Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antibody, and HIV-1 antibody among residents of a long-term-care facility.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and antibody to human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV) among residents of a long-term care facility.

DESIGN

Anonymous unlinked serosurvey.

SETTING

Accredited university-affiliated long-term-care facility in Toronto with 300 chronic-care hospital patients, 350 nursing home residents, and 200 residents of a senior citizens' apartment complex.

INTERVENTIONS

Sera from left-over blood samples obtained from residents in November 1990 were tested for HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV using standard methods.

RESULTS

A total of 508 sera were tested. The number (%) positive for HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV, respectively were: 3(0.6%), 7(1.4%), and 0(0%).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report defining rates of infection with bloodborne infective agents among residents of a long-term care facility. These results support the use of hepatitis B vaccine for medical and nursing staff and the implementation of universal precautions in long-term care facilities.