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Risk factors for transmission of hepatitis B virus to Gambian children
M Vall Mayans1, A J Hall, H M Inskip
1International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO), Banjul, The Gambia.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common in young Gambian children. Tropical ulcer scars and bedbugs in beds were linked to transmission, suggesting skin disease and arthropods as key transmission routes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in regions with high endemicity.
- Understanding transmission dynamics in young children is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for hepatitis B virus transmission in Gambian children aged 6 months to 5 years.
- To investigate the association between HBV infection and various potential transmission routes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 973 children in The Gambia.
- Data on HBV infection markers (including e antigenaemia) and potential risk factors were collected.
- Statistical analysis was used to determine significant associations.
Main Results:
- 33% of children showed evidence of HBV infection, with one-third of those being carriers.
- Significant associations were found between HBV infection and tropical ulcer scars.
- A link was identified between e antigenaemia and the presence of bedbugs in children's beds.
Conclusions:
- Skin disease, specifically tropical ulcers, and arthropod vectors like bedbugs are likely significant contributors to hepatitis B virus transmission among children in West Africa.
- Traditional practices like scarring, circumcision, and injections were not associated with HBV infection in this cohort.
- Public health interventions should consider environmental and dermatological factors for HBV control in endemic areas.
Abstract:
Risk factors for hepatitis B virus transmission were examined in 973 Gambian children aged 6 months to 5 years. 33% had evidence of infection with hepatitis B virus and a third of these were carriers. A significant association was found between infection and tropical ulcer scars, and between e antigenaemia and the presence of bedbugs in each child's bed. There was no association between infection and traditional scarring, circumcision, or injections. Skin disease and arthropods are the two most likely modes of transmission of hepatitis B virus between children in West Africa.