| Summary: | The distribution of hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody (HB s Ag and anti-HB s ), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HB c ), and the hepatitis B associated “e” antigen-antibody system (HB e Ag and anti-HB e ) were studied in three areas in Greenland previously shown to be endemic for hepatitis B. Overall prevalence of HB s Ag and anti-HB s , ranged from 47 – 81%, thus confirming the existence of a hyperendemicity of the hepatitis B agent in some polar areas. Anti-HB s , occurred closely correlated to HB s Ag and anti-HB s , but appeared to be a less sensitive indicator of previous infection. HB e Ag and anti-HB e were found in HB s Ag-positive sera only. The presence of HB e Ag correlated to a high titer of HB s Ag and to young age and it occurred more frequently in east coast than in northwest coast Greenlanders. The “e”-antibody in contrast prevailed in old age groups and in sera with a low titer of HB s Ag.
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