Prevalence of Australia Antigen and Antibody in Pediatric Age Group

ABSTRACT

Research study of Hepatitis B infection has been much advanced recently and the incidence of the Hepatitis B infection, such as acute viral hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis, chronic persistant hepatitis, acute fulminating hepatitis and carrier states are increasing significantly. The authors evaluated HBsAg and AntiHBs in the child age group and the results are summarized as follows Of 271 children who were admitted during the period of June 1, 1981 to August 31, 1981, 15(5.9%) were HBsAg positive and 24(8.86%) were antiHBs positive. The highest incidence of HBs Ag among the children was school age group. The highest incidence of AntiHBs was newborn age group. Of 92 children who were living in the orphanage, 12(13.0%) were HBsAg positive and 8 (8.71%) were AntiHBs positive. There was no significant difference in comparison by each room.