Comment: This study indicates a low incidence (0.7%) of hepatitis C virus infection in Swedish health care personnel. Given what we know about the incidence of HIV infection and the previously high incidence of hepatitis B infection (before immunization and universal precautions), these data seem reasonable. As hepatitis C immunoassays are rela-
Journal Article Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Markers in Sweden: A Community-based Serosurvey of 4,000 Young Swedish Adults Get access J. Struve, J. Struve 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institute, Roslagstull HospitalStockholm, Sweden.2Stockholm County Council Central Microbiological LaboratoryStockholm, Sweden. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar J. Giesecke, J. Giesecke 3Swedish National Bacteriological LaboratoryStockholm, Sweden. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar P. Olcen, P. Olcen 4Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Orebro Medical Center HospitalÖrebro, Sweden. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar M. von Sydow, M. von Sydow 2Stockholm County Council Central Microbiological LaboratoryStockholm, Sweden. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar O. Weiland O. Weiland 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institute, Roslagstull HospitalStockholm, Sweden. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 135, Issue 4, 15 February 1992, Pages 409–417, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a116301 Published: 15 February 1992 Article history Received: 28 January 1991 Accepted: 30 July 1991 Published: 15 February 1992
In order to study the importance of sexual transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs), and from IVDAs to others, we consecutively interviewed 171 IVDAs detained at the Stockholm Remand Prison during 4 months in 1990. Sexual histories revealed that 77% reported > or = 3 sexual partners during the last 3 years, 64% had had a sexual partner who did not inject drugs, and 61% reported a prior STD. The prevalence of HBV markers was 75%. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, a high risk for HBV markers was associated with an increasing duration of drug abuse, a high prevalence of hepatitis A markers, and an increasing number of drug injecting sexual partners during the last 3 years, indicating that sexual transmission, along with sharing of needles, may contribute to the high prevalence of HBV markers within this group. It is suggested that an adequate sexual history must be obtained from IVDAs with acute viral hepatitis in order to identify sexual partners who should be offered postexposure prophylaxis, and that non-immune IVDAs should be vaccinated against viral hepatitis A and B.
AbstractIn an open controlled study 286 health care workers in Stockholm, Sweden, received 20 μ of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix B®) by the intramuscular route, and 383 2 μ by the intradermal route. Seroconversion to protective anti-HBs levels (anti-HBs titre ≥ 10 IU/1) was achieved in 94% of the i.m. and 89% of the i.d. vaccinees. Female sex, intramuscular vaccination, young age, and being a non-smoker were associated with a higher response rate and a higher geometric mean anti-HBs titre than male sex, intradermal vaccination, old age and being a smoker. If an acceptable response rate to protective anti-HBs levels of 85% is chosen, intradermal vaccination can be used as a cost reducing strategy for all women and for non-smoking men > 30 years of age, as estimated in a logistic regression model. Due to the variable antibody response in different individuals, post vaccination testing for anti-HBs titres is recommended in health care workers, regardless of vaccination route
AbstractIn order to study the importance of sexual transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs), and from IVDAs to others, we consecutively interviewed 171 IVDAs detained at the Stockholm Remand Prison during 4 months in 1990. Sexual histories revealed that 77% reported ≥3 sexual partners during the last 3 years, 64% had had a sexual partner who did not inject drugs, and 61% reported a prior STD. The prevalence of HBV markers was 75%. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, a high risk for HBV markers was associated with an increasing duration of drug abuse, a high prevalence of hepatitis A markers, and an increasing number of drug injecting sexual partners during the last 3 years, indicating that sexual transmission, along with sharing of needles, may contribute to the high prevalence of HBV markers within this group. It is suggested that an adequate sexual history must be obtained from IVDAs with acute viral hepatitis in order to identify sexual partners who should be offered postexposure prophylaxis, and that non-immune IVDAs should be vaccinated against viral hepatitis A and B.
At St. Göran's Children's Hospital (a tertiary center), we perform electron microscopy of feces in most cases of nosocomial gastroenteritis. From September 1987 through April 1992 we identified 32 episodes of calicivirus infection, 25 of which were nosocomial and, except for one outbreak, sporadic. Systematic study of the nosocomial outbreak of calcivirus gastroenteritis from November 1991 to January 1992, revealed calcivirus in the stools of 8 of 23 children with diarrhea and 0 of 10 without diarrhea. In 3 of 7 sampled after cessation of diarrhea, calicivirus excretion continued for 3 to 6 days. We found no calicivirus in 42 staff members or 9 members of infected patients' families. Nosocomial transmission of calicivirus can occur among infants.
