Hepatitis B markers in Gloucestershire firemen.
Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids and the prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were studied in Gloucestershire firemen to assess the occupational risk of HBV infection. A high compliance was achieved (472/503, 94 per cent). Cumulative occupational exposure to blood or body fluids rose progressively to 68 per cent after 24 years' service. No sera were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Six sera were positive for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) and were tested for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). The four subjects who were positive for anti-HBs alone had all received HBV vaccine. Two sera contained both anti-HBs and anti-HBc. Therefore, 2/472 firemen (0.42 per cent) showed evidence of previous HBV infection, a similar proportion to that found in a recent study in UK blood donors (0.49 per cent). Despite considerable exposure to blood and body fluids, an occupational risk of hepatitis B infection was not found in Gloucestershire firemen.
Springbett
R J
RJ
Public Health Laboratory, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, UK.
Cartwright
K A
KA
Watson
B E
BE
Morris
R
R
Cantle
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006113:United Kingdom
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens