PREVALENCE OF SEROLOGICAL MARKERS FOR HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C AMONG PRACTISING DENTAL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN BULGARIA

Background: Dental healthcare professionals (DHPs) are exposed to a significant risk of infection with blood-borne pathogens, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of serological markers for hepatitis B and hepatitis C among practicing dental healthcare professionals. Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 1 June and 31 October 2024 to evaluate the presence of serological markers for hepatitis B and C among DHPs (N = 133). The detection of serological markers for hepatitis B and C was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). The differences between proportions of interest were assessed. Continuous data were expressed as median with interquartile range. Numbers and percentages (n, %) were used to present qualitative variables. A z-test was conducted to evaluate disparities between proportions. Results: The median age of the enrolled DHPs was 43 years with women outnumbering men almost fivefold. Professional accidents were self-reported by 17% of the participants as 78% were vaccinated against HBV. Dentists were the most affected. The presence of protective HBsAb was detected in 49% of the DHPs who were self-reported as vaccinated. In 37% of the enrolled DHPs, HBsAb were detected, and in 10%, concomitant HBcAb were detected, indicating a past HBV infection. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest a necessity for regular screening for viral hepatitis among dental professionals.