Hepatitis B Case Grouping Serological Study among Six Chinese Families in Almeria, Spain

Abstract

Background: Following the detection of two cases of members of 6 Chinese families having tested positive for the hepatitis B virus, a study of those living in these families was begun for the purpose of knowing the spread of the infection within the family environment of the cases detected. Methods: Descriptive study. Population under study: 24 members of six Chinese families. Variables: Age, sex, serological diagnosis, risk factors, healthcare-related attitude. Information sources: Clinical records, serological data, epidemiological survey and immunization cards. A family focus was employed and the genogram used. Data Analysis: Distribution Binomial spread for calculating probability of occurrence of the process to be studied. Results: A total of 14 males (58.3%) and 10 females (41.7%) ranking from 1 to 54 years of age were studied. The age group having the largest number of subjects studied was the age 21-30 group (37.5%). Twelve chronic hepatitis B infections were recorded (50%). No relationship was found to exist with the risk factors studied in the epidemiological survey conducted. The probability of this number of chronic hepatitis cases occurring was 0.066 x 10-6. Conclusions: It was concluded that the prevalence of infection found was probable due to intra-family transmission. Given the low probability of occurrence of a process of this type, the case grouping found is considered to be high.