Hyperendemic foci of hepatitis B infection in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
OBJECTIVE
To study the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among an isolated tribe of Northeast India that migrated long back from Tibet.


METHODS
Randomly selected 438 subjects from Idu Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), envelope antigen (HBeAg) using ELISA kits.


RESULTS
The point prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 21.2% (93/438). Anti-HBc prevalence was 92.3% (193/209). Anti-HBs above 10 IU/ml were detected in 48% (96/200). Prevalence of HBeAg was higher (42.1%, 16/38) in children (less than 15 years) compared to adolescent and adults (32.7%, 18/55). History of hepatitis was significantly associated with positive HBsAg status (p < 0.000).


CONCLUSIONS
Hepatitis B virus infection is hyperendemic among Idu Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Though, the route of transmission could not be ascertained, but the high HBV infection (78.6%) among less than 5 yrs and the finding of 58.4% of HBsAg positive mothers bearing HBsAg positive child indicates possibility of vertical transmission in this setting.
Biswas
D
D
Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region (Indian Council of Medical Research), P.O. Box-105, Dibrugarh - 786001 Assam, India.
Borkakoty
B J
BJ
Mahanta
J
J
Jampa
L
L
Deouri
L C
LC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens