The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in the Gampaha district.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence and some epidemiological features of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status in the Gampaha district.


METHODS
Community based survey.


METHODS
The district of Gampaha.


METHODS
All individuals over six months of age who were resident in the Gampaha district for a period over one month at time of survey.


RESULTS
The HBsAg positivity rate in the Gampaha district was estimated to be 2.5% (95% C.I. 2% to 3%). This places the area in the intermediate endemicity zone as classified by WHO. The epidemiology indicates horizontal intrafamilial spread being more important in the population studied, than vertical, parenteral or sexual routes of transmission.


CONCLUSIONS
The study suggests that immunisation in early childhood is an important measure in prevention of the infection in this district.
Padmasiri
E
E
Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, Colombo.
Rajapaksa
L
L
Jayakuru
W S
WS
Withana
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013188:Sri Lanka / Q000453:epidemiology
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens