Problems of VirologyProblems of VirologyВопросы вирусологии0507-40882411-2097Central Research Institute for Epidemiology1678910.36233/0507-4088-334soarbmORIGINAL RESEARCHESОРИГИНАЛЬНЫЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯResearch ArticleHepatitis B and C viruses seroprevalence and risk factors among health care workers (HCWs) in referral hospitals in Brazzaville, Republic of CongoСеропревалентность вирусов гепатитов B и C и факторы риска среди медицинских работников (МР) в специализированных больницах в Браззавиле, Республика Конгоhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3594-1228Malanda-KiminouJuthèce Private
Congo

Master’s degree, PhD Student, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Virology and Molecular Viral Oncology

аспирант факультета медицинских наук, кафедра вирусологии и молекулярной вирусной онкологии

kiminouprivat@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-0866-9473GotFerdinand Emaniel Brel
Congo

PhD in Virology, Part-time lecturer in Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Virology and Molecular Viral Oncology

канд. мед. наук (вирусология), преподаватель вирусологии по совместительству, факультет медицинских наук, кафедра вирусологии и молекулярной вирусной онкологии

emmanueldeferdinand@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-1840-951XMalongaGervillien Arnold
Congo

PhD in Virology, Part-time lecturer in Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Virology and Molecular Viral Oncology

канд. мед. наук (Вирусология), преподаватель вирусологии по совместительству, факультет медицинских наук, кафедра вирусологии и молекулярной вирусной онкологии

arnoldgermalonga@gmail.comMarien Ngouabi UniversityУниверситет Мариен Нгуаби1511202570545546223072025Copyright ©; 2025, Malanda-Kiminou J., Got F., Malonga G.Copyright ©; 2025, Malanda-Kiminou J., Got F., Malonga G.2025Malanda-Kiminou J., Got F., Malonga G.Malanda-Kiminou J., Got F., Malonga G.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0https://virusjour.crie.ru/jour/article/view/16789

Introduction. Hepatitis B and C viruses cause chronic infections leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and the potential risk factors which might influence the prevalence among health care workers (HCWs) in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

Materials and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study from June to November 2022 among HCWs from the Talangaï and Makélékélé referral hospitals, Brazzaville. 107 HCWs were included and serological screening was carried out using rapid screening tests followed by the ELISA technique, after completing a survey questionnaire.

Results. The mean age was 36.56 ± 11.62 years with a female predominance of 1 : 0.36 sex ratio, laboratory technicians were the most represented socio-professional category. Seroprevalence of HBV was 7.48% and that of HCV was 3.74%. During their service, 40% have already been the victims of blood exposure accidents and have 7 times more risk of contracting HBV (odd ratio [OR] = 7.01 (95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.54–31.96); p = 0.01).

Conclusion. These data show that hepatitis B and C viruses are still endemic among HCWs in Republic of Congo. We can conclude that the health care sector is a high-risk profession due to infection with hepatitis B and C viruses. It is therefore necessary to improve the health and safety conditions of HCWs, implement new strategies to reduce occupational exposure to blood and body fluids, and reduce viral contamination by hepatitis B and C.

Введение. Вирусы гепатитов B и C вызывают хронические инфекции, приводящие к циррозу печени и гепатоцеллюлярной карциноме.

Целью данного исследования было определить серопревалентность вирусов гепатитов B и C и потенциальные факторы риска, которые могут влиять на распространенность среди медицинских работников (МР) в Браззавиле, Республика Конго.

Материалы и методы. Мы провели поперечное исследование с июня по ноябрь 2022 г. среди МР в специализированных больницах Талангаи и Макелекеле в Браззавиле. В исследование было включено 107 МР. Серологический скрининг проводили с использованием экспресс-тестов, а затем с подтверждением реактивных результатов в иммуноферментном анализе после заполнения анкеты.

Результаты. Средний возраст пациентов составил 36,56 ± 11,62 года, в когорте преобладали женщины (соотношение женщин и мужчин составило 1 : 0,36). Наиболее представительной социально-профессиональной категорией были лаборанты. Серопревалентность вируса гепатита В составила 7,48%, а вируса гепатита С – 3,74%. За время работы 40% МР являлись жертвами несчастных случаев, связанных с контактом с кровью, и имели в 7 раз больший риск заражения вирусом гепатита В (коэффициент шансов [ОШ] = 7,01 (95% доверительный интервал [ДИ] 1,54–31,96); p = 0,01).

Заключение. Полученные данные свидетельствуют о том, что вирусы гепатитов B и C по-прежнему широко распространены среди МР в Республике Конго. Можно сделать вывод, что МР являются группой высокого риска инфицирования вирусами гепатитов B и C. В этой связи необходимо улучшить условия труда и безопасности МР, внедрить новые стратегии для снижения профессионального контакта с кровью и биологическими жидкостями, а также снизить уровень заражения вирусами гепатитов B и C.

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