title: Hepatitis B viral markers in Bushmen at Schmidtsdrift, South Africa: baseline studies for immunisation.
abstract: In an effort to control hepatitis B virus (HBV), the prevalence rates of the virus need to be ascertained in different regions or populations. As a baseline for a hepatitis B immunisation programme, the seroprevalence of HBV markers was determined in 400 San Bushmen from a community who were translocated from Northern Namibia to South Africa. HBsAg was detected in 6.8% while 57.0% showed one or more markers of HBV infection. The balance of the population (43.0%) showed no evidence of previous exposure to HBV. The HBV exposure rate of 57.0% is intermediate to high with reference to internationally reported figures and protection of seronegative individuals through immunisation is recommended. Individuals without possible natural immunity against HBV such as those with anti-HBc or anti-HBs as a sole marker may provide insight into the circulation of HBV mutants in this community, since these sole markers could be seroconversion in response to a mutant HBV strain.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009276:Namibia / Q000208:ethnology; D015995:Prevalence; D012036:Refugees; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013019:South Africa; D014611:Vaccination
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens