The prevalence of hepatitis A and B infection among different ethnic groups in Belize - abstract

ABSTRACT

Little is known about the prevalence of infection with hepatitis viruses in Belize, Central America. We conducted a serological survey among members of the Belize Defence Force (BDF), which comprises the five major ethnic groups in Belize, in order to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis A and B among men and women of military age in Belize. Of approximately 600 men and women in the BDF, 394 (66 per cent) volunteered to participate. Antibody to hepatitis A was found in 95 per cent with similar rates by age, rank and ethnicity. Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) was found in 31 per cent. The prevalence of anti-HBc varied significantly among the ethnic groups, with the lowest rates in Mayan Indians (5 per cent) and Mestizo (7 per cent), with significantly higher rates among Creoles (30 per cent) and Garifuna (54 per cent). Rates increased with increasing age from 25 per cent in those 18 - 24 years to 35 per cent in those over 35 years of age (p = 0.6, chi-square for trend). Hepatitis B surface antigen was found in 15 (4 per cent) overall. Rates of hepatitis A and B antibodies among 70 military recruits (mean age 20 years) were similar to those among regular forces; anti-HAV was found in 91 per cent, anti-HBc in 34 per cent, and HBsAg in 6 per cent. In this young healthy population, exposure to hepatitis A before the age of 18 years is almost universal, while exposure to hepatitis B is related to age and ethnicity (AU)