Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis B in Greek Children 6 Years After the Implementation of Universal Vaccination |
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| Authors: | V. Papaevangelou C. Hadjichristodoulou D. C. Cassimos K. Pantelaki A. Tzivaras A. Hatzimichael M. Theodoridou |
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| Affiliation: | (1) 2nd Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Athens, “A. Kyriakou” Children's Hospital, Thivon and Livadias str, Goudi, Athens, 11527, Greece;(2) Dept. of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, 41222, Greece;(3) Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, 68100, Greece;(4) Blood Bank Laboratory, “A. Sofia” Children's Hospital, Goudi, Athens, 11527, Greece;(5) First Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Athens, “A. Sofia” Children's Hospital, Goudi, Athens, 11527, Greece |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The seroepidemiology of hepatitis B in children living in Greece 6 years post-implementation of universal infant immunization (1998) was studied. We collected 90–100 sera/year of age, stratified by geographic region. The prevalence of HbsAg(+) was 0.6% (95% CI 0.3–1.3) whereas 4.5% (95% CI 3.4–5.9%) of children over 12 months of age had evidence of past HBV infection. A significant decline in the prevalence of past infection between children born before and after 1998 (5.5% vs 2.9%; RR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.03–3.5) was noted. Conversely, the prevalence of past HBV infection did not change significantly among immigrant children. Reinforcement of early vaccination of immigrant population is necessary. |
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