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[Hepatitis B--an endemic sexually transmitted infection in a local community in Greenland]
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is prevalent in West Greenland, with sexual transmission being the primary mode. Vaccination and safe sex practices are recommended to control HBV and Hepatitis D virus spread.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Virology
- Public Health and Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Transmission
Context:
- Study conducted in the Sisimiut medical district of West Greenland, examining 1,893 individuals.
- High prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers observed, with 11.5% testing HBsAg-positive.
- Significant HBV infection rates and clinically manifest hepatitis found in the 15-25 year age group.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and associated markers in West Greenland.
- To investigate the modes of HBV transmission and the prevalence of Hepatitis D virus (HDV) co-infection.
- To assess the effectiveness of potential prophylactic measures against HBV and HDV.
Summary:
- 11.5% of the population studied were HBsAg-positive, indicating active Hepatitis B virus infection.
- Hepatitis D virus (HDV) serological evidence was found in 10.6% of HBsAg-positive individuals, particularly young adults.
- Sexual transmission is identified as the predominant mode of HBV infection, contrasting with other Arctic populations.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the need for targeted HBV prevention strategies, including increased condom use and reduced casual sexual contacts.
- Recommendations for secondary prophylaxis include vaccination of neonates born to HBsAg-positive mothers and pre-pubertal school children.
- The study provides crucial data for public health interventions aimed at controlling viral hepatitis in West Greenland.
Abstract:
Sera from 1,893 persons from the Sisimiut medical district in West Greenland were examined for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers and 11.5% were found to be HBsAg-positive. HBeAg and HBV-DNA were found in 6.9% and 5%, respectively of the HBsAg-positive persons. In the population examined, 75% of those aged 25 years had signs of current or previous HBV-infection and an increase in the marker prevalence from 35 to 75% was observed in the age interval 15-25 years. Corresponding to this, the highest incidence of clinically manifest hepatitis was found in this age group: 185 cases per 100,000 per annum. Serological evidence of Hepatitis D virus was found in 10.6% of the HBsAg-positive individuals, electively in young adults. All sera were negative for HIV antibody. In contrast to other arctic populations where perinatal transmission is the most significant mode of infection, sexual transmission appears to be the most important mode of infection in the population investigated here. Prophylaxis of Hepatitis B and further spread of Hepatitis D virus in the HBsAg-positive fraction of the population may be obtained by increased use of condoms and reduction of the number of casual sexual contacts. Secondary prophylaxis in the form of vaccination of neonates born to HBsAg-positive mothers combined with vaccination of school children before puberty will probably be effective in this population.