[Viral hepatitis B in health personnel]

Currently published studies indicate that the prevalence of serological evidence of hepatitis B viral infection is two to five times higher among health workers than in the general population. Repeated contact with blood specimens is essential for the transmission of hepatitis B to health workers. In particular, accidental wounds produced by used needles, especially needles contaminated with blood from Ag H be positive individuals, are frequently followed by clinical or serological evidence of viral hepatitis. The prevalence of serological evidence of hepatitis B infection increases in proportion to the duration of occupational exposure, the age of the health worker and the size of the city in which he is employed. In contrast, frequent patient contacts not involving exposure to blood products are not a major risk factor. Although unusual, the transmission of hepatitis B virus from chronically infected health workers to their patients has been described.