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Updated: May 20, 2026
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
Published on: December 15, 2023
[Analysis of hepatitis B surface antibody in 3022 children]
Xiao-Bi Lin1, Xiao-Mei Wang, Pei-Ning Liu
1Department of Child Health Care, Yuying Children's Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China. linxiaobi002021@163.com
Insights
The positive rate of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) in children declines with age, indicating younger children face a higher risk of hepatitis B virus infection. Enhanced serological monitoring for hepatitis B is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Public Health
Objective:
To investigate the positive rate of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) in children.
Methods:
Blood samples from 3022 children who received a physical examination in outpatient departments from 2009 to 2011 were subjected to serological test using ELISA to measure the positive rate of HBsAb.
Results:
The positive rate of HBsAb decreased with age (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the positive rate of HBsAb between boys and girls (P>0.05), however the positive rate of HBsAb in boys aged one year and over was lower than in girls of the same age (P<0.01). The positive rate of HBsAb in boys aged between 3 and 4 years was higher than in girls of the same age (P<0.01). The positive rate of HBsAb decreased with age in boys, and was lower in those aged two years and over than in those aged one year and over (P<0.01). The positive rate of HBsAb also decreased with age in girls, with significant differences between different age groups (P<0.01).
Conclusions:
The positive rate of HBsAb decreases with age in children, so younger children have a higher risk of infection with hepatitis B virus. Serological monitoring of hepatitis B needs to be enhanced.
