Serosurveillance of hepatitis C Infection among health-care workers in RIMS, Imphal

Abstract

Background: Alarming increase of hepatitis C infection among the general population has put a significant risk among health-care workers (HCWs). This study aims to find the prevalence of hepatitis C infection among HCWs and its importance for surveillance. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis C infection among HCWs in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, RIMS, Imphal, among healthy volunteer HCWs in October 2020 regardless of their COVID-19 status where blood samples were collected and tested for anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Merilisa HCV). Results: A total of 378 nonconsecutive blood samples were obtained from volunteers aged between 21 and 65 years. The majority of samples were from Imphal West district with a female preponderance of 66.93%. Two positive cases were detected with a prevalence of 0.53% belonging to occupational Category II and III. Maximum prevalence was seen in the age group of 30–39 years, with both positive cases falling in this group. One case was newly detected, while the other was known as a case of hepatitis infection. Conclusion: Hepatitis C infection among HCWs is common. Infection control should be prioritized when dealing with patients directly or indirectly. Since no vaccine is available, HCWs require periodic screening. Thus, routine surveillance will help combat such infections among HCWs as a result of occupational exposure.