Seroprevalence of hepatitis A, B, and C in a United States military recruit population.
One thousand five hundred thirty-eight U.S. Navy and Marine Corps enlisted recruits were tested for hepatitis A, B, and C serologic markers. The recruit population (mean age, 19 years) was 91% male, 69% white, 17% black, 9% Hispanic, 2% Filipino, and 2% "other" racial/ethnic group. Anti-HAV was found in 129 (8.4%) recruits, anti-HBc in 35 (2.3%), HBsAg in 5 (0.3%), and anti-HCV in 4 (0.3%). For recruits born in the U.S., the prevalence of anti-HAV and anti-HBc was 5.5% and 1.3%, respectively; for the 7% of recruits born outside the U.S., the prevalence was 44.9% and 14.0%, respectively. By logistic regression analysis, seropositivity for hepatitis A and B was independently associated with age, nonwhite racial/ethnic groups, and birth outside of the U.S. This study indicates that there is a relatively low risk of hepatitis A, B, and C infection among Navy and Marine Corps recruits.
Hyams
K C
KC
Epidemiology Division, Naval Medical Research Institute, Bethesda, MD.
Struewing
J P
JP
Gray
G C
GC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology