[Hepatitis A, B, and C in an occupational center for the mentally handicapped].
BACKGROUND
Estimation of prevalence of serologic markers of viral hepatitis A, B and C in students and staff of an occupational centre in Castellón (Spain).


METHODS
Serologic markers of hepatitis A (IgG anti-HAV) and B (HBsAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and serologic markers of hepatitis C (anti-HCV) by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). Ninety per cent of students (54/60) and 80% of staff (8/10) participated.


RESULTS
The prevalence of IgG anti-HVA was 55.6% in students and 75% in staff, increasing with age. Considering persons not vaccinated against hepatitis B, the prevalence of serologic markers hepatitis B was 18.5% in students, two HBsAg and anti-HBe positive, and nobody in staff. Serologic markers hepatitis B was associated with duration of stay institutions for mentally handicapped. None of the center was positive for anti-HCV.


CONCLUSIONS
Viral hepatitis prevalences present notable differences. To maintain a serological surveillance of these diseases is important to control and prevention.
Arnedo
A
A
Sección de Epidemiología, Centro de Salud Pública, Castellón.
Latorre
M D
MD
Pac
M R
MR
Safont
L
L
Guillén
F
F
Aguinaga
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012759:Sheltered Workshops; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies
Hepatitis A, B y C en un centro ocupacional para disminuidos psíquicos.