Abstract:

Objective: The risk of infection with HBV and HCV in healthcare workers has been increased as risks such as contact with the blood or open wound of the infected people. The aim of the study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among healthcare working at Tire State Hospital. Methods: Screening records of total 518 hospital personnel working in the Tire State Hospital between January 2012 and April 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. HBsAg, Anti-HBs and Anti HCV tests on the blood samples obtained for screening were performed in our laboratory using Siemens advia centaur XP chemiluminescence technique. Results: Between January 2012 and April 2017, a total of 518 health workers, ranging in age from 18 to 63 working in the State Hospital, were evaluated in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology clinics. Our personnel were negative for Anti-HBs 61 (11.8%) and anti-HBs positivity was detected in 457 (88.2%) of the obtained samples, 6 (1.2%) of these personnel were positive for HBsAg. It was detected that two cleaning personnel and a nurse were positive for anti-HCV. Conclusion: Hospital workers should be screened for HBV and HCV and individuals without HBV vaccination should be vaccinated. In  our country, HBsAg positivity in healthcare workers has decreased especially in  recent years. Nevertheless, healthcare workers are still under the risk of HBV and HCV. Therefore, it is important to keep and review the records of hospital workers regularly.

Keywords: