Prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBs in children and strategy suggested for immunisation in India
Tandon, B.N.; Irshad, M.; Raju, M.; Mathur, G.P.; Rao, M.N.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 93: 337-339
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 1797638 Document Number: 375086
The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBs was studied in sera from 982 children of different age groups below 5 yr. HBsAg was detected in 0.9, 2.3, 4.1, 2.3 and 1.6 per cent children of 0-1, 2-6, 7-12, 13-36 and 37-60 months age groups respectively. Anti-HBs in these five groups was noted in 17.0, 12.9, 18.4, 14.2 and 13.7 per cent children, respectively. The findings suggest that the carrier pool is built up in the preschool age group, particularly, below the age of 6 months. Perinatal transmission and the relative role of transplacental need re-evaluation. Cost analysis does not permit inclusion of HBV in the Expanded Programme of Immunisation.