Serological markers of hepatitis A and B virus infection in overseas students

Serological markers of hepatitis A and B virus infection were determined by radioimmunoassay in 83 overseas university students. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in 8 students (9.6%), antibody to HBsAg and/or antibody to hepatitis B core antigen in 38 (46%), and antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) in 74 (89%). These prevalences of hepatitis A and B markers were significantly higher than those in Japanese students. Liver function tests were abnormal in 7 overseas students (8%). Among groups of the overseas students, East Asian groups showed high prevalences of hepatitis B markers. High prevalances of anti-HAV were demonstrated not only in Asian groups but also in South American group.