A Study of Hepatitis B in the Canadian Forces
Abstract
The study of the presence of antibodies to Hepatitis B core antigen in recruits undergoing basic training at CFB Cornwallis between 1981 and 1983 has raised more questions than it has answered. While it is gratifying to how that our young adults are within normal range for their age group in the areas north of the Mexican border, the question arises as to why the female subjects seem to have a slightly higher incidence (5%) than the males (3.9%). Then, in looking over the subjects who seroconverted, one sees that of the 15 cases, 11 (73.3%) were female. As the transmission mode of Hepatitis B has been seen differently as the years pass (from blood transfusions to intravenous drug use and currently to homosexual activity among males), the question is raised as to the source and mode of transmission in these cases. The seroconversions that we detected overlapped in their stay at Cornwallis, for the most part. As we have no epidemiological data available we can only conjecture as to the answers. Living conditions, daily routines, opportunities for intimate contact, the possibility of drug experimentation, and many other questions arise. Perhaps there is an infection source within the base.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA157153
Entities
People
- J. A. Embil
Organizations
- Dalhousie University