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[Occurrence of hepatitis B and C among mentally retarded]

S Lunding1, K S Hansen, K Krogsgaard

  • 1H:S Amager Hospital, HBA, medicinsk afdeling, BST Københavns Kommune.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|September 16, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C infection is uncommon in mentally retarded individuals in Denmark. However, hepatitis B infection markers were found to be highly prevalent in this population, especially among those with Down's syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis B and C are significant global health concerns.
  • Previous studies suggest potential increased risk for certain populations.
  • The prevalence of viral hepatitis in individuals with intellectual disabilities requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C infection among mentally retarded individuals in Denmark.
  • To compare hepatitis C prevalence with hepatitis B in this population.
  • To assess if the risk of hepatitis infection is elevated in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Serological markers for hepatitis B and C were tested in residents of an institution for the mentally retarded.
  • Third-generation ELISA antibody tests were used for hepatitis C (anti-HCV).
  • Tests for hepatitis B included anti-HBc and HBsAg.

Main Results:

  • All participants tested negative for anti-HCV antibodies.
  • A high prevalence of hepatitis B markers was observed: 35.7% anti-HBc-positive and 7.9% HBsAg-positive.
  • Individuals with Down's syndrome showed significantly higher rates of hepatitis B markers (55% anti-HBc, 30% HBsAg) compared to others.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis C infection appears uncommon among mentally retarded individuals in Denmark.
  • The risk of acquiring hepatitis C is not significantly increased in this population.
  • Hepatitis B seroprevalence is high in this group, consistent with prior research.

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