Viral hepatitis in a Canadian First Nations community

Can J Gastroenterol. 2003 Oct;17(10):593-6. doi: 10.1155/2003/978162.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American*
  • Male
  • Manitoba / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Vaccination