Outbreaks of hepatitis B virus infection associated with infected surgical staff

Twelve outbreaks of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection associated with HBV infected surgical health care workers (11 surgeons; one perfusion technician) were reported between 1975 and 1990 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A total of 95 infections was identified. Transmission rates ranged from one to nine per cent but were higher for patients who had undergone major surgical procedures. The number of infections reported under-estimates the total number of patients who will have acquired HBV infection from HBV infected surgeons during this period because subclinical infections will have been missed and other outbreaks may not have been recognised or reported.