title: Hepatitis B infection in sub-Saharan Africa. The African Regional Study Group.
abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its sequelae are extremely common in sub-Saharan Africa. The overall hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier rate in the general population is 5-20%, which is amongst the highest in the world. Although perinatal infection occurs with an incidence of 1-5%, the predominant form of transition is horizontal among infants and young children; most infections are acquired between 6 months and the pre-school age (5-6 years). Thus, the traditional concept of 'high-risk groups' is of limited importance in Africa and all children should be regarded as being at risk. Hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma is probably the most common tumour affecting males in sub-Saharan Africa, with Mozambique having the highest incidence rate of 103.8 per 100,000 males. Cost-benefit analysis shows that, in sub-Saharan Africa, the most effective way of controlling hepatitis B infection is through mass neonatal vaccination programmes integrated within the Expanded Programme on Immunization without prior testing for HBV markers.
authors: Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare.
authors: C F
authors: CF
authors: Kiire
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D014611:Vaccination / Q000191:economics; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines
chemical_list: D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines