Related Experiment Videos
Hepatitis B markers in Gloucestershire firemen
R J Springbett1, K A Cartwright, B E Watson
1Public Health Laboratory, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, UK.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Gloucestershire firemen showed low rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection despite occupational exposure to blood and body fluids. The study found minimal evidence of previous HBV infection among participants.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Firefighters face significant occupational exposure to blood and body fluids.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a risk in healthcare and emergency response settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the occupational risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among Gloucestershire firemen.
- To determine the prevalence of serological markers of HBV infection in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving serological testing for HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc).
- High compliance rate (94%) achieved with 472 firefighters participating.
- Analysis of cumulative occupational exposure duration and its correlation with infection markers.
Main Results:
- No participants tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), indicating no active infection.
- Only 0.42% (2/472) showed evidence of previous HBV infection (positive for anti-HBc).
- Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) was detected in six participants, four of whom were vaccinated.
Conclusions:
- Despite substantial exposure to blood and body fluids, Gloucestershire firemen exhibit a low prevalence of previous HBV infection.
- The occupational risk of hepatitis B infection appears minimal in this firefighter cohort.
- Vaccination status significantly influences the presence of anti-HBs antibodies.