Abstract

In this article we studied the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) with three serological markers (HBsAg, anti-HBsAg and anti-HCV) and correlate the prevalence with risk factors for exposure to and infection of healthcare workers (HCWs) in Sarajevo. The purpose of this study was to determine the immune status of HCWs against hepatitis B and C virus. Testing was done in Institute of Occupational Health of Canton Sarajevo using AxSYM MEIA assays (Abbott, Germany). HCWs were observed from October 2007 to May 2009. A total of 3.330 HCWs (54.0% nurses and laboratory technicians, 35.3% physicians and 10.7% others), aged between 21 and 61 years, were included in the study. The prevalence of HBsAg was 1.47% and anti-HBsAg was 27.02% among the HCWs, which was highest among nurses and laboratory technicians, following by doctors and other. The positive rates of HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) were 0.3%. Among the occupational factor, time in service contribute increase in the chance of having positive serology. This study signifies the need for heightened attention and preventive measures against the infection of the health care professionals by hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus. Health education highlighting occupational risk of HBV, accessibility of vaccine and mandatory vaccination of HSWs is recommended to increase HBV vaccine compliance among HCWs.

Key words: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Health Care Workers, Occupational Risk.