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Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis B in Greek Children 6 Years After the Implementation of Universal Vaccination

Infection volume 36, pages 135–139 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

The seroepidemiology of hepatitis B in children living in Greece 6 years post-implementation of universal infant immunization (1998) was studied. We collected 90–100 sera/year of age, stratified by geographic region. The prevalence of HbsAg(+) was 0.6% (95% CI 0.3–1.3) whereas 4.5% (95% CI 3.4–5.9%) of children over 12 months of age had evidence of past HBV infection. A significant decline in the prevalence of past infection between children born before and after 1998 (5.5% vs 2.9%; RR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.03–3.5) was noted. Conversely, the prevalence of past HBV infection did not change significantly among immigrant children. Reinforcement of early vaccination of immigrant population is necessary.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 2nd Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Athens, “A. Kyriakou” Children's Hospital, Thivon and Livadias str, Goudi, Athens, 11527, Greece

    V. Papaevangelou

  2. Dept. of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, 41222, Greece

    C. Hadjichristodoulou

  3. Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, 68100, Greece

    D. C. Cassimos & A. Hatzimichael

  4. Blood Bank Laboratory, “A. Sofia” Children's Hospital, Goudi, Athens, 11527, Greece

    K. Pantelaki & A. Tzivaras

  5. First Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Athens, “A. Sofia” Children's Hospital, Goudi, Athens, 11527, Greece

    M. Theodoridou

Authors
  1. V. Papaevangelou
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  2. C. Hadjichristodoulou
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  3. D. C. Cassimos
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  4. K. Pantelaki
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  5. A. Tzivaras
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  6. A. Hatzimichael
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  7. M. Theodoridou
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Correspondence to V. Papaevangelou.

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Papaevangelou, V., Hadjichristodoulou, C., Cassimos, D.C. et al. Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis B in Greek Children 6 Years After the Implementation of Universal Vaccination. Infection 36, 135–139 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-007-7096-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-007-7096-6

Keywords

  • Immigrant Child
  • Universal Vaccination
  • Greek Child
  • Universal Massive Vaccination
  • Universal Infant Immunization

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