Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B in Greek children 6 years after the implementation of universal vaccination

Infection. 2008 Mar;36(2):135-9. doi: 10.1007/s15010-007-7096-6. Epub 2008 Jan 29.

Abstract

The seroepidemiology of hepatitis B in children living in Greece 6 years post-implementation of universal infant immunization (1998) was studied. We collected 90-100 sera/year of age, stratified by geographic region. The prevalence of HbsAg(+) was 0.6% (95% CI 0.3-1.3) whereas 4.5% (95% CI 3.4-5.9%) of children over 12 months of age had evidence of past HBV infection. A significant decline in the prevalence of past infection between children born before and after 1998 (5.5% vs 2.9%; RR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.03-3.5) was noted. Conversely, the prevalence of past HBV infection did not change significantly among immigrant children. Reinforcement of early vaccination of immigrant population is necessary.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Greece / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B / prevention & control
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood*
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / immunology
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Mass Vaccination*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies*

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines