Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C markers in adolescents in Southern Brazil

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers among adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years old, who are elementary school students in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that included 418 volunteers, from March to July, 2008. Serology comprised HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. Tests were performed using automated Microparticle Enzyme Immunosorbant Assay (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 0.2% (95%CI: 0.0-1.3), and the prevalence of anti-HBc was found to be 1.4% (95%CI: 0.5-3.1). Regarding anti-HBs, 48.6% had titers greater than 10UI/L. None of the volunteers presented reactive results for anti-HCV. This study showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection and a great number of volunteers immunized against HBV. Finally this study shows the importance of proper health campaigns and policies in reducing those prevalences.     

Declining prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Catalonia (Spain) 12 years after the introduction of universal vaccination

AIMS: To analyze the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection markers and hepatitis B vaccination in a representative sample of the juvenile and adult population of Catalonia and to evaluate the changes with respect to seroepidemiological surveys carried out in 1989 and 1996. DESIGN: In all subjects anti-HBc and anti-HBs antibodies and HBsAg were determined using an ELISA test. The possible association between sociodemographic variables and the prevalence of markers was analysed by calculating the adjusted odd ratio (simple logistic regression). SETTING: The study was carried out in 2002 in representative samples of the juvenile (5-14 years) and adult population (>or= 15 years) of Catalonia (Spain). MAIN RESULTS: In 2002 the global prevalence of HBsAg+ was 0.7% (95% CI: 0.4-1.0) and that of anti-HBc+ 8.7% (95% CI: 7.6-9.8), values higher than those obtained in 1989 of 1.5% (95% CI: 1.0-2.1) and 15.6 (95% CI: 13.9-17.3). The prevalence of markers of infection increased with age. The only sociodemographic variable significantly associated with the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was the place of birth. The risk of infection was twice as high in subjects born outside Catalonia (p<0.01), adjusted OR 2.0 (95% CI: 1.34-2.98) compared with those born in Catalonia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection (anti-HBc+) in Catalonia (Spain) is currently the lowest it has ever been and suggest that there has been a change in the pattern of endemicity of hepatitis B virus infection in Catalonia, which has become a country of low endemicity.     

Prevalence and associated factors to hepatitis C in hemodialysis patients in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is higher in patients on hemodialysis than in the general population, probably due to greater exposure to risk situations. The purposes of the study were to determine anti-HCV antibodies prevalence among hemodialysis patients and dialysis clinics and patients factors associated with HCV transmission. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 752 hemodialysis patients in all 12 dialysis clinics of Fortaleza, Brazil, and were screened using third generation ELISA. Sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological data of 663 patients were collected through interviews. Nosocomial factors were assessed using a specific questionnaire tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using Student's t test, odds ratio and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-HCV was 52% (390/746; ranged from 6% to 72%). The anti-HCV positivity was higher in patients who had previous peritoneal dialysis (OR=1.76; 95% CI 1.12-2.76) and blood transfusion (OR=2.75; 95% CI 1.25-6.03). Dialysis age has been associated with anti-HCV positivity (OR=1.47; 95% CI 1.35-1.61). Clinics practices associated with anti-HCV positivity were: previous preparing of heparin (OR=2.92; 95% CI 1.23-6.92), failure in gloves use or change (OR=5.73; 95% CI 1.75-18.72), unsatisfactory dialysis machine disinfection (OR=2.79; 95% CI 1.57-4.96), and patient isolation in dialysis room (OR=0.18; 95% CI 0.05-0.61). CONCLUSIONS: The results show high anti-HCV prevalence among hemodialysis patients and the association of nosocomial factors with new HCV infection cases.     

HBV, HCV and HDV infections in Albanian refugees in Southern Italy (Apulia region)

The seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C and D markers was assessed in a sample of 670 Albanian refugees in Southern Italy in 1997. The mean age was 25 years (S.D. = 12.3). Of study subjects 62.1% (95% CI: 58.4-65.7) were positive for anti-HBc antibodies and 13.6% (95% CI: 10.9-16.1) for HBsAg. The prevalence of anti-HBs was 47.6% (95% CI: 43.8-51.3). Among HBsAg carriers the prevalence of HBeAg was 7.7% (95% CI: 2.2-13.1). The highest carrier rate for HBsAg (25.5%; 95% CI: 16.7-34.3) was found in the age group 21-25 years. A relevant finding was a prevalence of HBsAg of 8.1% in children 10 years and under. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 0.3% (95% CI: 0.0-0.7) while only one of the HBsAg carriers was positive for anti-HDV (1.1%, 95% CI: 0-3.2). In Albania, hepatitis B infection represents a public health priority that should be addressed by a universal vaccination campaign.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in The Netherlands in 1996 and 2007

We aimed to assess differences in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in The Netherlands between 1996 and 2007, and to identify risk factors for HBV infection in 2007. Representative samples of the Dutch population in 1996 and 2007 were tested for antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV-DNA. In 2007, the weighted anti-HBc prevalence was 3·5% (95% CI 2·2-5·5) and the HBsAg prevalence was 0·2% (95% CI 0·1-0·4). In indigenous Dutch participants, the anti-HBc prevalence was lower in 2007 than in 1996 (P=0·06). First-generation migrants (FGMs) had a 13-fold greater risk of being HBsAg- and/or HBV-DNA-positive than indigenous Dutch participants. In indigenous Dutch participants, risk factors for anti-HBc positivity were older age and having received a blood product before 1990. In FGMs, being of Asian origin was a risk factor. In second-generation migrants, having a foreign-born partner and injecting drug use were risk factors. FGMs are the main target group for secondary HBV prevention in The Netherlands.     

Risk factors associated with hepatitis C virus infection in Taiwanese government employees

This study evaluated the roles of multiple factors in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with emphasis on the modification of various individual characteristics on the risk associated with percutaneous exposure to blood. Serum samples taken from 4869 men in Taiwan within a cohort study were tested for HCV antibody. The overall positive rate of anti-HCV was 1.6%. In a logistic regression, factors positively associated with anti-HCV positivity were previous blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR] = 7.28: 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.26-12.45), a history of surgery (OR = 2.06: 95% CI = 1 23-3.46), and lower educational levels (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.14-3.32). The anti-HCV positive rate was significantly lower in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers than in non-carriers (OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.37-0.95). Ageing, lower educational levels, O blood group, and Taiwanese ethnicity enhanced the likelihood of HCV infection through blood transfusion/surgery, whereasHBsAg status, cigarette smoking, and habitual alcohol drinking reduced it.     

Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among Egyptian healthcare workers in a national liver diseases referral centre

Little is known about the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among healthcare workers (HCW) in Egypt, where the highest worldwide prevalence of HCV exists. The prevalence of HCV, hepatitis B virus and Schistosoma mansoni antibodies was examined in 842 HCWs at the National Liver Institute in the Nile Delta, where >85% of patients are HCV antibody-positive. The mean age of HCWs was 31.5 years and they reported an average of 0.6±1.2 needlesticks/HCW/year. The prevalence of anti-HCV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and co-infection was 16.6%, 1.5% and 0.2%, respectively. HCV-RNA was present in 72.1% of anti-HCV-positive HCWs, and all but one subject were infected with HCV genotype 4. Schistosoma mansoni antibodies were present in 35.1%. The anti-HCV rate increased sharply with age and employment duration, but not among those with needlestick history. After adjusting for other risk factors, the anti-HCV rate was higher among older HCWs [P<0.001; risk ratio (RR) = 1.086, 95% CI 1.063-1.11], males (P=0.002; RR=1.911, 95% CI 1.266-2.885) and those with rural residence (P<0.001; RR=2.876, 95% CI 1.830-4.52). Occupation (P=0.133), duration of employment (P=0.272) or schistosomal antibody positivity (P=0.152) were not significant risk factors for anti-HCV positivity. In conclusion, although one in six HCWs had been infected with HCV, the infections were more likely to be community-acquired and not occupationally related.     

广州市社区居民病毒性肝炎血清流行病学调查及相关影响因素分析

目的了解社区居民病毒性肝炎的血清流行病学情况,分析乙型肝炎（乙肝）的危险因素,为进一步探索社区居民肝炎综合防治措施提供科学依据。方法以分层随机抽样方法,于2010年在广州市选取3个街道的社区居民为调查对象,采用面对面询问方式问卷调查,收集一般情况、生活史、家族史、乙肝知识、乙肝疫苗注射史等信息。采用ELISA法检测调查对象血样的HBsAg、抗-HBs、HBeAg、抗-HBe、抗-HBc和抗-HAVIgG、抗-HCVIgG共7项指标。采用logistic回归分析方法分析影响乙肝感染率的因素。结果调查了2015户家庭居民共3511人,其中男性1403人,女性2108人。人群抗-HAVIgG、抗-HCV IgG、HBsAg、抗-HBs、HBeAg、抗-HBe和抗-HBc阳性率分别为91．83％、0．74％、7．18％、61．75％、0．85％、12．90％和17．23％;HBsAg阳性率峰值出现在31～40岁年龄组（12．80％,43／337）;乙肝疫苗计划免疫策略实施后出生人群HBsAg阳性率为0．30％（1／328）,大幅低于政策实施前出生的人群（7．89％,251／3183）（P〈0．01）;HBV感染率为16．80％（590／3511）。多因素logistic回归分析结果表明,有肝炎家族史是HBV感染的危险因素（OR=33．52）,而接种乙肝疫苗是保护因素（OR=0．56）。结论广州市社区居民甲肝免疫水平较高,通过持续的肝炎防治,乙肝和丙肝的感染率有所降低,乙肝疫苗免费接种有效降低了新生儿和青少年的乙肝感染率,但成年人这一指标仍处于较高水平,建议今后应针对性改进社区居民尤其乙肝患者家属这一高危人群肝炎综合防治措施。     

Decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis B and a low prevalence of hepatitis C virus infections in the general population of the Seychelles

A serological survey of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections was carried out on a random sex- and age-stratified sample of 1006 individuals aged 25-64 years in the Seychelles islands. Anti-HBc and anti-HCV antibodies were detected using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), followed by a Western blot assay in the case of a positive result for anti-HCV. The age-adjusted seroprevalence of anti-HBc antibodies was 8.0% (95% CI: 6.5-9.9%) and the percentage prevalence among males/females increased from 7.0/3.1 to 19.1/13.4 in the age groups 25-34 to 55-64 years, respectively. Two men and three women were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, with an age-adjusted seroprevalence of 0.34% (95% CI: 0.1-0.8%). Two out of these five subjects who were positive for anti-HCV also had anti-HBc antibodies. The seroprevalence of anti-HBc was significantly higher in unskilled workers, persons with low education, and heavy drinkers. The age-specific seroprevalence of anti-HBc in this population-based survey, which was conducted in 1994, was approximately three times lower than in a previous patient-based survey carried out in 1979. Although there are methodological differences between the two surveys, it is likely that the substantial decrease in anti-HBc prevalence during the last 15 years may be due to significant socioeconomic development and the systematic screening of blood donors since 1981. Because hepatitis C virus infections are serious and the cost of treatment is high, the fact that the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies is at present low should not be an argument for not screening blood donors for anti-HCV and eliminating those who are positive.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B,hepatitis C and syphilis in female sex workers in Venezuela

OBJECTIVE: In Venezuela, female sex workers are submitted to a preventive control of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, other very important sexually transmitted infections are not evaluated. A study was carried out to identify the sociocultural background of a group of sex workers and its association with the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C markers, in addition to routine evaluation. METHOD: A total of 212 female sex workers who attended the control center of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the city of Los Teques, Venezuela, were evaluated. Women were asked their age, educational background, use of contraceptive methods and condoms. Blood was drawn to determine the prevalence of syphilis, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis B core (anti-HBc), hepatitis C (anti-HCV) and HIV. RESULTS: The prevalence of syphilis was 2.4%, seroprevalence of anti-HCV was 0.5%, HBsAg 3.8% and anti-HBc 13.8%. No cases of HIV were observed. Higher prevalence of hepatitis B markers was associated with a lower level of education (p<0.05) and higher age (p<0.05). It was found that 38.5% of participant women never used condoms and 25.6% did not use any contraceptive method. CONCLUSION: It could be necessary to implement preventive programs to immunize sex workers against hepatitis B virus as well as education programs on condom use for their protection against sexually transmitted infections.     

Prevalence study of different hepatitis markers among pregnant Albanian refugees in Greece

Aim of the study was to record the prevalence of the various types of viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, in pregnant Albanian refugees in Greece. The study comprised 500 pregnant refugees of mean age 25:1 ± 4,6 years. In Albania, all women had lived in overcrowded houses and had been exposed to non throw-away needles and syringes. Various indices for all hepatitis types were determined. The prevalence of HBsAg was 13.4%, of anti-HBs 53%, of total anti-HBc 70.8%, of anti-HBc IgM 0.4%, of HBeAg 1.2%, of anti-HBe 58.6%, of anti-HAV 96.2%, of anti-HAV IgM 1%, of anti-HDV 0.4%, of anti-HCV 0.6% and of anti-HEV 2%. HBeAg was found positive in 7.5% of HBsAg carriers. Prevalence of hepatitis B markers, as determined by HBsAg and/or anti-HBs and/or total anti-HBc was significantly higher in those with a history of previous hospitalization in Albania (p = 0.01) and those with previous history of hepatitis (p = 0.02). The high prevalence of hepatitis B markers in pregnant Albanian refugees proves that HBV infection is highly endemic in Albania and the possibility of perinatal transmission to the offsprings urges for HBV vaccination programmes. On the other hand improvements in the socioeconomic conditions and the sanitation system in Albania is anticipated to reduce the incidence of HAV and HBV infections.     

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus in Luxembourg

A prospective seroepidemiological survey was carried out in Luxembourg in 2000-2001 to determine the antibody status of the Luxembourg population against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). One of the objectives of this survey was to assess the impact of the hepatitis B vaccination programme, which started in May 1996 and included a catch-up campaign for all adolescents aged 12-15 years. Venous blood from 2679 individuals was screened for the presence of antibodies to HAV antigen and antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) using an enzyme immunoassay. Samples positive for anti-HBs were tested for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) using a chemiluminiscent microparticle immunoassay to distinguish between individuals with past exposure to vaccine or natural infection. The estimated age-standardized anti-HAV seroprevalence was 42.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 39.8-44.1] in the population >4 years of age. Seroprevalence was age-dependent and highest in adult immigrants from Portugal and the former Yugoslavia. The age-standardized prevalence of anti-HBs and anti-HBc was estimated at 19.7% (95% CI 18.1-21.3) and 3.16% (95% CI 2.2-4.1) respectively. Anti-HBs seroprevalence exceeding 50% was found in the cohorts targeted by the routine hepatitis B vaccination programme, which started in 1996. Our study illustrates that most young people in Luxembourg are susceptible to HAV infection and that the hepatitis B vaccination programme is having a substantial impact on population immunity in children and teenagers.     

北京市人群乙型肝炎血清流行病学研究

目的探讨北京市人群乙型肝炎(乙肝)病毒(HBV)血清学感染状况。方法在北京全市范围内,按照多阶段整群随机抽样的方法调查1岁以上各年龄组自然人群,对每名对象乙肝疫苗接种情况以及主要危险因素进行问卷调查。采集每名对象静脉血,利用雅培微粒子酶免疫分析法检测HBV五项血清学指标。结果乙肝HBsAg、抗-HBs、抗-HBc阳性率以及HBV总感染率分别为3．49％(95％CI:2．99～3．99),37．79％(95％CI:36．46～39．12),35．04％(95％CI:33．72～36．35),35．09％(95％CI:33．78～36．40);年龄标化率分别为3．02％、42．47％、26．86％和26．90％。结论北京市5岁以下儿童HBsAg流行率已降至1％以下,全人群HBsAg阳性率已经降至4％以下。     

济阳县15～40岁人群乙型肝炎病毒感染标志调查

目的　了解乙型肝炎(乙肝)病毒(HBV)感染标志的分布情况。方法　2 0 0 3年11月在山东省济阳县开展了15～4 0岁人群HBV感染标志分布的横断面调查,共采集合格静脉血1994人份。乙肝病毒表面抗原(HBsAg)、乙肝病毒表面抗体(抗HBs)、乙肝病毒核心抗体(抗HBc)均用固相放射免疫(SPRIA)法检测。结果　15～4 0岁人群HBsAg、抗HBs、抗 HBc和HBV感染率分别为6 5. 2 %、2 4 .77%、30 . 99%和4 3 .6 3%。HBsAg流行率随年龄的增长而升高,男女性别之间HBsAg流行率的差异无显著的统计学意义。结论　该次调查正值我国将乙肝疫苗纳入儿童计划免疫之际,此调查可为之提供本底资料,并为进一步探讨乙肝疫苗扩大免疫策略提供参考     

Seroepidemiology of infection with hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus in the Seychelles

A batch of 417 serum samples obtained from native-born subjects were tested for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and corresponding antibody (anti-HBs), by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), e-antigen (anti-HBe), and hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV), by radioimmunoassay (RIA). HBsAg was found in only two of the 417 subjects studied. Anti-HBs was detected in 112 samples (26.8%), anti-HBc in 114 (27.3%) and anti-HBe in 31 samples (7.4%). Serologic evidence of a previous or present infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) was found in 34.5% of the samples studied. Males showed a greater prevalence of anti-HBs and anti-HBc, while anti-HBe was more common in females; however, these differences were not significant. With regard to age, a significantly higher prevalence of anti-HBs (p less than 0.05), anti-HBc (p less than 0.025) and anti-HBe (p less than 0.025) was found in the older age groups. Anti-HAV antibodies were present in 90% of the subjects studied, with no variation between the sexes. The anti-HAV rate in the group under 20 years was similar to that found in the older age groups. The total infection rate of hepatitis B virus in the Seychelles is lower than in other tropical areas, HBs antigen/antibody ratio approaching that in temperate areas. Elucidation of the reasons for the low prevalence of hepatitis B virus carriers among the Sevchelles population requires further investigation.     

深圳市儿童乙型肝炎血清流行病学调查分析

目的探讨深圳市儿童乙型病毒性肝炎(简称乙肝)流行现状及乙肝疫苗应用效果。方法采用多阶段整群系统随机抽样方法抽取调查户,对深圳市1～14岁常住人口进行问卷调查并采血检测HBsAg、抗-HBs及抗-HBc。采用Epidata 3.2软件建立调查数据库,利用SPSS 16.0软件进行数据处理分析,两组之间率比较采用χ2检验,P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。结果调查1～14岁儿童1 653人,HBsAg阳性率2.06%,抗-HBs阳性率74.53%,抗-HBc阳性率5.32%,HBV感染率9.62%。有乙肝疫苗免疫史儿童1 349人,HBsAg阳性率1.85%、抗-HBs阳性率75.02%、抗-HBc阳性率4.60%及HBV感染率5.41%;无乙肝疫苗免疫史儿童92人,HBsAg阳性率4.35%、抗-HBs阳性率68.48%、抗-HBc阳性率10.87%及HBV感染率73.91%;有无乙肝疫苗免疫史儿童HBsAg阳性率、抗-HBs阳性率差异无统计学意义,抗-HBc阳性率、HBV感染率差异有统计学意义,(χ2=7.14、457.83,P均<0.01)。乙肝疫苗免疫3年以内儿童601人,其中HBsAg阳性率为0、抗-HBs阳性率73.71%、抗-HBc阳性率2.0%、HBV感染率2.0%;免疫7～9年183人,其中HBsAg阳性率5.46%、抗-HBs阳性率79.23%、抗-HBc阳性率8.74%、HBV感染率11.48%。乙肝疫苗不同免疫年限儿童抗-HBs阳性率差异无统计学意义,HBsAg阳性率、抗-HBc阳性率、HBV感染率差异有统计学意义(χ2=29.53、36.88、43.75,P均<0.01)。结论持续保持较高的乙肝疫苗接种率,可以有效降低乙肝流行率。研究和推行乙肝疫苗加强免疫策略也是乙肝防治工作重点之一。     

Infection by hepatitis B and C virus in non-intravenous drug using female prostitutes in Spain

We have studied the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serologic markers in female blood donors and in female prostitutes and the relationship of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and of antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) with the presence of treponemal antibodies (FTA-ABS) in non-intravenous drug using female prostitutes. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was found in 1.0% of the female blood donors, anti-HBc in 15.6% and anti-HCV in 0.7%. In the prostitutes, the prevalence of HBsAg was 6.1%, anti-HBc was positive in 29.0% and anti-HCV in 8.8%. No significant statistical association between the prevalence of anti-HBc or anti-HCV and the age of prostitutes (p = 0.9111 and p = 0.8254 respectively) or the length of time as prostitutes (p = 0.3583 and p = 0.5770) was found. FTA-ABS positive prostitutes had a significantly higher prevalence of anti-HCV than FTA-ABS negative prostitutes (p < 0.001). No statistical association was found between anti-HBc antibodies and positive FTA-ABS prostitutes (p = 0.336).Corresponding author.     

西藏自治区2014年和2020年1～69岁人群乙型肝炎血清流行病学调查分析

目的对比2014年和2020年西藏自治区(西藏)两次乙型肝炎(乙肝)血清流行病学调查结果, 评价西藏乙肝防控效果。方法两次调查均以1～、5～、15～、30～69岁常住人口HBsAg阳性率估计值计算所需样本量, 2014年和2020年所需样本量分别为7 163和4 802人。采用多阶段分层整群随机抽样方法抽取调查对象, 开展问卷调查并对每名调查对象采集5 ml静脉血, 检测HBsAg、抗-HBs、抗-HBc, 对HBsAg阳性标本进行复核。使用SPSS 22.0软件对调查结果进行分析, 计算各指标阳性率及其95%CI。结果 2014年共调查7 069人, 2020年共调查4 913人。2020年HBsAg、抗-HBs和抗-HBc阳性率分别为9.20%(452/4 913)、37.11%(1 823/4 913)和32.75%(1 609/4 913), 较2014年分别下降22.95%、15.54%、1.92%。1～、5～、15～、30～69岁人群HBsAg阳性率分别为2.23%(8/358)、2.85%(20/701)、6.86%(69/1 006)和12.46%(355/2 848)...     

Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody among health care employees in Negri Sembilan, Malaysia, 1989.

This study was based on a hepatitis B screening program conducted in one of the states in Malaysia in 1989. The majority (84.6%) of the 2986 health employees were screened. One quarter (25%) was found to have serological markers for the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV); 2.1% had Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) and 22.8% had antibody to the Hepatitis B surface Antigen (anti-HBs). The occurrence of HBsAg was higher in ethnic Chinese (6.3%) compared to Malays (1.8%) and Indians (0.9%), even when analyzed by sex, but not with age, type of institution and geographical locality. The distribution of anti-HBs was higher with ethnic Chinese (41.6%), male sex (27.2%) and age. There was a wide variation of the prevalence of serological markers among occupations and increased relative risks of HBsAg were found among medical assistants (RR3.7; 95% CI 1.4-9.1) and laboratory staff (RR 3.2; 95% CI 1-8.8), and that of anti-HBs among medical assistants (RR 2.8; 95% CI 1.8-3.7). The variations of HBsAg among occupations by type of institutions was marginal while that of anti-HBs was higher among attendants and midwives in hospitals, medical assistants in health departments, and assistant nurses and dentists in dental centers. The patterns of distribution of serological markers of HBV among health staff reflect the situation in the community with high endemicity and resemble specific occupational factors noted in previous studies in the West.