Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0019163 (hepatitis B)
 38,309 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The uptake of hepatitis B vaccine was assessed amongst 100 medical and 100 nursing staff in a teaching hospital with a policy of recommending to those at risk that they should seek immunization from their general practitioners. Sixteen per cent of nurses and 31% of doctors had completed a course of immunization with confirmation of seroconversion. An additional 9% and 18% respectively had been immunized without post-immunization serology. Ninety three per cent of nurses and 61% of doctors who had not been immunized would like to receive the vaccine. The commonest reasons for non-immunization amongst nurses were fear of vaccine and lack of advice, and amongst doctors, apathy and difficulty in obtaining the vaccine. Eighty seven per cent of medical staff and 57% of nurses had a history of needle stick injury. The low rates of vaccine uptake in this study combined with the high incidence of needle stick injury calls for a reappraisal of present hepatitis B vaccination programmes in hospitals. In particular the abrogation of responsibility for immunization to general practitioners is probably a major disincentive to potential vaccines.
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PMID:Poor uptake of hepatitis B immunization amongst hospital-based health care staff. 182 19

Dentistry has made great strides in infection control over the past 10 years. An effective asepsis program is part of "the standard of care" in dental practice as we approach the twenty-first century. Several areas of dental infection control are undergoing change as new information is obtained, thereby providing points for discussion and some controversy. An effective vaccine to protect against hepatitis B viral infection is available but has met with indifference on the part of many. This readily available protection should be obtained by all health care providers. Surface disinfection is another area of controversy. A variety of chemical agents with differing properties are available for use in dentistry. Many of these are effective as disinfectants but have limited cleansing action, and this must be considered in their application. The practice of prosthodontics also presents numerous opportunities for cross-contamination. The sterilization and disinfection of dental impressions, prostheses, appliances, and a variety of plastic and wooden items provide a challenge for future research as newer products and techniques are developed. Infection control has literally been placed in the hands of health professionals. We, our patients, and families will continue to benefit from our positive efforts in this area.
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PMID:Controversies in infection control. 240 44

Mice were injected with immune complexes containing the recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) vaccine (S + preS2) bound to different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), in order to determine whether an enhancement of the response to a human vaccine could be obtained and observed. Enhancement and indifference were observed, as well as a decrease in immunogenicity. No relationship could be established between any effect and affinity or isotype of the bound mAbs. The preS2 region was rendered more immunogenic when an IgG2a mAb was bound to the S region of the HBsAg. The response to the S region was not modulated, whereas immunogenicity of the preS2 colinear region was decreased by antibody shielding. The mAb which was the most efficient as an enhancer of the antibody response also increased binding of the complexed immunogen to antigen presenting cells. The binding of a human mAb to the sole S region, but not to the preS2 region, should be tested as a potentiating agent of the anti-preS2 human immune response.
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PMID:Molecular analysis of the modulatory factors of the response to HBsAg in mice as an approach to HBV vaccine enhancement. 882 1

The economic implications of safety precautions in laboratory practice make compliance difficult especially for laboratories in countries with poor economies. However, economic factors are not the only determinants of a safe work environment. Worker's perception of health and safety also influence compliance with safety guidelines. This study was conducted to determine the attitude and practice of laboratory workers with regard to safety. A structured questionnaire was administered to laboratory workers in 10 clinical laboratories. The questionnaire inquired about the use of protective equipment, safe work practices and immunization status of workers. Another questionnaire sought information on safety codes, accident records and first aid facilities in each laboratory. Questionnaires were coded and analysed. Ninety out of 106 laboratory workers (85%) responded to the inquiry. Unsafe work practices such as eating or drinking in laboratories and mouth pipetting of biological samples were practised by 41% and 10% of workers, respectively. Ninety percent of workers used white coats while 64% used gloves when handling biological samples. None of these workers used goggles or face shields in the course of their work. Fifty-one percent had received immunisation against tuberculosis, 73% against tetanus and 16% against hepatitis B. Thirty-seven percent of senior staff and 72% of junior staff did not receive any formal safety training. Accident records and first aid facilities were absent in most laboratories. The commonest health problem reported by workers was low back pain. The poor coverage of hepatitis B immunization among health care workers in an endemic area is currently a cause for concern among medical and paramedical staff. There is a need for education programmes to increase awareness on safety. Occupational health workers in this setting face the challenge of promoting safe work practices among workers in the face of the lack of funding and apathy among poorly paid junior workers.
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PMID:Health and safety in clinical laboratory practice in Ibadan, Nigeria. 1049 49