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[Epidemiological and laboratory observations on viral hepatitis morbidity in child social welfare institutions]
A Ungureanu1, A Ivan, E Chihaia
1Institutul de Sănătate Publică şi Cercetări Medicale Iaşi.
Insights
Children in orphanages have a significantly higher incidence of viral hepatitis B. Over 21% were carriers, with young children most affected, highlighting the need for enhanced prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Viral hepatitis B poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Children in institutional settings may face unique risks for infectious disease transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and prevalence of viral hepatitis B in children residing in orphanages.
- To identify risk factors and transmission patterns within this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of viral hepatitis B incidence data from 1978-1987.
- Assessment of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier status and case history in orphanage children.
Main Results:
- Mean incidence of viral hepatitis B was 40/100,000 in the general pediatric population versus 767/100,000 in orphanage children.
- HBsAg carrier prevalence was 21.6% overall, reaching 46.1% in orphanage children aged 0-3 years.
- 14.9% of children were HBsAg positive upon admission, and 28.7% became carriers during their stay.
Conclusions:
- Orphanage environments present a high-risk setting for viral hepatitis B transmission.
- Specialized prophylactic and control measures are crucial for viral hepatitis B in children's homes.
Abstract:
The investigations revealed that in the interval 1978-1987 the mean incidence of viral hepatitis type B in children was 40 at 100,000 inhabitants as compared to 767 in the children from orphanages. In 27.5% of the cases, the children from orphanages, with or without HBs antigen, had viral hepatitis in their case history. The prevalence of AgHBs carriers was of 21.6%, the highest value (46.1%) being recorded in the children from orphanages in the age group 0-3 years. It was also found that 14.9% of the children had AgHBs when admitted to orphanage and 28.7% became carriers later on. It is suggested that in children homes there are conditions for an increased risk requiring special measures for viral hepatitis prophylaxis and control.