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[Hepatitis A, B, and C in an occupational center for the mentally handicapped]
A Arnedo1, M D Latorre, M R Pac
1Sección de Epidemiología, Centro de Salud Pública, Castellón.
Background:
Estimation of prevalence of serologic markers of viral hepatitis A, B and C in students and staff of an occupational centre in Castellón (Spain).
Methods:
Serologic markers of hepatitis A (IgG anti-HAV) and B (HBsAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and serologic markers of hepatitis C (anti-HCV) by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). Ninety per cent of students (54/60) and 80% of staff (8/10) participated.
Results:
The prevalence of IgG anti-HVA was 55.6% in students and 75% in staff, increasing with age. Considering persons not vaccinated against hepatitis B, the prevalence of serologic markers hepatitis B was 18.5% in students, two HBsAg and anti-HBe positive, and nobody in staff. Serologic markers hepatitis B was associated with duration of stay institutions for mentally handicapped. None of the center was positive for anti-HCV.
Conclusions:
Viral hepatitis prevalences present notable differences. To maintain a serological surveillance of these diseases is important to control and prevention.