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

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are among the most occupational hazards in the world, including Iran. Barbers have continued to expose to different infectious diseases. They may often be exposed accidentally to the blood and body fluids of their customers, through needle pricks, scissor cuts, tattooing and other beauty treatments. Objectives The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of HBV, and HCV infections and to investigate the correlation between the HBs-Ab titer and some of the risk factors in the barbers of Isfahan city, Iran. Patients and Methods This cross-sectional seroepidemiological study was performed on 479 male and female barbers during July to September 2012 in Isfahan Province, Iran. Data were collected using a self-reporting questionnaire including demographic characteristics and main risk factors for HCV and HBV infections. A 5-mL venous blood sample was obtained from each subject. The levels of antigen and antibodies (HBs Ag, HBc Ab, HBs Ab, and HCV Ab) were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by SPSS software, version 16. Results The mean age of the individuals was 39.6 ± 11.4 years. Two hundred and thirty-three cases (48.6%) were men and 246 (51.4%) were women. All the subjects were negative for HCV Ab. The seropositivity of HBV was 6.6%. No significant correlation was found between risk factors and being HBV-seropositive. Among our participants, it was found that most barbers had been exposed to razors or scissor cuts. Conclusions Our findings indicate that both HCV and HBV infections may not constitute occupational hazards for barbers; however, it is essential to promote awareness of these risks among barbers and effective HBV vaccination should be performed among them