PREVALENCE OF VIRAL HEPATITIS B AND C AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN THE PULMONOLOGY FIELD

Abstract

Objectives. To investigate the prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C among healthcare workers in the pulmonology field, in order to raise awareness of the risks posed by these infections and to identify measures that can be taken to reduce their transmission.

Methods. There were 93 blood samples collected from healthcare workers and tested by the immuno-fermentative method for the presence of viral hepatitis B and C markers.

Results. It was established that the seroprevalence of the HBsAg marker in healthcare workers in the field of phthisiopulmonology constitutes 6.5±2.6%, anti-HCV – 5.4±2.3%, anti-HBs – 63.4±5.0%. Depending on the function of the medical workers, the seroprevalence of the HBsAg marker was 7.7±7.4% in doctors, in nurses this marker was not detected, and in the auxiliary staff the seroprevalence of HBsAg was 12.2±5.1%. The anti-HCV marker was not detectable in doctors, while in nurses its seroprevalence was 7.7±4.3%, and in auxiliary staff 4.9±3.4%.

Conclusions. Medical workers in the field of phthisiopulmonology represent a group at increased risk of infection with hepatitis B and C viruses, which recommends them to carry out specific prophylaxis for hepatitis B and comply with non-specific prophylaxis measures for both hepatitis B and C.