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

• Published in: International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 430 - 439
• Main Authors: Rybacki, Marcin, Piekarska, Anna, Wiszniewska, Marta, Walusiak-Skorupa, Jolanta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vienna Springer Vienna 01.06.2013; Versita; Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Alanine Transaminase - blood; ALT testing; Environmental Health; HBV prevalence; HCV prevalence; Health care; Health Care Sector - statistics & numerical data; Healthcare workers; Hepacivirus - immunology; Hepatitis; Hepatitis B - blood; Hepatitis B - epidemiology; Hepatitis B - prevention & control; Hepatitis B Antibodies - blood; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - blood; Hepatitis B vaccination; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B virus - immunology; Hepatitis C - blood; Hepatitis C - epidemiology; Hepatitis C - prevention & control; Hepatitis C Antibodies - blood; Hepatitis C virus; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Occupational exposure; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Occupational health; Occupational Medicine/Industrial Medicine; Occupational safety; Original Papers; Poland - epidemiology; Prevalence; Vaccination - statistics & numerical data; Viral Hepatitis Vaccines; Young Adult; Poland; Europe; Hepatitis B vaccination; HBV prevalence; HCV prevalence; ALT testing; Healthcare workers
• ISSN: 1232-1087; 1896-494X; 1896-494X
• DOI: 10.2478/s13382-013-0088-0

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.