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Development of a Hepatitis B Virus Reporter System to Monitor the Early Stages of the Replication Cycle
Published on: January 31, 2017
Hepatitis B virus screening for internationally adopted children
Laura Patricia Stadler1, Adam G Mezoff, Mary Allen Staat
1Department of Pediatrics, International Adoption Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 7013, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3109, USA.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening in international adoptees found 4% prevalence of infection or recovery. Many children (64%) had protective antibodies, but repeat testing is crucial due to potential pre-adoption infection or vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a global health concern.
- International adoptees may have different HBV exposure risks compared to domestic populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HBV protection, infection, and recovery in internationally adopted children.
- To assess the necessity of repeat HBV testing 6 months post-arrival in the US.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 1282 international adoptees for HBV from 1999-2006.
- Analysis of HBV results based on age, gender, and country of birth.
Main Results:
- Overall HBV prevalence was 4% (1.1% active infection, 2.9% resolved infection).
- 64% of adoptees demonstrated HBV immunization with protective antibodies.
- A case highlighted the need for repeat serological testing due to potential recent infection or vaccination before adoption.
Conclusions:
- Findings support existing American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for HBV screening in international adoptees.
- Emphasizes the importance of comprehensive HBV infection control measures for this population.
Objectives:
The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus protection, infection, and recovery among internationally adopted children and to examine the need for repeat testing 6 months after arrival in the United States.
Methods:
From November 1999 through October 2006, 1282 international adoptees were screened for hepatitis B virus, and results were examined with regard to age, gender, and birth country. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus protection, infection, and recovery was determined.
Results:
The prevalence of hepatitis B virus in internationally adopted children at our large international adoption center was 4%, including 1.1% with acute or chronic infection and 2.9% with resolved infection. Overall, 64% of internationally adopted children had evidence of hepatitis B virus immunization, with protective antibodies. We also report a case that highlights the need for repeat serological testing to detect hepatitis B virus infection or immunization in internationally adopted children who might have been infected or vaccinated just before adoption and thus not have serological evidence in initial testing.
Conclusions:
These data reinforce the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations regarding hepatitis B virus screening and infection control measures for international adoptees.
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