Hepatitis B virus infection among Chinese residents in the United Kingdom.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers in Chinese residents in the United Kingdom.


METHODS
Retrospective case-controlled study between January 1997 and June 2000 in two genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics.


RESULTS
117 Chinese and 234 non-Chinese controls were studied. Baseline characteristics except marital status showed no difference. Overall prevalence of HBV serological markers was 35.8% in Chinese, controls 5.5% (p<0.001). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive carrier rate was 12.8% in Chinese, controls 0.4% (p<0.001); 1.7% of Chinese patients were also hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive, none in controls. Natural immunity was acquired in 23.0% of Chinese, controls 5.1% (p<0.001). Prevalence of HBV serological markers in UK born Chinese was 6.7%, non-UK born Chinese 40.1% (p<0.011). Only 7.6% of Chinese had a history of previous HBV vaccination.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of HBV serological markers among Chinese patients attending two GUM clinics in London was high and only a minority of Chinese had immunisation against HBV. Although the prevalence of HBV markers in UK born Chinese was lower than non-UK born Chinese, they may be at continuous risk of HBV infection. Non-UK born Chinese patients attending GUM services in the United Kingdom should be targeted for screening and vaccination to reduce HBV transmission.
Kawsar
M
M
Ambrose King Centre, The Royal London Hospital, UK. mo.kawsar@hotmail.com
Goh
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BT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens