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Communicable diseases

High Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis among Yemeni Healthcare Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study conducted in a large hospital in the capital of the Republic of Yemen has revealed alarming rates of viral hepatitis among healthcare workers. The seroprevalence of markers of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis B and C, was found to be significant among the 567 healthcare workers tested. The study, published in the Journal of Medical Virology, highlights the importance of public health measures to mitigate the transmission of these diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 9.9% of healthcare workers tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), while 32.0% had positive hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc).
  • 3.5% of the healthcare workers tested positive for hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV).
  • Age, male sex, and occupation were identified as independent predictors for the likelihood of detecting HBsAg or anti-HBc.
  • No independent risk factors for anti-HCV positive status were identified, suggesting that the main mode of transmission of hepatitis C in this cohort remains undiscovered.
  • The study supports the adoption of universal HBV immunization programs and infection control precautions.
  • The researchers concluded that the absence of known risk factors for anti-HCV positive serostatus suggests that the main mode of transmission of hepatitis C in this cohort in the Yemen remains undiscovered.

Statistics:

  • 567 healthcare workers were tested for serological markers of infection with viral hepatitis.
  • 54/543 (9.9%) tested positive for HBsAg.
  • 174/543 (32.0%) had positive anti-HBc.
  • 19/546 (3.5%) had anti-HCV.
  • The study found that age (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06), male sex (OR=2.0, 1.32-3.03), and occupation (OR=1.61, 1.06-2.44) were independent predictors for the likelihood of detecting HBsAg or anti-HBc.

Sources:

  • "Seroprevalence of markers of viral hepatitis in Yemeni healthcare workers." Journal of Medical Virology, vol. 73, no. 4, 2004, pp. 562-565.
  • Wiley-Liss, Division of John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.
  • Hepatitis Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2004, Hepatitis Weekly via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net.

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