M., R., M., E., M., A., N., E. (2011). OCCUPATIONAL RISK OF TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C INFECTION TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN EL-MINIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS. Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 35(2), 183-191. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2011.739
Refat M.; El-Sharkawy M.; Abd-elrehim M.; El-Sanadiki N.. "OCCUPATIONAL RISK OF TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C INFECTION TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN EL-MINIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS". Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 35, 2, 2011, 183-191. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2011.739
M., R., M., E., M., A., N., E. (2011). 'OCCUPATIONAL RISK OF TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C INFECTION TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN EL-MINIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS', Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 35(2), pp. 183-191. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2011.739
M., R., M., E., M., A., N., E. OCCUPATIONAL RISK OF TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C INFECTION TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN EL-MINIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS. Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine, 2011; 35(2): 183-191. doi: 10.21608/ejom.2011.739
OCCUPATIONAL RISK OF TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C INFECTION TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN EL-MINIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS
1Occupational Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
2Clinical Pathology,Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
3Tropical Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
4Surgery,Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
Abstract
Background: Health care workers (HCWs) may increase chance of acquiring hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections through occupational exposure.Aim of the study: The prevalence of markers for HBV and HCV were studied among HCWs at El-Minia University Hospitals over a 24 months period starting from Jan.2008. Subjects and methods: The study consisted of wide survey of all HCWs in direct contact with blood from different hospital departments using standardized questionnaire. Blood samples of 10 ml of venous blood were tested for HBV and HCV antigens in 180 exposed HCWs and 181 controls.Results: The study showed a total incidence of HBV antigens of 7.5% in male exposed HCWs and 6.0% in female exposed HCWs compared to 2.6 % in male controls and 2.8% in female controls. As regard HCV markers, the total incidence in HCWs showed 3.7% in male and 5% in female exposed HCWs compared to 1.3% in male controls and 1.9% in female controls. HCV showed higher incidence of seropositivity in medical staff working in dialysis units and operative rooms. Conclusion: The study showed that the risk of transmission of HBV and HCV infections to HCWs could be due to the lack of knowledge of hazards and ignorance of protection protocols. Vaccination of exposed HCWs to HBV and enforcing quality improvement projects and preventive programs will reduce the incidence of occupational exposure.