Prevalence of HBV Sero-markers in two Di f ferent Socioeconomic Groups of Schoolchildren from Abidjan, Côte d’ Ivoire

Abstract

AIM: To assess seroprevalence of hepatitis B markers according to the social condition, in schoolchildren born before newborns immunization in Abidjan. METHODS: A total of 253 schoolchildren (6 to 15 years) were recruited in two randomly selected primary schools between April and June 2006. Schools A (n=124) and B (n=129) respectively were attended by schoolchildren from poorest and high social conditions. Serum samples were analyzed for serological markers of hepatitis B (ELISA method) to determine if they were infected, healed, vaccinated or seronegative. Logistic regression was performed to research the relationship between being infected or vaccinated and social condition, age and sex. RESULTS: Overall, children infected, healed and vaccinated were 4.3% (n=11), 6.3% (n=16) and 45.9% (n=116). No Hepatitis B Virus seromarkers were found in 121 cases (47.8%). In univariate analysis infected status increasing (0.8% vs 8.1% P=0.004) and vaccinated status decreasing (80.8% vs 8.9% P<0.00001) in poor social condition. In logistic regression, infected status was associated with increasing age [Odds Ratio (OR): 4.3; P=0.001; 95% confidence interval: 1.7-10.5] and poorest social condition [Odds Ratio (OR); 12.6; P=0.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.9-55.7]; and vaccinated status was only associated with high social condition [Odds Ratio 64 (25.2-162.5) P<0.001]. No relation was found between sex and vaccinated [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.9; P=0.083; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9-4.1] or infected [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.9; P=0.168; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8-4.5)] status. CONCLUSION: In Abidjan, poorest social class is associated with low immunization coverage and high infected status in schoolchildren born before hepatitis B universal vaccination. Catchup immunization in necessary and must be free of charge to be effective.