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Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus in non-institutionalized children and adolescents affected by handicap
V Di Ciommo1, F Ferrario, M Rossi De Gasperi
1Adolescent Medicine Service, Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Palidoro, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence is low in handicapped children aged 1-19 in Southern Italy, with only 4.2% testing positive for HBV markers. This suggests current vaccination strategies are effective for this population.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health challenge.
- Understanding HBV prevalence in specific pediatric populations is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
- Handicapped children may represent a unique demographic for studying infectious disease patterns due to potential healthcare access variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers in non-institutionalized handicapped children aged 1-19 years.
- To assess the need for specific HBV vaccination strategies in this population and their close contacts.
- To compare HBV prevalence in this cohort with healthcare personnel.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study evaluating HBV markers (anti-HBc, anti-HBs, HBsAg) in 70 handicapped patients (1-19 years old).
- Data collected on geographical location (Southern Italy) and specific conditions (Down's syndrome).
- Serological testing performed on healthcare personnel for comparison.
Main Results:
- Only 3 out of 70 (4.2%) patients tested positive for anti-HBc, with one also positive for anti-HBs.
- No patients tested positive for HBsAg, indicating no active HBV infection in the studied group.
- HBV seroprevalence among healthcare personnel was 11.3%.
Conclusions:
- The low prevalence of HBV markers in handicapped children suggests effective existing vaccination programs.
- No specific HBV vaccination strategy adjustments are immediately indicated for this pediatric subset or their contacts.
- Healthcare personnel exhibited a higher HBV seroprevalence compared to the studied pediatric population.
Abstract:
The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers in a population of non-institutionalized handicapped 1-19-year-old patients. Thirty-six out of 70 patients lived in southern Italy and 19 were affected by Down's syndrome. Only three (4.2%) were positive for anti-HBc (one of these also for anti-HBs) and none for HBsAg. Low prevalence seems to indicate that no particular anti-HBV vaccination strategy is to be considered on this subset of population and on their contacts. Serum prevalence of HBV among nurses and other members of personnel was 11.3%.