Prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Italian adolescents.

Prevalence of HBV markers (HbsAg, anti-Hbs, anti-HBc) was retrospectively estimated in 204 adolescents (12-20 years old) of the Bambino Gesù Hospital (174 patients of orthopaedic department and 30 student nurses). HBsAg carrier rate was 3.4% (all healthy, none HBeAg positive) and prevalence of HBV marker (at least one positive) was 13.2%. Male sex, residence in the south of Italy or Italian islands, being inpatients, past surgical procedures and past hepatitis showed higher prevalences, but never significantly; anti-HBc prevalence was significantly higher in patients with a previous surgical procedure with transfusions. Future vaccinations should take into account the substantial HBV infection rate occurred as early as in adolescence.