Abstract
In 1983 304 serum samples, and in 1984 432 serum samples submitted to the Hepatitis Reference Laboratory, Ruchill Hospital, Glasgow were found to be positive for HBsAg by radio-immunoassay. Of these, 37 in 1983 and 50 in 1984 were from persons <18 years, while 38 and 46 respectively were from persons >39 years. This increase from 1983 to 1984 was due to more acute infections among males. In males <18 years, infections were related to drug abuse, whereas in men >39 years sexual transmission appeared to be the main source. Women >39 years may be at increased risk of infection from other members of the household. A finding of HBsAg in a person >39 years is as likely to be from an acute infection as from a carrier.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.