Hepatitis B in the Northern Territory: insights into the changing epidemiology of an ancient condition

Abstract

Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A proposed mismatch between standard vaccines and the HBV/C4 sub-genotype prevalent in Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory (NT) may reduce vaccine effectiveness. Aims: To determine HBV prevalence in the NT by Indigenous status and to explore patterns of immunity following implementation of universal vaccination, using a large longitudinal diagnostic dataset. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all available HBV serology results in the NT from 1991 to 2011 was conducted, with HBV prevalence and vaccination status analysed according to adigenous status, age an..