Seroprevalence of the hepatitis C virus in healthcare personnel of the IMSS.

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered an at-risk population for hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. Seroprevalence of HCV in Mexico is 1.4% and is similar in HCWs at 0.5-2%. To determine the seroprevalence of HCV in HCWs at the Hospital de Especialidades Centro Médico Nacional La Raza (HECMNR) and correlate the positive cases with the viral load. An observational, longitudinal, descriptive study was conducted on HCWs at the HECMNR that voluntarily answered a risk factor questionnaire and gave a capillary blood sample for detecting antibodies to HCV. Anti-HCV antibody detection was performed through the rapid colloidal gold-enhanced immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative identification of antibodies to HCV. When positive, quantitative HCV RNA PCR testing was carried out. A total of 391 rapid anti-HCV tests were performed and the mean participant age was 32 years. A total of 214 (54.73%) of the HCWs belonged to clinical services, 120 (30.69%) to surgical services, and 57 (14.57%) to the nursing service; 254 (64.96%) participants were medical residents and 137 (35%) were staff personnel. The most prevalent risk factors were accidental puncture wounds (n = 261, 66.75%) and dental procedures (n = 229, 58.56%). Four samples (1.02%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies and the HCV RNA PCR test was not positive in any of the samples. HCWs did not have a greater seroprevalence for HCV, compared with the general population, and no cases of viremia were reported.