| Document ID (ISN) | 59896 |
| CIS number |
93-679 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0019-8366 - Industrial Health |
| Year |
1991 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Wada Y., Kamiyama S., Koizumi A. |
| Title |
Negligible risk of horizontal transmission of hepatitis B virus among mechanics and salespersons in the automobile industry |
| Bibliographic information |
1991, Vol.29, p.161-165. 12 ref. |
| Abstract |
Transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among hospital patients and medical staff has been well documented. The high prevalence of hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) carriers in the Japanese population makes horizontal transmission in other occupational settings a real concern, but the actual risk of HBV infection has been unknown. The permanent work force of 44 automobile dealerships in Akita Prefecture (220 locations) was screened for HBsAg as part of routine medical examinations. Blood samples positive for HBsAg were tested for HBV core antigen to confirm the presence of persistent infection. The prevalence of HBV infection was much higher among subjects aged 35-44 than in other age groups. This reflects the hepatitis epidemics that followed the introduction of pertussis and polio vaccination programmes in 1948. The fact that infection did not spread into other age cohorts in these workplaces indicates that the risk of horizontal transmission is negligible when contact with biological fluids is unlikely. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
Japan; contagion; motor vehicle industry; hazard evaluation; infectious hepatitis |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
determination in blood |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Japan |
| Subject(s) |
Commerce, services, offices
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Biological hazards
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Liver diseases
Viral diseases (other than aids)
Motor vehicle manufacturing industry
Risk evaluation
Bacterial and parasitic diseases
|
