Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B in a population of children in central Tunisia.

The prevalence rate of HBV markers in the overall population was 18.0%. The prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HBs were 3.3% and 12.2% respectively. 2.5% of the children were negative for these markers but positive for anti-HBc alone. Of the 17 HBsAg positive children, 10 were HBeAg positive and four were anti-HBe positive. The statistical study using multifactorial correspondence analysis and the chi 2 test showed a positive relationship between the prevalence rate of anti-HBs and age, and a negative relationship between the prevalence rate of 'absence of markers' and age. The male sex and urban dwelling were related to higher prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HBc alone and to a lower prevalence rate of 'absence of markers'. No relationship was found between geographical zone, father's education and HBV markers. The implications of these results in terms of prevention are discussed.