Seroprevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection among health care workers at the Institute of Neurology.
OBJECTIVE
To define the seroepidemiology of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among health care workers (HCWs) in the Institute of Neurology, and to evaluate the risk factors of HBV markers.


METHODS
Blood samples were taken from 548 HCWs for HBV profiling (HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc) by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) methods. Questionnaires of demographics, type, and duration of work, history of blood exposure, HBV vaccination, and non-occupational risks of HBV infection were interviewed.


RESULTS
Twenty-nine (5.3%) HCWs were HBsAg positive, 135 (24.6%) had anti-HBc with anti-HBs suggesting immunity acquired from a previous HBV infection, 232 (42.3%) had totally negative profiles, 40 (7.3%) had anti-HBc only, 105 (19.2%) had protective levels of anti-HBs, 7 (1.3%) had low anti-HBs levels. The significant risk factors included not having received the hepatitis B vaccine, male gender, past history of jaundice, viral hepatitis, family history of hepatoma, spouse with hepatitis B, and duration of employment in a clinical environment exceeding 5 years. No significant differences were found among HCWs regarding frequency of exposure to blood products.


CONCLUSIONS
Base on the significant risk factors of hepatitis B virus infection among HCWs, these findings will help implement effective measures aimed at preventing HBV infection.
Chiarakul
Supawadee
S
Department of Medicine, Prasat Neurological Institute, Bangkok, Thailand.
Eunumjitkul
Krissana
K
Vuttiopas
Sunanta
S
Vorapimol
Ar-Reerut
AR
Kaewkungwal
Jaranit
J
Poovorawan
Yong
Y
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens