Epidemiology of hepatitis B, C, and E viruses and human immunodeficiency virus infections in Tahuna, Sangihe-Talaud Archipelago, Indonesia

Background/Aims: The epidemiology of hepatitis B, C, and E viruses (HBV, HCV, HEV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been obscure in Indonesia, particularly in its remote areas. Methods: We undertook serological surveys for HBV/HCV/HEV/HIV infections in the general population of Tahuna, the capital city of Sangihe-Talaud Archipelago, an outlier in the northeastern part of Indonesia. Results: Of 581 sera collected in April 2005, 1.4% was reactive for HBsAg, 0.2% for anti-HCV, and 5.9% for anti-HEV, but none for anti-HIV. All the HBsAg-positive sera were also positive for HBV DNA, the nucleotide sequence of which is segregated within subgenotype C5. Most of the preschool children were positive for anti-HBs as a result of an HB immunization initiated in 1997. The titer of anti-HCV in the only individual detected was very low, with a negative result of HCV RNA detection, suggesting a nonspecific reaction. Anti-HEV was significantly more frequent in those over 30 years of age than in the younger age group ( 24 vs. 1.9%, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Thus, it seems that HCV and HIV have fortunately not made it as far as the Sangihe-Talaud Archipelago. Although HBV infection remains a major problem in adults ( with the HB-sAg-positive rate at 4.9%), HB immunization has begun to protect the younger generation. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.