Hepatitis A, B, and delta infection in Ethiopia: a serologic survey with demographic data.

A total of 500 individuals from five different regions of Ethiopia were studied. Demographic and clinical data were recorded and serologic tests were carried out to detect antigen and antibody markers of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis A virus, and the delta agent. Data on the economic status, number of rooms per household, number of persons per household, type of water supply, and mode of excreta disposal revealed that the majority of the population surveyed lived with economic hardship, overcrowding and poor hygiene. Only 36 persons gave a past history of jaundice. The mean carrier rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 6.2%, the mean overall hepatitis B virus marker prevalence was 42%, and in those over 14 years of age it was 76%. Among those who were positive for HBsAg, there was a tendency for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) to decrease and the corresponding antibody (anti-HBe) to increase with advancing age. No woman more than 15 years of age had demonstrable hepatitis B e antigen in serum. Antibody to hepatitis A virus was detected in 84%. Three positive individuals were found to have antibody to the delta agent.