biostudies-literatureUnknown83(1)Utsumi TUniversal childhood hepatitis B vaccination was introduced in Indonesia in 1997; by 2008, coverage was estimated to be 78%. This study aimed to investigate the serologic status and virologic characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among the children in East Java. A total of 229 healthy children born during 1994-1999 were enrolled in this study. Overall, 3.1% were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 23.6% were positive for antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs). HBV DNA was detected in 5 of 222 HBsAg-negative carriers, which were suggested to be cases of occult HBV infection. A single amino substitution (T126I) in the S region was frequently found. HBV infection remains endemic, and the prevalence of anti-HBs remains insufficient among children in East Java, Indonesia.The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene189-93https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC2912598biostudies-literatureSerologic and molecular characteristics of hepatitis B virus among school children in East Java, Indonesia.PMC2912598SoetjiptoLusida MIHotta HAmin MHayashi YUtsumi TYano YfalseSerologic and molecular characteristics of hepatitis B virus among school children in East Java, Indonesia.Universal childhood hepatitis B vaccination was introduced in Indonesia in 1997; by 2008, coverage was estimated to be 78%. This study aimed to investigate the serologic status and virologic characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among the children in East Java. A total of 229 healthy children born during 1994-1999 were enrolled in this study. Overall, 3.1% were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 23.6% were positive for antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs). HBV DNA was detected in 5 of 222 HBsAg-negative carriers, which were suggested to be cases of occult HBV infection. A single amino substitution (T126I) in the S region was frequently found. HBV infection remains endemic, and the prevalence of anti-HBs remains insufficient among children in East Java, Indonesia.2010-01-01T00:00:00Z2010 Jul2024-11-09T17:59:59.326Z2019-06-06T22:15:40ZS-EPMC29125982059550010.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0589