Viral Hepatitis in a Canadian First Nations Community
Serological markers for hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV) and C (HCV) were documented in 315 inhabitants (27%) of a central Manitoba First Nations community. Serologic evidence of HAV infection (anti-HAV positive) was almost universal (92%) by the age of 20 years. HBV infection (antibody to hepatitis B cor...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2003-01-01
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| Series: | Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2003/978162 |
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| Summary: | Serological markers for hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV) and C (HCV) were documented in 315 inhabitants (27%) of a central Manitoba First Nations community. Serologic evidence of HAV infection (anti-HAV positive) was almost universal (92%) by the age of 20 years. HBV infection (antibody to hepatitis B core antigen positive) had occurred in only 2.3% of the study population and no chronic carriers were identified. Serological evidence of HCV infection (anti-HCV positive) was documented in 2.2% of the population but ongoing viremia (HCV-RNA positive by polymerase chain reaction) was absent. The results of this study highlight the importance of universal HAV vaccination; likely reflect the efficacy of existing prenatal screening and immunoprophylaxis programs for HBV; and raise the possibility that First Nations peoples have an enhanced ability to spontaneously clear HCV. |
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| ISSN: | 0835-7900 |