Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in Tanzanian adults.
In a cross-sectional study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, we determined the seroprevalence of markers for hepatitis A, B, C and E viruses and examined associated risk markers. Among 403 healthy adults, the seroprevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus was 99.0% (95% confidence interval: 97.5-99.7). Prior exposure to hepatitis C and E viruses was rare (hepatitis C: 0.7% (0.2-2.1); hepatitis E: 0.2% (< 0.1-1.4)). The prevalence of all markers of hepatitis B was 70.7% (66.0-75.1). Hepatitis B surface antigen was identified in 6.0% (3.9-8.7) of subjects. Independent predictors of hepatitis B infection identified by logistic regression included older age, male gender, Muslim religion and type of abode. Given the high prevalence of hepatitis B and the low prevalence of hepatitis C, the majority of chronic viral hepatitis is likely to be associated with hepatitis B. Control efforts should focus primarily on hepatitis B.
Miller
W C
WC
Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599-7400, USA.
Shao
J F
JF
Weaver
D J
DJ
Shimokura
G H
GH
Paul
D A
DA
Lallinger
G J
GJ
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology
D015415:Biomarkers