DO BEDBUGS TRANSMIT HEPATITIS-B

An intervention study was done over two years in seven Gambian village s to determine the contribution of bedbugs to hepatitis B transmission . In addition, fortnightly questionnaires were completed for each chil d to assess other possible routes of transmission. The intervention, i nsecticide spraying of the child's dwelling, was highly effective in r educing exposure to bedbugs but there was no effect on hepatitis B inf ection. No other risk factor for transmission was identified despite a consistent village-to-village variation in the rate of childhood infe ction. The major mode of transmission of hepatitis B in childhood rema ins unknown.