1996: hoped, control of HBV... within a few generations.

[Guest guest]

Gut 1996;38 Suppl 2:S37-8

Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus infection and vaccination in

China.

Yao JL

Department of Infectious Diseases, Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical

Sciences, Guangzhou, China.

Hepatitis B remains one of the most important infectious diseases in China.

In

1980, an overall hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection rate of 42.6%

was reported and a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier rate of

10.3%. HBsAg positivity among children under 1 year of age ranged from 5.1%

in Beijing to 7% in Guangdong. A peak in carrier rate was observed in 7 to

14 year olds, reaching 24% in Guangdong. During the

past decade, there has been no significant change in overall HBV carrier

rates.

However, in areas where hepatitis B vaccination for all neonates has been

introduced, a decline in HBsAg positivity in lower age groups has been

observed. Perinatal transmission is believed to account for 35-50% of

carriers although horizontal transmission is also important, particularly

within families. Infants born to HBeAg positive carrier mothers are at even

greater risk of infection. HBV infection during childhood leads to an

increased risk of serious longterm sequelae, including hepatocellular

carcinoma (HCC). It is

hoped that universal childhood immunisation will allow

control of HBV infections in China within a few generations.

Publication Types:

Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8786051, UI: 96273431

[Guest guest]

Gut 1996;38 Suppl 2:S37-8

Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus infection and vaccination in

China.

Yao JL

Department of Infectious Diseases, Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical

Sciences, Guangzhou, China.

Hepatitis B remains one of the most important infectious diseases in China.

In

1980, an overall hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection rate of 42.6%

was reported and a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier rate of

10.3%. HBsAg positivity among children under 1 year of age ranged from 5.1%

in Beijing to 7% in Guangdong. A peak in carrier rate was observed in 7 to

14 year olds, reaching 24% in Guangdong. During the

past decade, there has been no significant change in overall HBV carrier

rates.

However, in areas where hepatitis B vaccination for all neonates has been

introduced, a decline in HBsAg positivity in lower age groups has been

observed. Perinatal transmission is believed to account for 35-50% of

carriers although horizontal transmission is also important, particularly

within families. Infants born to HBeAg positive carrier mothers are at even

greater risk of infection. HBV infection during childhood leads to an

increased risk of serious longterm sequelae, including hepatocellular

carcinoma (HCC). It is

hoped that universal childhood immunisation will allow

control of HBV infections in China within a few generations.

Publication Types:

Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8786051, UI: 96273431