Prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infection in barbers in the Sivas region of Turkey

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are among the most devastating health problems in the world, including Turkey. The route of transmission of HBV and HCV is mainly parenteral, a small number of epidemiological studies demonstrating that perinatal, sexual, household and occupational transmission occurs. Contact of a patient's blood or bodily fluids with non-intact skin is another mode of HBV and HCV transmission. Barbers in Turkey may often be exposed accidentally to the blood and bodily fluids of their customers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in barbers. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence of antibodies against HBV and HCV among 176 barbers and 180 control subjects in the Sivas region of Turkey. The prevalence of HBV and HCV was found to be higher in barbers (39.8 and 2.8%, respectively) than in a comparison group (28.3 and 1.1%, respectively). No significant relationship was found with the duration of occupation. Among the seropositive subjects, it was found that most had been exposed to needle pricks or scissor cuts. Our data suggest that both HBV and HCV infections may constitute occupational hazards for barbers. The sources of infection could be not only such personal risk factors as 'sharps' injuries and scissor cuts, but may also include other unknown factors.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses: Awareness and safe practices of hairdressers in Izmir — A survey

“…In our country, HCV infection is lower than that of HBV [15]. In a study carried out in Sivas, Turkey, the HCV prevalence in 176 barbers and hairdressers was found to be 2.8%; and HBsAg positivity was 8.5% [16]. A study carried out by Özdemir et al in Sivas reported that HBsAg seropositivity was detected in 1.1% of barbers, hairdressers, and employees of beauty salons; anti-HBs -22.8%; anti-HCV -0.4% [17].…”

“…The prevalence of HBV and HCV infections varies from country to country, and even from one region to another, based on environmental factors and host characteristics [16]. The area where our study took place was Izmir, a city in the west of Turkey and the 3rd biggest city in the country.…”

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection Among Barbers in Isfahan Province, Iran

“…In other similar seroepidemilogical studies conducted among barbers in Sivas region of Turkey and Huanshi of China, Candan et al and She et al reported that HBV and HCV seropositivity was elevated in traditional barbers compared to the general population (7,16). Our study showed that 0.8% of our subjects were HBs Ag carriers and there was a total of 6.6% HBV seropostivity.…”

“…The prevalence of HBV and HCV is known to differ across countries and may also differ based on the individual characteristics and conditional factors (7,8). Hepatitis B virus and HCV infections are common causes of occupational blood-borne diseases that can be transmitted between barbers and their clients and frequently lead to a chronic asymptomatic carrier condition for a long time before the development of severe end-stage liver diseases.…”

“…The results of various studies have been shown that HBV and HCV can be transmitted through razor shaving, sharing and other instrument among barbers and their clients (6,7). Most of our subjects (69.2%) had a history of sharp instruments, such as razors and scissors that repeatedly were used for different customers without intervening sterilization; however, we did not find a significant relation between hepatitis B or C infection and history of sharp instruments (P > 0.05).…”