The epidemiology of hepatitis B infection in housestaff. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Ninety-nine medical and surgical house officers were prospectively evaluated during internship and residency for the development of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The overall incidence of hepatitis B was 10.2% per year. Eighty-six percent of episodes were subclinical. The greatest risk factor appeared to be frequent hand-to-mouth activity such as smoking or licking requisition labels. The presence of a hemodialysis or transplantation unit may be an additional institutional risk factor. HBV infection was not associated with a history of needle-sticks or contact with known antigen-positive patients. Educational efforts to minimize HBV infection should concentrate on handwashing techniques and discouragement of hand-to-mouth activity in patient care areas.

publication date

  • January 1, 1978

Research

keywords

  • Hepatitis B
  • Medical Staff, Hospital

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0018092850

PubMed ID

  • 730389

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 6

issue

  • 5