Abstract :
The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of family history in the identifcation of HBV sero positive subjects. A total of 121 patients attending dental clinics were recruited for this study. Inquiry about family history of hepatitis, if any, was obtained from each subject. Subjects who reported family history of hepatitis or hepatitis-like conditions were called and sent for laboratory investigation for hepatitis markers using the ELISA technique. Data from 116 subjects with age range 3-60 years, mean 33.3 was analyzed. There were 74 (63.8%) males and 42 (36.2%) females. A great majority of subjects 66 (56.8%) were in their second and third decades. Family history of hepatitis was positive for 106 (91.4%) of the subjects. The correlation relationship of detection of HBsAg with the family history was found only marginally signifcant chi-square (P=0.052). In conclusion, a positive family history of HBV infection necessitates serologic investigation to rule out sub-clinical carrier state.
