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Viral hepatitis among Danish oral surgeons
International Journal of Oral Surgery
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Danish oral surgeons show low hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection rates, similar to the general dental population. Current data does not support recommending hepatitis B vaccination for this professional group.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a risk in healthcare settings.
- Assessing HBV infection prevalence in specific professional groups is crucial for targeted prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of prior clinical hepatitis B virus infection and HBV markers among Danish oral surgeons.
- To estimate the annual HBV infection rate in this cohort.
- To evaluate the necessity of hepatitis B vaccination for Danish oral surgeons.
Main Methods:
- A study population of 40 oral surgeons was surveyed.
- Questionnaires and blood samples were collected from participants.
- Blood samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies (anti-HBs, anti-HBcAg), hepatitis A antibody (anti-HAV), and serum transaminases.
Main Results:
- One participant (3.7%) had a history of clinical HBV infection and was positive for anti-HBs.
- The estimated annual HBV infection rate was 0.3%.
- The prevalence of HBV markers was not higher than in the general Danish dentist population, indicating they are not a high-risk group.
Conclusions:
- Danish oral surgeons do not appear to be a high-risk group for hepatitis B infection compared to other medical specialists.
- Based on current prevalence data, hepatitis B vaccination is not currently recommended for Danish oral surgeons.