Abstract:
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Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are
common causes of liver disease globally. The HBV is a
major public health challenge due to its worldwide
distribution, chronic persistence and complications. Its
endemicity ranges from high (≥8%) to moderate (2-7%)
and low (<2%) (Margolis et al., 1991; Maynard, 1989).
The HCV was first identified in 1989 (Houghton, 2009).
Infections with HCV are pandemic and the World Health
*Corresponding author. E-mail: emad.ibrahim.osman@gmail.com.
Fax: +249 155124004.
Organization (WHO) estimates a world-wide prevalence
of 3%, most of these cases occur in Africa (Madhava et
al., 2002; WHO, 1999). Infection with HBV and HCV is
primarily blood borne or parenterally transmitted. Routes
of parenteral transmission include contaminated blood
and blood products, needle sharing, reuse of
contaminated razors by barbers, tattooing devices,
haemo-dialysis, acupuncture needles and contaminated
medical devices. Other modes of transmission include
sexual promiscuity and vertical transmission in the early
childhood (Alain et al., 2002; Henderson 2003; Levine et al.,
1994; Ranger-Rogez et al., 2002; Stauber, 2000).
In health care settings, occupational risk for trans |