The seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus infections in paediatric oncology patients in Turkey.

One hundred and two newly diagnosed children with malignancy followed up at the Pediatric Oncology Department of Ankara Oncology Hospital were investigated for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus markers. The ages ranged between seven months and 17 years with a median of 10 years; 62 were male. Twenty-four patients had Hodgkin's disease, 11 had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 67 patients had other solid tumours. Four patients had positive HBs-Ag, 15 developed immunity against hepatitis B and had anti-HBs antibodies. One patient had a previous infection with positive anti-HBc. Hepatitis C virus antibodies were positive in only one patient. HIV serology was negative in all patients. These results show the high prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in paediatric oncology patients. In countries where hepatitis B is endemic, strict screening of blood donors, usage of disposable equipment and vaccination of patients is recommended. Although the incidence of hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus infections are rising, infection with hepatitis B is still by far the most common.