Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses among Health Care Workers in Ibb City, Yemen

Abstract

Hepatitis B and C virus infections are one of the most widespread health problems in the world, especially in health care workers (HCWs), and constitute the major threat that challenges the health system in developing countries. Therefore, the present work aimed to find out the prevalence rate of HBV and HCV infections and risk factors among HCWs working in many hospitals in Ibb governorate, Yemen. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2023 to collect samples and data relevant to each single subject. We included 120 HCWs working in many hospitals. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on demographic characteristics and medical history. The serum of HCWs was tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies in Cobas e 411 analyzers with Electro-Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Assay (ECLIA) according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Data were analyzed by SPSS 22. The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 3.3% (4/120) and that of anti-HCV antibody was 3.3% (4/120) among participating HCWs. HBV and HCV co-infection was 25.0% (1/4) among participating HCWs. In HCWs, the only risk factors significantly associated with HBsAg were profession, with a higher risk of occupational transmission in those working as hygienists, lab technicians, and nurses. While the only risk factors significantly associated with anti-HCV antibodies were periodical hepatitis virus testing, with a higher risk of occupational transmission in those working as lab technicians and hygienists. A high seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infection was found in the study area despite their good knowledge towards the occupational risk of viral hepatitis infection.