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Hepatitis B virus infection in children. A sero-epidemiological study in three endemic areas
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is common in Greenland and West African children. Most infections occur in the first decade, leading to carriership, highlighting the need for control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern, particularly in endemic regions.
- Understanding HBV epidemiology in children is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies.
- Greenland and West Africa are identified as regions with high HBV endemicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and age-specific occurrence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs in children.
- To determine the patterns of HBV infection throughout childhood in endemic areas.
- To provide data essential for HBV infection control initiatives.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 254 children aged 0 to 19 years.
- Participants were recruited from three distinct geographical areas in Greenland and West Africa.
- Prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBs was determined using serological markers.
Main Results:
- Age-specific prevalence rates of HBsAg increased up to 10 years of age across all study areas.
- Prevalence of anti-HBs demonstrated a continuous rise, reaching 44% to 80% in the 15-19 year age group.
- HBV infection was observed to occur throughout childhood, not solely through neonatal transmission.
Conclusions:
- HBV infection is acquired throughout childhood in these endemic regions.
- HBsAg carriership primarily originates from infections during the first decade of life.
- The findings underscore the necessity of comprehensive HBV control programs in areas with high endemicity.
Abstract:
The occurrence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs was studied in 254 children aged 0 to 19 years from three areas in Greenland and West Africa, endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Age specific prevalence rates for HBsAg increased in all areas until the age of 10 years while the prevalence of anti-HBs showed a continuous rise and reached maximum level of 44 to 80% in the age group 15 to 19 years. The study results indicate that in these areas infection with HBV occurs throughout childhood, and that HBsAg carriership is derived mainly from infection in the first decade of life, but not only neonatal infection, Such data are necessary for all areas in which attempts to control HBV infection are being made.