Hepatitis B prevalence and infection control among dental health care workers in a community in South Korea

Hepatitis B virus in Lao dentists: A cross-sectional serological study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is endemic in Lao PDR, with up to 10% chronic infections in adults. Dentists have high risk of exposure and transmission to their patients. The aim was to investigate the serological profiles of vaccination, exposure and susceptibility to HBV. In addition, we determined the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Lao dentists toward HBV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dentists and dental assistants were recruited from 186 private dental clinics in Vientiane Capital. They completed a KAP questionnaire and serum was tested by ELISA for HBV markers (anti-HB surface antigen, anti-core antigen, HBV surface antigen).

RESULTS

206 dentists and 111 dental workers aged between 18-63 years were included. Serology data showed that 37.8% had previous exposure (49.0% of males and 32.4% of females) and 5.0% were chronically infected (7.7% of males and 3.8% of females). Less than 15% had serological evidence of vaccination and 66.8% were unprotected against infection. Knowledge of HBV was mostly low, for example 61.8% were aware of the childhood HBV vaccine. Just over half said that they should give dental care to HBV carriers. About one quarter reported accidental blood exposure during the last 6 months but knowledge about procedures after exposure was low.

CONCLUSIONS

Lao dentists are at high risk of occupational exposure to HBV but have low awareness and serological protection. There is a need to introduce mandatory vaccination, to strengthen occupational health in health care providers and to further develop the academic curricula of dental students.

HBV vaccination status and response to hepatitis B vaccine among Iranian dentists, correlation with risk factors and preventive measures

BACKGROUND

Studies showed that HBV vaccination and consequent level of antibody are not completely adequate among dentists despite performance of highly exposure prone procedures.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the levels of responsiveness to HBV vaccine and to determine the occupational factors associated among dental staff.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 1612 dental health care workers were recruited. The level of anti-HBs was tested using a commercially enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data on demographic, risk factors associated with dental practice and level of protective procedures and occupational exposure aspects were collected through self-reported questionnaires.

RESULTS

Of 1538 vaccinated individuals, 55 (3.7%), 126 (8.4%) and 1309 (87.9%) had received one, two and full three doses of vaccine, respectively. One-hundred-seventy-six (11.5%) were nonimmune (anti-HBs < 10 IU/mL) and 1362 (88.5%) were immune (anti-HBs > 10 IU/ mL). 392/542 (72.3%) of dentists who received their third dose of vaccination less than five years before the commencement of study were completely immune compared to those who had completed all three recommended doses in a longer period (308/491, 64.3%) (P = 0.001). Fifty-eight (3.59%) of participants did not receive any HBV vaccine at all; however, they had positive results for anti-HBs, indicating a past HBV infection. Statistically, the levels of anti-HBs were significantly associated with gender, age, duration of dental practice engagement and regularly use of mask, glasses and shield.

CONCLUSIONS

Since dental care workers have a high risk of exposure to hepatitis virus, they should be advised to receive hepatitis B vaccine and it should be confirmed if they have acquired immunity to HBV by testing the level of anti-HBs.

Hepatitis-B vaccination status among dental surgeons in benin city, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The development of success-oriented hepatitis-B vaccine uptake approach among dental surgeons is dependent on the availability of comprehensive baseline data.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the hepatitis-B vaccination status among dental surgeons in Benin City.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of dental surgeons in Benin City was conducted in May 2011. The questionnaire elicited information on demography, occupational risk rating of contracting hepatitis-B infection, hepatitis-B vaccination status, barriers to uptake of hepatitis vaccine, and suggestions on how to improve hepatitis-B vaccination rates among dental surgeons.

RESULTS

Participation rate in the study was 93.3%. More than half (51.4%) of the respondents were 20-30 years old and 52 (74.3%) were males. The occupational risk of contracting hepatitis-B infection among dental surgeons was rated as either high or very high by 51 (72.9%) of the respondents. Amongst the respondents, 14 (20.0%) had received three doses of the hepatitis-B vaccine, 34 (48.6%) either two doses or a single dose, and 22 (31.4%) were not vaccinated. The major barriers reported among the respondents who were not vaccinated were lack of opportunity and the fear of side effects of the vaccines. The suggested ways to increase the vaccination rate among the respondents in descending order include: Making the vaccine available at no cost (51.4%), educating dentists on the merits of vaccination (17.1%), and using the evidence of vaccination as a requirement for annual practicing license renewal (14.3%) and for the employment of dental surgeons (11.4%) and others (2.9%).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed low prevalence of complete hepatitis-B vaccination among the respondents. Improvement in uptake following the respondents' recommendations will serve as a template in developing success-oriented strategies among stakeholders.

Hepatitis B virus infection in dentistry: a forgotten topic

More than two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Globally, 350-400 million suffer from chronic HBV infection. It is postulated that dentists and dental staff are infected and transmit the virus to their patients more than any other occupation. The aim of this article is to review the HBV incidence in dental society, the points of view of dentists and their patients regarding transmission of the virus during dental procedures, the occurrence of HBV outbreaks in dental clinics and the importance of methods of preventing HBV infection in dentistry.

Infection control measures among senior dental students in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to verify the practices and attitudes of senior dental students about infection control procedures.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was performed during the 1st semester of 2003. Open- and close-ended questions were given to 196 students in 6 universities.

RESULTS

Overall, 90.8% of students had been vaccinated for hepatitis B. Only 25.0% have been assessed for anti-HBs. A total of 99.5% students reported always using gloves for all procedures. Eye protection were always used by 84.2% of students, and all the students used face masks for all procedures. Caps or hair covers were used by 92.3% of students and 87.8% reported no objection to treating patients with infectious diseases. Among instructors, the students observed that 60.2% of them did not use gloves for all procedures, 43.4% of those didn't change gloves between patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These results address the need for an improved quality assurance, in order for the students and faculty to improve their practices and attitudes on infection control measures.

Desigualdades nas condições de controle de infecção em consultórios odontológicos em município brasileiro

Analisar as condições de controle de infecção dos estabelecimentos de assistência odontológica do Município de Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Dados relativos ao respondente, localização e tipo de estabelecimento, bem como às condições do ambiente, equipamentos e materiais, foram recolhidos mediante observação direta em todos os serviços odontológicos e em vinte estabelecimentos operados por "dentistas práticos". Para efetuar a análise, foi construído Índice de Controle de Infecção (ICI) composto de 19 variáveis, e quanto menor o seu valor, melhores as condições de controle. Foram observados 113 estabelecimentos. A condição nos estabelecimentos mantidos por dentistas não licenciados (médiaICI = 23,05, dp = 11,86) foi quatro vezes pior em relação ao melhor valor observado nos estabelecimentos particulares. Em condição intermediária, localizaram-se os serviços públicos (médiaICI = 16,27; dp = 6,96). Os serviços localizados nas regiões periféricas apresentaram condição quatro vezes pior. Observou-se profunda divisão nas condições sanitárias da assistência odontológica. Uma parcela significativa da população, que depende de assistência odontológica oferecida por estabelecimentos operados por "dentistas práticos", estava exposta a condições sanitárias de elevado risco à infecção cruzada.

An audit of the hepatitis B vaccination status of staff in general dental practices in Lancashire

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To audit compliance, by general dental practitioners working in two health authorities in Lancashire, with the British Dental Association recommendations on vaccination against hepatitis B.

BASIC PROCEDURE

A postal questionnaire to dental practices.

MAIN FINDINGS

Replies were received from 85% of practices. The respondents consisted of 187 dentists, 270 dental nurses and 132 non-clinical staff. Totals of 98.9% of dentists, 96.7% of nurses and 72.7% of the non-clinicians reported that they had been vaccinated but fewer had undergone a blood test in the past five years. The poorest compliance was in having written evidence of immune status, with only 46.5% of dentists, 51.0% of nurses and 62.5% of non-clinical staff having this.

PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS

Greater publicity about the BDA recommendations is needed to improve compliance. An extension of the occupational health services currently being set up for general medical practitioners and their staff to dental practices would also help.