The relationship of hepatitis B virus infection between adults and their children in Guangxi Province, China

Background/Aim: This study aimed to describe the seroepidemiology of hepati tis B virus (HBV) infection, with emphasis on transmission of HBV infection between adults and their children. Methods: We analyzed the hepatitis sere-survey data collected from 2132 per sons aged 1-59 years (624 families) in Guangxi Province, China, 1992. Blood was tested for the presence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), th e antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and the antibody to hepa titis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). Results: Of the 2132 persons surveyed, 119 (5.6%) reported receiving HBV va ccination. Among those persons who did not receive HBV vaccination, 19% wer e HBsAg positive (current HBV infection) and 57% had a past HBV infection ( they were HBsAg negative and either anti-HBc positive or anti-HBs positive) . Among 519 children aged 1-10 years who did not receive HBV vaccination, 2 1% had current HBV infection and 37% had past HBV infection. Among 289 chil dren of both parents who were HBsAg negative, 16% had current HBV infection and 36% had past HBV infection. Conclusions: The high prevalence of community-acquired HBV infection in chi ldren and the low HBV vaccination coverage in Guangxi should alert public h ealth agencies to re-examine their current policies for preventing HBV tran smission.