Prevalence of hepatitis B infections in a multiracial New Zealand community

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Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
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Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection

Published on: November 7, 2018

A Milne, G K Allwood, C D Moyes

    The New Zealand Medical Journal
    |July 10, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence was high in 15-19 year olds, with non-Europeans showing higher rates. Infectivity was highest in young children, indicating childhood acquisition, not perinatal transmission, is key for HBV carriage.

    Area of Science:

    • Epidemiology
    • Virology
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant public health challenge, necessitating prevalence studies in high-risk communities.
    • Understanding HBV marker distribution is crucial for developing effective control strategies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) in a mixed-race community.
    • To assess HBV infectivity markers (HBeAg and HBsAg titre) and identify transmission patterns.

    Main Methods:

    • A population-based serological survey of 7901 individuals in Kawerau, New Zealand.
    • Testing for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and HBeAg, with titration of positive HBsAg sera.

    Main Results:

    • Combined HBsAg and anti-HBs rates were highest in the 15-19 age group (61.6% European, 74.5% non-European).
    • HBsAg prevalence was 4.2% in European and 18.2% in non-European 15-19 year olds.
    • Infectivity markers were highest in 0-10 year olds, declining with age, suggesting childhood acquisition rather than perinatal transmission.

    Conclusions:

    • Childhood HBV acquisition is the primary driver of carriage in this population.
    • Targeted vaccination of infants born to HBeAg-positive mothers alone is unlikely to be an effective control strategy.

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