The relationship of hepatitis B virus infection between adults and their children in Guangxi Province, China.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to describe the seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with emphasis on transmission of HBV infection between adults and their children.


METHODS
We analyzed the hepatitis sero-survey data collected from 2132 persons aged 1-59 years (624 families) in Guangxi Province, China, 1992. Blood was tested for the presence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and the antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs).


RESULTS
Of the 2132 persons surveyed, 119 (5.6%) reported receiving HBV vaccination. Among those persons who did not receive HBV vaccination, 19% were HBsAg positive (current HBV infection) and 57% had a past HBV infection (they were HBsAg negative and either anti-HBc positive or anti-HBs positive). Among 519 children aged 1-10 years who did not receive HBV vaccination, 21% had current HBV infection and 37% had past HBV infection. Among 289 children of both parents who were HBsAg negative, 16% had current HBV infection and 36% had past HBV infection.


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalence of community-acquired HBV infection in children and the low HBV vaccination coverage in Guangxi should alert public health agencies to re-examine their current policies for preventing HBV transmission.
Zhuo
J
J
Anti-epidemic and Hygiene Center, Guangxi Province, People's Republic of China.
Tao
G
G
Ebrahim
S H
SH
Wang
S
S
Luo
Z
Z
Wang
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D005220:Fathers; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens