The changing epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in the Canadian north.
Hepatitis B virus infections are common in the Eskimo (Inuit) populations of the world. In this study, serologic markers of hepatitis B infection were measured in 172 inhabitants (78%) of an isolated Canadian Inuit settlement. Evidence of hepatitis B infection was found in 22% of residents. The prevalence increased with age, being uncommon under the age of 20 (7%), yet present in the majority of inhabitants over the age of 40 (64%). Sera from four individuals (2.3%) were hepatitis B surface antigen- (HBsAg) positive. All four HBsAg carriers were negative for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and DNA polymerase, but positive for antibody to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe). These data suggest that hepatitis B infection has become relatively uncommon in the inhabitants of this community born during the past 20-30 years. The apparent decline in prevalence did not appear to be related to recent demographic or socioeconomic changes in the area.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000276:immunology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D004930:Inuit; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012737:Sex Factors
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens