Prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Italian adolescents.
Prevalence of HBV markers (HbsAg, anti-Hbs, anti-HBc) was retrospectively estimated in 204 adolescents (12-20 years old) of the Bambino Gesù Hospital (174 patients of orthopaedic department and 30 student nurses). HBsAg carrier rate was 3.4% (all healthy, none HBeAg positive) and prevalence of HBV marker (at least one positive) was 13.2%. Male sex, residence in the south of Italy or Italian islands, being inpatients, past surgical procedures and past hepatitis showed higher prevalences, but never significantly; anti-HBc prevalence was significantly higher in patients with a previous surgical procedure with transfusions. Future vaccinations should take into account the substantial HBV infection rate occurred as early as in adolescence.
Di Ciommo
V
V
Servizio di Medicina degli adolescenti, Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Palidoro, Roma.
Ferrario
F
F
Spina
G
G
La Spesa
F
F
Rubino
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013338:Students, Nursing
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens