Hepatitis B serology among the Palestinian population

A total of 778 blood samples collected from Palestinian subjects between September 1989 and March 1990 were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and when negative for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). The emphasis of the survey was on the younger population with 85% of those tested under the age of 30 years. The prevalence of positive markers (HBsAg or anti-HBs) rose progressively with age, being 1% under the age of 5 years and reaching 47% in those aged between 30 and 50 years. The results clearly show that this infection is endemic in our population. A vaccination policy is discussed. The most important finding was the very low prevalence of the infection in those under 5 years of age, indicating the minor role played by perinatal transmission in our community. Thus, an effective immunization programme does not need to target newborns.