Prevalencia de anticuerpos frente al virus de la hepatitis A en trabajadores del ámbito sanitario y variables asociadas / Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus in healthcare workers and associated variables

Objetivo: La vacuna de la hepatitis A está indicada para colectivos de riesgo, incluidos los profesionales sanitarios. El objetivo fue conocer la prevalencia de anticuerpos frente al virus de la hepatitis A (IgG) en trabajadores de este ámbito, para establecer criterios de vacunación. Métodos: Estudio transversal y analítico con 4864 trabajadores de cuatro empresas sanitarias de Cataluña. El registro incluyó datos personales, categoría profesional, lugar de trabajo y serología. Resultados: La prevalencia global de anticuerpos fue del 52,7%. Se observó un incremento significativo con la edad: la media de los seropositivos fue de 41,5 años, frente a 34,3 años la de los seronegativos. Los colectivos de limpieza y cocina presentan una mayor prevalencia de anticuerpos (limpieza 74,2% y cocina 75,3%). Discusión: Considerando la alta prevalencia de adultos seronegativos, susceptibles de contraer la infección, y teniendo en cuenta las características de su actividad profesional, se sugiere valorar la indicación de vacunar a todo el personal que trabaja en instituciones sanitarias (AU)

Objective: Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended in risk groups, including healthcare workers. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to HAV (IgG) among workers in the healthcare setting in order to establish criteria for vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytic, observational study of 4,864 employees was undertaken in four healthcare companies in Catalonia (Spain). The variables gathered included personal data, professional category, location of employment, and serology. Results: The overall prevalence of antibodies to HAV was 52.7%. The prevalence significantly increased with greater age. The mean age of seropositive workers was 41.5 years compared with 34.3 in workers with negative serology. The highest prevalence of antibodies was found in cleaning employees (74.2%) and catering staff (75.3%). Discussion: Given the high prevalence of seronegative adults susceptible to infection and the characteristics of their professional activities, vaccination of all staff working in health institutions should be considered (AU)

[Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus in healthcare workers and associated variables]. / Prevalencia de anticuerpos frente al virus de la hepatitis A en trabajadores del ámbito sanitario y variables asociadas.

OBJECTIVE: Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended in risk groups, including healthcare workers. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to HAV (IgG) among workers in the healthcare setting in order to establish criteria for vaccination. METHODS: A cross-sectional, analytic, observational study of 4,864 employees was undertaken in four healthcare companies in Catalonia (Spain). The variables gathered included personal data, professional category, location of employment, and serology. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of antibodies to HAV was 52.7%. The prevalence significantly increased with greater age. The mean age of seropositive workers was 41.5 years compared with 34.3 in workers with negative serology. The highest prevalence of antibodies was found in cleaning employees (74.2%) and catering staff (75.3%). DISCUSSION: Given the high prevalence of seronegative adults susceptible to infection and the characteristics of their professional activities, vaccination of all staff working in health institutions should be considered.