Seroprevalences of Hepatitis B, C, HIV and Hepatitis B Vaccination in Healthcare Workers in Bozok University Faculty of Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare workers are in the high-risk group for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Materials and Methods: In our study, 140 healthcare workers employed in our hospital were studied for the frequency of infection with HBV, HCV and HIV, and immune status against HBV. No HBsAg, anti-HCV or anti-HIV antibody positivity was found in any case. Results: Seventy eight (55.71%) cases had anti-HBs positivity. 96.43% of anti-HBs-positive cases had been vaccinated previously, and 3.57% of cases were naturally immune. Healthcare workers with negative anti-HBs were included into the hepatitis B vaccination program. The vaccination rate among physicians was significantly higher than among other occupational groups (p< 0.001). Vaccination rates were found to increase with an increase in age. Housekeeping staff had the lowest immunization rate. Conclusion: As a result, we recommend that training for healthcare workers, especially housekeeping staff, should be maintained and increased by the infection control committees