Hepatitis A, B, and C in an occupational center for the mentally handicapped

• Published in: Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiología clínica Vol. 16; no. 8; p. 370
• Main Authors: Arnedo, A, Latorre, M D, Pac, M R, Safont, L, Guillén, F, Aguinaga, I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.10.1998
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Health Personnel; Hepatitis A - complications; Hepatitis A - epidemiology; Hepatitis A Antibodies; Hepatitis Antibodies - blood; Hepatitis B - complications; Hepatitis B - epidemiology; Hepatitis B Antibodies - blood; Hepatitis B Antigens - blood; Hepatitis C - complications; Hepatitis C - epidemiology; Hepatitis C Antibodies - blood; Humans; Intellectual Disability - complications; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases - epidemiology; Prevalence; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Sheltered Workshops; Spain - epidemiology; Spain
• ISSN: 0213-005X

Estimation of prevalence of serologic markers of viral hepatitis A, B and C in students and staff of an occupational centre in Castellón (Spain). 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. 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. Viral hepatitis prevalences present notable differences. To maintain a serological surveillance of these diseases is important to control and prevention.