A Survey of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Positivity in ROK Air Force Pilots

Jung, Chan Kwon; Choi, Tae Sung; Kang, Chang Suk

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) in The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) pilots, and to investigate the factors related to occupational exposure.
METHODS
For 720 pilots who visited aeromedical center, ROKAF for general health screening from January, 2001 to August, 2002, HBsAg and anti-HBs were tested using passive hemagglutination and passive hemagglutination, respectively. If HBsAg results had been positive or vague, we performed confirmation test by ASAN Easy Test(R) HBs kit.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HBs was 1.8% and 49.4%, respectively. HBsAg positivity was 0.0% in 20-24 years, 0.8% in 25-29 years, 1.1% in 30-34 years, 4.4% in 35-39 years, 1.5% in 40-44 years, 5.4% in 45-49 years, 5.3% in 50-54 years and significantly different below and above thirties (P=0.024). The prevalence of HBsAg in pilots was not different with general adults. Anti-HBs positivity was 100.0% in 20-24 years, 43.9% in 25-29 years, 57.1% in 30-34 years, 50.0% in 35-39 years, 62.1% in 40-44 years, 50.0% in 45-49 years, 73.7% in 50-54 years and significantly increased with age (44.2% in twenties, 53.6% in thirties, 58.9% in more than 40) (P=0.005). The pilots susceptible to HBV infection who were negative in both HBsAg and anti-HBs were found in 49.0% of entire subjects.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBs in pilots was lower than in general adults. The pilots tendered to be more susceptible to HBV infection than general adults. Hepatitis B vaccine should be integrated into pilot health programmes.