Hepatitis B Vaccination and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Rates in Boys and Girls

Article Abstract:

Hepatitis B vaccine appears to lower the risk of liver cancer in boys but not in girls, according to a study in Taiwan. In 1984, hepatitis B vaccination was offered to all newborn babies of mothers who tested positive for hepatitis B virus. This lowered the rate of liver cancer in boys but not in girls.

Taiwan, Research, Prevention, Sex factors in disease, Disease sex factors

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Hepatitis C virus infection in an area hyperendemic for hepatitis B and chronic liver disease: the Taiwan experience

Article Abstract:

Hepatitis B (HBV) has been associated with chronic liver disease and hepatocellular (liver) carcinoma (HCC). In Taiwan, cirrhosis (chronic degenerative disease) of the liver and HCC are among the ten leading causes of death; a large percentage of these patients test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The epidemiology of non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANB) resembles that of hepatitis B and appears to produce the same types of disease as HBV. The role of NANB in these diseases was difficult to identify until the major virus was identified and designated as hepatitis C (HCV). The role of HCV was studied in Taiwanese patients with chronic liver disease, others at risk for NANB hepatitis, and a group of healthy adults. Serum samples from 392 patients with chronic liver disease, 444 high-risk individuals, and 440 healthy adults were analyzed for antibodies to HCV by radioimmunoassay techniques. High concentrations of anti-HCV antibodies were found in patients with hemophilia (90 percent), intravenous drug abusers (81 percent), and patients with chronic liver disease who were HBsAg-negative (57.7 percent). Anti-HCV was also found in other at-risk patients. Healthy volunteer blood donors had an extremely low level (0.95 percent) of HCV antibodies. HCV infection appear to be strongly associated with HBsAg-negative chronic liver disease and HCC. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Demographic aspects, Hepatitis C, Liver cirrhosis, Hepatitis C virus

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Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in children: ten years of mass vaccination in Taiwan

Article Abstract:

A mass vaccination program in young Taiwanese children to prevent hepatitis B has successfully reduced the number of infected children. The nationwide vaccination program was begun in 1984. All infants were vaccinated at birth and again at 1, 2 and 12 months. Eight-five percent of all children were eventually vaccinated and 95% of those between 1 and 6 were vaccinated. Vaccination reduced the number of hepatitis B carriers by 87% and the number of children infected by 85%. This could significantly reduce the number of adults with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer in the future.

Evaluation, Children, Vaccination of children, Vaccination, Taiwanese, Chinese (Taiwan)

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