Hepatitis virus infection in an isolated Canadian Inuit (Eskimo) population.
The epidemiology of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was studied in a northern Canadian Inuit (Eskimo) settlement. Sera from 720 of the 850 inhabitants of Baker Lake, Canada, were tested for markers of HAV and HBV infection. Anti-HAV was present in 71% of the residents and its prevalence increased with age. Serologic evidence of HBV infections was found in 27% of residents. The prevalence increased with age, being uncommon under the age of 20 (6%) and almost universal over the age of 60 (93%). Among the 29 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers identified, all were adults, all had low levels of HBsAg, and all were negative for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and DNA polymerase but positive for antibody to HBeAg. These data demonstrate a high prevalence of HAV and HBV infection in this population. Further, they suggest that a dramatic decrease in the transmission of HBV infection has occurred over the past 20-30 years.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D044466:Asian People; D002170:Canada; D002353:Carrier State; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology*; D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D004930:Inuit; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens