Susceptibility and immunity to hepatitis B and rubella in a dental school population

The incidence of hepatitis B infections and the rubella susceptibility of females was assessed in a dental school population, utilizing a commercially available enzyme immunosorbent assay. Surface antibody to hepatitis B virus was found in 8 percent of those individuals who provide direct patient care. The number of subjects nonimmune to rubella virus was 9 percent. Ninety percent of the individuals tested for past hepatitis B infection gave no knowledge of previous illness. More than half of the nonimmune rubella subjects gave a positive history of previous vaccinations or actual measles infection. This study supports the concern that patient histories present some shortcomings when used as monitors of disease history with regard to the rubella and hepatitis B viruses, and demonstrates the value of low-cost, expedient screening in institutions involved in educating health professionals.