RESUMEN
Objetivo. Conocer la susceptibilidad al virus de la varicela-zóster y su distribución por edades en los trabajadores de dos empresas sanitarias. Métodos. Se registra durante tres años el antecedente de varicela en los exámenes de salud. A aquéllos que refieren un antecedente dudoso o negativo, se les determina la inmunoglobulina G (IgG) específica. Si el resultado es negativo, se ofrece la vacuna al trabajador. Resultados. Se ha registrado el antecedente de enfermedad por varicela en 1244 trabajadores, de los que 275 eran hombres (22,11%) y 969 mujeres (77,89%), entre 16 y 63 años y de todos los grupos profesionales. Desconocen el antecedente 363 (29,32%), realizando la determinación de IgG específica a 317. El 88,64% son positivos, 9,46% negativos y 1,9% indeterminados. Conclusiones. Son susceptibles de enfermar el 2,89% de la población estudiada (intervalo de confianza 95% 1.92-3.87). Un 2,45% de los trabajadores menores de 34 años son susceptibles. Se han hallado resultados negativos para la IgG en todas las edades y en todos los grupos profesionales
Objective. To determine susceptibility to the Varicella zoster virus and its age distribution in a sample of healthcare workers. Methods. Data on a past history of chickenpox were recorded during medical examinations performed by two separate occupational health services over a three year period. Specific IgG antibody titers were measured in those persons who reported no past history of chickenpox or who were uncertain. Persons with negative titers were then provided a vaccine. Results. A past history of chickenpox was recorded in 1244 people (275 men, 22.11%; 969 women, 77.89%), between the ages of 16 and 63 years, among all professional categories. Three hundred sixty-three workers (29.32%) had negative or uncertain past histories. Measurement of Varicella zoster IgG antibodies was performed to 317 individuals, of whom 88.64% were positive, 9.46% negative and 1.9% indeterminate. Conclusions. In our population, 2.89% of workers were susceptible to chickenpox (95% confidence interval, 1.92-3.87). Susceptibility affected 2.45% of workers under 34 years of age. Negative IgG titers were found in all age groups and occupational categories