Serologic survey for markers of hepatitis B infection in dermatologists

A serologic survey for markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was conducted in 593 dermatologists. Serologic evidence for previous infection was found in 15.4%, indicating that dermatologists are an at-risk population comparable to many other specialties of medicine. Dermatologists with a history of blood transfusion, tattoo, and homosexuality had an increased prevalence of serologic markers for HBV. The type of practice, extent of surgery, and glove-wearing practices did not correlate with HBV serologic markers.