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

Authors

  • Elitsa Golkocheva-Markova National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria Author
  • Chiydem Ismailova National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria Author
  • Viliana Yoncheva National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria Author
  • Tencho Tenev National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58395/crznsf27

Keywords:

Dental healthcare professionals, HBV, Dental healthcare professionals, HBV, HCV

Abstract

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.

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Author Biographies

  • Elitsa Golkocheva-Markova, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria

    NRL Hepatitis viruses, Virology department

  • Chiydem Ismailova, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria

    NRL Hepatitis viruses, Virology department

  • Viliana Yoncheva, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria

    NRL Hepatitis viruses, Virology department

  • Tencho Tenev, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria

    NRL Hepatitis viruses, Virology department

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Published

2026-05-11

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Elitsa Golkocheva-Markova, Chiydem Ismailova, Viliana Yoncheva, Tencho Tenev (Author)

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How to Cite

(1)
Golkocheva-Markova, E.; Ismailova, C.; Yoncheva, V.; Tenev, T. PREVALENCE OF SEROLOGICAL MARKERS FOR HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C AMONG PRACTISING DENTAL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN BULGARIA. Probl Infect Parasit Dis 2026, 54 (1), 23-30. https://doi.org/10.58395/crznsf27.

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