High Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Young Adults in Ternate, Eastern Indonesia

The incidence of hepatitis B virus (REV) infection has been declining thanks to the universal hepatitis B infant immunization program. Nevertheless, young adults born before the program implementation might have acquired BBV in early childhood or remain susceptible. to infection. This study aimed to evaluate hepatitis B epidemiology in asymptomatic young adult population in Ternate, eastern Indonesia. Serum samples of 376 subjects (aged 17-25, mean 19.82 1.69 years; male/female 138/238) were screened for HBV parameters serologically (I-MV surface antigen [HBsAg]; its antibody [anti-HBs]; anti-core antigen [anti-I-Mc]), and molecularly (BEV DNA). HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and I-MV DNA prevalence were 15.7%, 36.2%, 24.2%, and 27.9%, respectively, with male predominance. Of all subjects, 13.0% were HBsAg negative with detectable HBV DNA (occult hepatitis B [OW), and 56.4% showed negativity for all seromarkers. This population showed high hepatitis B prevalence with substantial occurrence of ORB. However, a high percentage of the population were still susceptible and at risk of BBV infection. This study emphasizes the necessity to improve prevention strategies to screen and manage HBV carriers, including the adoption of catch-up or booster vaccination targeted to young adult populations. Investigations on the roles of host-virus interactions associated with ORB and its implications are warranted.