Seroprevalence of hepatitis markers; HAV, HBV, HCV and HEV amongst primary school children in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

: The prevalence of hepatitis markers (Hepatitis A, B, C and E) in primary school children in Freetown, Sierra Leone was investigated in a government school, representative of the urban middle class. The children were aged between 6-12 years old. A sub-sample (n = 120) of the 450 pupils were invited to participate. Of the 66 volunteers (mean 8.32 years) 12 were positive for HBsAg (males 9, females 3) and 11 were confirmed. Six of these were HBeAg positive, anti-HBe negative, (male 5, female 1). Whilst 6 were HBeAg negative, anti-HBe positive (male 4, female 2). HBcAb was present in 47 children (71%). Hepatitis A, C and E antibodies were detected in 64 (97%), 1 (2%) and 5 (8%) of children respectively.