Journal of Dental Medicine

Statement of Problem: The Prevalence of HBsAg, among patients with Down Syndrome (DS) has been reported higher than normal population. Living in institutes, comparing to home, leads to higher probability of HBsAg prevalence.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to determine HBsAg prevalence in patients with DS and compare it with other mentally retarded patients with similar conditions, and also with healthy population in Iran.
Materials and Methods: One hundred patients, with average age of 12 years, living in five institutes inTehran, were chosen. Children with DS and other mentally retarded children were considered as the first and second groups, respectively (50 members in each group). Blood samples were taken and tested (ELLSA) to determine HBsAg and HBsAb titre. For statistical analysis, Chi- Square test was used.

Results: HBsAg was positive in 8% and 4% of DS and MR groups, respectively. HBsAb was seen in 25% of DS, comparing to 32% of MR. The prevalence of HBsAg in retarded patients living in institutes was higher than normal population of Iran (less than 3%), which was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Consideration of sterilization principles and infection control upon dental operations, in these centers, are necessary. It is also suggested that these children, as a high- risk population, should be vaccinated against hepatitis B.

  Background and Aims: Hepatitis B is an important infection route in dentistry requiring different disinfectants to prevent its transmission. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of chemical disinfectants (FD366, ISORAPID and 5% sodium hypochlorite 2/100) to remove Hepatitis B infections from the dental surfaces.

  Materials and Methods: In this experimental laboratory trial, serum of 10 HBV patients was poured into microtubes, FD366, ISORAPID and hypochlorite disinfectants were added to them. PCR experiments with viral diagnostic kits were used to diagnose the virus genome. Real time PCR was used to evaluate after incubation with the disinfectants. The reductions occurred in the viral load of Hepatitis B were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests .

  Results: No significant antiviral efficacy was noted following the application of FD366 and ISORAPID disinfectants (P=0/07). However, hypochlorite showed the most efficacy to disinfect Hepatitis B and a significant difference was found among them (P<0.0001).

  Conclusion: Under the study limitations, FD366 and ISORAPID disinfectants did not show adequate efficacy to remove Hepatitis B virus. Hypochlorite was the most effective disinfectant.