SERUM HEPATITIS FOLLOWING DENTAL PROCEDURES: A PRESENTATION OF 15 CASES, INCLUDING THREE FATALITIES

Abstract

Serum hepatitis was reported following various skin-penetrating procedures. 15 cases are reported of serum hepatitis following dental procedure involving mucous membrane penetration. This represented 30% of apparent infectious hepatitis cases hospitalized over a 2-year period. Three fatalities occurred in this group. It is pointed out that heat sterilization of needles, syringes and instruments is essential to prevent the spread of serum hepatitis. The danger of the use of multiple injection bottles is considered.