Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B in Korean Children.
- Author:
Jae Sung KO
1
;
Sun Hwan BAE
;
Ju Young CHUNG
;
June Key CHUNG
;
Jeong Kee SEO
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Hepatitis A;
Hepatitis B;
Seroepidemiology;
Children
- MeSH:
Adolescent;
Child*;
Hepatitis A Antibodies;
Hepatitis A virus;
Hepatitis A*;
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens;
Hepatitis B*;
Hepatitis*;
Humans;
Immunoglobulin G;
Radioimmunoassay;
Seroepidemiologic Studies;
Vaccination;
Young Adult
- From:Korean Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
1999;2(1):40-45
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the seroepidemiology of hepatitis A and hepatitis B in Korean children. METHOD: 801 children aged 6 to 12 years were enrolled. IgG antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs), and IgG antibody to HBc (anti-HBc) were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Of the 801 children, the seroprevalence of anti-HAV was 0%. Three (0.4%) were seropositive for HBsAg. The seroprevalence of anti-HBs was 61.8%. Two (0.4%) of 495 anti-HBs positive subjects were positive for anti-HBc. Of the 801 children, 658 (82.1%) had received hepatitis B vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Since natural anti-HAV is not acquired in the childhood, the outbreak of hepatitis A is possible in adolescents and young adults. The decrease in seroprevalence of HBsAg and the increase in seroprevalence of anti-HBs might result from hepatitis B vaccination program in childhood.
