Author/Authors :
Abdul Waheed National Hospital - Department of Urology Kidney Transplant, Pakistan , Zafar-ul-Ahsan National Hospital - Department of Urology Kidney Transplant, Pakistan , Zaeem, Faisal Ahmed National Hospital - Department of Urology Kidney Transplant, Pakistan , Shariff, Mian Muhammad National Hospital - Department of Pathology, Pakistan , Abdul Qayyum National Hospital - Department of Medicine, Pakistan
Abstract :
Objects contaminated with blood and other body fluids of patients suffering from hepatitis B and C are an occupational health hazard to the health care personnel and a source of nosocomial spread. This descriptive cross sectional study estimated the frequency of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti hepatitis C antibody (Anti HCV) positive patients among those undergoing a urological procedure in a tertiary care teaching hospital. A sample size of 550 patients was estimated using Stat Calc for Epi Info. A cluster off 558 patients were included. Ninety five (17%) were positive for serum HBsAg and/or anti HCV by Elisa. Gender/sex, admission year, urological diagnosis did not predict statistically significant relationship with the positive status. Past surgical history was marginally significant. In conclusion, all patients undergoing a urological procedure should be checked for anti HCV and HBsAg. A solid policy outlining the preventive practices is needed to stop this high burden of hepatitis turning into public health disaster.
