Situation of Hepatitis B and C infection in Thanh Hoa

 

Hoang Thuy Long, Nguyen Thu Van, Do Tuan Dat, Hoang Quynh Tran, Nguyen Van Cuong,

Nguyen Thanh Hao1, David Hipgrave, Vu Minh Huong2, Dinh Van Hai, Nguyen Dang Ngoan3.

1National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology

     2 Project "Strengthening Immunization and Malaria Control in Viet Nam"

     3 Health Service and Center of Preventive Medicine of Thanh Hoa

 

1581 persons from two different geometry areas of Thanh Hoa provine; Quang Xuong plane district and Ngoc Lac middle-lane district, had participated in the Serosurvey of Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) in August 1998. All had divided into 4 age groups representative as different modes of viral transmission; 2 Infant groups: 9-18 months old and 4-6 years old , Adolescent group - 14-16 years old and Adult group - 25-40 years old. Nearly half of objects sampling had exposed to HBV, the rate of HBcAb positive increases upon ages and up to 81.4% of Adults. The rate of HBsAg carriers is 17% and no significant difference between age groups. More than 85% of Infant HBsAg carriers are HBeAg positive, this rate of Adolescent and Adult is lower (71.1% and 30.4% respectively) - Therefore HBV infection of Infant easely becomes chronic carrier state. HBsAb increases upon ages and only 3.4% of Infant 9-18 months old has this antibody. Only 6 samples (0.38%) and no one of Infant are positive among 1563 anti-HCV tests. Conclusively, Thanh Hoa is low prevalence of HCV infection and high prevalence, similarly the common rate of HBV infection in Viet Nam. HB vaccination for Infant, especially Newborn baby is necessary aim to reduce the state of viral infection and carrier in the future.