Human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus in injured patients and victims of violence

Of a total number of 643 injured patients admitted during 1986 and 1987, 113 were tested for antibodies against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B surface antigen HBsAg and the concentration of hepatitis B surface antibodies (HBsAb) was determined. Nine patients were HIV positive while HBsAg was detected in two patients and increased levels of HBsAb were found in 19 patients. HIV antibodies were found in 6 (4.8 per cent) of 124 victims of violence, in 3.3 per cent of the patients with penetrating injuries and 1.1 per cent of the patients with multiple, closed injuries. The estimated prevalence for HIV infection in the Norwegian population is 0.08 per cent, thus indicating an over-representation of infected patients among injured patients and victims of violence.