Occupational exposure to bloodborne viruses in the Amsterdam police force, 2000-2003.
OBJECTIVE
To assess and evaluate the rate and outcome of occupational exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Amsterdam police force.


METHODS
Retrospectively, all accidents with risk for viral transmission reported to the Municipal Health Service between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2003 were described and analyzed in 2004.


RESULTS
Over a 4-year period, 112 exposures with a viral transmission risk were reported (the estimated exposure rate was 68/10,000/year). Of these exposures, 89 (79%) sources were tested, finding 4% HBV-positive, 4% HIV-positive, and 18% HCV-positive. Immunoglobulin for HBV infection was given 44 times; HIV post-exposure prophylaxis was prescribed 16 times and 13 of 16 discontinued the course within a few days because the transmission source tested HIV-negative. No seroconversions were seen in persons exposed.


CONCLUSIONS
The rate of exposure is low. The majority of the sources could be traced and tested. However, a comprehensive and effective protocol is essential in minimizing the risk of occupational HBV, HCV, and HIV infection in police officers, even if HBV vaccination is provided.
Sonder
Gerard J B
GJ
GG & GD Amsterdam, Municipal Health Service Amsterdam, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. gsonder@gggd.amsterdam.nl
Bovée
Lian P M J
LP
Coutinho
Roel A
RA
Baayen
Dorothé
D
Spaargaren
Joke
J
van den Hoek
Anneke
A
D000059:Accidents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001734:Bites, Human / Q000453:epidemiology; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016495:Police / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission*