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Hepatitis B markers in West Yorkshire firemen

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

B. A. Crosse ,
C. Teale  and
E. M. Lees
B. A. Crosse
Affiliation:
Department of Infectious Diseases, Seacroft Hospital, Leeds LS14 6UH
C. Teale
Affiliation:
Department of Chest Medicine, Killingbeck Hospital, Leeds
E. M. Lees
Affiliation:
Department of Virology, Public Health Laboratory, Leeds LS15 7TR
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Summary

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Firemen have been considered at occupational risk of hepatitis (HBV) infection, but proof is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of risk by determining the prevalence of serological markers of past infection with HBV in members of the West Yorkshire Fire Service. Sera from 173 firemen, 9·3% of the brigade, were tested for antibodies to HBV surface antigen and to core antigen. Those containing anti-HBs≥10 IU/L or anti-core antibody, were also tested for antibody to HBe antigen. The presence of more than one marker was used to define past infection. One sample satisfied this criterion, giving a prevalence rate of 0·6%. This compares with a rate of 1% in London blood donors. We conclude that the group shows no evidence of having been at increased risk of HBV infection. A comprehensive vaccination policy for firemen might be questionable

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 103 , Issue 2 , October 1989 , pp. 383 - 385
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

References

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