Nonpercutaneous transmission of hepatitis B to the families of hemodialysis patients.
1. Fifteen percent of the hemodialysis patients were carriers of HBsAg. 2. Thirty-one percent of the carriers' contacts had HBAb in their blood. 3. Spouse of carriers had a higher prevalence of positive HBAb than any other family contact. 4. Only 6 out of 17 patients transmitted the virus to their contacts. 5. None of the contacts of the staff, with history of hepatitis B, had evidence of hepatitis. 6. Contacts with positive HBAb had no evidence of active liver disease.
D000328:Adult; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D002353:Carrier State; D002648:Child; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000906:Antibodies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens