Serological and Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis B, C and D Viruses Infections Among Health Professionals in Ras Desta and Tikur Anbessa Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The risks for occupational infection with blood-borne pathogens (HBV, HCV, and HIV) have been a source of concern among health professionals because of their frequent and often substantial exposures to patient blood and body fluids and all of which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A cross sectional study was conducted in order to assess the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HDV infections among HCW’s (n=267) and risk factors associated with these viral infections. After each volunteer study subject has completed a standardized questionnaire, 10 ml of venous blood was collected from each individual for serological and molecular processing. ELISA method was used to detect HBs and HBe antigens, antibodies to HBc, HBs, HDV and HCV in the serum samples. Molecular methods were used to detect HBV DNA and HCV RNA. One hundred and eight (40.4%) of the health professionals use gloves consistently, 221 (82.3%) had at least a one time history of cutaneous exposure to blood ungloved, 165 (61.8%) of health care workers had at least a one time history of cutaneous exposure to any of the body fluids, 162 (60.6%) had splashed blood or body fluids in their faces, 158 (59.2 %) had sustained needle stick injury and 83 (31.1%) sustained sharp injury. The overall prevalence of HBV infection was found to be 51.3% (95% CI: 45-57%) and the infection prevalence increases with age (p<0.01). HBsAg was detected in 9.7 % (95% CI: 6-13.2%) of HCW’s. Absence of vaccination was the only risk factor associated with hepatitis B infection
(p=0.001). Though only a single individual had HBeAg (4.5%; 95% CI: 2-7%), HBV DNA was detected by PCR in serum sample from 17 of the 24 subjects (71%). The hepatitis B vaccination rate was found to be 13%. Ninety three percent of individuals who were vaccinated with a single dose of HBs vaccine had achieved protective antibody. ‘Anti-HBc only’ positive cases were detected in 6 (2.2%; 95% CI: 0.004-3.96%) individuals however HBV DNA was not detected in any of the samples tested. HCV infection was detected in 1 (0.37%) study subject. None of the HBsAg positive individuals had marker of HDV infection. Our data suggest that occupational exposures to blood and body fluids occur frequently with low universal precaution practice and vaccination coverage. Hepatitis B infection is widespread and characterized by high level of immunity through natural infection and the presence of continuous horizontal transmission.
Absence of vaccination is the only risk factor associated with hepatitis B infection. In this study HCV and HDV infection prevalence is very low. Serologic response rate to a single dose of viii hepatitis B vaccine was much higher than experiences from other countries. HBeAg negative serological status and low viral replication levels characterize chronic hepatitis B virus-infected health professional. ‘Anti-HBc only’ is found in the health professionals but none of the subjects had detectable HBV DNA. This suggests the need to do future study in ‘Anti-HBc only’ case
Description
Keywords
Serological and Molecular, Hepatitis B, C and D Viruses Infections