Abstract
Two thousand women were screened at the time of delivery for two hepatitis B markers, surface antigen, (HBsAg) and antibody (HBsAb), in order to determine prevalence rates, define high-risk groups and estimate the cost-efficiency of routine screening. It was found that 2.2% of the women were HBsAg positive and 32% of a 20% subsample were HBsAb positive. Jewish women of North African origin had the highest rates (HBsAG, 3.8%; HBsAb, 47%) and those of European origin had the lowest (1.2 and 14%, respectively). Bedouin women had intermediate rates (HBsAg, 1.1%; HBsAb, 28%). The issue of screening pregnant women for HBsAg is discussed in light of these results.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 347-350 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Israel Journal of Medical Sciences |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| State | Published - 19 Sep 1980 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Bioengineering
