Hepatitis B seroprevalence in persons attending youth clinics in Stockholm, Sweden in 2008

Abstract

Sweden is a low endemicity country for hepatitis B virus (HBV). The previously reported prevalence of chronic HBV is <1% and of overall markers <5%. HBV is not included in the universal childhood vaccination programme. Instead, selected high-risk groups are targeted. Our aim was to examine the HBV seroprevalence in youth clinic clients in Stockholm and identify if this population might be a new target group for vaccination. In total, 515 clients aged 18–22 years were recruited. They completed a risk-assessment questionnaire and 464 (90%) had a serum specimen tested for HBV serology. Chronic HBV was found in 0.6% and 0.9% had previously been infected with HBV. A seroprevalence of 1.8% HBV markers was found among non-vaccinated persons. This is lower than reported from other countries and not different from the general population in Sweden. However, in persons originating from HBV endemic countries ( n = 123), the prevalence was higher, 6.5%. Only 14% were vaccinated and the majority hence susceptible to HBV. The target groups are not reached by the present vaccination strategy. Youth clinics are ideal settings for catch-up vaccination.