Containment of hepatitis B virus infection in a hemodialysis unit.
The unsuspected introduction of a carrier of hepatitis B virus into a hepatitis-free hemodialysis unit coincided with a routine serologic survey in early April 1976. Thus the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and its antibody was known for the 42 patients and 23 personnel at risk. Control consisted of isolating the patient identified as a carrier seven days after admission. Immune globulin was not given to potentially exposed persons. During a 15-month period, only one case of icteric hepatitis B occurred, in a nurse who was probably infected through defective gloves while attending the carrier in isolation. Monthy serologic tests showed that none of the other personnel and patients became infected with hepatitis B virus. This limited spread of hepatitis B indicated that isolation of the carrier was an effective preventive measure in given setting.
D000328:Adult; D002353:Carrier State / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006757:Hospital Units; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011790:Quarantine; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000451:nursing; D000078329:Workforce
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens