Occult hepatitis B infection in Egyptian health care workers.

We tested the frequency of occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) among Egyptian healthcare workers (HCWs). We tested 132 HCWs for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) by ELISA. HCV RNA was measured by nested PCR in anti-HCV-positive HCWs. HBV-DNA-positive HCWs were subjected to HBV genotyping. We included 132 HCWs who were negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and positive for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). OBI was detected in 7 male HCWs, and HBV E genotype was detected in 3, HBV D in 2 and HBV D and E in 2. Two OBI-positive HCWs had a history of neonatal hepatitis B vaccination. Anti-HCV seropositivity was detected in 17 HCWs who were positive for anti-HBc; 15 of whom were positive for HCV RNA by nested PCR. HCV infection was confirmed by anti-HCV and HCV RNA in 1 of 7 HCWs with OBI. In conclusion, Egyptian HCWs have a significant rate of OBI and HBV E genotype is prevalent.