[Hepatitis B, C, and E in New Caledonia. Seroepidemiologic study in military recruits]

A seroepidemiological study in army conscripts was carried out to collect data on hepatitis B, C, and E in New Caledonia. All young men recruited between October 1998 and June 1999 (n = 351) were retrospectively included in study. Anamnestic data was obtained during the induction physical examination. Blood tests to detect viral markers and assessment of liver function were performed in all cases. The incidence of hepatitis B was 6.6 p. 100 of chronic carriers of HB antigens. The overall number of vaccinated subjects was low, i.e., 17.9 p. 100. The incidence of carriers presenting at least anti-HBc antibodies was higher in persons of Melanesian and Wallisian extraction, i.e. 59.5 p. 100 and 49.2 p. 100 respectively. This is logical since vaccination rates in these ethnic groups were lower. The incidence was also higher in the northern province and islands, i.e., 48.7 p. 100 and 75 p. 100. Mention of a family history of hepatitis B was a significant predictor of infection. No case of hepatitis C was found. Six carriers of anti-HVE were identified including three who had never left New Caledonia. Detection tests for viral RNA were negative in all cases. This study confirms the high incidence of hepatitis B in New Caledonia and the need for mass vaccination. Findings also suggest that the area may still be free of hepatitis C but the presence of hepatitis E cannot be ruled out.