High prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection amongst Tibetans in Nepal.

Tibetans have been living in Nepal since 1959. Study of the prevalence of viral hepatitis among them showed that they have a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Prevalence of total HBV infection and Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among them was 61% and 16% compared to 10.0% and 0.7% respectively among the Nepalese. The predominant HBsAg subtype among the Tibetans was 'ayw'. Perinatal and childhood transmission was found important in the spread of HBV infection among the Tibetans.

Prevalence of malocclusion and periodontal status in Tibetan school children of Kushalnagar, Mysore district.

A representative sample of 817 Tibetan school children aged 7 to 17 years of Mysore district were examined for malocclusion, gingival bleeding and calculus, using plane mouth mirror, sickle explorer and periodontal probes, under natural light. A very slight increase in malocclusion was noted in school girls, in addition to the statistically significant increase in gingival bleeding among 8-13 years and 17 year old girls and 7-10 years and 15-16 year old boys. Moreover, a highly statistically significant increase in calculus was perceived amongst girls. The present study thus showed an increasing demand for preventive and therapeutic dental treatment in these children and early identification of such individuals at risk, can lead to better disease management.