[Occupational transmission by HIV and by hepatitis B virus. Attitude of Belgian surgeons and anesthetists. An opinion survey].

Risk of professional transmission of hepatitis B is known since the seventies. Recently the possibility of HIV transmission during surgical practice was demonstrated. It was interesting to assess Belgian surgeons and anesthetists opinion about this risk and about the precautions taken. An opinion survey was performed with a representative sample of Belgian surgeons and orthopedists (340) as well as anesthetists (100). Risks of transmission of HIV and possible elementary precautions are not well known. The rate of vaccination against hepatitis B is low, specially in smaller hospitals. However the frequency of injuries during practice is high in surgeons as well as in anesthetists. This study shows that important information efforts about the risks of HIV infection and the possible precautions to be taken are still necessary. Information about the need for vaccination against hepatitis B should also be done, considering the high incidence of operative injuries.