Berufsbedingte Infektionskrankheiten bei Beschäftigten im Gesundheitsdienst 2014

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers are exposed to an increased risk of infection. The prevalence of occupational infectious diseases (BK 3101) can be estimated from the number of reported and recognized cases of occupational disease registered by statutory accident insurances. Methods: Data were taken from the database of the Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW). The data for BK 3101 are presented for the years 2010-2014. Changes over time are presented as the absolute numbers of reported suspected cases and recognized occupational diseases (BK). The risk of disease is characterized as the occupational disease ratio (cases per 100,000 full-time employees, FTE). Results: For 2014 the BGW reported 927 suspected cases of BK 3101. In 496 cases the infection was recognized as an occupational disease, corresponding to an increase of 6.9 % relative to 2013. In 43 cases, a new occupational disease pension was determined and 93 % of the recognized cases consisted of tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C and scabies. The frequency of recognized BK 3101 per 100,000 FTE increased from 9.5 in 2010 to 10.9 in 2014. The risk of occupational disease was greatly dependent on the area of work and ranged from 6.8 cases per 100,000 FTE in outpatient care to 37.4 in hospitals. Discussion: The predominant infectious diseases recognized as occupational diseases are still tuberculosis and hepatitis. This applied to clinical work as well as to medical practices and outpatient care. Scabies has markedly increased in recent years, particularly in geriatric care. Infections with multiresistant pathogens are still rare but may have a serious course and further developments should be monitored.