Hepatitis B and C infection: Is it a problem in Polish healthcare workers?

• Authors: Marcin Rybacki , Anna Piekarska , Marta Wiszniewska , Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa

Abstracts

EN

Objectives: Hepatitis B (HBV) and C viruses (HCV) are among the most frequent blood borne pathogens. According to WHO, 5% of healthcare workers (in central Europe), are exposed to at least one sharps injury contaminated with HBV per year, 1,7% - contaminated with HCV. Aims: The aims of the study were to determine prevalence of HCV and HBV infections, vaccination efficacy against hepatitis B and usefulness of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing in prophylactic examinations in healthcare workers (HCWs). Material and Methods: In a group of 520 healthcare workers, a survey, laboratory and serologic tests such as ALT, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBcT and anti-HCV were carried out. Results: The study revealed a low rate of workers with presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV (1,2% and 0,8% respectively). Anti-HBcT was found in 99 subjects (19%) without a significant association with experiencing an occupational percutaneous injury. Being vaccinated against HBV was declared by 90% of the subjects. There was no relationship between ALT level rise and positive HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HBcT tests. Conclusion: A seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers in HCWs found in the study is low and similar to the one found in general population. Current or past hepatitis B infections were independent of needle stick injuries. Vaccination against HBV coverage, although found to be high, should improve to 100%. Occupational prophylactic medical examinations found performing ALT test (obligatory in Poland for HCWs) not helpful. It seems that determination of anti-HBcT and anti-HCV status would be essential in pre-employment medical examinations.

Keywords

EN

healthcare workers; HBV prevalence; HCV prevalence; hepatitis B vaccination; ALT testing

• Publisher: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. dra Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
• Journal: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
• Year: 2013
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 430-439

Dates

published

2013

Contributors

author

Marcin Rybacki

• Department of Occupational Diseases and Toxicology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland

author

Anna Piekarska

• Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland

author

Marta Wiszniewska

• Department of Occupational Diseases and Toxicology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland

author

Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa

• Department of Occupational Diseases and Toxicology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland

Identifiers

DOI

10.2478/s13382-013-0088-0

Biblioteka Nauki

2179151