Hepatitis B miniepidemic in a peritoneal dialysis unit.

Two staff nurses in a peritoneal dialysis unit developed type B viral hepatitis while caring for a patient with persistent Hb Ag antigenemia. Peritoneal dialysis fluid from the patient contained surface Hb Ag antigen and was the probable mediator of the viral transfer. Hb Ag testing should be routine in peritoneal dialysis programs, and special precautions should be taken with dialysate of patients affilcted with hepatitis and/or Hb Ag antigenemia.