Occupational Hazard (Hepatitis B & C)

Hepatitis B and C are considered as an important health hazard among health care workers (HCWs). These blood borne infections can be transmitted either from HCW to a patient or vice-versa. Both viruses are known to cause hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Among these two blood borne infections, HBV is usually more stable in the external environment and is more infectious as compared to HCV. HBV is associated with an average risk of 30% after having a potential exposure to the infected blood as compared to HCV, which is associated with a lower risk of 3%. Though, universal precautions should be undertaken at different clinical setups but still occupational exposure to these blood borne viruses does occur. However, due to the availability of effective vaccination and post exposure prophylaxis against HBV, incidence has decreased tremendously over the past few years. Among different categories of health workers, surgeons, nurses and dentists are at a higher risk as they tend to come in intact with patient’s blood and body fluid during various interventions and surgeries. The present chapter describes in detail about the current situation of HBV and HCV as a potential health hazard along with management and treatment guidelines.