Prevalence of HBV infection in nurses and manual workers in Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital.

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of hepatitis B serologic markers was studied in 1,772 nurses, practical nurses, aides and workers. Results showed 6.6 per cent of carriers, 3.3 per cent of anti-HBs and 38.4 per cent of contact cases. Higher rates of hepatitis B virus carriers and contact cases were in workers (11.1 and 56.0 per cent) and practical nurses (7.0 and 42.6 per cent) respectively. There were significant differences in each marker among nurses, practical nurses, aides and workers. Furthermore, there were variations of various markers in some ranks of age-groups and working-years. The prevalence of HBV carriers increased with age up to 40 years and was remarkably high in nurses. Higher rates of HBV infection were found in personnel working in the emergency room, operating room and outpatient department.