Evidence of very low hepatitis B virus prevalence in children and adolescents in Germany: National cross-sectional study, 2014-2017.

ABSTRACT: Attaining the target of <0.1% HBsAg positives in children aged <5 years in vaccinated populations by 2030 is a WHO indicator of hepatitis B elimination. We aimed to calculate the prevalence of HBsAg- and anti-HBc-positive children and adolescents in the low-prevalence country of Germany. In total, 3567 children and adolescents aged 3-17 years participated in a national population based cross-sectional study. Data were collected between 2014 and 2017 using questionnaires and health examinations, including blood samples. Applying a weighted analysis to account for survey design and participant characteristics, we calculated the HBsAg and anti-HBc prevalence and described them by anti-HBs positivity. In total, 3007 participants had all three sero-markers measured. None were found HBsAg and an

SUBMITTER: Gillesberg Lassen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12529418 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature