A Survey of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Positivity in ROK Air Force Pilots

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) in The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) pilots, and to investigate the factors related to occupational exposure. METHODS: For 720 pilots who visited aeromedical center, ROKAF for general health screening from January, 2001 to August, 2002, HBsAg and anti-HBs were tested using passive hemagglutination and passive hemagglutination, respectively. If HBsAg results had been positive or vague, we performed confirmation test by ASAN Easy Test(R) HBs kit. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HBs was 1.8% and 49.4%, respectively. HBsAg positivity was 0.0% in 20-24 years, 0.8% in 25-29 years, 1.1% in 30-34 years, 4.4% in 35-39 years, 1.5% in 40-44 years, 5.4% in 45-49 years, 5.3% in 50-54 years and significantly different below and above thirties (P=0.024). The prevalence of HBsAg in pilots was not different with general adults. Anti-HBs positivity was 100.0% in 20-24 years, 43.9% in 25-29 years, 57.1% in 30-34 years, 50.0% in 35-39 years, 62.1% in 40-44 years, 50.0% in 45-49 years, 73.7% in 50-54 years and significantly increased with age (44.2% in twenties, 53.6% in thirties, 58.9% in more than 40) (P=0.005). The pilots susceptible to HBV infection who were negative in both HBsAg and anti-HBs were found in 49.0% of entire subjects. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBs in pilots was lower than in general adults. The pilots tendered to be more susceptible to HBV infection than general adults. Hepatitis B vaccine should be integrated into pilot health programmes.