Detection of HBV DNA and HCV RNA in Public Bath; A Study about Safety of Prolapsed Hemorrhoidal Patients

Lee, Jin kwon; Kim, Hyun sung; Lee, Eun yup; Choi, In seok; Oh, Nahm gun

Abstract

PURPOSE: The Sitz bath is a commonly used nonsurgical treatment for patients with hemorrhoids. When these patients use public baths, possibilities exposure to infectious diseases due to public-bath utilization by exist for person infected with many kinds of diseases. In particular, because Hepatitis type B and type C viruses are infection sources for chronic liver diseases, we shall examine the risks of infections of HBV and HCV in acute hemorrhoids patients by examining the existences of HBV DNA and HCV RNA in the waters of public baths.
RESULTS
From March 2005 to March 2006, 29 hot-water samples and 22 cold-water samples were obtained from public baths within Busan. With each sample, COBAS Amplicor HBV DNA monitor and HCV RNA monitor were used to run a quantitative (PCR) for HBV DNA and HCV RNA. Additionally, HBsAg and HBeAg were examined through chemiluminescent microparticle immuno assay (CMIA).
RESULTS
HBV DNA was detected in 4 samples and HCV RNA was detected in an other 4 samples of the 29 samples from the hot baths. In 22 samples from the cold baths, HBV DNA was detected in 3 samples and HCV RNA in an other 2 samples. The mean levels of HBV DNA detected were 162.8 IU/ml and 1,586 IU/ml and the mean levels of HCV RNA were 276 IU/ml and 3,067 IU/ml from specimens in hot and cold baths, respectively. In the tests for HBs Ag and HBeAg, among 51 samples, 2 hot-water samples showed positive for HBs Ag while the others showed negative.
CONCLUSIONS
HBV DNA and HCV RNA were detected in both the hot and the cold waters of public baths. However, this result cannot be regarded as demonstrating infectivity, but further studies are thought to be needed to examine the risks of infections to patients with acute hemorrhoids of higher than third degree or patients with open wounds or external orifices. A patient with hemorrhoids or fistulas with external orifices should not use public baths and should undergo curative surgery.