Serological markers and risk factors related to hepatitis B virus in dentists in the central west region of Brazil
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Data
2008
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Resumo
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been considered the major occupational risk agent for dentists. The Central
West region of Brazil is considered an intermediate endemic pattern area, but currently there is no information
about the HBV prevalence in dentists of Goiânia, Goiás. This study aimed at the detection of the HBV
infection rate and risk factors for dentists of Goiânia and the comparison of the obtained data with the general
population and other groups. A randomized sample of 680 professionals participated in this study. All dentists
gave written consent for the procedure and filled out a questionnaire about risk factors. The HBV serological
markers were analyzed using ELISA test and the presence of anti-HBc was observed in 41 (6.0%) of the
dentists. None of them was HBsAg positive. Significant relationships with HBV positivity were observed
with gender, the time working as a dentist and the use of incomplete personal protective equipment (PPE). The
HBV prevalence found in this group of dentists was lower than the endemic pattern of the general population,
other health care workers of the region and the dentists from other regions in Brazil. These results may
indicate a positive impact of vaccination considering the high adherence of the dentists to the immunization
program (98.4%). Finally, the use of complete PPE by the majority as well as other standard precautions
recommended for health care workers could be responsible for the low HBV seroprevalence.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
HBV, Dentists, Hepatitis B, Hepatite B, Cirurgiões-dentistas
Citação
PAIVA, Enilza Maria Mendonça de et al. Serological markers and risk factors related to hepatitis B virus in dentists in the central west region of Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, São Paulo, v. 39, n. 2, p. 251-256, 2008.