title: Studies on hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody in Nauru. I. Distribution amongst Nauruans.
abstract: The age specific prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody was studied among a random sample of Nauruans over the age of 10 years. Overall, 79% of subjects showed evidence of past infection with hepatitis B virus with the highest prevalence among young people. While there was no difference in the infection rate between males and females, the carrier rate in males was 50% higher. In both sexes the carrier rate declined with increasing age. Significant differences in carrier rates were detected among people living in different parts of the island.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008849:Micronesia; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens