Serum prevalence of hepatitis B virus in anesthesiologists.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Anesthesiologists are especially exposed to blood and secretions. Hepatitis B virus infection is the major occupational risk for health care professionals. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Ag-HBs, anti-HBs and anti-HBc among anesthesiologists of the city of Goiânia, as well as their vaccination status. METHODS Participated in this study 90 out of 200 anesthesiologists of the city of Goiânia. Samples were collected by the author and consisted of 10 ml blood of a peripheral vein identified at collection. Blood was analyzed in the first 24 hours, under optimal conservation conditions. The following markers were detected by immunoenzymatic essay: anti-HBc, anti-HBs and Ag-HBs. Participants were personally contacted by the author and gave their written consent to participate in the study. Absolute secrecy of results and questionnaire information was assured. RESULTS Analyzed material showed that 65 out of 90 (72.2%) were anti-HBs positive, as compared to 25 out of 90 (27.8%) who were negative. As to anti-HBc, 76 out of 10 (90.5%) were negative and 9 out of 90 (10%) were positive. No participant was Ag-HBs-positive. CONCLUSIONS This study has shown 72.2% serum prevalence for anti-HBs. The prevalence of Hepatitis-B infection among anesthesiologists was 8.9%, represented by 8 anti-HBc +/anti-HBs +. Based on these results, vaccination campaigns and successful prevention should be intensified.