Epidemiology of hepatitis B infection in institutionalized mentally retarded clients

In 1,149 clients of an institution for the mentally retarded, the prevalences of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B virus markers were 12 per cent and 66 per cent, respectively. HBsAg prevalence was higher in males, Down syndrome, ambulatory, and older clients, and those with longer institutionalization. Serum alanine aminotransferase levels were abnormal in 31 per cent of HBsAg positive and 10 per cent of HBsAg-negative clients.