Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection in Healthcare Personnel in Turkey Revealed in New Study

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by Banu Humeyra Keskin and colleagues at the Zonguldak Gynecology and Pediatrics Hospital in Turkey has investigated the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among healthcare workers in the hospital. The study retrospectively analyzed the records of 364 healthcare personnel, including 25 doctors, 135 nurses, 14 technicians, 39 cleaning staff, and 151 other personnel, who worked in the hospital between 2023 and 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a HBsAg positivity rate of 0.8% and an anti-HBs positivity rate of 82.9% among the healthcare personnel.
  • Significant differences were determined for age, gender, and anti-HBs among occupational groups (p=0.001).
  • The mean age of the staff was 37.69 ? 9.95 years, with 73% being female and 27% male workers.
  • The study highlighted the importance of screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV infection in healthcare personnel and vaccinating individuals susceptible to HBV.
  • The results of the study suggested a need for regular screening and vaccination programs to prevent the transmission of these infectious diseases among healthcare workers.
  • Banu Humeyra Keskin, Betul Altintas Oner, and Hatun Ozturk Cerik were among the researchers involved in the study.
  • The study was published in The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on infectious diseases in developing countries.

Statistics:

  • 364 healthcare personnel were included in the study.
  • The staff comprised 266 (73%) female and 98 (27%) male workers.
  • The mean age was 37.69 ± 9.95 years.
  • The HBsAg positivity rate was 0.8%.
  • The anti-HBs positivity rate was 82.9%.
  • Significant differences were found for age, gender, and anti-HBs among occupational groups.

Sources:

  • Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, C and HIV infection in healthcare personnel in Turkey. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2025; 19(09):1345-1350.
  • J Infection Developing Countries, Jidc Cent Off Porto Conte Ricerche Res Ctr, S P 55, Porto Conte Capo Caccia Km 8.400 Loc, Tramaniglio, 07041, Italy.