Viral Hepatitis in a Canadian First Nations Community. (1st October 2003)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Minuk, GY; Zhang, M; Wong, SGM; Uhanova, J; Bernstein, CN; Martin, B; Dawood, MR; Vardy, L; Giulvi, A
• Is Part Of: Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. Volume 17:Number 10(2003)
• Page Start: 593
• Page End: 596
• Publication Date: 2003-10-01
• Subjects: Canada -- Epidemiology -- First Nations -- Hepatitis -- Hepatitis A -- Hepatitis B -- Hepatitis C -- Liver
• DOI: 10.1155/2003/978162
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0835-7900

Abstract

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.