Seroprevalence of varicella, measles and hepatitis B among female health care workers of childbearing age

To evaluate the relation between infectious agents and reproductive health hazards for health care workers (HCWs), a cross-sectional study consisting of 73 HCWs and 65 bureau workers was conducted. The reproductive health problems of both groups were compared using a questionnaire, and serologic examinations for measles, varicella and hepatitis B were performed. There were no differences between the two groups according to the rate of seropositivity of measles and varicella (P > 0.05). The prevalence of anti-HBc seropositivity was significantly higher among HCWs than controls (31.5 versus 16.9%). There were no differences between seropositive and seronegative subgroups of measles, varicella and hepatitis B regarding the rates of normal delivery time, preterm and postterm delivery and stillbirth. Subjects seropositive for anti-HBc showed a higher spontaneous abortion rate than those who were seronegative (38.2 versus 16.3, P = 0.009). Although these data showed that HCWs had a high rate of anti-HBc seropositivity and that the rate of spontaneous abortion was associated with past hepatitis B virus infection, further studies including larger populations are needed. We considered that it should be strongly recommended that all HCWs be vaccinated against this virus, and future studies should be focused on the relationship between infectious diseases and reproductive health problems in HCWs.