The immune status of Singapore children to hepatitis B virus

In a cross-sectional survey of hepatitis B immune status, 458 consecutive children below the age of 12 years were studied. 37.3% of these children were positive for one of three markers, HBSAg, anti-HBS or anti-HBC. 15.5% were positive for two and 1.3% were positive for all three. 10.9% were positive for HBSAg, 27.8% for anti-HBC and 19.6% for anti-HB2. The males showed a higher HBSAg carrier rate than the females, 13.5% and 6.8% respectively. This difference was significant (p less than 0.05). This study confirmed that the Singaporeans were exposed to hepatitis B virus infection from very early in life and in order to prevent the infection, immunisation should be considered in early childhood.