Are homes for the elderly still a risk area for HBV infection?

To verify whether improvements in hygiene affect the risk of HBV infection, a seroepidemiological survey on HBV infection was carried out in a home for the elderly with continuous-care accommodation. HBV serum markers were tested in 315 subjects and the results of HBV infection were compared to those observed in two different types of nursing homes for the elderly from an earlier seroepidemiological study carried out in 1978. In addition, results from a cohort of a pre-geriatric population living in their own homes in the same geographical area surveyed in 1980 were compared to the present study. A statistically significant lower prevalence of HBV serum markers in the new home for the elderly compared to the two types studied in 1978 was observed. No difference was found between the new institutionalized study group and the cohort of a pre-geriatric population surveyed in 1980. These results reflect the improved sanitation in homes for the elderly and show that the elderly have very few opportunities to become infected, even in a close cohabitation system.