Low prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections among the healthcare workers despite low vaccination coverage for hepatitis B in Mumbai

Abstract

Background: The risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections through exposure to blood or its products and contact with other body fluids is high amongst health care workers (HCWs). Despite potential risks, a proportion of HCWs never get vaccinated. This study aimed to investigate the vaccination practices and the prevalence of HBV infection in HCWs. Aims: To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV, their possible association with occupational and non occupational risk factors. We also studied the prevalence of vaccination for hepatitis B in different subgroups of study population. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, total 1347 hospital staffs were screened for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. HBV is detected by HBsAg testing, and HCV is detected by anti HCV testing by ELISA method. Positive results were confirmed by HBV DNA testing (Qualitative) and HCV RNA testing (Qualitative). A questionnaire used to collect data from study participants was pre designed by the authors. Results: Out of total 1347 hospital staffs screened, 6 (0.4%) were HBsAg positive and 2 (0.1%) were anti HCV positive. Only 54% had a history of complete vaccination, and 0.3% had incomplete vaccination. Vaccination coverage was highest in residents (76.7%), medical students (68.9%), nursing (66.1%), and teachers (61.4%) and lowest in servants (5.4%), office staff (6.6%), and lab technicians (24.3%). Awareness about the risk factor for transmission of HBV and HCV and complication related to them was 77.7%. It was highest in teachers (93.9%) and residents (97.8%), lowest in servants (16.3%). No statistically significant difference in the exposure to various risk factors among those who are HBsAg or anti HCV positive and HBsAg or anti HCV negative. Conclusions: The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection is not high in hospital staff than general population. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was below expectation in all the subgroups even in resident doctors and teachers.