Prevalence and Importance of Hepatitis B & C Screening in Cases Undergoing Elective Eye Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B & C viral infection in the patients undergoing elective eye surgery.

Material and Method: A total of 1418 subjects undergoing major and minor eye surgery were screened for Hepatitis B, & 1158 patient were screened for Hepatitis C. Screening was done by one step test device that is a rapid chromatography immunoassay for the qualitative detection of antibodies to hepatitis C virus whereas for Hepatitis B the qualitative detection of surface antigen of hepatitis B virus was performed.

Result: Out of 1418 subjects, 1.8% subjects were found to be Hepatitis B positive, out of these 61.5% were males and 38.4% were females. Out of 1158 subjects, 1.2% subjects were found to be Hepatitis C positive, out of these 50% were males and 50% were females.

Conclusion: Screening of blood borne viral infections has great importance in minimizing the transmission of the virus to health patients doctors and paramedical staff through sharp knives, needles and other surgical instruments. The alarming percentage of positive viral infection gives us an idea of the risks involved & how to adopt such practices which ensures the safety from onset of these infections.