The epidemiological spectrum of Hepatitis B virus infection amongst aborigines in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a worldwide healthcare concern, exceeding tuberculosis and HIV infection especially in developing countries. Endemic countries including Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines recorded of having prevalence rate of HBV infection ranging from 8% to16%. While Malaysia was estimated having 4.7% prevalence rate of HBV infection, yet the rate was mainly contributed by the major ethnics (Malay, Chinese and Indian) population, excluding aborigines (Orang Asli). This is due to lacking of data for HBV infection in this population. Thus, this study aimed to ascertain the epidemiological characteristics with prevalence rate of HBV infection among the Orang Asli, Negrito sub-tribe in Peninsular, Malaysia. The Negrito sub-tribe was chosen as they are the earliest inhabitants and the least population. Methods & Materials: A total of 150 subjects were recruited from five different Negrito settlements. A sociodemographic details and clinical history were taken with physical examination performed in all subjects. Five milliliters of whole blood was collected from all subjects and sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) evaluation using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. All the epidemiological characteristics were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: Demographic profiles demonstrated 77% of infected subjects were more than 30 years of age, with infected male to female ratio of 2:1. The most possible route of HBV transmission of the infected subjects were mainly vertical or perinatal transmission (n = 13) with tattooing and body piercing (n = 6). Serological evaluation revealed that 13 subjects were reactive towards HBsAg test, which in turn gave the seroprevalence rate of 14.0% (95% CI: 7.0–21.0%). This finding demonstrated that the seroprevalence rate of HBV infection amongst aborigines in Malaysia was almost three times higher than the established rate, in keeping with previous studies performed on indigenous population elsewhere. Conclusion: In conclusion the prevalence rate of HBV infection was high amongst Orang Asli. Hence this epidemiological spectrum serves as preliminary data of HBV infection amongst Orang Asli in Malaysia.