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Hepatitis B markers in West Yorkshire firemen.
B A Crosse1, C Teale, E M Lees
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Seacroft Hospital, Leeds.
Epidemiology and Infection
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Firefighters do not face an increased risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A study found a low prevalence of past HBV infection markers in West Yorkshire firemen, similar to blood donors.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Firefighters are a population group often considered at occupational risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- However, empirical evidence supporting this perceived risk has been limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the occupational risk of HBV infection among firefighters.
- To determine the prevalence of serological markers indicating past HBV infection in the West Yorkshire Fire Service.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 173 firefighters were tested for HBV surface and core antibodies.
- Samples with specific antibody profiles were further tested for anti-HBe antibody.
- Past infection was defined by the presence of multiple HBV serological markers.
Main Results:
- A prevalence rate of 0.6% for past HBV infection was identified in the studied cohort.
- This rate is comparable to the 1% prevalence observed in London blood donors.
- Only one firefighter sample met the criteria for past HBV infection.
Conclusions:
- The West Yorkshire Fire Service cohort does not exhibit evidence of increased risk for HBV infection.
- The necessity of comprehensive HBV vaccination policies for firefighters may warrant reconsideration based on these findings.