Low prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus in an urban adolescent population

J Pediatr. 1997 Aug;131(2):314-6. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(97)70174-4.

Abstract

We tested 869 subjects attending either an urban adolescent medicine clinic or a school-based clinic for antibody to hepatitis C virus. Demographic data indicated a representative study sample, and behaviors associated with hepatitis C virus transmission. One subject (0.1%) was seropositive for antibody to hepatitis C virus, indicating a very low prevalence of hepatitis C virus exposure in adolescents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Adult
  • Blood Transfusion / statistics & numerical data
  • Boston / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / analysis
  • Hepatitis C / transmission
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies / blood*
  • Hospitals, Pediatric
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Massachusetts / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk-Taking
  • School Health Services
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / epidemiology
  • Urban Health* / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens
  • Hepatitis C Antibodies