Hepatitis B virus infection in Honolulu students.
OBJECTIVE
To determine hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier and infection rates and HBV epidemiology in Honolulu students.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Honolulu public elementary, intermediate, and high schools.


METHODS
A volunteer sample of 4936 students from 43 Honolulu schools.


METHODS
HBV carrier rate (presence of hepatitis B surface antigen) and infection rate (presence of either hepatitis B surface antigen, antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen, antibody to hepatitis B core antigen, or any combinations of these) by school grade, ethnicity, and place of birth.


RESULTS
Eighty-three (1.68%) students were identified as HBV carriers, and a total of 353 (7.15%) students had serologic evidence of infection. Infection rates increased from elementary school age to high school age, more so in Asian/Pacific Island-born students. The prevalence of infection was higher in Asian/Pacific Island-born students than in those born in the United States. The majority of infected Hawaiian-born students were first-generation Asian/Pacific Island Americans.


CONCLUSIONS
Horizontal transmission of HBV occurs in Honolulu school-age children. HBV immunization of all infants in Hawaii, not just those born to carrier mothers, is necessary to reduce HBV transmission in Hawaii.
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Hawaii Department of Health, Honolulu 96801.
Ren
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Margolis
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Zhao
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Schatz
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Diwan
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D000293:Adolescent; D001208:Asia / Q000208:ethnology; D001213:Asian; D002353:Carrier State / Q000208:ethnology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii / Q000453:epidemiology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D008297:Male; D010139:Pacific Islands / Q000208:ethnology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens