Detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among health care providers in an Egyptian university hospital: different diagnostic modalities

Abstract

BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has received much attention and is placed at the core of the infection control agenda. It is considered as a major public health problem in Egypt, where the highest prevalence of HCV exists. The great risk of exposure to infection of health care providers (HCPs) has highlighted the urgent need for implementing an infection control program.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to detect the prevalence of HCV infection among HCPs in Zagazig University Hospitals and to assess the performance of different diagnostic modalities.MethodologyBlood, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and saliva tests were performed in enrolled HCPs.ResultsThis study compared HCV diagnosis Hepanostika HCV Ultra ELISA as a screening test and PCR as gold standard test, which resulted in 40.6% positive results by ELISA compared to 34.8% by PCR (p<0.0001), while OraQuick HCV rapid antibody compared to PCR shows that 37.7% of the participants were positive by OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test. Application of standard precautions while dealing with blood has negative significant correlation with HCV infection (rs=−0.265, p=0.03).ConclusionHCPs at Zagazig University Hospitals are at high risk for HCV infection. Lack of compliance and awareness of prevention and control of the infection are associated cofactors. Serum HCV-Ab detection by Hepanostika HCV Ultra ELISA and OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test are sensitive and specific serologic assays for diagnosis with correspondent results to that obtained by quantitative real-time PCR.

Hepatitis C Infection among Health Care Workers in Aswan: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors

“…This observation is in contrast to other studies conducted in developing countries, which reported high of non-adherence rates. (24,30,31) it is worth noting that measuring adherence in our study was based on what the participated HCWs answered, not what was actually observed.…”

“…(24) There are considerable gaps in terms of standard infection control practices and application of infection control policies during health care delivery in Egypt. (31) HCWs should have an accurate policy for the notification of their occupational risks.…”

Sugar Alcohols Have a Key Role in Pathogenesis of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Whole Blood and Liver Tissues

“…All CLD cohort diagnosis was performed by PCR testing for hepatitis C virus infection and hepatitis B virus infection [106,107] clinically validated for positive chronic infection for more than 6 months. Secondly, all subjects were tested by diagnostic ultrasonography (U/S) examination to exclude cirrhosis.…”

Serum Inducible Protein -10 chemokine as a biomarker for clearance of HCV with and without treatment in Egyptian patients

“…In this patient population, cirrhosis may progress within 20 years of infection. With hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma, these longstanding consequences have put more hindrances on resources in an already overstressed Egyptian healthcare system [8] . The four is the most public genotype of HCV in the Middle East and Africa, mostly Egypt…”