Hepatitis A Virus Seropositivity in Nurses and Paramedical Personnel at a University Hospital in North Iran

Abstract

BackgroundThe status of hepatitis A virus (HAV) among health care workers has not been studied yet in Iran.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the HAV seropositivity among the healthcare personnel in Ayatollah Rohani Hospital, Babol, Iran, according to age, number of working years, and other demographic data.Patients and MethodsThis cross sectional study was performed on all nurses, nurses' aid, and paramedical technicians at Ayatollah Rohani Hospital, Babol, from March 2011 to March 2012. Blood was obtained from all cases (466) and the sera were separated. All serum samples were tested for anti-HAV antibodies (IgG) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis using SPSS software, version 18.Results330 out of 466 (71%) persons were positive for anti-HAV antibodies (IgG) with no significant difference between females (71.5%) and males (70%) (P = 0.89, 95% CI. 0.533-2.083). The lowest sero-prevalence rate was observed in the 20-29 year age group (57.8%). Seropositivity for HAV significantly increased with age (P < 0.000, 95% CI. 1.626-3.262), 77.4% for 30-39 years and 85.3% for more than 40 years. The seropositivity rate also increased significantly in accordance with the number of working years (P = 0.012, 95%CI. 1.098-2.170). 110 out of 353 (31.2%) cases were seronegative among those with less than 5 years of working time. An obvious decrease of seronegative rate of HAV was seen in those with 5-10 years (27%) and more than 10 years (14.3%) of working time.ConclusionsThese findings indicate relatively high prevalence rate of HA infection among nurses and paramedical personnel at this hospital. Nevertheless, 30% of the health workers have been seronegative and are still at risk of HA infection development. Considering that the disease has more severe course as age increases, improvement of standard hygiene and prevention strategies are recommended. Furthermore, vaccination may play a significant role in the occupational health policy to protect the susceptible health care workers population in the future.

Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi Öğrencilerinde Hepatit B ve Hepatit A Seroprevalansının Değerlendirilmesi

“…Bayani ve ark. 'nın İran'da hastane personelinde yaptıkları çalışmada antiHBs seropozitifliği %71 olarak tespit edilmiş, cinsiyetler arasında istatistiksel olarak bir fark bulunmamıştır (26).…”

Hepatitis A Virus Infection, Vaccination and Iranian Healthcare Workers

“…However, about 30% of healthcare personnel are not immuned against HAV and in exposure with HAV infected patients and need confident preventive strategy. As conclusion of this project, role of vaccination program in protecting susceptible HCWs should be more highlighted ( 27 ).…”

Vaccination in Health Care Workers Should be Following in our Country Now?!

“…Bayani et al ( 1 ) reported the significantly increase in sero-prevalence with age, 77.4% for 30-39 years and 85.3% for more than 40 years. less prevalence in lower age has confirmed in other studies in general populations from different parts of Iran ( 5 ).…”

“…I read with interest the published article by Bayani et al ( 1 ) in your esteemed journal recently. The topic is important for health policy makers to find better view regarding epidemiology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in the community.…”

“…Karimi Elizee et al ( 7 ) reported higher rate of anti-HAV antibody in thalassemia patients in comparison with hemophilia group and they concluded that other risk for transmission in hospitalization and receiving more blood may be affective in this differences. I would like to refer to Bayani et al ( 1 ) that they are right and other risk factors for acquiring in health care workers should more be attend by health policy makers. Around to 30% of the health workers have been seronegative and are still at risk of HA infection development.…”