title: Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and rapid plasma reagin in a trauma population.
abstract: We evaluated the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) among patients admitted to our trauma unit from April 15 to June 30, 1993. Of 984 patients tested, we found 255 (26%) had evidence of exposure to one or more of these agents: HIV, 4%; HBV, 20%; HCV, 14%; and RPR, 1%. Thirty-eight percent of patients had more than one positive serology, 75% of the HIV patients, 49% of the HBV patients, and 66% of the HCV patients. There was no difference between penetrating and nonpenetrating trauma with respect to any of the viruses. The risk factors for HIV-positive patients were non-White race, positive drug screen, positive alcohol screen, and city resident. Risk factors for HBV patients were non-White race, positive drug screen, and city resident. Risk factors for HBC patients were male sex, non-White race, positive alcohol screen, positive drug screen, and city resident. The risk of blood-borne infections in this group of patients is substantial.
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000276:immunology*; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006507:Hepatovirus / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011935:Reagins / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013587:Syphilis / Q000276:immunology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000821:virology*
chemical_list: D011935:Reagins