The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in the Gampaha district.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and some epidemiological features of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status in the Gampaha district.

Design: Community based survey.

Setting: The district of Gampaha.

Subjects: All individuals over six months of age who were resident in the Gampaha district for a period over one month at time of survey.

Results: The HBsAg positivity rate in the Gampaha district was estimated to be 2.5% (95% C.I. 2% to 3%). This places the area in the intermediate endemicity zone as classified by WHO. The epidemiology indicates horizontal intrafamilial spread being more important in the population studied, than vertical, parenteral or sexual routes of transmission.

Conclusions: The study suggests that immunisation in early childhood is an important measure in prevention of the infection in this district.