Hyperendemic foci of hepatitis B infection in Arunachal Pradesh, India
Biswas, D.; Borkakoty, B.J.; Mahanta, J.; Jampa, L.; Deouri, L.C.
Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 55: 701-704
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5772 PMID: 18173022 Document Number: 613007
To study the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among an isolated tribe of Northeast India that migrated long back from Tibet. Randomly selected 438 subjects from Idu Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), envelope antigen (HBeAg) using ELISA kits. The point prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 21.2% (93/438). Anti-HBc prevalence was 92.3% (193/209). Anti-HBs above 10 IU/ml were detected in 48% (96/200). Prevalence of HBeAg was higher (42.1%, 16/38) in children (less than 15 years) compared to adolescent and adults (32.7%, 18/55). History of hepatitis was significantly associated with positive HBsAg status (p < 0.000). Hepatitis B virus infection is hyperendemic among Idu Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Though, the route of transmission could not be ascertained, but the high HBV infection (78.6%) among less than 5 yrs and the finding of 58.4% of HBsAg positive mothers bearing HBsAg positive child indicates possibility of vertical transmission in this setting.