SEROPREVALENCE OF VIRAL HEPATITIS A, B, C, AND E MARKERS AMONG MEDICAL WORKERS IN THE UROLOGY FIELD

Abstract

Objectives. To determine the seroprevalence levels of viral hepatitis markers A, B, C, and E among healthcare workers in the urology department of the Republican Clinical Hospital, with the aim of adjusting preventive measures for these infections in this group..

Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted based on blood samples collected from healthcare workers. The samples were tested using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for viral hepatitis markers: anti-HAV, anti-HAV IgM, AgHBs, anti-HBcor, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HEV IgG, and anti-HEV IgM. A total of 49 healthcare workers were examined, and a total of 392 laboratory investigations were performed.

Results. Among healthcare workers in the urology department, the following seroprevalence rates for viral markers were identified: AgHBs - 2.0±2.0%; anti-HBcor - 38.8±7.0%; anti-HBs - 51.0±7.1%; anti-HCV - 4.1±2.8%; anti-HAV - 100%; anti-HAV IgM - 0%; anti-HEV IgG - 12.2±4.7%; anti-HEV IgM - 12.2±4.7%. The most affected groups were female individuals, medical assistants or auxiliary personnel, and those with a work experience of ≥30 years.

Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that healthcare workers in the urology department may be considered a high-risk group for infection with hepatitis B, C, and E viruses, warranting the need for tailored preventive measures for these infections in this specific group.