DIFFERENT OPERATING CONDITIONS AFFECT RISK OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AT TWO RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR THE MENTALLY DISABLED

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Abstract
The prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers was determined in two residential institutions for the mentally disabled which exhibited major differences in operating policies. Eighty per cent of 91 clients and 16% of 92 employees at institution A had positive tests for hepatitis B virus markers, including two staff members and one client with serologic evidence of recent infection (immunoglobulin M antibody to hepatitis B core antigen). in contrast 34% of 395 clients and 8% of 294 workers at institution B were positive for hepatitis B virus markers, and none of the staff demonstrated evidence of recent infection. The observed differences in seroprevalence were likely to have been influenced by substantial disparities in living conditions, staff-to-client ratios in critical areas, and level of employee experience. In addition to significant institutional differences, seroprevalence was associated with severity of mental retardation in clients and duration of employment in staff. This study emphasizes the importance of local policies in the prevention of hepatitis B virus infection at residential institutions for the mentally disabled.