SEROEPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF HEPATITIS B IN LABORATORY PERSONNEL OF TEHRAN

Abstract

In order to determine the prevalence, incidence and odd ratio of HBV, 681 serum samples were collected from 54 laboratory personnel in Tehran in both private and governmental sectors. The samples were tested for HBsAg and Ab using ELISA technique. The results showed that the prevalence of HBsAg and Ab among clinical laboratory personnel was 2.3 and 20 percent respectively. The prevalence of HBsAg and Ab was two folds higher in the males than in female. With increasing duration of employment and age, the prevalence of these markers was increased (p<0.50). In comparison of age, as opposed to duration of work, it was observed that the age has a greater effect on the prevalence of HBV markers. The prevalence of HBsAg and Ab was not influenced significantly by the level of education. It was noted that the prevalence of these two HBV markers was higher in larger family groups. Comparing various staff holding different positions in the laboratories , regardless of the sex, the groups with the highest and the lowest prevalence were the wash room and secretarial groups respectively. Considering the hazard of HBV and other blood borne viruses, the importance of educating the laboratory staff about protective measures, in addition to vaccination, is clear.