Seroprevalence of Bloodborne Viruses in Patients Admitted for Cardiac Catheterization in Northeast of Iran

Abstract

Introduction: There is a risk of infection with hepatitis viruses (HBV, HCV), human immuno deficiency virus (HIV), human T cell lymphoma virus (HTLV-I) in personels of cardiac catheterization laboratories. Currently, the ELISA immonologic tests are asked for all patients admitted for catheterization in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine seroprevalence and the exact need for asking laboratory tests for patients admitted for cardiac catheterization. Materials and Methods:In this simple cross � sectional expriment, we studied the results from ELISA tests in patients admitted for cardiac catheterization in Imam Reza hospital from March 19, 2002 to July 19, 2005 were studied. After data collection, they were analyzed with SPSS software.  Results:From all 8122 patients, 417 (5.1) cases had infection. No HIV+ case was detected. Most of infections were HTLV-1+ (2.59), HBV+ (2.37) and HCV+ (0.3), respectively. Most of cases were from Mashhad, Neishaboor and Sabzevar cities.  Conclusion:This study shows that the frequency of infections, (except HTLV-1) is the same as other parts of the country. The rate of HIV infection is zero but expensive laboratory tests are ordered for this and other viruses. There are false positive and false negative results in laboratory tests. So asking for these laboratory tests is not indicated. A universal precaution is recommended instead of asking laboratory tests which will also decrease costs for patients.In addition there is effective vaccine against the most common agent of infection, i.e HBV and we can vaccinate all the personels.