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Epidemiology of hepatitis B infection in Liberian infants
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly prevalent in young Liberian children, with significant HBsAg incidence. Vertical transmission from mothers plays a minor role in overall HBV spread.
Area of Science:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) research
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Vaccine efficacy studies
Background:
- Hepatitis B poses a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in regions with limited resources.
- Understanding the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in infants is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies, including vaccination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish baseline data on hepatitis B virus infection prevalence and incidence in Liberian infants and mothers.
- To inform the design and interpretation of a hepatitis B vaccine efficacy trial in Liberia.
Main Methods:
- Sera were collected from infants (0-4 years) and their mothers in Liberia on two occasions, approximately 14.75 months apart.
- Serological markers of hepatitis B virus infection, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), were tested.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence was 2.9% in infants aged 0-6 months and 23% in those aged 3-4 years.
- Annual incidence of HBsAg development was 18.9% for infants under 1 year and 13.6% for those aged 3-4 years.
- HBsAg persisted in 80.8% of infants over the follow-up period, and infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers showed higher infection rates, though vertical transmission was a minor source.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis B virus infection is highly endemic in young Liberian children, with substantial incidence rates.
- While maternal HBsAg status is a risk factor, vertical transmission accounts for a small proportion of overall HBV infections in this population.
- Findings provide essential background for hepatitis B vaccine efficacy trials in Liberia.
Abstract:
To provide background for a hepatitis B vaccine efficacy trial, sera were collected from 0- to 4-year-old Liberian infants and their mothers, on two occasions an average of 14.75 months apart, and tested for serological markers of hepatitis B virus infection. The prevalence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 2.9% in the 0- to 6-month age group and 23% in infants 3 to 4 years of age. HBsAg persisted for the 14.75-month average follow-up period in 80.8% of the infants tested. The annual incidence of development of HBsAg was 18.9% for infants less than 1 year of age and 13.6% in infants 3 to 4 years of age. Infants born to HBsAg carrier mothers had significantly higher age-specific prevalence and incidence of hepatitis B virus infection. However, it was estimated that only a minor proportion of hepatitis B infections in Liberia are derived by vertical transmission from carrier mothers.