"Detection of Hepatitis G Virus Infection in Dental Hygienists"
PURPOSE: Primary viral infection of liver cells is caused by several distinct hepatotropic viruses transmitted by oral and parenteral routes. Hepatitis G virus (HGV), a flavivirus, induces acute and chronic infections in humans. HGV infection is highly prevalent (1% to 4% by RT-PCR) in the general population in industrialized countries. In 1997, a pilot study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HGV in dentists, dental students, dental hygienists and assistants. Blood was drawn from 44 hygienists, 20 dentists, 20 dental students, and 4 assistants. Infection was determined by the detection of HGV antibodies by Elisa (Behringer Mannheim, Germany). All participants completed a questionnaire. The hygienists had an infection rate of 20.5% (9 of 44); dentists, 15% (3 of 20); dental students, 10.0% (2 of 20) and dental assistant 25.0% (1 of 4). There were no differences in the length of time in clinical practice, immunization for hepatitis B, prior hepatitis infection, number of transfusions, sexual partners, sharp or non-sharp exposures or the use/nonuse of barrier techniques between the HGV positive and negative individuals in any group, analyzed via Chi-Square test. The results were alarming indicating a 20.5% prevalence of HGV antibodies in dental hygienists. Because this small, geographically biased sample may not reflect the prevalence of HGV in hygienists nationwide, an expanded epidemiological study is warranted. The proposed study seeks to determine the prevalence of HGV in a nationwide sample of dental hygienists attending the ADHA Annual Session.
RESEARCH DESIGN: An assessment of demographics, clinical practice behaviors and relevant health history will be done via a questionnaire and blood samples will be drawn. Informed consent will be obtained and all procedures will carried out using current infection control. Blood samples will be tested for HGV and, when positive, for additional infectious diseases.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data from both the questionnaires and serological tests will be analyzed using frequency distributions and Chi-Square. These data may provide a more accurate description of rates of Hepatitis G infection among dental hygienists and may reveal variables associated with HGV infection. Recommendations may be developed in an effort to reduce/prevent HGV infection within this population.