[Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella: antibody titration and vaccinations in a large hospital].

The occurrence contagious diseases such as measles, varicella, mumps and rubella in the hospital open creates situations of alarm, due to the potential involvement of workers, but most importantly for the oftentimes harmful consequences for critical patients, such as pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals. In 2007 antibody titration was initiated in our hospital for four infectious diseases, also pursuant to the Lombardy Region Resolution N. VIII/1587 of 22-12-2005 "Decisions regarding vaccinations in children and adults in the Lombardy Region" which indicate the departments in which a priority exists: maternity-neonatal and infectious illnesses.

[Restrictions on night work: analysis of case studies in a large Lombardy Hospital].

A high percentage of the division's doctors and employees work at night to guarantee urgent assistance and diagnostic services to patients. Night work is not recommended for persons with rather serious case histories due to the disruption of circadian rhythms or the increased workload required of certain operators during nighttime hours. All of the evaluations of health operators with a limited capacity to work on the night shift in our hospital were analysed, except for female workers restricted from night work during pregnancy or puerperium, as provisioned by the regulation that protects working mothers.

[Exanthemic diseases (measles, chickenpox, rubella and parotitis). Focus on screening and health surveillance of health workers: results and perspectives of a multicenter working group].

Background: Nosocomial transmission of varicella-zoster virus, certain paramixovirus and rubivirus might pose a risk of morbidity for varicella (V), rubella (R), mumps (Mu) and measles (Me) in health care workers (HCW), patients and coworkers. International literature and European legislation recommend preventive interventions to minimize the risk.

Methods: A literature review and a seroprevalence study were carried out in 9 hospitals located in north and central Italy, in order to evaluate risk assessment, health surveillance and fitness for work of HCW exposed to V, R, Mu and Me.

[Focus on coverage and promotion of anti influenza vaccine in health workers: results and perspectives of a multicenter working group].

Introduction: The influenza illness is a concern for health care workers (HCW) due to the potential nosocomial transmission and sickness absenteeism. Immunization and Isolation Precautions might be effective preventive measures.

Aims: To formulate recommendations on vaccination in healthcare settings.

[Tuberculosis. Focus on risk assessment and health surveillance in health workers: results and perspectives of a multicenter working group].

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is still a threat for healthcare workers (HCW), due to the non decreasing incidence, the spread of drug-resistance, the introduction of new tests for the screening, the relevant costs of surveillance of exposed subjects. These issues implicate a revision of activities to prevent TB in health-care settings.

Methods: A multidisciplinary working group, led by occupational physicians, examined the activities to prevent TB performed in 9 Italian hospitals and reviewed the literature, with the aim to formulate evidence-based procedures.