Abstract
Background and AimCurrent baseline data regarding the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and the immune status in hyperendemic areas is necessary in evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing HBV prevention and control programs in northwest China. This study aims to determine the prevalence of chronic HBV infections, past exposure rates, and immune response profiles in Wuwei City, northwest China in 2010.MethodsCross-sectional household survey representative of the Wuwei City population. 28,579 participants were interviewed in the seroepidemiological survey ≥1 year of age. House to house screening was conducted using a standard questionnaire. All serum samples were screened by enzyme-linked immunoassays for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies against HBV surface antigen, and antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen.ResultsAmong individuals ≥1 year of age, 7.2% (95%CI: 6.3–8.1%) had chronic HBV infections, 43.9% (CI: 40.4–47.4%) had been exposed to HBV, and 23.49% (CI: 21.6–25.3%) had vaccine-induced immunity. Multi-factor weighted logistic regression analysis showed that having household contact with HBV carriers (OR = 2.6, 95%CI: 2.3–3.0) and beauty treatments in public places (OR = 1.2, 95%CI: 1.1–1.3) were the risk factors of HBV infection in whole population. Having household contact with HBV carriers (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.2–6.5) and lack of hepatitis vaccination (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4–3.3) were the risk factors for HBV infection in children aged 1–14 years.ConclusionsHepatitis B infection remains a serious public health problem in northwest China. Having household contact with HBV carriers and beauty treatments in public places represented HBV infection risk factors. Hepatitis B vaccine immunization strategies need further improvement, particularly by targeting the immunization of rural migrant workers.
Highlights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections represent the leading cause of illness and death in China
The Chinese National Hepatitis Seroepidemiological Survey found that the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in individuals aged 1–59 years was 7.2%, and that the hepatitis B epidemic in China shifted from high to intermediate endemicity following implementation of effective nationwide vaccination programs[3]
The incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in western China remains high with a prevalence of HBsAg of 8.2% in 2006[3], which was significantly higher than rates observed in eastern China and most Western countries[3,4]
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections represent the leading cause of illness and death in China. An estimated 300,000 persons in China die from HBV-related liver cancer or cirrhosis, accounting for 37–50% of HBV-related deaths worldwide[1,2]. This disease results in tremendous economic and healthcare burdens. The hepatitis B immunization coverage was 33.5% among children born between 1992–2005 in western China, which was significantly lower than other regions of China[7]. Current baseline data regarding the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and the immune status in hyperendemic areas is necessary in evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing HBV prevention and control programs in northwest China. This study aims to determine the prevalence of chronic HBV infections, past exposure rates, and immune response profiles in Wuwei City, northwest China in 2010
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