PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND C AMONGST HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN OGBOMOSO

ABSTRACT Hepatitis is one of the neglected infectious diseases in Africa. Health care workers (HCWs) often get infected as a result of their close contact with patients. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B and C among healthcare workers. Hepatitis B and C infections pose a major public health problem worldwide. While infection is highest in the developing world particularly Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, healthcare workers are at higher risk of acquiring blood-borne viral infections, particularly Hepatitis B and C which are mostly asymptomatic. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infections and the knowledge of HCWs about HCV, HBV and IPC, in Ogbomoso, Oyostate Nigeria. A Rapid diagnostic test kit was used to screen all sera for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C virus respectively. Strips containing coated antibodies and antigens to HBV and HCV respectively were removed from the foil. Strips were labeled according to samples. Using a separate disposable pipette, 2 drops of the sample (serum) were added into each test strip and allowed to run across the absorbent pad. Results were read after 10 minutes. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square test. The prevalence of HBV among HCWs was 8 out of 114 (7.0%) and that of HCV was 0 out of 114 (0%) where in HBV, higher prevalence was observed among males. The study revealed that males are at greater risk of contracting HBV. It is therefore recommended that effective vaccination and other infection control measures be encouraged among healthcare workers.