An Evaluation of Health Personnel Exposed to Occupational Injuries in Terms of HBV, HCV, and HIV Infections
Journal Title: Viral Hepatitis Journal - Year 2020, Vol 26, Issue 3
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to determine the rates, distribution and risk factors of needle-stick and sharps injuries that cause diseases spread through blood and body fluids, to discuss relevant precautions, and to monitor seroconversion conditions of viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in injured health personnel in our hospital. Materials and Methods: The data recorded by the Infection Control Committee about health personnel who were exposed to blood or body fluids as a result of needle-stick and sharps injuries between January 2018 and May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The results were presented as percentages. Results: A total of 187 health workers were included in the study. The injuries were most common among nurses 48.66%. The most common instrument causing needle-stick and sharps injuries was needle tip 80.8%. In addition, 89.85% of them were vaccinated for hepatitis B. According to the serological status of infected sources, 8.02% were infected with hepatitis B, 10.16% with hepatitis C and 2.67% with HIV. No seroconversion was observed in the injured personnel. Conclusion: Although health workers are given regular training on occupational hazards during recruitment and employment, they still face risky injuries. Therefore, all health personnel should be informed to raise their awareness of blood-borne infections, undergo medical screening regularly, and have up-to-date vaccines.
Authors and Affiliations
Özlem Aydın, Pınar Ergen, Hülya Çaşkurlu
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Treatment, Follow-up and Behavioral Characteristics of Chronic Viral Hepatitis Patients
Objectives: It has been not yet fully understood whether chronic liver diseases may be considered as risk factors for critical course of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Considering the importance of managing with CO...
Comparison of Liver Histopathology with Non-invasive Inflammation Markers as Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-lymphocyte Ratio and Mean Platelet Volume in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Objectives: Platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophillymphocyte ratio (NLR) are commonly studied non-invasive inflammatory markers in cancer patients. There are some studies showing its association with fibrosis in...
The Importance of Antiviral Prophylaxis against Hepatitis B Virus in Patients under Immunosuppressive Therapy
Objectives: Immunosuppressive (IS) therapies present a risk of reactivation in patients with previous or known hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and may cause mortality and morbidity. Before starting these therapies, pat...
Effect of Advanced Fibrosis Presence on Adherence to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients with Sustained Virologic Response
Objectives: Although hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening is accepted as standard care in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) diagnosis, sustained viral response (SVR) has been obtained by treatment and it is not...
Efficacy of Direct-acting Antivirals in Hemodialysis Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Real-life Retrospective Study
Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among hemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. New generation direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents are safe and effectiv...