Hepatitis B antigen and antibodies in rural and urban Southern African blacks

Random samples which represented Blacks living in an urban area (Durban) and a rural area (Transkei) of the east coast of southern Africa were investigated for the incidence and distribution of hepatitis B antigen and antibodies. The overall prevalence of carriers of the virus was higher in rural communities (15,5%) than in the urban population (7,4%). In adults the formation of antibodies to the virus correlated with the pattern of increased activity of the hepatitis B carrier. Similar correlations could not be made for children living in the rural area. Of significance was the observation that the high carrier rate of the virus (17%) was more often associated with a reduced development of antibodies to the virus. Evidence for a depressed immunity and inability to make hepatitis B antibodies in these children is thought to be linked with the high prevalence of other forms of endemic infections, particularly acute measles.