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

Abstract

Introduction: 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%.

Aim: 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.

Materials and methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: HCWs did not have a greater seroprevalence for HCV, compared with the general population, and no cases of viremia were reported.

Keywords: HCV; Healthcare personnel; Mexico; México; Personal de salud; Seroprevalence; Seroprevalencia; VHC.