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[Prevalence of hepatitis B in fatalities in forensic medicine]
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection rates were higher in drug users and HIV-infected individuals compared to the general deceased population. Serological screening revealed significant differences in anti-HBc and HBsAg prevalence across these groups.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Serological screening for hepatitis B was conducted on 1000 sudden, unexpected fatalities (natural and non-natural deaths).
- Results were compared with historical data from drug deaths (1983-1989) and HIV-infected individuals (1984-1989).
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B infection markers in a general deceased population.
- To compare these findings with prevalence rates in drug-related deaths and HIV-infected individuals.
Summary:
- Anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) was positive in 19.2% of unselected cases, 46.1% of drug deaths, and 73% of HIV-infected cases.
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), a marker of infectivity, was found in 1.5% of unselected cases, 4.4% of drug deaths, and 15.8% of HIV-infected cases.
Impact:
- Highlights a higher burden of hepatitis B infection in specific risk groups (drug users, HIV-infected individuals).
- Informs public health strategies for hepatitis B screening and prevention in vulnerable populations.
- Underscores the importance of forensic investigations in understanding disease prevalence.
Abstract:
Serological screening investigations for hepatitis B were carried out on 1000 sudden and unexpected fatalities from natural causes and non-natural deaths at the Institute for Forensic Medicine in Hamburg. The results were compared with the serological tests of the drug deaths from 1983-1989 and the HIV-infected bodies from 1984-1989. It was found that anti-HBc was positive in 19.2% of the unselected cases as compared with 46.1% in drug related deaths and 73% in the HIV-infected group. HBsAg as a marker that expresses infectiosity was present in 15 cases (1.5%) of 1000 unselected cases, 4.4% of the drug related deaths and 15.8% of the HIV-infected group.