Prevalence of viral hepatitis in the staff in Norwegian anaesthesiology units.

The prevalence of markers for present or past hepatitis B infection has been studied in 1230 staff members of anaesthesiology units throughout Norway. HBsAg was not detected in any of the participants in the study. The prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis B in the younger participants was similar to that in the control group, but was significantly increased among the older participants and in those with longer seniority in medical work. This result was to some extent influenced by a fairly large number of staff members who had grown up or had had professional experience in countries with a higher prevalence of hepatitis B. The results may be interpreted as reflecting a very moderate incidence of hepatitis B infections in anaesthesiology units during the last 15 years. However, relevant to the discussion of vaccination programs for these units are three reported cases of hepatitis B infections with a fatal outcome among Norwegian anaesthesiologists, suggesting a greater severity of hepatitis B infections within this occupational group.