The authors studied the prevalence of HBV markers among health care personnel of the Univer- sity Hospital of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The aim ofstudy was to identify the high risk groups, in order to counsel vaccínation of those groups at risk as a routine. As a control group, a group of office workers of the hospital were chosen. A significant difference of incidence of HBV markers, mainly in surgeons (40%) and hemodialysis unit personnel (36.4%) when compared to the control group, was observed (p < 0.05). The incidence increased with age and the time spent in the profession. The authors concluded that vaccination is indicated in surgeons hemodialy sis personnel, dentists and laboratory personnel.
Hepatitis B; Health care personnel