BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCW) are at risk of acquiring blood-borne viral infections, particularly hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV, especially in high endemic regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Sera from 237 hospital workers in Southwest Cameroon were tested for anti-hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), anti-HCV and (on a voluntary basis) for anti-HIV. Information on pre-study testing for HBV, HCV and HIV and pre-study HBV vaccination status was collected from these individuals. RESULTS: The pre-study testing rate among participating hospital staff for HBV was 23.6% (56/237), for HCV 16% (38/237), and for HIV 91.6% (217/237). The pre-study HBV vaccination rate was 12.3% (29/237). Analysis of anti-HBc revealed that 73.4% (174/237) of the hospital staff had been infected by HBV. Active HBV infection (HBsAg positivity) was detected in 15 participants. Anti-HCV was found in four of 237 participants, HIV antibodies were detected in four of 200 participants tested. CONCLUSION: HBV and HCV are neglected diseases among HCW in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccination rate against HBV was very low at 12.3%, and therefore anti-HBc testing should be mandatory to identify HCW requiring HBV vaccination. Testing for HBV and routine HBV vaccination for HBV-negative HCW should be strongly enforced in Cameroon.
BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCW) are at risk of acquiring blood-borne viral infections, particularly hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV, especially in high endemic regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Sera from 237 hospital workers in Southwest Cameroon were tested for anti-hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), anti-HCV and (on a voluntary basis) for anti-HIV. Information on pre-study testing for HBV, HCV and HIV and pre-study HBV vaccination status was collected from these individuals. RESULTS: The pre-study testing rate among participating hospital staff for HBV was 23.6% (56/237), for HCV 16% (38/237), and for HIV 91.6% (217/237). The pre-study HBV vaccination rate was 12.3% (29/237). Analysis of anti-HBc revealed that 73.4% (174/237) of the hospital staff had been infected by HBV. Active HBV infection (HBsAg positivity) was detected in 15 participants. Anti-HCV was found in four of 237 participants, HIV antibodies were detected in four of 200 participants tested. CONCLUSION: HBV and HCV are neglected diseases among HCW in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccination rate against HBV was very low at 12.3%, and therefore anti-HBc testing should be mandatory to identify HCW requiring HBV vaccination. Testing for HBV and routine HBV vaccination for HBV-negative HCW should be strongly enforced in Cameroon.
Authors: A Domínguez; L Urbiztondo; J M Bayas; E Borrás; S Broner; M Campins; J Costa; M Esteve Journal: Hum Vaccin Immunother Date: 2016-12-27 Impact factor: 3.452
Authors: Fredrick Kateera; Timothy D Walker; Leon Mutesa; Vincent Mutabazi; Emmanuel Musabeyesu; Constance Mukabatsinda; Pascal Bihizimana; Patrick Kyamanywa; Ben Karenzi; Judy T Orikiiriza Journal: Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg Date: 2015-01-30 Impact factor: 2.184
Authors: Etheline W Akazong; Christopher Tume; Lawrence Ayong; Richard Njouom; Sebastien Kenmoe; Ripa Njankouo; Jules-Roger Kuiate Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-07-01 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Jodie Dionne-Odom; Rahel Mbah; Nicole J Rembert; Samuel Tancho; Gregory E Halle-Ekane; Comfort Enah; Thomas K Welty; Pius M Tih; Alan T N Tita Journal: Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol Date: 2016-08-08