Intra-familial spread of hepatitis B virus infection in eastern Turkey

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem. The aim of the present study was not only to determine the prevalence of HBsAg in children of HBV-infected parents but also to identify all HBSAg-positive family members to protect as many children, in the present and future, as possible. The study was carried out with the participation of 2113 family members (1205 children, 453 mothers, and 455 fathers) at Sivas SSK Hospital, Turkey. They were screened for HBV markers using standard enzyme immunoassay between September 2001 and March 2005. The prevalence of any HBV markers and HBsAg among family members of index cases was 50.5% and 30.5% respectively. HBsAg carrier rate was higher among fathers (61%) than mothers (47%), (P<0.05). The children of mother index cases had higher rates of HBsAg compared with the children of father index cases (P<0.01). Our results suggest that intra-familial childhood horizontal transmission (especially mother-to-child) is important for HBV transmission in the Turkish community, and highlights the need for screening of adult siblings and mothers of adult HBsAg carriers in addition to their spouses and children.