[Susceptibility to varicella-zoster, measles, rosacea and mumps among health care workers in a Northern Italy hospital].
BACKGROUND
Nosocomial transmission of varicella (V), rubella (R), mumps (Mu) and measles (Me) may be a significant cause of morbidity in health care workers (HCW). Susceptible HCW might be a relevant part of the workforce.


METHODS
A seroprevalence study was performed in a public hospital. Antibodies (Ab) against V, R, Mu and Me were determined by ELISA. Sociodemographic, clinical, occupational data and sera were obtained during health surveillance.


RESULTS
2934 tests on 1106 HCW were performed. Seropositivity was 91% for V, 89% for R, 80% for Mu, 92% for Me. No significant differencies were found for the variables tested, except for age (< 36 years) and certain job tasks (e.g. residents). 22% of HCW tested were seronegative for at least 1 virus. More seronegatives were detected as compared with the majority of literature data.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed a relevant number of susceptible to V, R, Mu and Me. Seroprevalence data are useful for risk assessment, HCW health surveillance, to evaluate fitness for work and to promote vaccination programmes, according to scientific guidelines. OP should include serological screening for Me, Mu, V and R to protect HCW and third parties.
Porru
S
S
Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro ed Igiene Industriale, Università degli Studi di Brescia. porru@med.unibs.it
Campagna
M
M
Arici
C
C
Carta
A
A
Placidi
D
D
Crotti
A
A
Parrinello
G
G
Alessio
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009107:Mumps / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012393:Rosacea / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies