SEROPREVALENCE OF HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS, HEPATITIS-B VIRUS, HEPATITIS-C VIRUS, AND RAPID PLASMA REAGIN IN A TRAUMA POPULATION

We evaluated the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepat itis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and rapid plasma reagin ( RPR) among patients admitted to our trauma unit from April 15 to June 30, 1993. Of 984 patients tested, we found 255 (26%) had evidence of e xposure to one or more of these agents: HIV, 4%; HBV, 20%; HCV, 14%; a nd RPR, 1%. Thirty-eight percent of patients had more than one positiv e serology, 75% of the HIV patients, 49% of the HBV patients, and 66% of the HCV patients. There was no difference between penetrating and n onpenetrating trauma with respect to any of the viruses. The risk fact ors for HIV-positive patients were non-White race, positive drug scree n, positive alcohol screen, and city resident. Risk factors for HBV pa tients were non-White race, positive drug screen, and city resident. R isk factors for HBC patients were male sex, non-White race, positive a lcohol Screen, positive drug Screen, End city resident. The risk of bl ood-borne infections in this group of patients is substantial.