Risk of Hepatitis B and C Infections in Tehranian Wrestlers

Abstract

Context: Although bloodborne infections are among the most important global health issues, limited data are available on bloodborne infections in athletes. Objective: To determine and compare the prevalence of markers of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses and the risk factors for these infections among wrestlers in Tehran and among a control group of athletes in the same geographic area who took part in low- to moderate-contact sports (ie, volleyball and soccer). Design: Case-control study. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 420 male wrestlers were randomly selected from 28 wrestling clubs in Tehran using a cluster-sample–setting method. The control group (205 volleyball players from 21 clubs and 205 soccer players from 16 clubs) was selected from the same geographic area. Main Outcome Measure(s): The risk factors for HBV and HCV and serum levels of anti-HBcAg (antibodies to the HBV core antigen), HBsAg (HBV surface antigen), and anti-HCV (antibodies to HCV) in both groups. Results: The prevalence of anti-HBcAg was 13.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.2%, 16.7%) in wrestlers and 10.9% (95% CI = 7.9%, 14.0%) in the control group. The prevalence of HBsAg was 1.2% (95% CI = 0.2%, 2.2%) in wrestlers and 0.5% (95% CI = −0.2%, 1.2%) in the control group. The prevalence of anti-HCV was 0.5% (95% CI = −0.2%, 1.1%) in wrestlers and 0 in the control group. Some risk factors for bloodborne infections were more common in the wrestlers than in the control group. Conclusions: Within the limits of our study, we found no evidence that participation in Tehranian wrestling increased HBV or HCV transmission when compared with transmission in athletes participating in low- to moderate-contact sports. Prevention of bloodborne infections in Tehranian wrestlers should be focused not only on appropriate care for bleeding injuries but also on general risk factors for these conditions.