health workers in the developed countries. Similarly, the prevalence of HBV although not as high as HCV is significant. Seroprevalence of HIV does not exist in this group. We need to ensure better training; regulations regarding preventive and safety measures also need to be enforced (JPMA 52:92; 2002).