Hepatitis B in patients and staff at an institution for mentally retarded in 1985
Løye, F.; Skinhøj, P.; Bang, B.; Christoffersen, B.; Hermann, S.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 150(10): 588-591
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3354079 Document Number: 309088
The prevalence of hepatitis B viral infection among patients in a modern institution for mentally retarded children was elucidated by means of questionnaires and blood samples for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and information from the case records. Out of 251 clients, 4% were HBsAg positive and 0.25% were also HBeAg positive. 29% were anti-HBs positive. Patients with Down's syndrome were three times more likely to have markers than other patients, just as they contributed to the total number of HBsAg positive patients with 70%. Among the staff, none were found to be HBsAg positive. Twenty-three (5.5%) were anti-HBs positive. The incidence of anti-HBs markers in the staff was no higher than expected. The number of cases positive for anti-Hbs among patients and staff were not related to cases positive for HBsAg in the care units. In conclusion, there is no need for immunization of patients and staff, with the present level of hygiene, not even if they stay in care units with HBsAg positive clients. Only patients with Down's syndrome should be immunized against Hepatitis B as early as possible, preferably before any contact with an institution.