In:
Intervirology, S. Karger AG, Vol. 50, No. 6 ( 2007), p. 408-411
Abstract:
〈 i 〉 Background/Aims: 〈 /i 〉 The epidemiology of hepatitis B, C, and E viruses (HBV, HCV, HEV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been obscure in Indonesia, particularly in its remote areas. 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 We undertook serological surveys for HBV/HCV/HEV/HIV infections in the general population of Tahuna, the capital city of Sangihe-Talaud Archipelago, an outlier in the northeastern part of Indonesia. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 Of 581 sera collected in April 2005, 1.4% was reactive for HBsAg, 0.2% for anti-HCV, and 5.9% for anti-HEV, but none for anti-HIV. All the HBsAg-positive sera were also positive for HBV DNA, the nucleotide sequence of which is segregated within subgenotype C5. Most of the preschool children were positive for anti-HBs as a result of an HB immunization initiated in 1997. The titer of anti-HCV in the only individual detected was very low, with a negative result of HCV RNA detection, suggesting a nonspecific reaction. Anti-HEV was significantly more frequent in those over 30 years of age than in the younger age group (24 vs. 1.9%, p 〈 0.0001). 〈 i 〉 Conclusion: 〈 /i 〉 Thus, it seems that HCV and HIV have fortunately not made it as far as the Sangihe-Talaud Archipelago. Although HBV infection remains a major problem in adults (with the HBsAg-positive rate at 4.9%), HB immunization has begun to protect the younger generation.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0300-5526
,
1423-0100
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2007
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1482863-7
SSG:
12
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