%0 Journal Article %T Prevalence of blood-borne viral infections among autopsy cases in Jordan %J Qatar medical journal %D 2016 %A Bakri, Faris G. %A Al-Abdallat, Imad M. %A Ababneh, Nidaa %A Al Ali, Rayyan %A Idhair, Ahmed K. F. %A Mahafzah, Azmi %V 2016 %N 2 %P e14-e14 %X BACKGROUND: Morgues are high risk areas for the spread of infection from cadavers to staff during the post-mortem examination. Infection can spread from corpses to workers by airborne transmission, by direct contact, or through needle and sharp object injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge about the prevalence of these infections on autopsy is essential to determine the risk of transmission and to further enforce safety measures.

METHODS: This is a descriptive study. All autopsies performed in the Department of Forensic Medicine at Jordan University Hospital during the study period were tested for the serology of human immunodeficiency, hepatitis B and C viruses. Positive tests were confirmed by nucleic acid testing.

RESULTS: A total of 242 autopsies were tested. Age ranged from 3 days to 94 years (median 75.5 years, mean 45.3 years (21.9 ±  SD)). There were 172 (71%) males. The cause of death was considered natural in 137 (56.6%) cases, accidental in 89 (36.8%), homicide in nine (3.7%), suicide in four (1.7%), and unknown in three (1.2%) cases. Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive in five (2.1%) cases. Hepatitis C virus antibody was positive in five (2.1%) cases and the hepatitis C virus polymerase chain reaction was positive in two (0.8%) cases. HIV antibody was not detected in any of the cases. The infection status of cases was not associated with age, sex, nationality, or cause of death.

CONCLUSION: The study findings indicated that there is a low prevalence of virus-infected autopsies in Jordan. However, the risk of transmission remains a potential threat and therefore the necessary precautions should always be taken during autopsy.

Language: en

%G en %I Ministry of Public Health %@ 0253-8253 %U http://dx.doi.org/10.5339/qmj.2016.14