Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C in Clinical Staffs (Doctor and Nurse) of the Hospitals in Khorramabad City, Western Iran

Abstract

Health care workers who have contact with blood and secretions have an increased occupational risk for blood transmitted infections. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections and evaluation of the level of HBV antibody titer in clinical staffs (doctor and Nurse) of the four hospitals in Khorramabad city, Iran. This cross-sectional study investigated 462 clinical staffs (doctor and nurse) in the government hospitals of Khorramabad city. The history of HB vaccination and contact with blood and secretions and body fluids recorded. 5cc blood was collected from each person and HBSAg and HBSAb and HCVAb were measured by ELISA method. Among 462 participants 381 (82.47) were women and 81 (17.53) were men, 9(1.95) participants were positive for hepatitis, there were 7 (1.52) cases positive for HBs Ag, 2 (0.43) cases for HCV Ab. HCV and HBV prevalence was highest in the age group of 45 to 54 and 30 to 40 years respectively, prevalence rates were higher in females compared to males, from a total of 9 Infected participants, 3 had a history of needle stick injury, 6 had a history of surgery, also, none of these nine hepatitis positive subjects had the experience of blood reception, hepatitis patients have work experience in the surgical ward, operating rooms and emergency. According to the results of this study prevalence of HBV and HCV in clinical staffs (doctor and nurse) in hospitals less than other people. The doctors and nurses have the highest rate of knowledgeable about preventive and control methods of hepatitis.