Frequency of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency virus in patients undergoing cataract surgery

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human
Immunodeficiency (HIV) viral infections in patients undergoing cataract surgery. This study was conducted among
1,203 patients above the age of 17 years who were scheduled for cataract surgery at Yemen Magrabi Hospital from
January 1st, through December 31st, 2012. Patients had investigations for HBV, HCV and HIV and findings were
analyzed. The total number of patients screened was 1,203 including 603 (51.1%) males and 600 (49.9%) females.
The mean (+SD) age was 59.96 + 12.39 years. Out of the 1,203 cataract patients booked for surgery, 130 (10.8%)
turned out to be positive for HBV, HCV and HIV. The total prevalence of HBV and HCV was found to be 81/1203
(6.7%) and 49/1203 (4.1%) respectively. Only one patient was found with a co-infection with both HBV and HCV.
While only one patient (0.83%) was HIV positive. We conclude that the high prevalence of 10.8% of HBV and HCV
among cataract surgery patients suggests that pre-operative viral screening for all patients should be mandatory
prerequisite for conducting the surgery. A solid policy outlining preventive practices are badly needed to control this
phenomenon and prevent its adverse consequences.