Syed Abdul Mujeeb ( Blood Transfusion Services and PMRC Research Centre, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. )
Sarwar J. Zuberi ( Blood Transfusion Services and PMRC Research Centre, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. )
Tariq Z. Lodi ( Blood Transfusion Services and PMRC Research Centre, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. )
Khalid Mehmood ( Blood Transfusion Services and PMRC Research Centre, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. )
November 1994, Volume 44, Issue 11
Short Reports
Health care workers are considered at a higher risk of acquiring hepatitis B infection because of their greater exposure to blood and other body fluids1. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HBV exposure in sub-groups of health care workers.
Subjects, Methods and Results
HBsAg was tested in 145 doctors, 41 dentists, 20 paramedics and 35 sweepers of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. HBsAg and anti-HBs were assayed using Auszyme and AUSAB (Elisa, Abbott Laboratories, Chicago) respecÂtively. Ten (7%) doctors, 7 (17%) dentists, 1 (5%) paramedic and 7(20%) sweepers were HBsAg positive. HBs anti-bodies were tested in 88 doctors and 20 paramedics. Twenty-seven (31%) doctors and 7(35%) paramedics showed antibodies to hepatitis B virus.
Comments
Healthcare workers have always been considered at a higher risk for acquiring hepatitis B infection, but 20% prevalence in sweepers, 17% in dentists and 7% in doctors is very alarming. It shows either total ignorance of healthcare workers with regards to HBV infection or their non-adherence to the universal safety procedures. This study highlights the immediate need for education and training of healthcare workers, particularly sweepers and dentists in universal safety procedures. Hepatitis B vaccination for all susceptible healthcare workers and use of a passive immunization following acute exposure to the infection is suggested2,3.
Acknowledgements
Services of Dr. Kausar Aamir, Dr. Badar, Medical Officer, Blood Bank, Mr. Wajahat Hussain, Senior Technician and Mr. Shakeel Khan, typist are acknowledged.
References
1. Zuberi, S.J., Samad, F., Lodi, T.Z. et al. Hepatitis and hepatitis B surface antigen in health care personnel. 3. Pak. Med. Assoc., 1977;27~373-75.
2. Zuberi, S.J., Lodi, T.Z., Hassan, R. and Alam, SE. Immunogenicity of yeast derived Hepatitis B vaccine in Pakistani adults. Indian J. GastroenÂterol., 1990;9:291-92.
3. Groote, J.J. Therapeutic measures after hepatitis B virus infection: Post exposure prophy laxis. Postgrad. Med. J., 1987;63 (Suppi :2):33-39.
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