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Control of HBV and HDV infection in an isolated pacific Island: 1. pattern of infection
Author(s) -
Speed Bryan R.,
Dimitrakakis Mary,
Thoma Kiki,
Gust Ian D.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.1890290104
Subject(s) - superinfection , virology , hepatitis b virus , medicine , vaccination , population , hepatitis b , virus , immunology , antibody , viral disease , hepatitis , environmental health
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infections are known to be hyperendemic in Nauru. Because of the consequences of chronic HBV infection, the Nauruan Government has commenced a program that aims to reduce and eventually eliminate hepatitis B infection by immunizing susceptible adults and children on the island and every newborn baby. At the outset of this program, a national seroepidemiological survey was undertaken. Eighty‐eight percent of the population were tested, of whom 69.1% had markers of HBV infection. Evidence of superinfection with HDV was found in 22.7% of HBV carriers, with the highest prevalence in adolescents and young adults. All seronegative individuals were offered three doses of plasma derived hepatitis B vaccine. A post‐vaccination survey of 64% of those vaccinated showed that 98% had developed circulating antibodies.