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Prevalence of hepatitis B infection markers in Lebanese children: the need for an expanded programme on immunization

M M Nabulsi1, G F Araj, I Nuwayhid

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon.

Epidemiology and Infection
|May 15, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus infection markers were found in 0.8% of Lebanese children. The risk of transmission increases after age two, necessitating hepatitis B vaccination in infancy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health burden, particularly in developing regions.
  • Understanding the prevalence of HBV infection markers in pediatric populations is crucial for effective public health strategies.
  • Lebanon's immunization policies require updated data on childhood HBV infection status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B infection markers in Lebanese children aged 6 months to 6.5 years.
  • To identify age-specific infection rates and potential risk factors.
  • To inform recommendations for childhood immunization policies in Lebanon.

Main Methods:

  • A multi-center, cross-sectional study involving 841 children from Lebanon's five districts.
  • Sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B core IgG.
  • Data analysis included age-specific prevalence rates and associations with family characteristics.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection markers was 0.8%.
  • Prevalence increased with age, from 0% at 6 months to 1.3% in children over 5 years.
  • Higher prevalence rates were observed in Beirut suburbs (2.9%) and South Lebanon (1.6%).
  • No significant association was found between infection markers and family characteristics or risk factors.
  • The risk of horizontal transmission increased substantially after age 2 years.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis B virus infection is present in Lebanese children, with increasing prevalence in older age groups.
  • The findings highlight the need for integrating the hepatitis B vaccine into routine childhood immunization programs.
  • Early vaccination is recommended to mitigate the risk of horizontal transmission and protect children from HBV infection.

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