Risk factors for acute hepatitis B and its progression to chronic hepatitis in Shanghai, China.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The major risk factors for acute hepatitis B (AHB) in China and the viral factors determining the progression from acute to chronic hepatitis B remain largely unknown.

Methods

Epidemiological studies within a population-based surveillance for AHB in adults were performed in Shanghai, China, including 294 patients, 588 matched controls and 572 family members of the patients.

Results

Invasive medical procedures, household contact with hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers, body care and beauty treatments, and lack of HBV vaccination were independently associated with AHB. Among those risks, pedicure in bath centres emerged. Sixty-eight of 128 patients with AHB were genotyped including 33 with HBV B2 and 35 with HBV C2. Twenty-five (8.50%) of the 294 patie

SUBMITTER: Zhang HW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2582333 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature