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Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis B surface antigen carriers in university students
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects 1.4-1.6% of university students, with most being healthy carriers. Some students showed signs of liver damage, even without detectable HBsAg.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- University students represent a population segment requiring specific epidemiological surveillance for HBV.
- Understanding the prevalence and clinical manifestations of HBV in this demographic is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and related markers in university students.
- To identify the spectrum of hepatic conditions, including healthy carriers and hepatitis, among infected students.
- To explore gender-specific differences in serological profiles and the presence of liver damage.
Main Methods:
- Screening university student sera for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs).
- Further characterization of HBsAg-positive individuals using hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), anti-HBe, and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) assays.
- Clinical assessment, including liver biopsy where indicated, to diagnose hepatic diseases.
- Statistical analysis to compare marker prevalence and clinical findings between genders.
Main Results:
- HBsAg positivity ranged from 1.4% to 1.6%, while anti-HBs was found in 10.3% of students.
- Among 28 HBsAg-positive students, 23 were healthy carriers, 2 had chronic persistent hepatitis, and 3 had minimal hepatitis.
- HBeAg was detected in 44% and anti-HBe in 13% of HBsAg-positive students, with anti-HBe more frequent in females.
- Liver damage was identified in 3 students without HBs-antigenemia, and co-detection of HBsAg and anti-HBs occurred in 2 carriers.
Conclusions:
- A notable proportion of university students are infected with HBV, predominantly as healthy carriers.
- The study highlights the importance of screening for HBV markers in university populations.
- The presence of liver damage in HBsAg-negative individuals suggests other etiological factors or occult HBV infection warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
A study was made of latent hepatic diseases in university students. 1.4% to 1.6% of the students were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and 10.3% for anti-HBs. Of 28 students with HBs-antigenemia, 2 had chronic persistent hepatitis, and 3 minimal hepatitis, 23 being healthy carriers. Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) was detected in 44% of the students with HBsAg, and anti-HBe in 13%. Anti-HBe was significantly more frequently found in female students with HBsAg than in male students. Though most of the students with HBsAg had high titer of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), there were a small number of cases showing low titer. HBsAg and anti-HBs was detected in the same serum specimens of 2 carrier students. Liver damage was also found in 3 students without HBs-antigenemia.