This study was performed to define the distribution patterns of hepatitis B virus markers in family members by employing RPHA, EIA, or RIA technique in 1,006 persons (529 families) who had visited from January, 1984 to September 1985.
Three HBV markers (HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HBc) were tested in family members and Anti-HBclgM test was performed in Anti-HBc positive cases while HBeAg and Anti-HBe were examined in HBsAg positive patients.
The results obtained were as follows:
1. The total HBsAg positive rate was 9.5%. The positive rate showed higher rate in maie (12.8%) than temale (6.8%).
2. Those who were positive in any one of hepatitis B markers (HBsAg, Anti-HBc) were 483 (58.8%) among 821.
3. In HBsAg positive cases, positive rate of HBeAg was 36.2% (25/69), that of Anti-HBe 46.4% (32/69) and all negative group were 17.4% (12/69).
4. In HBsAg positive cases, liver function test was normal in 64.5% (51/79) and abnormal in 35.5% (28/79). And in HBeAg positive cases, liver function test was normal in 40% (8/20) and abnormal in 60% (12/20), while in HBeAg negative cases, liver function test was normal in 76.9% (30/39) and abnormal in 23.1% (9/39).
5. In families which have HBsAg positive members, coexistence rates of HBsAg positive in parents and their children were higher than that in spouse of siblings.
6. Higher HBsAg positive rate of other family member was demonstrated in maternal positive families than paternal positive families.
