HBV Status Among Vaccinated Family Members of HBV Positive Carriers in Northern Palestine (Tulkarm District)

The present study was designed to evaluate the status of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and the efficacy of the vaccination programmer among a total of 161 high-risk family members of hepatitis B virus carriers who were subjected to the governmental vaccination programme in Tulkarm, Northern Palestine, 1997-1998. The seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positivity was (8.1%). The highest seroprevalence rate found among the 21-30 age group(7.5% followed by the 11-20 age group and the <10 age. Differences in the prevalence rates among the various age groups were not statistically significant (.P > 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the prevalence of rates of HbsAg positive in males (92%, P = 0.008). Although differences in the prevalence rates of HBV infection according to residence were not statistically significant (P = 0.07) residence in the village was clearly associated with higher rate of HBV infection ( 84.6%) compared to that in town and camp. Nine (69.2%) of the infection transmission cases attributed to brother-brother relationship and 4 (30.8%) to father-children relationship. In small families (4 or less), the mean rate of HBV infection was 53.8%, whereas in large families (more than 4) it was 46.2%. Anti-HBV titers below the protective level (1000 IU/L) were found in all HBV-infected family members. Data analysis regarding family members with anti-HBV above the protective level, revealed no significant difference between groups completed the vaccination dose schedules (3-doses) and those received one or two doses (P > 0.05). However median titers of anti-HBV were higher in the group receiving 3-doses than in corresponding group receiving 1 or 2 doses. During follow up after 6 months from testing date, three additional HBV infection was observed. On the other hand, HBsAg clearance was observed in four cases among those found to be HBsAg positive in the initial stage of the study.