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Hepatitis B markers in Lancashire police officers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2009

P. Morgan-Capner ,
P. Hudson  and
A. Armstrong
P. Morgan-Capner
Affiliation:
Department of Virology, Pathology Laboratory, Preston Infirmary, Preston PR1 6PS
P. Hudson
Affiliation:
Department of Virology, Pathology Laboratory, Preston Infirmary, Preston PR1 6PS
A. Armstrong
Affiliation:
Police Federation, Federation Office, Police Headquarters, Hutton, Preston PR4 5SB
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Summary

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A total of 284 Lancashire police officers each with a minimum of 5 years experience was tested for evidence of hepatitis B infection. None was hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBsAg). Three were positive for both antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and HBsAg (anti-HBs). Five were positive for anti-HBc alone. Thus the overall prevalence was 2·8% which is within the range reported for blood donors in the UK. There was no association with working in the drug squad or custody office but there was a higher prevalence in those who had worked in the scene-of-crime's squad. However, the numbers were small, and of this group of 28 officers, 2 of the 3 with detectable hepatitis B markers were positive for anti-HBc alone. Therefore for police officers in mixed rural/urban areas of the UK, routine administration of hepatitis B vaccine is not justified although special consideration should be given to those working in selected groups. Further studies are required to ascertain whether there may be an increased risk for police officers working in conurbations.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 100 , Issue 1 , February 1988 , pp. 145 - 151
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

References

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