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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HAV, HBV, HCV and HIV infection among health personnel in a state hospital.
Methods: Medical records of 586 health personnel who worked between 2012 and 2013 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Serum samples were tested for HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HAV, anti-HIV markers by “enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay” (ELISA) method based on the method of chemiluminescent immunoassay.
Results: The staff comprised 208 (35.5%) male, and 378 (64.5%) women workers. The mean age was 35.78±8.76 (minimum 18, maximum 64) years. There were 282 (48.1%) nurses, 99 (16.9%) doctors, 102 (17.4%) cleaning staff, 47 (8%) anesthesia technicians and 56 (9.6%) laboratory technicians. The divisions of the workers were as follows: 125 (21.3%) were working at internal services, 204 (34.8%) at the operating room, 98 (16.7%) at intensive care units, 61 (10.4%) at emergency room and 28 (4.8%) at dialysis unit. While 504 personnel (86%) were positive for anti-HBs, only 5 (0.9%) were found positive for HBsAg. Only 1 (0.2%) cleaning staff was positive for anti-HCV. None was positive for anti-HIV. Anti-HAV has been studied in a total of 152 personnel, 109 (71.7%) of whom were positive. Anti-HBc IgG has been studied in a total of 250 personnel 7 (2.8%) of whom were positive.
Conclusions: Healthcare personnel who are at high risk of HBV, HAV, HCV, and HIV infection should be screened for viral hepatitis and those who are not immunized should be vaccinated against HBV and HAV. It is important to follow standard infection control precautions in all patients to prevent diseases transmitted by blood and through contact.