Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antibody, and HIV-1 antibody among residents of a long-term-care facility.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and antibody to human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV) among residents of a long-term care facility.


METHODS
Anonymous unlinked serosurvey.


METHODS
Accredited university-affiliated long-term-care facility in Toronto with 300 chronic-care hospital patients, 350 nursing home residents, and 200 residents of a senior citizens' apartment complex.


METHODS
Sera from left-over blood samples obtained from residents in November 1990 were tested for HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV using standard methods.


RESULTS
A total of 508 sera were tested. The number (%) positive for HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV, respectively were: 3(0.6%), 7(1.4%), and 0(0%).


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report defining rates of infection with bloodborne infective agents among residents of a long-term care facility. These results support the use of hepatitis B vaccine for medical and nursing staff and the implementation of universal precautions in long-term care facilities.
Simor
A E
AE
Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Gordon
M
M
Bishai
F R
FR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015982:Bias; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D006282:Health Personnel; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities; D016635:Universal Precautions
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens