Seroprevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus in high-risk hospital personnel

Abstract

Objective: To estimate seroprevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus in healthcare workers at high risk for blood exposure.

Design: A prospective anonymous seroprevalence survey of 243 healthcare workers.

Setting: A large referral hospital and 2 community hospitals in Connecticut.

Participants: Healthcare workers, including surgical personnel, dentists, hemodialysis workers, laboratory workers, and emergency room staff.

Results: Antibody to hepatitis C virus was found in 1.6% (95% confidence interval [CI95] = 0-3.2%) of healthcare workers. None of the prevalent seropositives had a past history of clinical hepatitis or blood transfusion.

Conclusions: We conclude that the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in healthcare workers with a high degree of blood exposure is low and is similar to seroprevalence rates reported for volunteer blood donors. However, first-generation hepatitis C serologic tests may underestimate the true prevalence of infection. Further studies, including prospective cohort studies, will be required to determine if the low seroprevalence is from low risk of acquisition of disease or from loss of measurable humoral antibody response to the virus.