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.
Cumming
C G
CG
Peutherer
J F
JF
Smith
G L
GL
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