Hepatitis B virus infection in Singapore.

摘要: Although Singapore is in an endemic region for hepatitis B infection, the carriage rate of 5-6% relatively low. The highest positivity rates surface antigen (HBsAg) are found paediatric age group, with another peak 40-49 year olds. Studies suggest that, although perinatal transmission important route most children acquire virus through horizontal between family members. Viral replication continues at a high young carriers and tends to slow down increasing age. Up 50% have chronic hepatitis, shown by raised serum ALT values liver histology, about 10% infected precore mutant virus. About 20% cirrhosis. Among patients HCC, up 75% HBsAg positive, whom 45% still viraemic. Mass vaccination against was introduced into on voluntary basis 1983, compulsory babies born HBeAg positive mothers since 1985. number cases acute has fallen 60% 1989 1995 problems longterm complications need be tackled.