Prevalence of hepatitis B markers among teen-agers in Friuli.

In 1989, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers was studied by Elisa in 421 healthy teen-agers, 17-19 year old, in Udine, Friuli. The prevalence of any HBV marker was 2.4%, with a male predominance (3.8% vs. 0.5%). The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 0.5% (2/421); both subjects were anti-Hbc IgM negative, with AST/ALT values in the normal levels, and males. The prevalence of any HBV marker was not associated with largest family size, nor with lowest father's years of schooling. These findings suggest a very low exposure to HBV infection in such area.