From national HBV and HDV screenings to vaccination and treatment in healthcare workers: The Mauritanian pilot study

Objectives: Hepatitis B and D infections are highly endemic in Mauritania, with prevalences ranging from 10 to 20%. With the present prospective transversal pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalences of HBV, HCV, and HDV infections in healthcare workers (HCWs), and offer treatment or vaccination as required.
Methods: At inclusion, each HCW was screened for anti-HBc Ab (followed by HBsAg assay when positive). Additional biological analyses were performed for HBsAg + cases. Depending on the results, HBV vaccination or anti-viral treatment was offered.
Results: A total of 3,857 HCWs were included, of whom 1,363 tested negative for anti-HBc Ab and received full vaccination. Of the 2,494 HCWs who were positive for anti-HBc Ab, 1,246 were positive for anti-HBs Ab and 418 were positive for HBsAg. Three HCWs were positive for HBeAg; 66 and 18 had HBV DNA levels respectively > 2,000 and > 20,000 IU/mL; and 48 were positive for anti-HDV Ab among whom 10 were positive for HDV RNA. HCV prevalence was 0.5%. Only seven HCWs fulfilled the criteria for treatment and five of them were treated.
Conclusion: Few HCWs in Mauritania are immunised against HBV. The prevalences of anti-HBc Ab and HBsAg observed in this work were similar to those observed in our earlier works, whereas prevalence of active HDV infection was less high. HBV and HDV infections are a serious health concern in Mauritania. New recommendations developed in accordance with WHO guidelines should include mandatory HBV screening and immunisation for HCWs.