Prevalence Rate Of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Research Articles

Epidemiological analysis of the current prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant and postpartum women in China from 2021 to 2023

Objective: To analyze hepatitis B serologic tests and the current prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among pregnant and postpartum women in China from 2021 to 2023. Methods: Data on managing the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis were retrieved from the National Information System. A positive serum HBsAg test was used to define HBV infection. The χ(2) test was used to compare the coverage rate of the hepatitis B serologic test across different years, in early-stage pregnancy, and the current HBV infection in pregnant and postpartum women. A two-sided P value of <0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. Results: The coverage rate for hepatitis B serological detection in pregnant (including intrapartum) and postpartum women and early-stage pregnancy rose from 99.68% (10 463 059/10 496 883) and 82.96% (8 707 765/10 496 883) to 99.94% (8 678 777/8 684 387, P < 0.001) and 88.87% (7 717 857/8 684 387, P < 0.001) in China between 2021 and 2023. The current prevalence rate of HBV infection decreased from 4.98% (521 479/10 463 059) in 2021 to 4.56% (396 148/8 678 777) in 2023 among pregnant and postpartum women (P < 0.001). The current prevalence rate of HBV infection ranged from 1.53% to 10.39% among pregnant and postpartum women in various provinces of China in 2023. Conclusion: The coverage rate for hepatitis B serologic tests in China increased significantly between 2021 and 2023 in pregnant and postpartum women. Therefore, the current prevalence rate of HBV infection has decreased significantly in pregnant and postpartum women, but a regional difference still exists.

Increased prevalence of transfusion-transmitted diseases among people with tattoos: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Whether having a tattoo increases the risk of transfusion-transmitted diseases (TTDs) is controversial. Although a few studies have suggested a strong association between having tattoos and TTDs, other studies have not shown the significance of the association. In addition, previous studies mainly focused only on hepatitis C viral infections. The objective of our study was to identify the prevalence and risk of TTDs in people with tattoos as compared with the non-tattooed population. A systematic review of the studies published before January 22, 2021, was performed using the Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Observational studies on hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis infections in people with and without tattoos were included. Studies that reported disease status without serological confirmation were excluded. A total of 121 studies were quantitatively analyzed. HCV (odds ratio [OR], 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04-2.76), HBV (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.31-1.83), and HIV infections (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 2.34-5.39) were more prevalent in the tattooed population. In subgroup analyses, the prevalence of HCV infection was significantly elevated in the general population, hospital patient, blood donor, intravenous (IV) drug user, and prisoner groups. IV drug users and prisoners showed high prevalence rates of HBV infection. The prevalence of HIV infection was significantly increased in the general population and prisoner groups. Having a tattoo is associated with an increased prevalence of TTDs. Our approach clarifies in-depth and supports a guideline for TTD screening in the tattooed population.

Profile of Hepatitis B Sero Markers Among Blood Donors Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto-Nigeria

Introduction: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a double-stranded circular DNA virus, it is one of the major blood transmissible infections. The prevalence of HBV is highest in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia, where 5-20% of the adult population are infected. In Africa, up to 15 to 60% of the population are positive for at least one of the serological markers of HBV. This study aimed to determine the prevalence markers of HBV among prospective blood donors in Sokoto. Materials/methods: About 170 blood donors were randomly recruited into this research study and 5ml of blood was aseptically collected from each of the research participants, the sample was screened for Hepatitis B virus, using a rapid step-wise HBV-5 panel immunoassay of Combo Cassette Manufactured by Lusys Laboratories Inc U.S.A. The HBV-5 is capable of detecting HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb and HBcAb simultaneously. The test component was opened from the notch, and the device was removed, 2-3 drops (60-90µl) plasma sample was added into the sample wells in the device. The result was read within 15 minutes. Results: The prevalence rates of the markers are HBsAg 8(4.7%), HBeAg 1(0.6%), HBsAb 7(4.1%), HbeAb 8(4.7%), and HBcAb 9(5.3%). Donors aged (20-30) years had the highest prevalence rate of HBV infection compared to other age groups. Male blood donors had higher seropositivity for the five markers than their female counterpart. The prevalence of HBV markers was high among the First time donors (non-vaccinated donors) who have a higher prevalence than other donors (vaccinated donors). Conclusion: This study has shown that screening for HBsAg alone may not be sufficient for the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus infection, and thus other markers should be included in the routine screening.

Risk factors associated with horizontal transmission of hepatitis B viral infection from parents to children in Mexico.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in children is a health problem worldwide. In Mexico, a high prevalence rate of HBV infection and occult HBV infection have been reported in high-risk adults and children. However, studies regarding HBV infection transmitted from HBV-infected parents to children are limited. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with HBV transmission of HBV from parents to children in Mexico. A retrospective case-control study was carried out in 24 pediatric patients with clinical HBV infection and 48 healthy controls. Bivariate and forward conditional logistic regression analysis was used to compare demographic variables, the status of HBV vaccination, and risk factors for HBV infection transmission among children and their parents. No newborns were diagnosed with HBV infection, and no significant differences were found in age (p = 0.209) or gender (p = 0.612) compared to the control group. The independent risk factor associated with HBV transmission was the presence of a parent with a history of promiscuity (OR = 30.95, 95%CI = 3.382-283.326; p = 0.002), whereas having completed the HBV vaccination schedule for their age was a protective factor against HBV infection in the children (OR = 0.245, 95%CI = 0.079-0.764; p = 0.015). HBV infection in Mexican children is associated with close interpersonal contact with a parent engaged in high-risk sexual practices suggesting that the horizontal route could be the primary mode of infection. Child and adult vaccination campaigns should be reinforced to avoid HBV infection in Mexico.

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

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.

HBV infection and extra-hepatic cancers in adolescents and 20s: A retrospective study in China

BackgroundThe mean age at cancer diagnosis is younger in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected than non-infected patients. It remains unknown whether this association reflects an increase in the incidence rates of extra-hepatic cancers in adolescents and younger. MethodsWe examined 10 common extra-hepatic cancers (lung, breast, gastric, prostate, esophageal, rectal, cervical, nasopharyngeal, lymphatic, and urinary bladder) among patients diagnosed at three Chinese hospitals during 2007–2016. We compared the percentage distribution (frequencies at each age point are shown as a percentage of the total frequency) of HBsAg+ with HBsAgˉ patients, and calculated the standardized incidence ratio for each age group. ResultsA total of 60,323 patients were identified. The mean age at cancer diagnosis was 1.5–5.5 years younger in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients compared to HBsAgˉ patients (p ≤ 0.001). Lymphoma patients had the highest prevalence rate of HBV infection (20.7%). Among the pooled HBsAg+ cancer patients, 14.8% (1138/7666) were aged ≤39 years; by contrast, 9.7% (5122/52657) of HBsAgˉ cancer patients were in the same age range, giving an odds ratio of 1.6 [95%CI1.509–1.733)]. The observations were similar when each cancer was considered individually. The odds ratio was greater in pooled male patients aged ≤39 years [1.9(95%CI1.705–2.085)] compared with females [1.6(95%CI1.382–1.83)]. The ratio of the observed to the expected number of HBsAg+ patients aged 15–19, 20–24, and 25–29 years were 3.3, 4.8 and 2.0, respectively, higher than 1.2–1.7 observed for older age-groups. ConclusionHBV infection is a risk factor for diverse extra-hepatic cancers in adolescents and 20s.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Hepatitis B: A Survey among the Internet Users in Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is an important and serious global health problem. Despite the fact that there is a decrease in the prevalence rate of HBV infection in Saudi Arabia, but still it causes significant morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to measure the level of knowledge and to identify attitude and practice on HBV. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Taif Area; Saudi Arabia during the period of 1^st June - 30^th July 2016. Adult (18 years and above) Saudi and Non-Saudi (Arabic speaking) people were included.

Hepatitis B Virus Infection in B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and Effect of Entecavir in Prophylactic Antiviral Therapy

Background: specialized studies on hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and B-NHL (B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) are limited, as well as prophylactic antiviral therapy for B-NHL patients with HBV infection who are receiving anticancer chemotherapy. This study aims to investigate the association between HBV infection and B-NHL, and to evaluate the effect of prophylactic antiviral therapy for HBV-infected B-NHL patients. Study design: A retrospective, case-control study was performed. The study group included 420 patients with B-NHL who were consecutively diagnosed from May 2003 to October 2013 (age range, 14 - 71 years), and the control group included 1280 Chinese residents in Guangxi who participated in the Health Survey (age range, 18 - 74 years). We compared the prevalence rate of HBV infection and clinic-pathologic characteristics between the two groups. The prevalence rate of HBV infection in our study was 34.7% (146/420), higher than the prevalence rate of 13.9% (178/1280) in the general population (P < 0.001). Among 146 B-NHL patients who received anticancer chemotherapy, 104 patients (71.2%) received prophylactic antiviral therapy. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that HBV may play an important role in development of B-NHL. Entecavir maybe the better antiviral drugs than Lamivudine, and antiviral therapy is maintained more than 6 months that maybe the optimal duration of prophylactic antiviral therapy. But further investigation should be conducted for determination of optimal duration and monitoring of antiviral therapy.

Hepatitis B Virus Infection; A Vanishing Disease in Iranian Children

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main cause of chronic liver disease (1) and at least 2 billion people are infected worldwide, while 350 million are chronic HBV carriers (1). The prevalence rate of HBV infection differs in various countries. In areas with a high prevalence (8% or more), the lifetime risk of exposure to the infection is around 60 and it typically occurs in infancy or childhood periods. China, South-East Asia, most of Africa and some parts of the Middle East have a high prevalence of HBV infection and the rate ranges from 8% to 15% (1, 2). Inter-mediate prevalence areas (2-7%) of infection occur across all age groups and most areas of Middle East countries, Eastern and Southern parts of Europe are in this category. There are also areas with low endemicity, i.e. lower than 2% prevalence in adults. These areas include North Amer-ica and Western Europe (1).HBV infection is still the main cause of chronic liver dis-ease in Iran (3), although the seroprevalence of HBV in-fection in Iran has decreased during the last two decades (4). The main risk factor for HBV transmission was pre-viously related to maternal-infantile transmission and high coverage infantile vaccination is the main cause for changes in the epidemiology of HBV infection (5). Given the importance of this interruption to HBV transmission in Iran, the HBV vaccination has been included in the ex-tended program of immunization (EPI) since 1993 (6, 7).Adibi

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Infection in an Adult Population in Northeast China

The prevalence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is higher in adults than in children. We determined the seroepidemiology of HBV infection in an adult population in JiLin, China, to guide effective preventive measures. A cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted throughout JiLin, China. A total of 3833 people was selected and demographic and behavioral information gathered. Serum samples were tested for HBV markers and liver enzymes. The prevalence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the antibody to the hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), the antibody to HBeAg (anti-HBe), and the antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were 4.38%, 35.66%, 1.38%, 6.65%, and 40.88%, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were significantly higher among HBsAg (+) than HBsAg (-) subjects. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors for chronic HBV infection were smoking, poor sleep quality; occupation as private small-businessmen, laborers, or peasants; male gender; family history of HBV; personal history of vaccination; and older age. Independent predictors for exposure to HBV were large family size, occupation as a private small-businessman, male gender, family history of HBV, personal history of vaccination, and older age. Independent predictors for immunity by vaccination were occupation as a private small-businessman, high income, personal history of vaccination, and young age. Independent predictors for immunity by exposure were drinking, male gender, personal history of vaccination, and older age. The prevalence rate of HBV infection (4.38%) was lower than the previous rate of general HBV vaccination. However, 44.59% of the population remained susceptible to HBV. The prevalence of HBV infection was high in young adults, private small-businessmen, peasants, those with a family history of HBV, and males. Therefore, immunization of the non-immune population is reasonable to reduce hepatitis B transmission between adults.

Age at presentation for infant immunization in Nigeria: Implications for hepatitis B immunization

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects 2 billion people worldwide. It is highly endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with the majority of infections acquired during early childhood. Globally, over 25% of people who acquire HBV infection in childhood develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in adulthood. In Nigeria, the prevalence rate of HBV infection in children ranges from 19.3% to 46%. The hepatitis B vaccine has been available since 1982 for the prevention of HBV infection, and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for inclusion in the routine immunization of all children using one of three schedules. The hepatitis B vaccination schedule as adopted by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the Nigerian National Programme on Immunization (NPI) requires three contacts: as soon as possible after birth, at 6 weeks of age and at 14 weeks of age. This schedule is the second of the WHO options. It is also recommended that Bacille Calmette Guerin and oral poliomyelitis vaccine should be given at birth. Nigeria approved the inclusion of hepatitis B vaccine in the national immunization programme in 1995, but the vaccine only became widely available in 2004. Age at commencement of the hepatitis B immunization schedule has been

The relationship of hepatitis B virus infection and non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma and its impact on clinical characteristics and prognosis

This study aims to evaluate the association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and lymphoma and to characterize HBV-related lymphomas. The efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine on HBV reactivation was also evaluated. We compared the prevalence rate of HBV infection in 556 patients with lymphoma seen over a 4-yr period with that in a group of 4698 Singapore residents aged 18-69 who participated in the National Health Survey. Next, we compared the clinic-pathologic characteristics of HBV-positive and HBV-negative lymphoma cases. The prevalence rate of HBV infection in our study was 10.3% (57/556), higher than the prevalence rate of 4.1% (192/4698) in the general population (P < or = 0.001). The higher prevalence was observed in both sexes and across different age groups. An association was observed for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) but not Hodgkin's lymphoma. The characteristics of HBV-infected patients with lymphoma were similar to those who were HBV-uninfected in terms of age, ECOG, extra-nodal involvement, LDH level, stage, complete remission rate and overall survival. Use of prophylactic lamivudine significantly decreased the incidence of HBV reactivation (13% vs. 38%, P = 0.02) and disruption to chemotherapy (43% vs. 4%, P = 0.02), with a trend towards improved overall survival. Our findings suggest that an association exists between HBV infection and NHL. However, HBV infection does not appear to have a significant impact on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of NHL. Prophylactic lamivudine should be considered in all HBV-infected patients receiving antracycline and/or steroid containing chemotherapy.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Chronic Carriers and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Lithuanian Army Soldiers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B serological markers (hepatitis B virus (HBV) superficial antigen (HBsAg)) and risk factors for HBV infection among Lithuanian Army soldiers. The study was carried out in Lithuanian military subunits in 2003. Serum samples were draw from 1,830 soldiers (average age, 21.6 (0.707) years) and tested for hepatitis B infection markers (HBsAg). Questionnaires were used to obtain information about risk factors associated with HBV infection. A total of 1.97% of soldiers was seropositive for HBsAg. The prevalence rate of HBV infection was related to military subunit (p > 0.05). Most of the HBsAg-positive soldiers (53.8%) served 4 to 6 months. Among soldiers who were offered to use drugs, the prevalence of HBsAg was 4.3%; in the remaining group, the prevalence was 1.9%. No association was found between other risk factors for HBV infection and the prevalence rate of the hepatitis B marker. Study data proved the need for health promotion, prophylactic vaccination, and monitoring programs at the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Prevalência da infecção pelos vírus da hepatite B (VHB) e da hepatite Delta (VHD) em Lábrea, Rio Purus, Estado do Amazonas

Summary This study estimates the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) infections in the city of Labrea, Western Amazon, Brazil, 11 years after the introduction of the HBV vaccination program in this region. The prevalence rates of HBV infection and HBV surface antigen (HbsAg) carriage were 49,9% and 3,3% respectively. HBV infection shows a medium endemicity pattern, low potential of infectivity and subclinical course of infection. Transmission may be more intense in children between 6 and 12 years of age, and among young adults, probably by perinatal or horizontal transmission within households or by sexual transmission, with a moderate risk for the development of chronic liver disorders. Interfamilial dissemination may be of great importance. HDV was found in 30% of HBsAg carriers, occurred with a history of acute hepatitis, and in HBV carriers was associated with biochemical signs of liver damage, demonstrating the importance of these two viruses as agents of liver disease in this population. We identified a significant reduction in the prevalence rates of HBV infection compared to those reported before the

Hepatitis in renal transplant recipients

The prevalence of parentally transmitted hepatotropic virus infection (HVI) varies in different centers and in different parts of the world. It correlates with the prevalence in the dialysis and the general population and with the selection bias of using organs from infected donors and accepting infected recipients for transplantation. With the adoption of effective procedures that reduce nosocomial exposure and with the availability of effective vaccines, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among RTR has been declining steadily over the last decades. This trend, however, is more obvious in the United States and Europe but less so in Asia. This is because of the high prevalence rate of HBV infection in the general population in Asia. With a declining prevalence of HBV infection, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become the most prevalent HVI among RTR. In selected studies reported in the 1990s in which prevalences of both HBV and HCV among RTR area available, the rate varies from 4 to 32% for HBV and 6 to 49% for HCV. Hepatitis G (GBV-C) virus (HGV) is a recently identified parentally transmitted virus. It has a prevalence rate of between 44 to 55% and is therefore as common as HCV among RTR, but studies so far have failed to demonstrate a significant independent impact of HGV on liver biochemistry and histology and on patient or graft survival. Hepatitis D virus (HDV superinfection in HBV-infected RTR is uncommon and infrequently reported.

A mathematical model of hepatitis B virus transmission and its application for vaccination strategy in china.

Before universal infant immunization against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 1986 China was a region endemic for HBV infection. The prevalence of HBV infection in the population was about 60% and the proportion of chronic HBV carriers around 10%. These HBV carriers could progress to chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Since 1976, large-scale sero-surveys of HBV infection have been carried out and a lot of data have been collected. This paper describes a mathematical model developed to predict the dynamics of HBV transmission and to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the vaccination programme. We used a compartment model expressed by a set of partial differential equations based on the characteristics of HBV infection. All parameters, expressed in the model as a non-linear function of age and time since vaccination, were estimated using sero-survey data. The model fits well with both pre-vaccination and post-vaccination sero-surveys. The observed and estimated age-specific prevalence rates of HBV infection and HBV carriage agree with each other. According to our model, if all newborns are vaccinated according to schedule, the rate of HBV carriage will decline sharply over time to 0.2% in 70 years. By then, the ratio of acute hepatitis B will be less than 0.5% and the ratio of chronic hepatitis B will be around 5%. The results suggest that HBV infection in China can be controlled in just one generation, and eventually eliminated. Our model shows that vaccination coverage is the most important indicator for the elimination of HBV transmission. The higher the vaccination coverage, the better the long-term effectiveness of immunization. Thus, the key to controlling and eliminating HBV transmission in China is to find ways to immunize all infants throughout the country, especially in poor, rural areas.

Control of hepatitis B in central and eastern Europe (CEE) and the Newly Independent States (NIS): recommendations of the October 1996 meeting in Siofok, Hungary

The prevention and control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection constitutes a major health policy priority especially in countries belonging to the CEE and the NIS (the former Soviet Union). Many of these countries report high prevalence rates of HBV infection, clinical disease and even high mortality. The Viral Hepatitis Prevention Board (VHPB) jointly organized with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a meeting to bring together managers of national immunization programs, hepatitis experts and senior officials from ministries of health. The meeting was held in Siofok, Hungary from 6 to 9 October 1996. The aim of the meeting was to put the prevention of hepatitis B on the political agenda and to speed up the progress of the countries in central and eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States towards the implementation of universal childhood vaccination against hepatitis B. The epidemiology of hepatitis B in the countries concerned was discussed, the different strategies for prevention of hepatitis B reviewed, major elements in priority setting elaborated, with emphasis on health economics and strategies for resource mobilization outlined; national and international experts exchanged views during six workshops (resource mobilization; monitoring and surveillance; vaccines and immunization; vaccine production, quality control and regulation issues; nosocomial transmission and diagnostics). A major outcome of the meeting was a consensus statement and recommendations for action. These recommendations concerned the countries of the region but also `partners in development' and the WHO, insisting that the international agencies should support technically and financially the hepatitis B prevention efforts of the countries.

Female to male transmission of hepatitis B virus between Chinese spouses.

Three hundred thirty-seven community-based spouses were tested for the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers to assess the direction of HBV transmission between couples. The prevalence rate of HBV infection among husbands whose wives were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive was higher compared with those whose wives were HBsAg-negative. Moreover, the frequency of HBV seropositivity among husbands was 100% if their wives carried HBeAg and showed a trend correlation (P = .009). The prevalence difference was 13.8%, and the 95% confidence interval (95% Cl) was 7.9-19.7% after adjusting for spouses' age. In contrast, HBV infection rate of wives did not show an association with the husbands' HBsAg or HBeAg carrier status. The prevalence difference was 7.1%, but 95% Cl was -2.5-16.8% after adjusting for spouses' age. Female to male transmission of HBV between spouses appears to be more efficient.

Seroepidemiological studies on hepatitis B and D viruses infection among five ethnic groups in southern Taiwan.

In order to compare the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection among five ethnic groups in Pingtung County of southern Taiwan, a total of 240 serum samples were collected from September to October, 1985, from the following five ethnic groups: Taiwanese, Hakka, Mainland Chinese, aboriginal Paiwanese, and aboriginal Rukaiese. Ages of subjects ranged from 5 to 69 years. All sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), surface antibody (anti-HBs), and core antibody (anti-HBc) by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and antibody to hepatitis D antigen (anti-HDV) were also tested for those with HBsAg-positive sera. Results showed that 44.1% of all sera examined were negative for HBsAG but positive for both anti-HBs and anti-HBc; additionally, 24.6% were negative for both HBsAg and anti-HBs but positive for anti-HBc. Only 134 serum samples showed negative results for HBV markers, indicating an HBV infection rate of 88.8%. The anti-HDV positive rate was estimated to be 2.7% among HBsAg-positive subjects. The HBsAg-positive rates among Rukaiese, Paiwanese, Hakka, Taiwanese, and Mainland Chinese were 25.8, 22.5, 16.7, 12.9, and 10.0%, respectively; while the prevalence rates of HBV infection among the above five groups were 94.2, 94.6, 85.4, 87.5, and 82.5%, respectively. Differences in the HBsAg-positive rate and HBV infection rate among these ethnic groups were statistically significant. We conclude that people living in Pingtung County are more frequently infected with HBV when compared with inhabitants in northern Taiwan.