PREVALENCE OF VIRAL-HEPATITIS MARKERS IN THE POPULATION OF PORTUGAL

Abstract

The prevalence of viral hepatitis markers in apparently healthy individuals of both sexes, born and living in both urban and rural areas of all the Portuguese provinces, was studied by radioimmunoassay. The anti-HAV [antibody to hepatitis A virus] prevalence was determined in 1770 individuals, 1-84 yr old, divided into 8 age groups. The HBsAg [hepatitis B surface antigen] prevalence was determined in 1440 individuals, 15-84 yr old, divided into 5 age groups, while the anti-HBs prevalence was determined in 1980 individuals, 1-84 yr old, divided into 8 age groups. The data were standardized for the Portuguese population. The anti-HAV results were similar for both sexes and showed a general prevalence of 84.9%. No significant difference in the prevalences between urban and rural areas was found. Age-group prevalences of anti-HAV were: 1-4 yr, 23.9%; 5-9 yr, 61.3%; 10-14 yr, 76.4%; 15-19 yr, 93.4%; and > 30 yr, 99%. The HBsAg results showed a general prevalence of 1.25% for persons > 15 yr old (2.04% for males and 0.78% for females). The anti-HBs results were similar for both sexes and showed a general prevalence of 24.3%. The northern provinces tended to have a higher anti-HBs prevalence than the southern ones, except for Lisbon province which had the highest figure. Age-group prevalences of anti-HBs were: 1-4 yr, 7.6%; 5-9 yr, 12.6%; 10-14 yr, 8.7%; 15-19 yr, 23.5%; 20-29 yr, 28.4%; and > 30 yr between 30.0% and 34.3%. Only 5.3% of the anti-HAV-positive individuals, 11.2% of the HBsAg carriers and 9.2% of the anti-HBs-positive individuals had a history of acute hepatitis. Portugal may be considered an endemic area for viral hepatitis infections.