The prevalence of hepatitis B serological markers in dental personnel.
There is a need to assess the risk to members of the dental profession in the U.K. of acquiring hepatitis B from patients. Towards this end a study was performed in order to determine the degree of carriage of serological markers of hepatitis B in a sample of dental workers in and around Edinburgh. Of a total of 88 persons tested only one, a dental assistant, was positive. She had evidence of past infection but did not give a history of previous jaundice. We conclude that in the Edinburgh area the risk of dental personnel acquiring hepatitis B from patients is very small and that routine active immunisation is not necessary. Those who volunteer to treat known hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers should be offered immunisation and the recommendations of the expert group of the Health Departments of Great Britain on the treatment of HBV carriers should be implemented.
C G
CG
Cumming
J F
JF
Peutherer
G L
GL
Smith
D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology; D003726:Dental Assistants; D003727:Dental Auxiliaries; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D003797:Dental Staff; D003815:Dentists; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012606:Scotland; D013335:Students, Dental
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens