Hepatitis B virus infection in Chinese families in Hong Kong

Am J Epidemiol. 1987 Sep;126(3):492-9. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a114681.

Abstract

Between January 1983 and July 1984, 731 family members of 240 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers were screened for hepatitis B virus markers. The percentage of those who were positive for HBsAg was 28.3 and that for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen/antibody to hepatitis B core antigen was 43.1. The carrier rate was higher among siblings (53%) and offspring (50.5%) of female carriers, but similar to that of the age-matched general population for spouses (10.8%). Maternal transmission was the most important mode of spread of hepatitis B virus infection within the family. The HBsAg-positive offspring and siblings were clustered within certain families. Intrafamilial spread is important in perpetuating hepatitis B virus infection in Chinese persons. Susceptible family members, especially newborns and other young children of female carriers, should be vaccinated.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carrier State / immunology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • China / ethnology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B / genetics
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / analysis
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens / analysis
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens / immunology
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk
  • Sex Factors
  • Space-Time Clustering
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens